According to the 2022 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, certain results came as not a surprise White cabinetry and appliances made of stainless steel are the most popular options. However, some of the trends revealed in this study show significant changes in how we utilize our kitchens. This includes the demise of open kitchens. Houzz surveyed more than 2300 U.S. homeowners who had completed a kitchen renovation in the last twelve months or planned to start one in the coming three months by July 30th, 2021. Amid the epidemic, the homeowners had their plans set on spacious kitchen islands to work from home and plenty of cabinet organizers that could help keep their kitchens clean of mess. This is what the study revealed about the most popular design trends for kitchens in 2022.
Not the only time was an upgraded countertop for the kitchen the most requested option for kitchen remodels–91 percent of homeowners have updated their countertops, but 35 percent of them reported the fact that they “splurged” on their countertops or spent more than they initially planned.
While engineered quartz remains the best countertop material (42 percent), it has decreased by nine points from 2021 (51 percent). Quartzite is a natural and impervious rock (not engineered stone, like quartz) that will be up two percentage points by 2022.
In reality, as per the Houzz survey respondents, almost two in five islands in kitchens are greater than 7 feet long (whoa!). The homeowners are using all that more space not just to prepare food and cook but also to work from home. Twenty percent say they are now working on their kitchen island. The space beneath the counter adds storage, and 78 percent include cabinets with closed doors.
Between 2021 and 2022, Shaker-style kitchen cabinets increased by eight percentage points, with 64 percent of remodelers opting for this transitional home decor style staple. The second most popular design of flat-panel cabinets is in the rear, with only 17 percent.
As many experts in home decor have predicted since the beginning of the epidemic, open-concept floor plans are slipping out of fashion. In the last two years, working from home and remote education have made many families wish they had more doors or walls and a little more privacy. The study’s findings show the change, with 38 percent of people opening their kitchens to other rooms by 2022, compared with 46 percent opening up in 2020.
Regarding flooring for kitchens, hardwood is the most popular option (25 percent). However, vinyl is getting more popular increasing between 14 and 23 percent by 2022. Vinyl is now more popular than porcelain or ceramic tiles (19 percent). It is not just waterproof and inexpensive however, the softness underfoot can make it attractive to those who are renovating and want an inviting home.
Cabinet and drawer organizers made specifically for special needs are becoming more well-known in every area as homeowners seek customized solutions for kitchen chaos. Cabinets designed to house cookie trays (51 percent) and drawers that can be pulled out of trash or recycling containers (63 percent) are the most popular choices.
Over one-third of homeowners said they bought a new kitchen appliance with high-tech features. The top list is appliances with smartphones and wireless control (26 percent). It’s now possible to regulate the oven’s temperature and cooking time using your smartphone without getting up from your couch. You can also use an app that lets you see the contents of your fridge the next time you’re at the store and still determine when you’ll need to buy milk.
