Kitchen trends for 2022 - Grand Designs Magazine
kitchen trends 2022: bright colours like coral and chartreuse are on trend

12 inspiring kitchen trends for 2022

From touch-free taps to clashing colours, update your scheme with the latest design ideas

By Paula Woods |

Sustainability and functionality are at the heart of the biggest kitchen design trends of 2022, with seamless surfaces, coffee-making stations and walk-in pantries keeping busy spaces smart and stylish. Plus, smart tech meets heritage pieces and colour clashing makes a comeback…

1. Clutter-free minimalism

Wall-to-wall cabinets with pocket and handleless doors team up with seamless solid surface worksurfaces to create a scheme where almost all the functional elements are concealed. It’s a good option for maintaining a calm, clutter-free area in a dual-purpose living space. Picture below: Full height slab units with two pocket folding doors and an island in book-matched oak veneer, plus built-in hob and sink, by Sola Kitchens.

kitchen trends: handleless minimalism

Photo: Sola Kitchens

2. Breakfast station

A cupboard for small appliances, such as the kettle, coffee machine and toaster, along with breakfast foods, reduces worksurface clutter and the time spent gathering together the things you need. Pictured below: Alderley kitchen in Bone from Kitchen Makers.

kitchen trends: breakfast station with coffee making machine and storage

Photo: Kitchen Makers

3. Prep recess

Not all kitchen trends are practical and stylish, but the prep recess is. Frame the sink and/or food preparation area by creating an inset space between base, tall and overhead cabinets. Using stain-and-water resistant surfaces that contrast with the units in colour and texture is both eye-catching and practical. Pictured below: Kitchen in Grafite Aluminium with Statuario marble splashback, Corian worksurface and trims, plus island in Nero Oak Veneer, by DesignSpace London.

kitchen trends: prep recess with marble inner and black timber cabinets

Photo: DesignSpace London

4. Walk-in larder

The benefits of a walk-in pantry or big larder cupboard has led to a resurgence in demand. It is a storage saviour, particularly if you want to go without wall cabinets or free up floor space. Convert a built-in cupboard or invest in a tall freestanding design. Pictured below: Crittal-style pantry in powder coated black with Rimadesio shelving and hanging rail in bronze aluminium finish, by Kitchen Architecture.

kitchen trends: walk-in larder pantry with Crittall-style glass doors

Photo: Kitchen Architecture

5. Glass works

The role of glazing as a design element as well as a practical feature is evident in many new kitchen extensions. Made possible by advances in manufacturing technology, glass panels and doors can appear to be completely frameless. Pictured below: Urbo and Metro matt lacquer kitchen in Lamp Black by Little Greene with Antique Brass detail and polished Marengo quartz worksurface, by Roundhouse.

atrium-style glazing connects old and new in a contemporary extension

Photo: Roundhouse

6. Textured finish

Bring light and shade to the sophisticated appeal of dark cabinets with slatted timber cladding on doors and cabinet fronts. Or get a similar effect on the walls with ribbed tile designs, such as Flute by Topps Tiles. Pictured below: Bespoke kitchen with island clad in black-stained oak slats, including Arabescato Corchia marble splashback and worksurfaces, by Blakes London.

dark kitchen cabinets and island with slatted timber cladding

Photo: Blakes London

7. A new nostalgia

For those less keen on contemporary kitchen trends, several manufacturers have launched fitted kitchens with the nostalgic appeal of a freestanding look. Complete your scheme with period-style fixtures such as a Belfast sink and retro fridge – or choose integrated appliances. Pictured below: Gallery Lines butler sink from Shaws of Darwen. For similar furniture, try Haberdasher’s Kitchen from DeVol.

Sustainability and functionality are at the heart of the biggest kitchen design trends of 2022, with seamless surfaces, coffee-making stations and walk-in pantries keeping busy spaces smart and stylish. Plus, smart tech meets heritage pieces and colour clashing makes a comeback…

1. Clutter-free minimalism

Wall-to-wall cabinets with pocket and handleless doors team up with seamless solid surface worksurfaces to create a scheme where almost all the functional elements are concealed. It’s a good option for maintaining a calm, clutter-free area in a dual-purpose living space. Picture below: Full height slab units with two pocket folding doors and an island in book-matched oak veneer, plus built-in hob and sink, by Sola Kitchens.

kitchen trends: handleless minimalism

Photo: Sola Kitchens

2. Breakfast station

A cupboard for small appliances, such as the kettle, coffee machine and toaster, along with breakfast foods, reduces worksurface clutter and the time spent gathering together the things you need. Pictured below: Alderley kitchen in Bone from Kitchen Makers.

kitchen trends: breakfast station with coffee making machine and storage

Photo: Kitchen Makers

3. Prep recess

Not all kitchen trends are practical and stylish, but the prep recess is. Frame the sink and/or food preparation area by creating an inset space between base, tall and overhead cabinets. Using stain-and-water resistant surfaces that contrast with the units in colour and texture is both eye-catching and practical. Pictured below: Kitchen in Grafite Aluminium with Statuario marble splashback, Corian worksurface and trims, plus island in Nero Oak Veneer, by DesignSpace London.

