The kitchen is often called the heart of the home and the last two years have highlighted the importance of this room in our lives. Between zoom meetings, study sessions, and cooking several meals a day, kitchens see a lot of foot traffic and use. They occupy a central space in our lives – from family dinners to intimate date nights. Unsurprisingly, homeowners are spending more money and effort on upgrading kitchens, so they are functional and look good as well.
2022 kitchen trends
The word trends can be misleading. Most people think of trends as temporary fads and not something you would apply to expensive materials in a room that’s supposed to last decades. The trick here is to incorporate some new elements into your kitchen while also making sure they fit your lifestyle.
Are you someone who cooks and experiments a lot in the kitchen? Then having all your spices and oils within easy reach makes sense. If your kitchen doubles as a homework space for the kids and is also where the dog hangs out, then an all-white kitchen may not be the best idea.
Long gone are the days when the kitchen was a separate room and cut off from the rest of the house. Today’s kitchens are multi-functional spaces and an integral part of everyday routines, thanks to open concept floor plans. So here are a few tips to dress up your kitchen and showcase it in 2022 and beyond:
Bold and dark colors
2022 is the year of bold and dark colors in the kitchen. If you love your all-white kitchen, don’t panic. White kitchens are a style classic but if you’re looking for a lively and comforting kitchen, then bold colors are a great option. Deep navy blues, dark greens, and even black are making a splash in kitchens.
Love the idea of colors but don’t want to go overboard? Then try neutral cabinets throughout but use dark colors on the island or backsplash for contrast. You can pair bold colors like red with neutrals like light oak or grey for a striking effect. Even if you want to stick with white, try using warm whites such as taupe instead of cooler hues.
Island space
Open concept kitchens show no signs of going away, and it’s no surprise since they’re great for entertaining and multi-tasking. But it also means that having an island is no longer optional. A large island can pull double duty as a work area, study corner, and meeting room for conferences, not to mention providing additional space for parties.
Consider how you will use the island before deciding if you will have a sink, cooking range, or a plain countertop. An island cooking range looks fantastic but remember you will also need to have a hood over it, and installing one in the middle of the room can be quite expensive. For a large kitchen, having a second small sink on the island can reduce the number of trips you have to make between the stove and the regular sink.
On the other hand, an island with the space to accommodate a couple of chairs can serve as extra seating during parties or as a breakfast counter. So a clutter-free flat working surface is also a great idea.
High cabinets
High ceilings look amazing in the kitchen but cabinets that stop well below the roof can detract from the overall design and make the room feel crowded. Not to mention cleaning the top of the cabinets becomes a chore.
Opt for high cabinets that will provide additional storage space while filling in space that would otherwise be empty. You can use these upper cabinets to store less frequently used items or extra cutlery.
Mix and match cabinets of different heights to break up the line of rectangles. Make sure to combine drawers, standard shelves, and pull-out options to maximize utility. You can also combine standard cabinet fronts with glass doors for a dramatic effect and to showcase your expensive china or souvenirs from vacations.
Hidden appliances
All white appliances gave way to stainless steel and, more recently, high gloss and colorful retro kitchen appliances like stoves and refrigerators. With the latest trend of hidden appliances, you may not have to worry about matching finishes across several big-ticket items.
Indeed manufacturers are offering appliances that blend into the rest of your kitchen seamlessly. You can choose wall panels to keep them hidden until you need to use a specific appliance. Or you can opt for built-in fridges that feature glass doors or panel doors that mimic your kitchen cabinets. Your guests may not realize that one of the doors in your kitchen hides a refrigerator behind it!
These appliances look like they are a part of your home and are fantastic for homeowners with the budget to match. Just like walk-in closets and built-in bookshelves, these appliances look and feel luxurious in any home.
