9 Trendy Kitchen Design Ideas in 2022

The past couple of years saw a significant change in how we use kitchens. The endless lockdowns and working from home turned this room into a frequently used space — whether it’s for brewing infinite cups of coffee, experimenting with different cuisines, or simply socializing. This considerable shift in function has called for kitchen designs that are more practical and welcoming. Interior trends of 2022 largely focus on elements that are easier on the eye as well as the hand and the soul, which makes sense for those who are spending their waking hours in the kitchen. Patterns, for instance, have become more subtle whereas color schemes have “calmed” down.

The evolution of the kitchen has even made way for the introduction of new features such as a bookcase. In addition, other elements such as greenery have become all the more popular in kitchens. Adopting the design styles of 2022 into your kitchen would ideally make it more of a living space than a utilitarian room.

1. Subtle Textures

While textured surfaces are typically more common in living rooms and bedrooms, they’ve recently made their way into kitchens. This design style focuses on giving the kitchen a sense of depth and dimension using tactile elements such as textured tiles and visible grains on wood. The evolution of textures and materials in kitchens is bringing about more confident design choices in the form of bold finishes. These matte and textured surfaces also carry earthy undertones which reflect the beauty of natural materials. This earthiness is ultimately part of what makes the 2022 kitchen a more livable and welcoming space that exudes individuality and character.

Kitchen Trends of 2022 Are Big on Subtly Textured Surfaces

2. Paint It Black

An effective way to spice up a kitchen — or any other room, for that matter — is through the accents. While copper or brass handles and faucets have been dominating the trends as of late, black accents will be grabbing the spotlight this year. This sophisticated trend doesn’t end with faucets and cabinet handles, however. You will see this dark yet elegant color on everything from backsplashes to sinks and even appliances. To tie the look with other rooms, you can also go with black window frames. Paired with ambient lighting, this color can emit the calming aura that you’d normally find in bedrooms and other living spaces.

Black Kitchen Accents Are All the Rage This Year

3. Round Edges

Whether it’s arched forms, squashy shapes, or bulky elements, round edges have been appearing in many living spaces for as long as we can remember. This trend is mostly present in furniture design as well as other elements of interior decor. Now, however, kitchens — islands and countertops in particular — are getting their fair share of round forms. Instead of the blunt surfaces, you will see curvier turns as the space evolves into a calm and social area. The difference between traditional sharp angles and contemporary rounded surfaces dramatically transforms the kitchen trends of 2022.

Kitchens have enough potential for injuries as they are. And since you’re probably spending more time there, the last thing you need is a sharp edge to bruise yourself. Curvy surfaces, on the other hand, are relatively safer as they invite you to run your hand along with them.

Round Edges Provide More Practicality Where It’s Most Needed

4. Minimalist Storage

Storage is undeniably a crucial element in a space that is known to feature a variety of items that need housing. This makes it all the more important to opt for a minimalist look in order to prevent the kitchen from being dominated by cabinetry. One way to go about this design style is by getting rid of knobs and handles, allowing the cabinets to appear considerably less intrusive. Everything from appliances garages to coffee stations and pantries can be inconspicuous to allow for a clean design. This minimalist approach inspires a sense of peace and calm in an otherwise busy space, which makes even more sense now that we’re spending more time in the kitchen than ever before.

Why Minimalism Is Essential in a Kitchen

5. For the Aficionados

Spending a great deal of time in the kitchen eventually calls for the incorporation of new features. This shift from utilitarian designs to a more welcoming space is becoming evident in 2022. Kitchens are beginning to accentuate our lifestyles through elements that interior designers refer to as curated clutter. One notable example is the introduction of bookcases. This unique yet efficient design choice is especially popular among those who enjoy trying out new dishes from a cookbook.

During the endless lockdowns throughout the past two years, many homeowners developed an interest in the culinary arts and used their free time to experiment with new dishes. And this new kitchen design trend allows for just that — by incorporating a tidy storage area for cookbooks, and perhaps a comfy chair to lean back on as you’re looking through recipes.

Kitchen Design Trends That Resonate With the Amateur Chef

6. Mind the Sink

Faucets have got a fair share of attention in kitchen design ideas over the past few years. We have seen them evolve from chrome faucets to copper faucets and whatnot. This year, however, it’s about time the sink gets a much-needed makeover. Moving past the overdone ceramic or stainless sinks, the kitchen trends of 2022 are all about granite, marble, concrete, and Corian. Having your sink made of any of these materials allows it to serve more than just its function. Black granite, for instance, offers an aesthetic appeal that resonates with many contemporary designs — an appeal that is unparalleled by the more conventional sink materials. Consider pairing it with a marble backsplash for an alluring contrast.

Kitchen Sink Ideas That Are Trendy in 2022 Include Gorgeous Sinks

7. Going Big with Greenery

Homeowners and interior designers alike are always on the lookout for new — and larger — ways to incorporate nature into living spaces. One kitchen design idea that has gained popularity on social media is to grow full-sized house trees — with olive trees being the most common choice among homeowners. You can also opt for calamondin trees and other dwarf citrus varieties. This bold design choice offers a somewhat Mediterranean vibe to a kitchen while serving as a unique focal point.

As working from home is becoming more of a norm, the need to maintain a connection with nature through our living spaces is greater than ever. While houseplants are usually the go-to solution for this, the latest kitchen trends take biophilia to a whole new level in the form of house trees.

Biophilic Design Ideas for the 2022 Kitchen

8. Organic Woodgrain

An exemplary way to underline the tendency towards natural materials in today’s trends is by bringing back woodgrain. 2022 is the year we lay down the paintbrush and embrace the natural beauty of timber. In a kitchen design, organic woodgrain can be just as admirable as the veining in stone surfaces. This design idea also serves as a unique testament to sustainable living.

Besides upholding an eco-friendly lifestyle and providing aesthetic value, woodgrain is known to add a soothing texture to a living space. This makes the kitchen more inviting than ever before. And since mass consumption is becoming a thing of the past, woodgrain serves the growing need for long-lasting materials.

Organic Woodgrain Is Just As Beautiful As Marble

9. Cottagecore Larders 

Previously common among traditional kitchens, pantries and larders are currently hitting the kitchen design trends. This style of storage is all about making good use of the available space while maintaining a tidy look. If your kitchen doesn’t allow for the addition of a pantry cupboard, for instance, a trendy solution involves having cute jars with matching lids.

This design style mainly resonates with the cottagecore style that has been all the rage recently. The old-fashioned approach of storing food in the open carries a certain nostalgic appeal that many homeowners find endearing. It also hints toward a self-sufficient lifestyle of preparing your meals from scratch, which is becoming increasingly common now that many people are spending more time at home.

Larders Provide a Vintage Appeal to Contemporary Kitchens