As we've spent much of the last two years in our homes, the improvements we'd like to make in them have become more clear. If you have noticed that your kitchen is in need of an update, take a look at this list of kitchen design trends for 2022.
Some of these ideas involve paint, and some will give your kitchen a whole new lease on life.
Tip: If you want to hire a designer but don't think you can afford one, reach out to your local university. They can point you in the direction of a capable student.
Students close to graduating are ready to make their mark and willing to charge a very affordable rate.
1. Rustic Stays
Using what we already have in new ways will continue to be a trend in our kitchens in 2022.
If you want the look, you can't go wrong by integrating old flooring as shelving. Terracotta is a great choice for walls or for your floor.
You’ll find a use for any reclaimed wood you can get your hands on. Use in kitchen islands, furniture, cabinets, or flooring.
2. Go Green
As we spend more time indoors, we're drawn towards the colors found in nature. As we look for calming influences in our homes, green has become a popular choice in the kitchen.
It works in dark and light shades and brings warmth and an organic feel to the kitchen.
Walls can be painted in various tones. Cabinets can be painted, too.
When choosing countertops, pick a style with an undertone you can use as an accent color. Gold, light blues, and salmon are great accent colors.
Gray accents offer complementary color options to white.
Brass hardware sparkles like golden treasures in a dark green forest.
3. Kitchens Are Not For Cooking Only
Kitchens are the hub of a family's activity. Recently, it has also become a place for school work and business meetings. Today's kitchen is an area for gathering, eating, and doing work on the computer.
A cohesive look can bring together the study, dining, and living areas.
If you have many generations living under one roof, accessibility becomes a priority. This layout is worth considering for a retiree's forever home, too.
4. Combine Warm and Dark Tones
Warm, dark tones will still be popular in kitchens in 2022. Mix brown accent colors and wood trim with dark gray and black. Avoid glossy black paints. Go instead for matte and chalk finishes.
This is a familiar combination. It creates a look that mimics the warmth and coziness of your local coffee shop.
Using black isn't mandatory. Gray and green will go together if they share the same undertones. The stain will reveal the organic burls in oak. Use this to complement gray accents.
Explore dark brown and light gray with organic accents and finishes.
Navy and dark wood go well together, too. Experiment with cabinets painted Navy and dark stains on your kitchen island.
5. Countertop Slabs
Small tiles are making way for beautiful slabs of marble. It makes a statement no matter where you use it and it looks magnificent when used as a backsplash.
There is minimal grout to clean, too, making it easier to clean than the traditional tile layout.
Pick a slab with deep veining and book match the veins to keep the flow.
Keep the floor color on the light side so that it doesn't distract from your beautiful backsplash.
6. Cottage Style Kitchens
Cottage Style embraces kitchens that are reminiscent of another time. Instead of incorporating an open concept vibe, the kitchen is small and efficient.
The emphasis will be on the walls, ceiling, and floor. Exposed beams, tiled floors and earthy colors are traditional. Build your kitchen island out of reclaimed wood.
Complete the look with open shelving, crockery, copper-clad cookware, and a farm sink.
7. Matching Cabinetry and Hardware
Beautiful cabinetry is back with a twist. Hardware is usually chosen in a contrasting or complementary color. The trend for 2022 is to match the cabinets.
Go for a tone-on-tone look. Scale and the finish will play a large part in getting this right. Don't be afraid to mix up the styles of the drawer and cabinet pulls.
8. Bold Yellows
Today's yellow tones move away from washed-out daffodils and lean towards rich gold tones. Be bold and paint a wall. Be courageous and paint your cabinets.
As an experiment, try it as an accent color through the curtains, placemats, and kitchen towels. Notice how the light plays off of the yellow at different times of the day.
You don't have to use white countertops. A soft gray marble for the main counter and island will anchor the room.
9. Bring Floral Designs And Pastel Colors
Everything says light, cheery, and bright when you have a room decorated with pastels. Soft floral designs bring a fresh feeling to the room all year round.
Choose floral patterns for tablecloths, wallpapers, or accent tiles in a backsplash.
Don't forget to bring in real flowers. They go a long way to brightening up any kitchen.
When painting pastels on cabinets, use a lighter tone on the countertops. The reverse is true, too. Make pastel countertops stand out by choosing white or off-white color for the cabinets.
10. Use More Accent Lighting
As the new LED bulbs have become more affordable and safer to use, we can use light itself as a design element. This makes for some great ambiance in the kitchen.
You'll be seeing more lighting options designed specifically for kitchens in 2022.
Use pendants, under the counter and task lighting, to create layers of light and shadow. These possibilities bring more visual appeal to your kitchen.
11. Mix Colors and Patterns
Over the years, we've become more confident when it comes to adding colors and patterns to our rooms. As we spend more time at home, the monochromatic design we used to can become tiresome.
The first rule for mixing colors and patterns is to find a color common to each textile and finish.
If you're starting out in this direction, try adding a single bright color or a pattern to the backsplash.
12. Marble or Porcelain Countertops
Upgrading the look of your kitchen is easy with new countertops. Marble and porcelain are show-stopping choices.
Marble is a luxurious material that's popular for countertops or backsplashes.
Porcelain countertops are also coming into their own as a cheaper alternative. It's man-made, low maintenance and easy to customize.
Porcelain patterns are applied during the glazing process. That means it remains on the surface. This isn't a problem for the tops, but it does affect the choices available on its edges. You'll lose your finish if you round them off.
Weigh the pros and cons of each material. Either way, you'll be happy with the result.
13. Incorporate Rounded Design
Rounded designs are growing in popularity. You can even build your cabinets with curves.
Softer lines keep the room flowing. You can round the corners of your cabinets by adding open shelving.
If you want the full experience, spend time with a designer. Your options run from a curved kitchen island to a round cook station.
It's best to discuss your ideas with a professional. They'll be able to work with your space. They also have access to cabinetry made only available to industry insiders.
14. Install Smart Appliances
Today, you can download an app to tell you when your outdoor grill has reached the desired temperature. That's when you know the smart appliance trend is going strong
You'll need reliable and fast internet service. Smart refrigerators are still on the pricey side. If you're just getting started, test your setup with a smart coffee maker or instant pot.
15. Minimalist Style Is Always Trendy
Minimalism is a style that never gets old. To get the look, paint your kitchen in neutral colors. Storage is key, as you'll want to get everything off of the counters.
Replace the knobs on your cabinets with straight bars. You can take it a step further and remove them altogether.
If you're worried about the style looking too dated, add some organic materials to the design.
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