As we move further into 2022, it’s the perfect time to take a look at what the top kitchen trends for 2022 are shaping up to be.
These are the kitchen design and décor ideas that top interior designers believe will be the most popular picks this year.
There really is something for everyone here. Whether you follow these trends very closely or rather loosely, you can be sure that you will be giving your kitchen a stunning look.
Top Kitchen Trends: Colours go back to nature
Everybody is becoming acutely aware of the need for sustainable living. Being eco-friendly is now a major consideration in the kitchen.
There is also a trend towards the use of raw materials and natural colour schemes. Blues have been on-trend now for a while, and this will continue through 2022 and beyond.
Now earthy purples, dark greens and marine shades look set to come to the fore.
Emerald green is hotly tipped to become the big mover and shaker in the colour world this year. As a sign of its growing popularity, searches for emerald green décor are up by 60% at Etsy, the global online marketplace.
Let’s take a closer look at the top colour trends for kitchens in 2022.
Top colour trends 2022: Blue kitchens
The last few years have seen a rise in the popularity of rich shades of blue. From classic navy to regal royal and striking indigo and marine, blue has really become the colour of choice for the trend-savvy kitchen designer. And 2022 will see no sign of the trend subsiding.
Indeed, it is predicted that richer and deeper blues will become ever more prominent in our kitchen designs. However, even for those who are a little less daring or adventurous, blues can still be incorporated tastefully into any kitchen décor.
Dark blues ooze serenity and sophistication in equal doses. This is why dark blue has become a home interior style trend right across the home. However, it is probably in the kitchen where its impact can be felt the most. A well-chosen shade of blue can be stunning and striking in the kitchen.
Walls can be painted beautiful shades of blue, and pops of colour can even be introduced through accessories.
Of course, it is true that you need to be careful when introducing darker shades into any room – especially those of a smaller size. However, with the right approach, you can create a look that is not overbearing, and one that is as warm and homely as it is striking and eye-catching.
Pair blue with white – keep things light
If you are concerned that dark blue all-over will come across as overwhelming and overbearing, there is an easy get-out: pair dark blue with white in the kitchen. You are pretty much guaranteed a stunning overall look.
Cabinets that are split half-white and half-blue will work brilliantly. Keep the dark blue to the base cabinets. As the position is below eye level, the effect will be that the colour won’t feel too prominent or imposing. But, rest assured, they will still make an excellent impression.
Complemented by a lighter worktop and white upper cabinets, the blue will look incredibly impressive. A striking contrast between the two colours will be created with a clean and streamlined split between the two.
Naturally, the white will brighten the space, too. As calming as at is classy, a blue and white combination will produce a timeless look for the kitchen that will never go out of style.
Create a sense of drama – Go black and blue
For those who are a little bolder and more daring, black and blue can be a truly show-stopping colour combination.
Better for larger kitchens that are blessed with plenty of natural light, this is a winning look for the ultra-modern and contemporary kitchen. Choose a high gloss finish for a genuinely breath-taking feel.
Top colour trends 2022: Green kitchens
If Covid has taught society anything, it’s the importance of health and happiness. Therefore, it’s fitting somehow that green has emerged as one of the most on-trend colours of 2022. After all, green is the colour that symbolizes nature, renewal, growth, and the environment.
What the colour green can represent certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by contemporary interior designers.
The trend towards green kitchen cabinets also coincides with a move towards the use of bolder colours in the kitchen.
Traditionally, of course, many homeowners saw the kitchen as a space where neutral and understated colours worked best. After all, the kitchen was largely a workspace for food preparation and cooking.
However, in recent years, the kitchen’s place in the modern family home has evolved. Alongside this, the trend towards open-plan living has meant the kitchen has become so much more than a space where people cook meals.
Now, the kitchen has morphed into the bustling beating heart of the home, bolder and richer colours now seem more appropriate and fitting – and this includes green.
Why green is a good colour for the kitchen
It’s no surprise to us that shades of green have become a major part of the latest colour trends for the kitchen.
