Tips and tricks for better home living, from the kitchen and laundry to the bedroom and backyard.
The kitchen is the heart of the home for many Kiwis, and though the core features of fridge, cooker and kitchen sink are always there, even these staples are constantly evolving.
Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation replete with butler’s pantry and open shelving or simply looking to upgrade a few elements, here are five of our favourite kitchen trends to give you a little extra inspiration.

Refrigerators are becoming more adaptable, with flexible storage solutions leading the way. Multi-zone compartments that can switch between being a fridge and a freezer can be extremely useful, particularly when you’re entertaining guests or preparing a feast for a big family gathering. Fisher & Paykel and Haier have a range of Quad Door fridges with this fridge/freezer flexibility.
Another popular feature is chilled water on demand, whether through plumbed or non-plumbed dispensers on the outside of the fridge or auto-refill water pitchers located inside the door. Many of these fridges also have integrated automatic ice makers, doing away with the need to tiptoe from the kitchen sink to the freezer trying not to spill the water from the manual ice cube tray.

The air fryer trend arrived a decade or more ago and it isn’t slowing down - but it is evolving. Some regular built-in ovens now have integrated air frying technology so you can make healthier fried food without needing a separate air fryer, which is great if you have limited countertop space.
Rolling up your sleeves and scrubbing dirty ovens certainly isn’t a growing kitchen trend, so it’s no surprise that self-cleaning pyrolytic ovens remain popular with Kiwi homeowners! Using high heat to reduce food residue to ash that can be easily swept away, this handy function makes clean-up effortless. Some models from Haier combine both self-cleaning and air fryer functionality.

Fisher & Paykel’s DishDrawer remains one of the most popular dishwashers for Kiwis. While it’s not a new innovation, having been developed and launched in New Zealand in the late 1990s, its ergonomic design and ability to run a half-load independently make it a timeless kitchen idea that will always be in fashion.
Perfect for every household, but perhaps especially for those who prefer washing smaller loads or cleaning delicate glassware separately, the DishDrawer is a great design, pure and simple. Whether you opt for a single drawer or double drawer model, DishDrawers integrate with kitchen cabinets for a sleek, minimalist look that complements modern kitchen layouts.

With Mocha Mousse named Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025, it’s perhaps no surprise that warm, earthy tones are making their way into kitchen interior design. While major kitchen appliances don’t typically come in this rich brown hue, it’s easy to introduce the trend through accessories like pendant lights, bar stool cushions, salt shakers and tea towels. Small appliances in bronze and matte black finishes, like the Sunbeam New York Collection 4 Slice Toaster (TA4440KB) and Sunbeam New York Jug Kettle (KE4430KB), offer a subtle, sophisticated take on the colour trend.
While predominantly white kitchens remain popular, you can create standout focal points using elements with warm wood tones, terracotta accents and bold colours. To be on-trend with the Colour of the Year design idea, for example, you could have a bespoke mocha mousse-coloured backsplash or front panel on an integrated dishwasher or integrated fridge.

Sustainability continues to be a major focus in 2025, with energy-efficient appliances and water-saving innovations gaining popularity. Induction cooktops, which use electromagnetic energy for faster, more efficient cooking, are now more affordable and widely available. Meanwhile, dishwashers with eco-friendly wash cycles and fridges with smart energy-saving modes are helping reduce household power and water consumption.
Today’s dream kitchen is all about thoughtful design choices that enhance both practicality and visual interest. Whether it’s a fridge that adapts to your storage needs, an oven that air fries, or a stylish pop of colour, 2025’s new kitchen design trends combine functionality, durability and aesthetics.
At Appliances Online we offer free delivery for everything from kettles and microwaves to fridges and ovens. Plus, next day delivery is available for in-stock items in our Auckland delivery area. To see delivery availability for other areas of New Zealand type your postcode into the delivery location field at the top of this page.
We’ll also take your old appliance away for recycling, keeping it out of landfill. For help choosing the right size or style kitchen or laundry appliance for your home, call 0800 265 265 to chat with a member of our friendly team 24/7, or message us via the chat icon at the bottom of your screen.

Oli is Appliances Online's editor and blogger, with almost two decades of lifestyle-related writing and editing to his name. With a mission to help you buy better and live smarter, his brand loyalty will forever belong to the appliance manufacturer that develops a self-emptying dishwasher.