Posted by: Cheryl Savit, Savvy Words for KitchenVisions, PR Committee Member

We’re all familiar with the expression “everything but the kitchen sink,” which is a phrase that remodelers can embrace when faced with all the elements of a project. 2022 kitchen trends include everything AND the kitchen sink.

1. Color, color, color!

White kitchens will never entirely disappear, but homeowners embraced color in a big way in 2021. The trend will continue with paint-grade cabinetry, using an assortment of hues from moss green to midnight blue. High gloss paint and lacquer cabinets will continue to be popular, too. Finally, woods like walnut, oak, and maple will prevail. Mixing white with wood or painted cabinetry will play a big role in kitchen design. Grays will be seen less.

2. Open shelving + fewer upper cabinets

The past five years have seen more open shelving in kitchens, and fewer upper cabinets. Glass in upper cabinets have always been popular, but now there are other cabinet fronts like upgraded chicken wire, rattan and cane, metal mesh, and mirrored glass.

3. The rise of Dekton

In the 1980s, granite countertops were the thing. Marble countertops have been around for centuries, but they are expensive and high-maintenance. Soapstone also gained popularity. Then along came quartz countertops from Silestone and Cambria, and solid surfaces like Corian. In 2003, Dekton was created, and while it’s taken more than a decade to gain traction, more and more kitchens are featuring Dekton on islands, backsplashes, and perimeter counters.

4. New appliances

From Jetsons-like refrigerators that talk–or understand when you talk to it–to appliance touchscreens, and hoods that automatically sense heat and smoke, the kitchen has embraced technology. Downdraft ventilation is nothing new but definitely improved over the years. Gaggenau’s Vario 400 automatically senses what power is needed to clear the air. For tighter spaces, manufacturers are coming up with high-end suites of appliances, like the one from Bertazzoni with a 24” bottom-freezer refrigerator, 18” dishwasher, and 24” gas range. Perfect for an urban condo kitchen.

5. Hardworking sinks

Stainless steel sinks gave way to porcelain farmhouse and apron front sinks. Now the trend is for workstation sinks from makers like Kraus, Karran, Franke, and The Galley®. These sinks feature built-in pieces like cutting boards, built-in colanders, and grates. The Karran has a quartz version that comes in multiple colors, in both top-mount and under-mount styles.