KITCHEN SURFACE TRENDS:
Sophisticated, Sustainable
SURFACES STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT IN 2022
A
IMAGES COURTESY OF WILSONART
BY GWEN PETTER, DIRECTOR OF DESIGN FOR WILSONART
fter a year full of unpredictability, many of us gained a newfound appreciation for our kitchens and the many purposes they serve. The heart of the home is getting the attention it deserves as homeowners realize the importance of having a multi-faceted kitchen and are ready to invest in new solutions for the way we now live. According to a recent U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, homeowners are likely to focus on upgrades such as countertops, backsplashes, and other surface refreshes like island bases and cabinet fronts. These relatively easy updates can be transformative and deliver a dramatic new look in days. If you’re ready to set out on a kitchen surface overhaul, here are five design elements dominating kitchen surface trends in 2022:
1. NATURE-INSPIRED DESIGNS
As we all continue to spend more time at home, there has been a renewed sense of wanting to bring the outdoors in through natureinspired design elements. We’ve never needed the healing powers of nature more than we do now, so it’s no surprise that biophilic design—the practice of creating a closer connection to nature through building, design, and landscaping considerations—is set to be one of the top design trends this year. For kitchen surfaces, homeowners are seeking natural-looking materials that are also durable and easy to maintain. Stoneinspired looks, like marbles and granites, are highly sought after for
56
SURFACEANDPANEL.COM
countertops, backsplashes, and islands and can be found in new colors and patterns in engineered quartz, solid surface, and even in high-pressure laminate (HPL) for more budget-conscious consumers. Natural textures are also in high demand. From the continued love of stones to the growing popularity of natural woven materials and exotic woodgrain looks, a textured finish can provide a whole new look and feel to a space.
2. RESIMERCIAL
Fueled by the decline in travel during the pandemic, homeowners are looking to replicate the sophisticated style and comforts of an upscale hotel or luxury resort in their homes—further blurring the lines between residential and commercial design. White marbles, especially Carrara marble, continue to be one of the most sought-after looks to achieve this sophisticated, resimercial style and looks beautiful when incorporating a waterfall edge. Thanks to engineered materials like ultra-durable, acrylic solid surface, homeowners can achieve the luxurious look of marble without the price tag and maintenance of natural stone. Industrial design is another staple in this trend that continues to evolve as a modern standard. Evoking a minimalist style, this look is softer and more delicate in direction and illustrated through sleek and sometimes darker surface selections perfect for modern spaces. CONTINUED ON PAGE 58›
