KITCHEN TREND REPORT: 2022 & BEYOND

As interiors buffs, don’t we just LOVE to hate the word ‘trend’? How skittish, unsustainable, how influenced! Surely we’re all beyond such frivolity?!

Yet ‘kitchen trends 2022’ or ‘fashionable paint colours‘ are somehow keyword gold. We’re Googling. We’re interested. When investing in our homes we want to get it right. Furthermore, if design trends were so irrelevant then why all the exhibitions and trade shows? Why the time, the investment, new pieces and directional conversation. Why all the fuss?

The truth is, new is alluring. And inspiring. And exciting! Commercialism or not.

When it comes to flooring or large home purchases, we realise we can’t change our mind with the change of season but we like the idea of investing in some fresh elements. A slice of cool. Setting off on the right foot, despite knowing that our eye of the future could be less forgiving. I like to explore new ideas with a side of classic, and a cheeky older element or two thrown into the mix.

So, in short, dirty word or not and given we secretly enjoy dabbling, here are some of my stand-out kitchen trends for 2022 and beyond. At least the world of interiors moves somewhat slower than the catwalk…

KITCHEN TREND #1: NEW WOOD

Embracing natural materials and finishes is more popular than ever. In 2022, we’re paring back the other elements to let the timber do the talking. Less is absolutely more as demonstrated by the talented team at LT Homes.

Natural timber invites warmth and character to an otherwise largely clinical space within our homes. Brass hardware, brassware and electrics continue to be a great support act and work beautifully with the warmer wood tones.

KITCHEN TREND #2: SHELF STORY

We’re forgoing upper cabinetry (and storage) because shelves don’t just look amazing ‑ adding depth and interest to an otherwise static run ‑ but also offer flexibility and styling potential. This is a kitchen trend that will be here for the long-haul.

I’m a huge fan of this supersized, chunky shelf and the worktop partnering it below by Gori & Yoon Architecture. They look and feel substantial and contemporary. Accessorised to the max or simple and streamlined, they’re a feature in themselves.

KITCHEN TREND #3: MARBLE MAGIC

With its heavy veining and sumptuous curves, this marble worktop is the star of the show in this kitchen by ACV Interiors!

This space enjoys both clean, contemporary lines and highly decorative mouldings, with the statement marble marrying all the elements together beautifully.

KITCHEN TREND #4: MAD FOR MOSAIC

Mosaic and intricate tiles are back! Dip your toe in the waters of pattern with a mosaic tile, pared with same‑colour, matching grout. As exemplified here beautifully by Julia Bimer, the interplay of highlights and shadows are all you need to make the space.

P.s. A shout‑out to cooler metals here too; aluminium, steel, nickel, chrome are deservedly building momentum and truly illuminate here.

KITCHEN TREND #5: KEEP IT CLEAN

Minimal styling and it looks amazing! The forms are gorgeous, the materials sing and the balance of both positive and negative space is exceptionally considered.

Love it! And the shape and scale of those weighty bar stools which are the perfect foreground detail. Fabulous work by the talented Anthology Creative Studio.

KITCHEN TREND #6: PANTRY PERFECTION

We’ve been designing more pantries than ever at Sarah Mailer Design and I absolutely love them. Little pockets of heaven for coffee‑making, baking and hiding those workhorse appliances that we can’t live without but also don’t want to showcase on the worktop daily.

I had to include this enviable space by Becky Hillyard at Cella Jane (above) as it showcases serious pantry prowess. The styling is impeccable too!

If you can allocate the space, a little pantry organisation and dressing can be great fun too. Just ensure the lighting is carefully considered and don’t forget the floor. This typographic mosaic by Hetherington Newman really completes the look and the mother of pearl finish adds quiet luxe.