kitchen trends: prep recess with marble inner and black timber cabinets

Photo: DesignSpace London

4. Walk-in larder

The benefits of a walk-in pantry or big larder cupboard has led to a resurgence in demand. It is a storage saviour, particularly if you want to go without wall cabinets or free up floor space. Convert a built-in cupboard or invest in a tall freestanding design. Pictured below: Crittal-style pantry in powder coated black with Rimadesio shelving and hanging rail in bronze aluminium finish, by Kitchen Architecture.

kitchen trends: walk-in larder pantry with Crittall-style glass doors

Photo: Kitchen Architecture

5. Glass works

The role of glazing as a design element as well as a practical feature is evident in many new kitchen extensions. Made possible by advances in manufacturing technology, glass panels and doors can appear to be completely frameless. Pictured below: Urbo and Metro matt lacquer kitchen in Lamp Black by Little Greene with Antique Brass detail and polished Marengo quartz worksurface, by Roundhouse.

atrium-style glazing connects old and new in a contemporary extension

Photo: Roundhouse

6. Textured finish

Bring light and shade to the sophisticated appeal of dark cabinets with slatted timber cladding on doors and cabinet fronts. Or get a similar effect on the walls with ribbed tile designs, such as Flute by Topps Tiles. Pictured below: Bespoke kitchen with island clad in black-stained oak slats, including Arabescato Corchia marble splashback and worksurfaces, by Blakes London.

dark kitchen cabinets and island with slatted timber cladding

Photo: Blakes London

7. A new nostalgia

For those less keen on contemporary kitchen trends, several manufacturers have launched fitted kitchens with the nostalgic appeal of a freestanding look. Complete your scheme with period-style fixtures such as a Belfast sink and retro fridge – or choose integrated appliances. Pictured below: Gallery Lines butler sink from Shaws of Darwen. For similar furniture, try Haberdasher’s Kitchen from DeVol.

Image: Gallery Lines butler sink from Shaws of Darwen. For similar furniture, try Haberdasher’s Kitchen from Devol

Continue reading for more 2022 kitchen trends…

8. Vintage highlight

Adding a reclaimed piece to a contemporary kitchen brings a contrast in character that could be used as a focal point. Online marketplaces such as Salvoweb, as well as reclamation yards and auction houses, are good hunting grounds for tables, cupboards, dressers and workbenches. Pictured below: Whole house refurbishment including kitchen extension with exposed brickwork and re-purposed workbench, by Design Storey. Fixed flat rooflights by Roof Maker.

reclaimed freestanding island in a period home extension with beamed ceiling

Photo: Design Storey

9. Bright hues

The trend for dark cabinets has a rival in the form of clashing colours. The key to success is to stick to a limited palette of two or three shades, offset by neutral and natural tones. For those who like their kitchen trends bright and bold, pink and green is making a particularly strong comeback. Pictured below: Bespoke birch plywood cabinets with Ritzy, Market Mustard and Lynette laminate fronts and square recessed handles, by Pluck.

kitchen trends: bright clashing colours, coral and chartreuse

Photo: Pluck

10. Touch-free control

With cleanliness front of mind, taps operated by motion-sensor technology provide hygienic hands-free operation. They also prevent water and energy being wasted, as they switch off as soon as you move away. Pictured below: Atlas Neo infrared sensor tap in stainless steel with swivel spout from Franke.

Read the Grand Designs guide to smart kitchen taps here

chrome motion sensor tap from Franke

Photo: Franke

11. Speciality ovens

Appliance manufacturers are in a race to develop ovens of convenience that take the guesswork out of cooking and provide faster results. Pictured below: Dolce Stil Novo Omnichef oven, with steam, microwave, and convection cooking that decreases cooking times by up to 70% per cent, from Smeg.

Find more smart kitchen tech ideas here

black smart oven from Smeg in a dark grey kitchen with marble worktops

Photo: Smeg

12. Renewable materials

When it comes to choosing a materials palette, responsibly sourced timber is an eco-friendly option. Plywood and oak provide a contemporary finish with warm tones and a subtle texture that will look beautiful through 2022 and for years to come. Pictured below: Bespoke kitchen in birch plywood with rough-sawn oak doors and Benton sintered stone worksurface, by Sustainable Kitchens.

responsibly sourced timber in a bright modern kitchen with plants and bespoke joinery

Photo: Sustainable Kitchens

Quick, easy and inexpensive ways to update your kitchen

Revamping ideas from Sarah Southwell, founder of Sarah Southwell Design + Interiors

  • Renew timber and melamine cabinets with a coat of paint, try Rust-Oleum and Ronseal for suitable finishes. Or use gloss or eggshell paint, plus primer. Remove the doors, drawer fronts and hardware before painting.
  • Replace handles and knobs with new versions. But check that the fixings are compatible with the pre-existing drill holes.
  • Buying new door and drawer fronts is another option. Companies such as Husk and Custom Fronts offer designs to fit Ikea or Howden kitchen units, while Naked Doors provides a bespoke service.
  • A change of worksurface will make a big difference to the look of your scheme. Or try an overlay surface that’s applied on top of your worksurface. Take a look at Wharf Worktops’ Seamless Makeover Collection.
  • Swap your taps and sink. Anyone competent in DIY should be able to fit like-for-like sizes and models. Otherwise, find a qualified plumber through the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.
  • Cover tiles with off-the-shelf tongue and groove panelling kits.

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