One of the main reasons for its success is down to the ‘science’ of colours. You see, green stands at the centre point of the colour wheel. This means that green is an adaptable and versatile colour. It works equally well with cool and warm colour schemes and can tie various tones together in colour harmony.
Dark, deep green is an especially effective choice in the modern, tech-heavy kitchen environment. It brings a touch of the natural into the proceedings. It’s that connection with nature that makes green so palatable in the kitchen.
Alongside blue, green is the colour we see the most in the natural world. The effect is that our eyes require little or no adjustment when faced with green. The effect created is a feeling of harmony and peace – excellent vibes for a busy and often chaotic family kitchen.
What are the most popular green shades for kitchens?
There are so many different shades of green to choose from, but here are some of the most popular green choices when it comes to kitchen cabinetry.
Darker green tends to be the shade that homeowners gravitate to. The warmth and earthiness that it brings to the space is the big attraction. Not only that, but the cool base tones that darker green possesses make it an excellent colour for the contemporary kitchen.
Forest green (for its natural vibe) and sage tones (for their neutrality) are also popular choices right now. From earthy olive to soft sage and even deep rich tones, there truly is a green for all tastes and moods.
What’s more, a combination of coordinating green tones can be extremely striking, while also adding texture and warmth to the space.
One of the most eye-catching looks that you can go for is to partner dark green kitchen units with marble countertops. Contrasts such as this can be breath-taking in a kitchen setting, and the darker you go with your green, the more dramatic the overall effect will be. Choose marble with a high level of veining for a truly stunning look.
Top colour trends 2022: Purple kitchens
The ultra-fashionable alternative to dark blue is purple. Just like its colourful cousin, purple is rich, bold and comes with bags of character. It brings warmth and a regal air to the space.
A mark of its on-trend stature right now is the fact that the Pantone Colour of Year for 2022 is a beautiful purple tone. Very Peri is Pantone’s colour selected to take us out of the pandemic period – a shade that boasts, “some of the qualities that blue represents, complemented by a new perspective.”
The Pantone Colour of the Year accolade shows just how much of a revival the colour purple is enjoying right now in the world of interior design.
What makes purple a great colour for the kitchen?
Purple can be incorporated into your kitchen décor with subtlety and style. Opt for an understated accent colour chosen for accessories or a backsplash, or go the whole hog with full-blown purple cabinetry or walls.
Purple is every bit as versatile as blue – not least because there are so many shades of purple to choose from. From gentle lilacs and lavenders to deep plums, there is a purple tone to match every mood.
Pale tones, such as lilac, make for a restful and stress-free environment. Such shades won’t overwhelm a room and they work beautifully with woods and plants – bringing nature into the kitchen with true style.
If you want to make a dramatic impression, choose a deep purple shade – such as aubergine – to make a real statement. It will ground the whole space with style.
Complement deep purple kitchen units with white walls to create contrast and a comforting balance. Wooden worktops, accessories, or flooring will add another dimension entirely to the design.
Top colour trends 2022: Pink kitchens
Once resigned to be only the colour of Barbie dolls or girls’ nursery walls, pink has come into its own and takes its deserved and rightful place in our selection of colour trends for the kitchen in 2022.
Pink in the kitchen might strike you as a bold or daring choice, but it really is an extremely versatile and adaptable colour. And with so many shades of pink to choose from, we are sure you will find pink kitchen cabinets to suit your taste.
Why choose a pink kitchen?
Pink can bring warmth and a sense of fun to any space. It can be muted and understated as well as vibrant and lively, depending on the mood that you want to create for the space.
Going all-pink right across the whole kitchen might feel like a step too far. To avoid a look that is too overwhelming, you can ground a paler shade of pink with another tone that provides more depth. A kitchen island – if you have the room for one – is a great way of bringing pink into the space.
Pale pinks are neutral without being dull in any way. Another advantage is that pale pinks go with a wide range of other colours. For a softer look, blend pink with white and cream. For a bolder and more striking effect, pink goes surprisingly well with green.