KITCHEN TREND #7: WINDOW TREATMENTS

The kitchen can often feel a cold and sterile environment. This is no wonder given the abundance of slick, flat surfaces and an often misjudged lighting plan. Designing‑in your window treatments to the scheme can make all the difference to the overarching kitchen look and feel. This townhouse kitchen by Banda Property strikes the perfect balance with the soft, semi sheer curtains offsetting the more angled lines.

Layered curtaining introduces softness and femininity to an otherwise more masculine space. The partial transparency of the floor to ceiling curtains works so well here, finishing the design scheme effectively, whilst still encouraging a feeling of luminosity and the world beyond.

KITCHEN TREND #8: INDEPENDENT EXTRACTOR HOODS

Metal or plaster, coated or treated, the cooker hood is relishing it’s independence of late. We’re seeing more feature hoods, displaying strong cutting lines and industrial scaling.

This imposing hood (Tom Mark Henry Studio), framed by the kitchen housing in this enviable high‑ceiling setting, adds yet another element to the space. The simplicity of form and oversized nature ‑ it dwarfs the range below ‑ feels extremely fresh and modern.

KITCHEN TREND #9: 50 SHADES OF WHITE

The white kitchen is nothing new but this 2022 iteration feels oh‑so‑fresh. Cabinets feel less stark and clinical in today’s kitchen with soft, milkier hues combined with gleaming white glass or ceramic finishes.

Don’t be afraid to mix whites ‑ dabble in the palest almond, ecru, alabaster, ivory or pearl ‑ and enjoy the visual conversation between shades, as shown in these kitchens by Jeremiah Brent (above) and Conrad Architects (below).

KITCHEN TREND #10: HOME RANGER

A range is not only a practical cooking solution but I absolutely consider it jewellery for the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to combine this more traditional appliance with an ultra modern, sleek space. It’s the contrast which brings the joy here.

Extra points for that delicious marble shadow‑gap in this kitchen by Clements Design. Craftsmanship at its best. Note the thicker worktop again too which has forgone the traditional 20mm overhang on the back run. Amp it up to 40 or 50mm to pack real punch!

KITCHEN TREND #11: GLOSS

It’s back!! And I love it. Gloss (and it’s amped‑up sibling, high gloss) works tremendously well in darker, north facing elevations or when you want to add that wow‑factor!

If you’ve read the above, you’ll know this particular design by Chused and Co ticks a lot of my boxes and I also LOVE the rich statement colour on the cabinets.

KITCHEN TREND #12: SURFACE PATTERN

Reeded ‑ or fluted ‑ surface pattern is having a huge resurgence right now and I’m absolutely here for it. Adding interest and dimension, choose anywhere on the spectrum from understated to heavily undulating.

We will also be seeing more geometric textural finishes, polished plaster and lime wash paint with dimension and relief. This fluted kitchen island by Joseph Dirand is a prize‑piece of contemporary sculpture and deserves every accolade.

KITCHEN TREND #13: THE MONOLITHIC ISLAND

Talking islands, this single slab island by Elizabeth Roberts looks amazing within the light, bright setting it finds itself. Whilst not technically a single, monolithic piece of stone, rather artfully clad to appear so, it feels visually weighty and expensive. The warmth running through its intense veining invites parallels with both floor and hardware, contrasting with all that luscious greenery. Another showstopper!

Whilst you may not wish to commit to this level of veining or colour, the idea of multiple waterfall edges is one not to be ignored if you don’t require seating here.

HOW MUCH TREND IS TOO MUCH TREND?

The short answer is ‘depends on you’.

Whether you dive face-first into all the kitchen trends above or simply dabble, it all comes back to personal style and the look and feel you’re hoping to achieve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on my trend report so please leave your comments below.

Girl signing off,

Sarah x 

* If you’re looking for more design advice, the following posts my be useful: Key Considerations When Embarking on a Renovation Project | How to Choose the Perfect Paint Colour | How to Design Children’s Bedrooms |  How to Create a Spa Bathroom | Coffee Table Book Styling