Kitchen Design Trends for 2022

written by Othy Morris
last updated: December 2, 2021
A U-Shaped kitchen design featuring Wellborn Cabinet's "Nightfall" finish.

Long gone are the days when kitchens used to be considered strictly as places of functionality. Nowadays, this vital room represents much more than a space where occasional cooking occurs. The kitchen plays an essential role in interior design and is well worth the time, effort, and money you put into designing it. Still, observing what is currently in vogue is imperative to make the best choices that won't feel outdated or tacky a few years from now. Only this way can you find the inspiration you need to create something that is in accordance with your needs and preferences. With that said, you might want to take a look at the biggest kitchen design trends for 2022.

Statement Cabinets

Cabinets take up the most space in every kitchen, so the fact that they are coming into the spotlight shouldn't be surprising. Although storing various cooking and food-related items is their primary purpose, in the year 2022, we can expect much more from them. After all, kitchen cabinets are almost like a blank canvas you can use to set the tone for the entire space. The following year brings with it an abundance of different door styles, from traditional wood to more daring and colorful finishes. Whether you want to make your cabinets the star of the show or keep them as a solid foundation that will accentuate the rest of the decor, you certainly won't lack excellent choices.

Natural Elements

An improved attitude towards nature is one of the rare good effects of the pandemic we have been powering through for the past couple of years. When going outside became a luxury, many people resorted to bringing nature inside. With that said, it's no wonder natural materials and elements are all the rage when it comes to the hottest kitchen design trends. Marble countertops, stone floors, and wooden furniture are just a couple of examples of how you can ground your cook space with the power of nature. The fact that these simple, bare materials go with a wide assortment of styles doesn't hurt either.

Mindful Mixing of Styles

If you've always struggled to choose between modern and vintage, industrial and farmhouse, or any other combination of styles, you'll be happy to hear that 2022 is all about mixing and matching. The fusing of different interior design approaches is undoubtedly one of the biggest kitchen design trends we will witness in the following year.

However, this doesn't mean you can throw a bunch of different materials, textures, shapes, and colors into your cook space and call it a day. For the end result to be tasteful and timeless, a more mindful approach is necessary.

If you opt to include a few vintage pieces, make sure to balance them with something more contemporary and sleek. On the other hand, details such as decorative hardware can do wonders in more minimalist kitchens. It's all about finding a sweet spot and making the space look cohesive.

Natural looks and materials are among the biggest design trends for 2022

Bold Colors

Bold colors are finally making a comeback in 2022 which means dull kitchens are a thing of the past! Whether it's the cabinets, appliances, decor, or all of the above, experimenting with different tones is one of the biggest new trends, according to experts. Shades of green and blue are making the biggest comeback but feel free to explore whatever colors feel right in your living space.

If you decide to freshen up your kitchen with different colors, know that you will probably need to think about storing things during this project. Short-term storage could be an excellent solution to protect the belongings you don't want to stain or damage while painting.

Green, especially darker shades, is expected to be a dominant cabinet color in 2022

Layered Lighting

There is probably no room in the house where lighting is more important than in the kitchen. With that said, the kitchens of 2022 will feature practical and aesthetically pleasing lighting fixtures.

Layered lights, pendants, task lighting, and bold fixtures are just a few examples of what we will be able to see in the following year.

Smart Appliances

Smart appliances have found their way into most parts of our homes, and the kitchen is no exception. After all, they do make our lives easier, utility bills cheaper, and daily routines more convenient. Here are a few smart appliances you should consider including in your new and improved kitchen:

  • A smart, energy-efficient faucet
  • An app-controlled air frier
  • A smart refrigerator

A built-in digital oven

Minimalism

Minimalism is certainly not a novelty in the world of interior design. The fact that it has remained a prevalent choice among many homeowners over the years only further establishes it as an option well worth considering.

Minimalist kitchens of 2022 will feature built-in appliances, cabinets without pulls or handles, sleek lines, matte finishes, and more. All of these create a stunningly simple and clean look that is easy to maintain and utilize.

Trends come and go, repeat themselves and occasionally diminish into oblivion. While you certainly shouldn't strive to constantly keep up with them, knowing the biggest kitchen design trends for 2022 should help you create a space that can resist the test of time. In the end, remember that what is fashionable should always come second to what you find appealing. Interior design is all about having fun, so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You'd be surprised by what you can come up with when you let your creative juices flow!

Credits

Content for this post was provided by Beatrice White, Assistant Editor at Moving Offices San Diego. All photos used are of Wellborn Cabinetry.

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