New trends have arisen for kitchen cabinets. Some have stayed and continued while others have just become habits and preferences.
Most people do not want to upgrade their kitchens to keep up with the latest trends. So, what trends are arising this year? What kitchen trends have faded, and which are evolving?
Stay With The Traditional Or Go With The Kitchen Trend?
In the past year, shaker cabinets have merged with European cabinets to create a modern body cabinet with shaker-style doors. Many prefer the idea of old-style construction, with a frame over the cabinet body.
In most cases, the frame adds a layer of strength to the cabinet body at the tradeoff of requiring more material to produce. There are some aesthetic differences between the two, however.
The one complaint many have about this new cabinet fusion is the interior as a wood finish. Modern design may incorporate bold separation of colors and different patterns.
This is present with black or dark gray walls and light wood grain flooring. That design drastically contrasts what traditional homeowners or remodelers much prefer.
They want to see a continuous, same-color interior with the ever-popular white shaker cabinet. The frame connects the color of the cabinet door to create a harmonious flow.
Unique and Creative Organization
Continuing the trend from open shelving, homeowners choose to forgo regular cabinets for storage options. Open shelving requires much more maintenance and cleaning to upkeep.
This option gives the homeowner freedom of decoration that regular cabinets do not allow. Not just open shelving but also built-in organizers are growing in demand and trending upwards.
Traditional cabinets mean that cups, Tupperware, and plates can be hidden from plain sight. Built-in organizers allow one to open up their kitchen and create a more functional kitchen.
Add a bookshelf for cookbooks, an open spice rack, or even easy access to wooden cutting boards. The storage options are endless.
Statement Pieces for Backsplash and Countertop
We’ve seen countertop pieces with clean finishes that complement the cabinets. However, these countertops and backsplashes incorporate a heavy contrast to be the focal points of the kitchen. Stones with complex veining or bold lines will be the spotlights in new kitchens.
It is not just countertops that choose to incorporate bold statement pieces. The backsplash focuses on continued flow from the countertop surface to the wall cabinets.
We had seen before that the backsplash had focused on the tile to add a subtle texture change between the kitchen surfaces.
The backsplash is a great statement piece that can be viewed from afar. Homeowners looking to add more to their existing kitchen can build on where their countertop has started and exaggerate the backsplash to shine out.
Imperfect Surface Finishes
The time of high-gloss finishes is fading as natural finishes and textures rise in popularity. Instead, we will see more natural finishes, matte surfaces, and even natural inclusions that add more dynamic character.
Even with sink faucets, these imperfect surfaces will rise in popularity. Rustic brass faucets may complement the dynamic and rustic look the new trends are highlighting.
Modern European cabinets are now being transformed into naturalistic cooking spaces, incorporating earthy colors that bring a new change to sleek cabinetry.
Incorporated Details
Appliances are now being incorporated into the kitchen rather than add-ons. A lot of times we see the appliances being a second thought.
In 2022, appliances like built-in hoods will be incorporated into the home to be free-standing. This will mean we will see fewer microwave hoods in newer remodels.
Some kitchens are now considering colored appliances as focal points. We are seeing more new remodels focusing on less stainless steel for the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher.
In exchange, built-in appliances and panel-ready appliances are increasing in popularity to create a continuous flow of color throughout the kitchen.
Splash of Color
White cabinets are still a popular color, but in 2022, more colors will be explored for kitchen cabinets. Typical white cabinets may seem flat or too clinical. We are starting to see a change to allow colors to pop and explore new options.
Cafes and coffee shops are influencing the way we see our own kitchens. The calming atmosphere makes one feel much more relaxed and productive. This is due to the colors they choose. At Starbucks, we don’t see white walls and cabinets.
Instead, we see a lot of green. Examples like this will surely greatly impact not only remodeling a brand-new kitchen but also those considering painting or refinishing their current cabinets.
Even a change in cabinet colors is rising. Blue cabinets increased in 2021 and will be a strong contender in 2022.
Much like the popular charcoal gray we’ve seen in European-style cabinetry, dark blue will be a hit contender. This color complements most of the same accent tones the dark gray blends with but with a new twist.
Wood Finish
Primed wood surfaces and natural materials are making a return back in kitchens. In 2021, we saw a return to wooden countertops and exposed beams. Now, wood is returning with new applications in the kitchen.
Before, light-colored wood was incorporated to balance out white cabinets. In 2022, we are starting to see rich dark tones contrast the cabinets to act as an accent piece.
Those looking to simply add wood accent pieces while keeping the traditional kitchen design can transform the crown molding. American-style cabinets can use flat molding by using filler.
Normally, this filler is the same finish as the cabinets, but it can easily be replaced with stained wood. This may add a very nice contrast and even blend in with an exposed beam in the design.
European cabinets do not always reach the ceiling. Kitchens with a lower ceiling height might want a filler piece to connect the wall cabinets to the ceiling, meaning the dark wood accent piece can be implemented in any kitchen.
Dimensional Cabinetry
The Shaker cabinet profile is known to be timeless and flexible. In 2022, more geometry will be introduced into the kitchen. Designers and homeowners are taking bold risks by changing the traditional shape of the kitchen cabinets we are used to seeing.
So, is the cabinet shape changing?
No, but kitchens’ square edges will be transformed. Rounded edges, fluting, and even dynamic shapes for cabinets and countertops will be challenging for homeowners and installers.
Creating dynamic edges and cuts for countertops is a difficult task. Find a specialist who can create difficult cuts for countertops.
