The kitchen is one of the most important places in the home, so it is vital to achieve a harmonious design, where we can cook comfortably, achieve good storage and allow proper cleaning. But it is not only important to make the kitchen a comfortable and very functional space, but also to make it look modern and updated. That is why we show you some trends in modern kitchens for 2022 .
Before starting with the design and decoration, remember that the first objective of the kitchen is to be functional, practical, that everything is at a reasonable distance, that it can be easily circulated through it, and only from these characteristics, look for it to be modern and contemporary.
modern kitchen designs
There are several parallel trends in contemporary kitchen design for this season.
Scandinavian cuisines
The first trend is oriented towards a Scandinavian look, with a natural atmosphere, simple and clean silhouettes, without too much decoration and ornamentation. Wood dominates this type of design.
Also called Nordic style, these designs opt for clean modern lines, organic shapes and natural materials.
This kitchen is very practical and functional, and always looks clean and fresh. This is because white is the main hue in the color palette, which allows a lot more light to enter and reflect off the walls. Keep in mind that Scandinavian countries don’t get much sunlight, which means they need surfaces that are as reflective as possible.
Hanging lamps become focal pieces. Hardwood floors, bright furniture with pops of color and a hint of design, and some contemporary wall art are used.
Industrial kitchens
This is one of the kitchen styles that, although quite charming, does not look very warm or inviting. Born from the commercial restaurant kitchen, the industrial kitchen uses a few key elements to be considered ‘industrial’.
These elements are: neutral colors such as white, black, gray and brown, open shelving for upper cabinets, suspended pot racks in cast iron or stainless steel, exposed structures such as rough brick, water pipes, beams and other decorations or accessories of metal, concrete on floors, counters and / or walls, large bar or wooden table.
The texture of black marble is combined with warm wooden surfaces that add a rustic charm to the contemporary composition. The kitchen includes multiple structures that intertwine the glamor of illuminated glass shelving with the gleaming aluminum finishes.
The combination of solid dark materials and warm wooden structures (with a vintage touch) is always a successful combination when it comes to industrial kitchen designs.
Urban rustic kitchens
When we say “rustic”, we tend to visualize a lot of wood. This is because wood is a natural material known for its striking features, friendly texture and warm appearance. And it forms the basis of the country-style kitchen.
They offer a wide variety of texture and material combinations and include a dynamic mix of vintage, classic and contemporary design elements. The enormous variety of artistic combinations offers great freedom of expression.
You can have a rustic kitchen in a modern city apartment or an urban design with natural and welcoming features.
The light should also be warm and inviting, a stark contrast to modern kitchens that tend to have colder, harsher looks.
A good dose of stone and brick surfaces, as well as old appliances, are also often used.
Minimalist modern kitchens
The minimalist kitchen design is characterized by a lack of frills. This does not mean that it is less sophisticated. It emphasizes simplicity, but also an elegant simplicity that aims to highlight kitchen furniture, some decorative highlights, colors or materials. Accessories, appliances and utensils should be hidden behind cabinets and drawers.
Only the essentials are left on the work surface: a food processor, a decorative plate, a small cactus or a succulent. Materials should be highlighted: a concrete floor, a wooden countertop, or whatever material is used.
Neutral and natural colors dotted with color accents (indigo blue, bright red, matte black, dark gray) are preferred to enhance the design sophisticatedly.
The minimalist kitchen is enhanced by lighting that takes place in two ways: built into the cabinets or the walls or hanging lamps.
Less is more in any minimalist space, as we have been taught since this movement emerged in the 1950s. Although it has taken various forms since then, its main objective is to focus on the absence of elements and the presence of clean spaces.
To achieve a minimalist kitchen, include simpler materials, objects and shapes. You should have everything you need, but nothing more: unnecessary details are not allowed. Choose upper and lower cabinets with plain doors and optimize each corner for storage.
eclectic kitchens
If you implement it wrong, the eclectic style can become chaotic and a visual mess. But when done right, eclectic kitchens can be unique and simply amazing.
Here we can also observe the presence of wooden elements, but in these cases, it is used more as artistic details, not as a predominant material selection. Dark colors and contrast are also used.
You can include numerous ideas for a very personal kitchen, including some touches of modern and rustic styles, for example.
Furniture and cabinets in modern kitchens
There is a visible trend in the materials that make up kitchen cabinets and appliances, and we will show you below.
mix of textures
The combination of a sophisticated selection of colors with high quality materials: wood, concrete, corian, glass, ceramic, stone or metal in different shades, become a recipe for a unique and beautiful kitchen design.
Varying styles from classic to modern, from country to high-tech modernist, designers play with surfaces, matte and glossy, dark and light, with and without handles.
smart storage
On the other hand, well-equipped kitchens with high-tech appliances are gaining more and more ground. For this reason also, more and more storage systems are chosen, which must be functional and as compact as possible, so as not to take up space.
