Fresh ideas and practical upgrades Des Moines homeowners are choosing now—from smarter storage to warm finishes that feel timeless.

Key Takeaways

  • 2025 kitchens in Iowa lean warm, practical, and highly organized—think custom storage, durable surfaces, and inviting finishes.
  • Space planning matters more than ever: zones, islands, and pantry solutions beat “open everything” by default.
  • Small kitchen remodels can feel bigger with lighting layers, slimmer profiles, and built-in storage.
  • Partnering with a local builder who understands Des Moines homes ensures a remodel that fits your style, budget, and daily routine.

In Central Iowa, kitchen remodeling isn’t just about swapping cabinets—it’s about designing a room that actually supports how you live. Whether you’re updating a split-level layout in Urbandale or bringing new warmth to a 1990s ranch in Ankeny, the most successful remodels balance style with long-term durability and storage that works as hard as you do.

Below are the top kitchen remodeling trends we’re seeing across Iowa in 2025—and how to use them wisely.

1) Purposeful Layouts: Zones Beat “Open Everything”

“Open concept” isn’t gone, but homeowners are choosing connected rooms instead of knocking out every wall. The winning move? Zones—clear areas for prep, cooking, cleanup, coffee, and entertaining. Peninsulas and islands create better flow without losing storage or structure. If you have a split-level, a partial wall removal or a widened cased opening often brings light and sightlines without major structural work.

2) Storage That Disappears (In the Best Way)

A clutter-free counter is still the gold standard. The 2025 answer is concealed storage:

  • Appliance garages for mixers and coffee gear
  • Deep drawers for pots, pans, and dishes
  • Vertical tray pull-outs for sheets and boards
  • Toe-kick drawers for baking sheets or pet bowls
  • Built-in trash/recycle with gasketed lids
  • Narrow “spice ladders” beside the range

If your footprint is tight, these details are the difference between a good kitchen and a great one.

3) Warm Woods + Painted Perimeters

Iowa kitchens are moving warmer—white + wood is the look. A natural white-oak island or hutch paired with painted perimeter cabinets offers depth and texture without feeling heavy. Mixing matte black or pewter hardware with warm brass lighting keeps things collected, not matchy.

4) Quartz, Sintered Stone, and Real-Life Durability

Countertops are trending low-maintenance. Stain-resistant quartz and sintered stone (porcelain slabs) deliver the marble look without marble stress. For busy households, these surfaces mean no babying and no annual anxiety.

5) Statement Range Walls

Think tile to the ceiling, floating or built chimney hoods, and a cleaner backsplash outline behind the range. If your kitchen footprint won’t support a massive island, a strong range wall becomes the focal point—and a great place to upgrade lighting and ventilation.

6) Lighting Layers (Game-Changer for Small Kitchens)

Every kitchen needs three layers:

  • Ambient: recessed or flush mount
  • Task: under-cabinet and island pendants
  • Accent: inside glass uppers, open shelf LEDs, or toe-kick night lighting

In smaller Des Moines kitchens, slim fixtures and well-placed under-cabs can visually add square footage.

7) Walk-In (or Walk-Up) Pantries

From compact cabinet-pantries to a true walk-in, pantry storage is the most requested upgrade we see. Even a 30–36″ cabinet with roll-outs and power can serve as a coffee station or baking hub—no addition required.

8) Beverage Centers That Don’t Hijack the Kitchen

A dedicated beverage zone—undercounter fridge, glass uppers, counter space—keeps traffic out of your prep area. If you entertain (or just run a busy morning routine), this is the single best way to reduce congestion around the sink and stove.

9) Smart Where It Matters

Not everything needs Wi-Fi, but select smart features are worth it: induction ranges with precise control, touch-clean faucets, and app-enabled dishwashers or ovens you can monitor from the next room.

10) Craftsmanship in the Details

The fastest way to make a remodel feel “finished” is trim and millwork that tie the kitchen to the rest of your home—crown on uppers, island base trim, paneled ends, and casing that matches your interior style. These small decisions are where a custom builder shines.

Looking for help translating these trends into a plan for your space? Our team designs around how you cook, gather, and live—not just what’s trending on social.

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Kitchens that last are built on thoughtful planning and real-world durability. In 2025, Des Moines homeowners are prioritizing warm finishes, hardworking storage, and layouts that make everyday life easier. With the right design partner, you can capture these trends in a way that looks current now—and classic later.

Ready to plan your kitchen remodel in Des Moines, Waukee, Huxley, Ames, Ankeny, Indianola, or West Des Moines?
Contact Reese Builders to schedule a no-pressure consultation and start designing a kitchen that truly works for you.

FAQs

What’s the best layout for a small kitchen?
Work in zones and use deep drawers, under-cabinet lighting, and slim appliance choices. A peninsula can outperform a cramped island in tighter footprints.

Do I need to replace my floors when I remodel my kitchen?
Not always. If your existing flooring runs under the cabinets and is in good shape, we can often refinish or patch strategically.

Are two-tone cabinets still in style?
Yes—especially wood islands with painted perimeters, or light uppers with warmer base cabinets.

How long does a typical kitchen remodel take?
Most projects run 5–8 weeks after design and selections, depending on scope and material lead times.

Can you help with cabinet design and custom storage?
Absolutely. We design and build custom solutions—pantries, appliance garages, drawer organizers, and more—to fit your exact space.