In fact, a deep green combined with a dusty pink is the perfect contemporary combination for 2022.
Summary of colour trends for kitchens 2022
If you want to ensure that your new kitchen design is bang on-trend, you can do no wrong if you choose any of the colours we have selected here.
Dark greens and dark blues are striking and dynamic. Purple is the up-and-coming trendsetter, and is a great colour for walls when paired with white kitchen cabinets. And as a colourful counterpart, pink provides you with another set of options.
Bold and brash – or soft and subtle – the choice is yours.
Now, let’s move on from colour choices, and discuss the other top kitchen trends for 2022.
The Trend for Kitchen Zoning
Of course, the pandemic had a profound effect on the way we work and live. With so many people forced to work at home, the need for a compartmentalised living has risen sharply.
With the trend towards hybrid work patterns now established, people have looked towards ways of zoning areas of the home according to different needs.
This means that macro areas within the kitchen are being created, such as desk nooks, work-stations – and even ‘Zoom-friendly zones.’
Kitchen spaces that are large enough are now seeing the addition of small desks and sectioned-off work areas.
The key aim is to create a seamless flow around the space. Even for those who aren’t planning a major kitchen overhaul, clearly marked zones can make all the difference to the kitchen.
How to create zones within a kitchen
Colour can be used to great effect to create zones in any room, and this works particularly well in kitchens.
For example, you could create a dark blue kitchen island feature that really attracts attention and draws the eye.
Go with bold, deep blue colour for the island and pair with a contrasting tone for the cabinets and worktop. White, off-whites (such as ivory), and light grey will all work superbly as the backdrop for a dark blue island.
Try using feature walls in each kitchen zone to enhance different moods. Choose a deep, soothing colour by the dining table for relaxation whilst eating. Opt for lighter, brighter shades over your kitchen worktops, and perhaps use a pop of colour in the area that you usually conduct your Zoom meetings.
Flooring is another excellent way to highlight different zones within your kitchen and dining area. Consider carpet or bold rugs in the main living areas, with laminate flooring in the kitchen for easy cleaning.
Play with kitchen layouts that encourage movement and flow, while clearly defining each space.
Top kitchen trends 2022: Seamless designs
One of the new top kitchen trends that has really caught our eye over the past year or so is the unification of countertop and backsplash surfaces.
Traditionally, the colours of these elements have been chosen to contrast. However, there is now a greater recognition that the eyes need a place to rest around the room, otherwise the room can look a little busy.
It’s not necessary for every single surface in the kitchen to have a different finish or colour. Unifying walls and worktops, and creating seamless surfaces, can produce a stunning, cohesive, and clean look – a decidedly contemporary and ultramodern approach.
Top kitchen trends 2022: Veined marble
Of course, marble in the kitchen is hardly a new idea. However, it is veined marble which is set to be the major trend for 2022. Cream and dark grey marbles are the shades of choice for this year.
Marble brings luxury to your kitchen, and as the stone isn’t porous, it brings practical advantages to the table too.
Whilst it’s true that marble can be expensive, there are many affordable laminate alternatives that look just like the real thing. Perfect for those who are renovating their kitchen on a shoestring budget.
Top kitchen trends 2022: Metallic detailing
Metallic detailing is the ideal accompaniment for veined marble worksurfaces.
Brass is definitely on-trend this year. Google searches for brass light fittings and homeware increased by 90% in 2021, so it’s safe to say that brass will be a go-to choice in the kitchen in 2022.
For many people, brass has always had a classic and timeless appeal. The reasons for this are simple. Brass finishes draw the eye towards your choice of cabinetry. Not only that, but brass also adds warmth – especially when paired with darker colours. The look for 2022 is to have cohesion across the piece. Choose from brass handles and hinges, taps – and even statement lighting.
One of the many advantages of a dark blue kitchen colour scheme is that it complements virtually any metallic accessories. From classic stainless steel, through silver, copper, brass and right the way to glamorous gold, any metallic accompaniment will add a touch of luxury and class to a dark blue kitchen.
