2022 was an interesting year for kitchen trends. Overall, there wasn’t a dramatic change in the styles as a whole or a single look that truly defined the year. Most of the same trends from the previous year remained popular, the only major change was that dark marble fell back into favor. This is likely due to improved supply chains allowing homeowners to finally finish up those kitchen projects. Here are six of the most popular trends we saw in the kitchens of luxury homes in 2022, along with some helpful design advice about the best ways to approach these looks.
Dark Marble
While white kitchens with white marble countertops have been the predominant style for years now and this look isn’t quite “over” yet, we are seeing a lot more dark marble these days. it’s easy to understand why. Dark marble brings drama and maximizes design impact. We see this at this sprawling home in Toorak, Australia. This matte black marble creates a sleek and unified look with the black cabinetry for a cool, modern aesthetic.
Striking black marble is making a comeback, and it’s easy to see why. Sleek lines make this kitchen cohesive and modern. (Private Property Global)
While many people associate dark marble with the early 2000s and late 1990s, the dark marbles used today generally have more prominent veins and a far more striking aesthetic than the stones of yesteryear.
Two-tone Cabinetry
The two-tone cabinetry look has been growing in popularity for several years now. There are many ways to approach this style. It’s a great way to experiment with design and incorporate pops of color. We particularly like the way it looks at this breathtaking home in Austin, Texas. The white main cabinetry has a classic, versatile aesthetic while the backsplash and countertops add contrast. The variety of materials adds a fresh feeling to this well-designed kitchen.
The mix of materials used in this kitchen make for a playful but seriously modern effect. (Moreland Properties)
This is also a popular look down South as seen with the light multi-colored marble island and gray main cabinetry at this magnificent modern condo in Austin, Texas.
This kitchen island takes center stage amidst the gray cabinetry. (Moreland Properties)
Don’t have a kitchen island? Opting for different-colored upper and lower cabinetry is another way to accomplish this look.
Matching Countertop and Backsplash
While most traditional and contemporary homeowners go with tile backsplashes, many modern homeowners wanted a sleeker look for their kitchens in 2022. The kitchen in this modern farmhouse in Tualatin, Oregon, is a perfect example of this with a matching backsplash that continues from the countertop. It has a sleek, minimalist look that’s easy to accomplish. Just make sure you buy enough marble at the stone yard.
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Using the same stone for both the island and the backsplash pulls the room together. (LUXE)
Mixed Finish Countertops
More can be more when it comes to countertops. We saw many homeowners and designers choose a different stone for the island and main countertops in new build and renovated kitchens in 2021. It only became a more popular look in 2022. This look was particularly well-executed at this lovely light-filled condo in Chevy Chase, Maryland. What this city kitchen lacks in size, it more than makes up for in style. The small island is made from dark wood and features a white marble countertop, which provides a chic contrast to the black stone.
The addition of a wood and marble detail adds a personal touch to this kitchen. (Long & Foster Real Estate)
Black Hardware
While silver hardware has more or less remained standard, and gold hardware is still having a moment, it feels as if 2022 was the year of black hardware in the kitchen. It was truly the preferred look for modern, contemporary and, most certainly, farmhouse kitchens in 2022. We see this at this townhome in Beaver Creek, Colorado. While this kitchen does not have a large footprint, the dark hardware defines the look, contrasts the white cabinets, and compliments the dark countertop.
Despite its size, this kitchen still feels tied together with its matching black hardware. (Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate)
Bold or Swag Light Fixtures
When it comes to light fixtures, why be boring when you can go bold? Perhaps we haven’t seen a bolder choice for kitchen lighting than this steel moose fixture at this striking penthouse in Denver. This fixture is a fun, modern choice that shows that, while the homeowners appreciate style, they don’t take themselves too seriously.
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Bold lighting in the kitchen brings personality into a space that can sometimes need it. (Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate)
Many homeowners are also choosing sophisticated pendant lights and chandeliers in eat-in kitchens over breakfast nooks and dining tables. The white pearl-embellished chandelier in the kitchen at this stone-clad home in Austin, Texas, is a good example of this. It has an elevated, coastal look that coordinates perfectly with the rest of the kitchen. This type of light fixture is also a good way to supplement built-in overhead lighting.
Small spaces make an impact: this pearled light piece makes an elegant statement over this nook. (Moreland Properties)
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