Kitchen Cabinetry Goes Custom: How Isla Porter is Leading a New Design Era

Art Design

February 21, 2025

The House Magazine

Kitchens have long been considered the heart of the home, a space that seamlessly blends form and function. But in 2025, they’re becoming even more personal. A new wave of kitchen design is emerging—one that celebrates bold color, intricate detailing, and customization without limits. Leading the charge is Isla Porter, a female-founded cabinetry brand that is reimagining how homeowners, designers, and architects approach storage and style in the kitchen.

Launched in June 2024, Isla Porter has already made an impression with its meticulous craftsmanship, forward-thinking aesthetic, and deep commitment to customization. With a product range that includes 23 door styles, 60 colors, and 20 wood finishes, the brand is ensuring that clients are no longer bound by the limitations of off-the-shelf cabinetry. If a homeowner falls in love with a Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore shade that isn’t in Isla Porter’s standard lineup, they’ll match it. Every cabinet is designed to fit the space, down to 1/16 of an inch, rather than forcing the space to conform to pre-made measurements. It’s a refreshing approach in an industry that has long prioritized convenience over creativity.

So, what’s shaping the kitchens of 2025? According to Isla Porter, three standout trends have dominated their projects since launch: unique door designs, bold colors, and an abundance of choices.

Kitchen Cabinetry Trends

Doors with Character

Cabinetry doors are no longer just a functional necessity—they’re becoming design statements in their own right. Isla Porter’s top-selling styles prove that homeowners are looking for a balance of texture and personality. Fluting, in particular, has taken center stage, with the York (a wide-paneled fluted design) and the Reid (a more closely spaced fluted option) emerging as customer favorites. These designs add depth and interest to cabinetry, playing with light and shadow in a way that standard flat panels simply don’t.

Meanwhile, detail-driven doors are also gaining traction. The Lark, a cottage-inspired style with elegant routed details, brings a soft, traditional touch to kitchens, while the Jody Cutout—a playful polka-dot-inspired pattern—infuses a sense of whimsy. It’s a sign that kitchens are moving away from stark minimalism and embracing more character and craftsmanship.

A Return to Color

While white kitchens will always have their place, more homeowners are stepping outside the neutral comfort zone. Isla Porter’s Chief Creative Officer, Emily Arthur, has seen an influx of orders for cabinetry in unexpected hues—think buttery yellows, deep olive greens, and even saturated reds. These colors, whether used on upper and lower cabinets or as a surprise pop inside drawers and shelves, transform kitchens from purely functional spaces to expressive, mood-enhancing rooms.

Color is no longer just about aesthetics; it’s about experience. A deep green kitchen can feel grounding and organic, while a warm ochre hue adds a sense of joy and warmth. This shift toward personalization reflects a larger movement in home design—one where personality and practicality go hand in hand.

Endless Options, No Compromises

One of the biggest frustrations in the cabinetry industry has long been the lack of true customization. Many manufacturers offer a limited selection of colors and styles, forcing homeowners to make concessions in their designs. Isla Porter is eliminating that problem with an extensive palette of nearly 100 colors (with custom color-matching available), along with 30 different door styles. The result? Kitchens that feel as unique as the people who use them.

For Isla Porter’s founders, Sharon and Emily, this level of choice is personal. Both experienced their own design frustrations when renovating their kitchens, which is why they built their brand around flexibility. Whether a homeowner has a fully realized vision or needs guidance, Isla Porter’s design team—which includes veterans from West Elm, Waterworks, and DeVol—is there to ensure every project balances beauty with precision.

The Future of Kitchen Design

With its blend of innovation and expertise, Isla Porter is proving that kitchen cabinetry doesn’t have to be a compromise between style and function. As homeowners embrace kitchens that are more colorful, more customized, and more detail-rich, it’s clear that the days of cookie-cutter design are behind us.

As 2025 unfolds, the best kitchens won’t just be spaces for cooking—they’ll be reflections of personality, craftsmanship, and the beauty of a home tailored to its owners. And thanks to brands like Isla Porter, the options are truly endless.

Credits:

Photography courtesy of Isla Porter | @thislaporter