We must try to ensure that all the elements used for cooking have a place to be stored. In this way, the kitchen will always look very neat and clean.
stools
We can choose from a wide variety of the most varied proposals, but in the seats one of the most popular are undoubtedly the stools, since they are stylish and make good use of space.
We can apply this option in our kitchen if we have an island or American bar.
open shelves
Kitchen cabinet designs should emphasize comfort. That is why we are now seeing a trend towards open shelves, which are undoubtedly very comfortable because we have everything in sight. Why hide those flashy kitchen accessories and crockery with closed doors: these have an interesting design too.
Now people are eager to show not only their luxury kitchen, but also everything else (of good quality) that is in the kitchen. This trend is growing rapidly.
metal shelves
We continue with the trend of open shelving, but this year metal shelving is also being incorporated, especially black metal. They can certainly add a lot of style and character to the kitchen.
modern countertops
quartz
Quartz is a good material for its durability and its color characteristics. It offers an impressive number of colors in shades of white, black or gray and is increasing in popularity.
granite
Granite continues to be at the height of its popularity. It is often cited as the most durable natural material. Hot pots can be placed directly on the countertop, you can cut directly on the surface without damaging it, and spills are easily cleaned.
Of marble
Marble is synonymous with luxury and style, becoming a classic choice for any elegant setting. It is a functional and stable material, offers a large number of colors, responds well to temperature and mechanical damage. You just have to be careful with stains.
Of metal
Metal is always a modern and fashionable option, mainly for more urban or industrial designs. The latest and most innovative technologies offer durability and prevent rust.
Of wood
And of course, for those who prefer a more natural yet elegant look, wood is always a beautiful and aesthetic choice. Lately, the countertop in reclaimed wood has become a trend: it is sustainable and friendly to nature, making it a conscious choice.
It is well known that the use of wood, unlike natural stones such as marble and granite, is a more environmentally sustainable resource because it is renewable.
black countertops
Once again, we see black countertops in black granite or quartz, in a matte or glossy finish. It is not a new trend, but it is very popular and the trend is not going to expire just like that. Still in 2022: black countertops (which can have a glossy or matte finish).
Another dominant trend for several seasons is to use high-tech innovations in materials and surfaces. Large and massive volumes with shiny surfaces and simple shapes are created.
More ideas: Small kitchens 80 photos and ideas of design and modern decoration
Materials and textures in modern kitchens
If you are thinking about materials and textures of modern kitchens, the possibilities are many. Wood, concrete, stone, bamboo, tiles, bricks, wall papers, decorative vinyl, metals, acrylics, are some of the many options you can handle.
terrazzo
Dating back to ancient times, terrazzo is making a big comeback. You have probably seen it on the floors of old buildings. They are characterized by having small stones of glass, marble and other embedded materials.
The new porcelain terrazzo looks amazing, and it’s available in polished and matte finishes. It can be used only on the wall behind the countertop, on all walls or on the floor.
mixes of textures
If you have realized that the materials you want to mix are not compatible, do not be discouraged. Nothing is absolutely incompatible, each element can have its perfect place in a kitchen and at the same time be complemented by another totally different one, both being able to coexist in the same environment. The mixture of textures enriches, for example, one of the mixtures that is fashionable is that of concrete with wood.
Or marble with wood.
Or acrylics and metals.
hot and cold metals
This year, in addition to the classic cold metals in silver colors, such as stainless steel, warmer metallic tones such as brass, copper or bronze are also being incorporated.
These metals give kitchens an industrial look.
brick, stone, wood
Natural tones and materials are being used in all interior design spaces, as well as kitchens. The brick cladding adds a rustic and natural touch, making it an element that is being used a lot.
Let’s take a look at modern kitchens whose walls are broken down to expose old natural wood beams, which look fantastic with a wax coating. New construction will look to build beams, tongues and grooves into the walls and ceiling – an extra cost yes, but well worth the finish it gives.
Natural wood or stone clad walls, or brick cladding, natural wood cabinets… Anything that comes from the earth is good (within reason, of course!).
It may interest you: Rustic kitchens 25 photos and design and decoration ideas
Lighting in modern kitchens
Among the elements that can be seen most in all the proposals, lighting occupies a leading role, either through LED lights, energy saving lights or common lighting.
Concealed lighting under cabinets has been the predominant trend in kitchens for the last 5 years, however we are now seeing a return to pendant lamps and light fixtures that are masterpieces in themselves.
The trends lean towards rustic or classic metal lamps, made of copper and brass. If the kitchen has a monochrome minimalist Scandinavian design, modern lamps are best, if you have a traditional kitchen with lots of natural tones, use a more traditional fixture.
