From statement countertop choices to stylish cabinet colors.
It’s always a thrill when interior designers reveal their take on trends that are worth embracing. If you’ve been thinking of upgrading your kitchen in some way, whether it’s complete with a large island or a small charming layout, you’ll appreciate this list of top kitchen trends for 2022. These design pros suggest popular countertop choices, cabinet colors, backsplash tile ideas, sought-after paint options and much more to help you craft your dream kitchen.
Looking to experiment with a striking hue? Varying shades of green are all the rage right now (but that doesn’t mean there’s no longer room for white kitchens). Can’t figure out if a butcher block countertop or vintage furniture is right for your design scheme? You’ll find these answers and much more here.
Use these expert insights to inspire your kitchen renovation project or simply experiment with a design trend or two to give your cooking space some much-needed personality. Soon enough, you’ll have a stylish space that better reflects your aesthetic and lifestyle.
1
Darker Stains
SPACECRAFTING PHOTOGRAPHY
“An overall kitchen trend we’re consistently designing with is the increase of warmer, darker stains. Stained cabinets add warmth to an otherwise all-white kitchen. They also tend to be more durable than a painted cabinet, so they’re great for high-traffic areas like your island.” – Bria Hammel, Bria Hammel Interiors
2
Monochromatic Spaces
HULYA KOLABAS
“Monochromatic kitchens are a great way to form a cohesive look while injecting harmony into the space. This all white kitchen brings in bright light and really stands out against the dark stained floors. — Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors
3
Statement Hoods
COURTESY OF DESIGN LINES SIGNATURE
“Statement hoods are a great way to create a central focal point in a kitchen. Coordinating your hood and range top also draws the eye up and creates a clean, bold look.” — Judy Pickett, Design Lines Signature
4
Colored Marble
COURTESY OF JAQUI SEERMAN
“Don’t get me wrong; creamy Calcutta will never go out of style, but I’m craving saturated kitchens with color that stretches from ceiling to floor…countertops too!” — Jaqui Seerman, Jaqui Seerman Design
5
Reclaimed Materials
NICK GLIMENAKIS
“One of my favorite trends is embracing vintage touches in kitchens to keep a space feeling more timeless. Pieces with history add an inviting sense of warmth to your space. One good way to include vintage pieces is by using reclaimed materials like wood beams or antique backsplash tile.” — Emma Beryl Kemper, Ember Beryl Interiors
6
Woven Lights
LAURA HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY
“Woven lights are back in a big way and provide an unexpected pop of texture in your lighting choices. They add a warm, laid-back vibe to the kitchen are a great way to pull in natural materials to soften the look and feel of the room.” — Nicola Manganello, Nicola’s Home
7
Painted Islands
JANE BEILES
“Painted kitchen islands are an impactful and easy way to liven up a space. This rich blue island anchors the kitchen and creates a sense of balance in an otherwise neutral color palette.” — Georgia Zikas, Georgia Zikas Design
8
Muted Green
KIM SARGENT
“In lieu of grays and greiges, a more natural color palette will be a trend, especially in kitchen design. Of course, that palette includes green. The emphasis will be on muted, soothing shades like olive, fern and sage.” — Gil Walsh, Gil Walsh Interiors
9
Double Islands
CHAD MELLON
“Double islands continue to grow in popularity. As we start to host in our homes once again, it’s helpful to have separate spaces for food preparation and entertaining without forcing guests to be in a distant room. The second island provides a lovely area for guests to gather around and graze from appetizers or have drinks without being tied to the dining table.” — Lindye Galloway, Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop
10
Butcher Block Countertops
LESLEE MITCHELL
“The granite trend in kitchen design seems to be fading out as people switch to other materials like marble, but butcher block countertops may have their moment to shine. The functionality and beauty of the wood adds a rustic, authentic feel to a kitchen. They are highly durable and can withstand heavy daily use, looking gorgeous for years to come with proper maintenance!” — Jessica Davis, JL Design