Silvers and steels will have a cooling effect. Meanwhile, the likes of brass, copper and gold will create warmth – a sure-fire way to add more depth to the overall kitchen colour scheme.
It is best to style metallics in small areas – but in many spaces across the whole kitchen. Handles are the obvious candidates, but don’t forget taps and light fixtures. The splashback can also incorporate a metallic hint. Failing that, choose other accessories, such as kitchen appliances or vases with a metallic hue.
Top kitchen trends 2022: Integrated storage
As ever, some of the most important kitchen trends for the year ahead look set to be practical, rather than design-driven.
Smart storage is all the rage for 2022. There is now more multi-generational living in UK households than ever before. This is partly due to the pandemic and partly due to financial pressures. Either way, it means that there are now more family members living under the same roof than in previous generations.
Space is always at a premium in the modern family home. However, with households now growing in size, wasted space is something that families can’t afford to have.
Clever, integrated storage solutions are equally useful in small and large kitchens. They ensure that every pot and pan has a place, and provide a systematic approach that brings order and tidiness to your space.
Where there is any unused and dead space in the kitchen, the addition of extra shelving is always a good option. Open display shelves are particularly on-trend at present, featuring in many kitchen designs for 2022.
Top kitchen trends 2022: Handleless kitchens
The trend for handleless kitchens has been growing steadily in recent years. Smooth, streamlined, and sleek have become the watchwords of modern kitchen design.
With more and more homeowners looking to embrace contemporary living, and the role of the kitchen itself evolving, handleless kitchen doors really have enjoyed something of a rebirth.
The smooth and streamlined nature of a handleless kitchen means that it is a look that blends in effortlessly with most contemporary and classic kitchen designs. It is especially suited to open-plan layouts.
Of course, open-plan kitchen/living areas have become particularly popular in recent years. With such designs, it is important not to interrupt the flow between different zones and spaces. However, handles and the like can make the transition jarringly obvious and distinct, which is why the handleless look really comes into its own here.
As with any aspect of kitchens, handleless designs won’t be for everyone. However, there is no doubt that any list of latest kitchen styles for 2022 would be incomplete without handleless kitchens.
Here’s a little more information on the three most popular types of handleless kitchen design here at Kitchen Warehouse, to help you decide whether they are suited to your lifestyle and taste.
Solid Wood Handleless Kitchens
When it comes to kitchen cabinetry, solid wood provides plenty of advantages.
First and foremost, solid wood really can’t be beaten for strength and durability. If you want kitchen cabinets that will last for decades, solid wood is the inspired choice and will give you real value-for-money.
It’s true that the initial outlay for a solid wood kitchen might be more expensive than other options. However, the increased durability of the material means that solid wood cabinets won’t need to be replaced for many years.
Traditionally, solid wood has been the go-to choice for homeowners who want kitchen cabinets that bring a natural look to any space.
With beautiful and unique grain patterns, solid wood brings charm, character and warmth to a room that is hard to beat. You could argue that in terms of aesthetics, solid wood handleless kitchens are unrivalled.
Solid Wood Handleless Kitchens – The Harborne Collection
At Kitchen Warehouse, we have responded to the growing trend for solid wood handleless designs. Our Harborne collection is the perfect combination of ultra-modern minimalism and timeless kitchen design. The design incorporates a twist on one of the ultimate classic kitchen styles – the shaker.
With their distinctive traditional panelling, shaker kitchens are perhaps the most recognisable of all kitchen styles. However, this classic and highly popular kitchen design has been given a futuristic reboot with the Harborne collection, which features a handleless design. The result is both unique and unusual – but somehow manages to retain the familiarity of the original shaker look – a winning combination.
In many ways, our Harborne solid wood handleless kitchen units give you the best of both worlds. The design is an irresistible mix of the classic and traditional shaker and the ultra-modern handleless designs.
