Kitchens have always been considered the heart of the home, but they’ve become so much more over the last 18 months as we’ve all spent more time living, working, cooking, playing, and learning within our homes. Above all else, home is the place where we feel safe, so it’s no surprise that we want to create an environment of our own that we love and are happy to spend time in.
With this in mind, we have rounded up some of the predicted kitchen trends for 2022 … take a look!
Colour
One of the most welcome kitchen design trends we’ve noticed in the last 18 months is the embrace of colour. As we’ve spent more time at home, it’s no surprise that we’ve begun to crave a brighter palette to bring us joy.
This shows no sign of slowing down as we head into 2022, with colour continuing to play a vital role in shaping the design trends we’ll be seeing everywhere over the next 12 months.
Natural wood colours, white, cream and grey, are the most popular shades for the kitchen as they remain timeless and fashionable; however, there is a definite move toward more colour and contrast in the kitchen. Navy and black or charcoal are the bravest colour choices, while the more calm and neutral tones will set the benchmark for 2022.
Eco Natural Materials
The demand for natural ecological materials is still high. This is especially true for kitchen benches. A beautiful and unique texture can transform the look of your entire kitchen. Therefore, the most striking representatives of nature are wood and marble.
Minimalist Style
Smooth lines, ample open workspaces and functionality are taking hold of kitchen spaces as we speak. Open shelves have been popular; however, people find this can make a kitchen look cluttered and messy. Keeping your appliances and crockery hidden behind cupboard doors is visually appealing, especially if you live in an apartment and have limited space and every square metre is essential.
You can even take it a step further by considering ways to integrate your appliances into your cabinets or have the dishwasher and fridge hidden behind panels that match your cabinet doors.
Storage
While we strive to eliminate clutter for our overall well-being, storage is a crucial element. This is especially true in the kitchen, where we need many things – from ingredients to kitchen equipment and other utensils. Well positioned and built-in storage and shelves can add a sophisticated look to your kitchen and generally help you to feel more organised.
Smart Technology
Technology is in full force and not only in the form of fancy gadgets and household appliances. Today, you can see the kitchen with technology integrated into every function – from taps to the refrigerator to the lighting. There is also a device that monitors the readiness of eggs, telling you which ones are undercooked. This is what we call smart cooking!
Sustainability
While design and function are important, more people want to show they’re helping the environment by using recycled materials, efficient appliances, and electricity from sustainable sources.
Retaining existing cabinets, re-purposing doors and bench-top resurfacing are all great ways to do your part in reducing landfill, and it is also a plus for your budget.
Products like bamboo and cork are eco-friendly options, as well as melamine chipboard that uses recycled timber.
There are so many energy and water-efficient appliances with planet-saving technology on the market now, and the majority of them are well worth the investment. You can also consider sourcing products locally or searching your local online marketplace for second-hand materials as a great way to create a sustainable kitchen with a unique style.
Dual Purpose Living
Many people are now building what’s called a ‘living room kitchen,’ which is effectively a large work surface or benchtop surrounded by seating that becomes an extension of what we know as the traditional open plan kitchen. This could be at benchtop height, like an island or breakfast bar, or the size of the dining table, with the idea to have a place where everyone can come together to work, home school or connect and relax at the end of the day.
Lighting
Statement pendant lights remain a highlight of all the latest kitchen designs. They provide WOW factor and should not be underestimated if you want to include a statement piece in your kitchen.
Your choice of lighting should reflect the style and personality of your home and be sure to hang pendants at the right height and have them installed by a professional electrician!
Handles
Cupboards and drawers without handles will remain popular for the seamless and elegant kitchen that looks tidy and uncluttered. However, there are some stunning handle designs in matte black, brushed gold metal, rose gold and copper available that may make this decision difficult!
Our kitchens give us so much. They are our favourite restaurant, café and bar; all rolled into one. They don’t call the kitchen ‘the heart of the home’ for nothing.
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 