11
Curves
LIFE CREATED
“We are seeing curves being incorporated in the kitchen through island legs and edges, as well as cabinetry details.” — Lauren Lerner, Living with Lolo
12
Outdoor Kitchen
PHILLIP NGUYEN
“The indoor kitchen has made an influence and created the second heart of the home. The outdoor kitchen area isn’t just for the boys to grill and watch games anymore. We’ll see more of a kitchen vibe outside where the BBQ is located. The outdoor kitchen will be taking a cue from the indoor kitchen with upper cabinets, fun appliances and accessories.” — Linda Hayslett, LH.Designs
13
Multiple Kitchens
PAIGE RUMORE
“We are seeing an uptick in prep kitchens, back kitchens or sculleries. Since the main kitchen is typically created to flow seamlessly with the main house decor, the addition of a prep kitchen provides a space where you can add extra character while also being able to close it off when needed. In this prep kitchen, our clients wanted a farmhouse feel with room to can vegetables, prepare coffee or use their Vitamix without making a mess in the main kitchen.” — Brad Ramsey, Brad Ramsey Interiors
14
Vintage Furniture
AMY BARTLAM
“A vintage farm table is a great way to add an island to your kitchen without a major renovation. Also, vintage pieces, because of their unique sizes, can also work in kitchens that don’t have enough space for a full-size island. The other nice thing about a vintage piece of furniture is that it adds an unexpected layer of visual interest and becomes a conversation piece. In contrast to a traditional built-in island, it won’t feel as visually ‘heavy’ while still adding extra space for prep and seating.” — Amy Sklar, Sklar Design
15
Marble
HULYA KOLABAS
“We’re seeing more and more of this beautiful stone and its look-alike around homes, from thicker countertops and wall-mounted vanities, to accent walls, as well as outdoors.” — Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors
16
Customizable Appliances
COURTESY OF SUB-ZERO
“Homeowners are finally ready to splurge on the big-ticket appliances that they have been dreaming about for years, but when it comes to choosing these appliances, customization and flexible design options are key. From colored appliances to custom paneling that allows you to seamlessly integrate your appliances into your cabinetry, like Sub-Zero Designer Series Refrigeration, these customizable offerings are rising in popularity.” — Jeff Andrews, Jeff Andrews Design
17
Unique Tiles
JANE BEILES
“Expect interesting backsplashes that have texture and dimension. Subway tiles are classic, but people now want more unique tiles that provide a variation to the usual.” — Georgia Zikas, Georgia Zikas Design
18
Living Room Extensions
COURTESY OF MICHELLE HARRISON-MCALLISTER
“The kitchen will feel more like an extension of the living room, rather than just a separate space or room. Embracing the curves within a round table, curved corners of cabinets or round pendants, it will blend with the home and be an extension of your personality.” — Michelle Harrison-McAllister, Michelle Harrison Design
19
Seamless Backsplashes and Countertops
LISA ROMEREIN
“The unification of the kitchen countertop and backsplash is a trend we’ll see more of over the next year. The eye needs a place to rest and not every surface requires a different finish or color to be interesting or compete for the attention. Using the same countertop material for a kitchen backsplash creates a cohesive and clean look, with opportunities for big impact! It can add a touch of modern sophistication to any style kitchen you may have.” — Joshua Smith, Joshua Smith, Inc.
20
Green Marble
COURTESY OF MARK LAVENDER
“Green marble is poised to be a top trend. We are seeing more and more of this. I had a client who wanted verde marble last year for her new kitchen, and we had to go to the back corner of the fabricators’ warehouse to find a slab.” — Mark Lavender, M. Lavender Interiors
21
1950s Style
COURTESY OF ANNIE SLOAN
“Lots of people are leaning towards the kind of vibrant, energizing and exciting hues that were popular in the ’50s — a time when mass production and personalization really made custom interiors accessible to the wider public. People were embracing their individuality because they had the tools to do so. I expect a return to the bright, candy-colored, retro shades which defined this period.” — Annie Sloan