Despite its heritage and pedigree, nobody could accuse shaker kitchens of being old-fashioned in any way – the look has moved with the times and remained fashionable throughout the decades.
However, the twist that the Harborne brings to shaker kitchens really is something to behold – the ultimate mix of the classic and the contemporary.
With over ten sumptuous colour choices at your disposal, you will be sure to select a shade that truly suits your tastes.
Top kitchen designs 2022: True handleless kitchens
A true handleless kitchen gives you a clean and uncluttered look. The absence of handles means that the eyes are not drawn to anything other than the lines of the kitchen. This makes any space look open, modern, and more spacious.
True handleless designs are one of the latest kitchen styles for 2022. This ultra-modern look features a top rail instead of handles. The rail sits underneath the worktop with enough space to allow your fingers to slot into the top of the drawer or cabinet.
True handleless kitchens: Matt handleless
One of the fastest growing designs of handleless kitchens in the UK are matt handleless units.
Matt handleless kitchens are very practical and easy-to-clean. However, it is their looks that really steal the show.
As demand increases for this increasingly popular product, it is only right that Kitchen Warehouse offer our customers a greater range of finishes and colours.
For the classic look, Matt White will tick all the boxes. However, for something softer, we’ve got you covered. Matt Porcelain and Matt Cashmere are both sumptuous and stunning shades.
For fans of grey there are two gorgeous tones to choose from: Matt Dust Grey and Matt Light Grey. Both of these beautiful tones will create a contemporary and modern feel for your kitchen space.
And for those of you that prefer the bolder colours that are currently on-trend, there are three other great colours to mull over – Matt Indigo, Matt Anthracite, and Matt Marine.
Matt Marine is particularly popular right now, as it marries blue and green – the pinnacle colours in style right now.
Top kitchen trends 2022: Push to open handleless kitchens
Last, but not least, on our list of the latest kitchen styles for 2022 comes push-to-open handleless designs.
The name of the style pretty much says it all. Instead of a handle on the front of the cabinet door, a push-to-open latch is placed on the inside. The latch is released when the door is pushed, and the door opens.
There are several advantages to choosing a push-to-open handleless kitchen. As part of the handleless design ‘family’, push-to-open designs look sleek, stylish, and streamlined.
On a practical note, the big advantage that a push-to-open handleless kitchen has over other types of handleless designs is that you can open your cabinets and drawers, even if your hands are full.
If you want a contemporary look with the emphasis on clean angles and straight lines, push-to-open designs create a genuine statement piece.
Top Kitchen Trends 2022: Kitchen Walls
Of course, it doesn’t have to be all about the fixtures and fittings if you want to go with one of the latest colour trends.
Dark blue walls can be a great choice as a complementary colour for a whole host of shades. For example, if you have white, cream, or grey kitchen cabinets, opting for dark blue paint on the walls can add some depth to a palette that otherwise runs the risk of being pale and neutral (at best), and boring and dull (at worst).
Even in smaller spaces, where you will want to avoid too much dark colour, a feature wall of dark blue can add a striking pop to the space.
However, you certainly won’t want to be getting the rollers and brushes out year on year. You want a look that feels fresh and modern and stays on-trend for years to come.
In recent years, the latest colour trends across the home have been dominated by greys in particular. Grey walls aren’t likely to go out of fashion any time soon, and will give your kitchen a contemporary and modern feel – the ideal style for most homeowners.
Not only that, but grey is also neutral enough to be partnered with virtually any other colour, creating a truly individual look for the kitchen.
Of course, a perennial favourite for kitchen walls is white. If you want a clean, bright, and airy look for your kitchen, painting your walls white is the way to go.
Speak to an expert about kitchen trends today
So, there you have it! All the top kitchen trends for 2022 wrapped up in one neat and handy blog post.
We are sure you’ll agree that you now have all the information you need to get designing, so start browsing our products for more inspiration!
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Kitchen Warehouse team if you want to chat about any of the ideas contained in this blog. You can give us a call on 01765 640000 or send a message using our online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