Modern faucets and sinks
Stainless steel is being left aside a little, to give way to other types of metals such as copper or bronze.
Faucets with architectural lines and with sensors, for automatic switching on and off, are being used more and more.
The sink is the most functional place in the kitchen, the heart of it. You go there to rinse your salad leaves, fill a pot of water, and do the dishes. And now, it is also being used for food preparation, thanks to the new accessories available.
It is a way to make the most of this area of the kitchen, turning it into an integrated workspace. Accessories such as a slide-out cutting board, multi-tiered racks (to maximize space), a strainer that sits on the rim, and a trash or debris collector with a drain.
Colors in modern kitchens
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, defining its style and atmosphere. Especially in modern design houses where the kitchen merges with the dining room and living room, the design style of the entire house is influenced by the kitchen design. That’s why the colors, shapes, materials and range of functionality set the tone for the rest of the home’s design.
Color sets the atmosphere in any home, even the simplest design becomes vivid and vibrant when the right color selection is applied. This is especially true for the kitchen, a place where one usually spends much of his life.
dark tones
There are signs that dark tones will have a significant presence in the modern color palette.
Some award-winning kitchen designs include at least one dark color as a strong accent. What is new is the search for contrast and juxtaposition: dark colors are offset by lighter colours.
Two-tone kitchens and warm natural tones like clay, copper, gold, henna and ginger are becoming an option for the coming season. The influence of nature is expected to be one of the trends, from the terracotta colored flooring to the dry green tones of the desert.
Blue
Blue is one of the colors that is being used again in modern kitchens. Don’t feel limited to one type of blue, you can mix them all, the use of calming sea blues, or sky blues, electric and energetic turquoises, can look great when combined together. Look for blue accessories, cabinets and tiles in these colors.
Look for tiles with interesting patterns, in shades of blue, and keep the rest of the kitchen minimalist.
neutral
Colors such as white, black, gray and brown as a base are ideal, since they favor a pure and clean aesthetic.
The large spaces in the kitchen are also gaining significant popularity, which is why we seek at all times to combine colors and elements in order to create a greater sense of space.
Just like the Scandinavians: simple, classy and elegant. The trend has been here for a while to stay in 2022. To avoid a cold and unattractive kitchen, add some natural wood accessories, marble, glass or other wall coverings. This will continue to be a winning trend.
red kitchens
Today the spectrum of colors that we can find in the kitchen is very wide; While you can opt for white and classic neutrals, modern kitchens also allow the use of strong colors, as well as metallics, grays and blacks. To add a more vibrant touch, colors like yellow, orange, red, green can be ideal.
For this season, color options range from natural neutrals, oak, green, and charcoal (with black accents) paired with red.
yellow
Green
Olive green is being used a lot, in all its shades, as well as shades closer to sage.
lilac and purple
The intense lilacs, approaching purple, are also another of the colors that would be a trend for 2022.
More ideas here: Colors for kitchens 2022 70 photos and modern trends
Modern small kitchens
In a small kitchen, the goal is to save space. But how to make it practical, pleasant and modern?
1) Create a sense of space. To visually enlarge a space, nothing better to eliminate all borders. Knocking down a wall to create a kitchen open to the living room makes the whole more friendly. Create a bar that can be used for a quick meal.
2) Play with colors. In a small room, bright tones provide maximum clarity and a sense of space. The application of a dark color on the back wall adds depth to the room.
3) Choose the right furniture with smart storage solutions. The three areas of activity must be respected: washing, cooking and preparation (the cold zone). A table that folds out along one wall can be used for breakfast, for example.
4) Make the most of the space. All available space must be maximized. The countertop wall can be used with shelves and rods with hooks to hang the most used utensils. Shallow wall cabinets can give a feeling of space. It is recommended to have at least 70 cm of free space on the worktop for easy cooking.
5) Clever storage furniture. Folding tables, containers integrated into the furniture. The sink can disappear under a skid plate, providing an extra work surface for meal preparation, for example. Choose devices with small appliances suitable for small kitchens.
6) Compact corner sinks are an ideal solution for small kitchens. Most kitchens don’t use the corner for anything other than storage, so this idea is making a grand entrance in kitchen design.
More ideas in: Small kitchens 80 photos and ideas of design and modern decoration
Modern outdoor kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are rising within the trends. Climate is a limiting factor to some extent, but it will not stop this trend, especially in tropical countries.
In wet, cold and windy environments, a sliding glass door works well to avoid the need for constant cleaning from the elements while allowing versatility in its use, both in magnificent and questionable weather conditions. It also protects the materials from inclement weather.
Stunning and glamorous – an ultimate gem for any home that can accommodate an outdoor kitchen.
More of this type of modern kitchens in: 45 Modern minimalist kitchens 2022 photos of decoration and design
