The kitchen is an integral part of any home – it’s where most people eat, hang out with friends and family, host dinner parties, relax after a long day at work or school. Some view the kitchen as merely functional whereas others see it as a blank canvas for creativity. It really is whatever you make of it.
The kitchen has gone through some major changes in recent years due to advances in technology and design. Many homeowners are opting to completely rework their kitchens or revamp certain parts of them in order to create more storage space, introduce new appliances that are changing what’s possible in the culinary world (e.g., high-tech ovens), integrate smart technology into their cooking routine, move appliances to other areas within the room or even take them out of the kitchen to free up space, and much more.
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to designing a functional and stylish kitchen renovations perth. The only problem is figuring out which styles you like, what your budget is, and how much work you’re willing to do when remodeling your home.
To help make things easier for any DIY-er or homeowner in need of guidance on this topic, we’ll take a look at the 10 top kitchen trends for 2022:
1. Subway Tiles In Place Of Backsplash Tiles
Traditional backsplash tiles are bumpy, chunky and not very sleek looking. They also distract from the overall design that’s going on in the kitchen and aren’t very practical.
Subway tiles are sleek, simple and stylish. They’re also durable and don’t require a ton of upkeep to keep them looking good. You can go with straight subway or staggered subway. The choice is yours!
2. Open Shelving
Open shelves work especially well when you want to showcase your decorative pieces, dishes, etc. This is a great option if you lack cabinet space because it frees up your cabinets for storing food items as opposed to serving as additional surface area for decoration (which isn’t typically needed). Just make sure to utilize wall anchors if you plan on displaying heavy objects above the base cabinets (e.g., vases, books). Remember: Anchors = safety!
3. Mix and Match Materials and Colors
When it comes to designing, whether it’s a kitchen or any other room in the home, homeowners love mixing and matching different materials and colors. This is especially true when it comes to flooring. If you want to go with white cabinets but have black tile countertops, there’s no reason why you can’t mix those two together as part of your design even though they may seem too busy from an outsider’s perspective. It shouldn’t be hard finding a contractor who will help make things work for your budget as well as make sure that everything is done correctly (depending on the extent of the remodel – e.g., painting, re-w electrical outlets that move or close off certain areas, etc).
4. Sleek and Modern Appliances
Appliances are a focal point of any kitchen design. If you want to make a statement with your kitchen design, look for appliances that will help you do just that. This means you can choose from a number of different options, be it refrigerator drawers or fridges with built-in blenders and coffee makers. You might even consider having an appliance garage installed. No matter your preference, make sure to speak to your contractor and/or designer and figure out what works best for you (financially as well as physically).
5. Integrated Appliances
Integrated appliances are those that have been fully customized into the design of kitchen cabinetry itself. Some examples include cooktops that have been made flush with the countertop so as not to protrude too much, or ovens that move up when needed but hide away completely at other times. This is a great option if you’re going for a sleek style.
6. Solid-Surface Counters
Solid-surface countertops are quickly becoming the standard in kitchen design, whether it’s for their durability or because they help with clean up (e.g., spills). They don’t stain easily and they’re very low maintenance so you won’t need to worry about sealing them. Just make sure to pick a color that you like so there’s no chance of your kitchen feeling outdated thanks to the countertops.
7. Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans are great for small kitchens because it makes them feel bigger by opening up the space. This is also good for homeowners who like cooking with friends and family members as there’s always room to move around without getting in one another’s way (e.g., you can cook and your friend/family member can chop vegetables at the same time). It’s an ideal set up if you love entertaining guests!
8. Pull-Out and Roll-Out Storage
Pull-out and roll-out storage is definitely a space saver when it comes to your cabinets. You can choose from products that allow for full or half extension depending on what you need/want. Just keep in mind that this type of storage isn’t good for all cupboards but, rather, mostly base cabinets (e.g., ones closest to the sink) because they usually have the most space up top. If possible, try to match your hardware to make things look seamless throughout your entire kitchen design.
9. Open Shelving
Open shelving is also another space saver, especially if you don’t have enough cabinet space (or any at all). It’s the perfect option for homeowners who like displaying their kitchenware but want to keep them within reach as well. Just make sure to be creative with how you store your items, or else it can end up looking cluttered which defeats the whole purpose of having open shelving in your first place (e.g., storing some stuff behind other items so they’re not immediately visible). Some homeowners opt to only use one part of their wall for shelves while leaving out the rest so there’s more storage space elsewhere in the kitchen.
10. Pull-Out Trash Cans/Baskets
Another great space saver is a pull-out trash can or basket. Some models come with a lid so there won’t be any odors leaking out and others have space for recycling as well. It’s beneficial to check with your contractor and/or designer and see what might work best for you.
