Top Trends for Kitchens in 2022: Part Two


Today’s blog posts expands on what the interior design industry has noted as what is “trending” in kitchens this past year. As I mentioned in Part One, I am happy to report that many of these “trends” can be found on many of our projects from several years back!

Please note that all photos that I share in this post are property of NKBA – unless noted, they are not my own images.

PRODUCT TRENDS FOR LIVING IN PLACE

Let me explain…

This trend has slowly been building momentum over time. (for Fiori Interior Design, we “secretly” implement design that focuses on Universal Design as well as multi-generational living. (read about it here) This “Living in Place” trend focuses on accessibility for all Deeper base cabinets with fewer upper cabinets means that you’re able to store more items where they are easily accessible. It entails larger islands with galley sinks and workstations for separate chores. Appliance drawers for refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers continues to grow in popularity.

This is a great example of an oversized island, wood touches throughout and open shelving.

I love these galley sinks that we discovered at the Las Vegas National Kitchen and Bath show two years ago.
Pull down storage in our New Jersey kitchen project means greater accessibility for out of reach items.

TECHNOLOGY: K.I.S.S.

For those who are technically challenged (such as myself), this “trend” means simpler, integrated systems that are more affordable and easier to learn and actually use. We worked with our electrician to install the Alexa Dot in our client’s New Jersey kitchen so that, on command, a path is illuminated, ensuring their safety while on the hunt for a late night snack.

Hidden charging stations, like the one below, in a drawer help to keep devices out of the way and make you less curious about where you left your phone. (guilty)

Designing a kitchen is no easy task. If you’re ready to get started on your Kitchen or bath or interior design and decoration project, contact us to schedule your consultation!

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Top Kitchen Trends for 2022: Part One

The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, so it should come as no surprise that, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), 20 – 40% of renovated kitchens are increasing in size.


As a longstanding member of the NKBA, to maintain my certification, I am required to take twenty hours of educational credits throughout two years. Last month I attended a CEU (Continuing Education Unit) that focused on top trends that the interior design industry is seeing. As a New Jersey interior designer who doesn’t love to follow trends, it’s fun to see what other designers are doing. I am happy to report that most of what is now “on trend”… I’ve actually been implementing for years!

(Please note that several of the photos that I share in this post were discovered through NKBA – and unless noted, they are not examples of my work!)

COLOR TRENDS

The first (and my personal favorite) is COLOR! Bold color choices in cabinetry are not going away…but on the other hand, many designers noted that neither is white! Anyone up for a mix of both? Fiori Interior Design is currently working on a New Jersey beach house project that includes calming blue cabinetry below and soft white cabinetry above – stay tuned!

Bold color choices are balanced with a more classic backsplash.
Bold colors like this bright blue backsplash are a great contrast with white cabinetry. (be on the lookout for happy colors like orange and yellow too)

FINISHES WITH LESS SHINE

Matte finishes are a growing trend. We’ve been using countertops with a matte or leather finish for some time now. It’s easier on the eyes (no glare) and you can barely see fingerprints. Brushed finish for faucets were noted to be on trend as well. This makes total sense as we continue to seek out spaces that offer more natural light for well-being.

I love this image that exemplifies how we can blur the lines between interior and exterior spaces.

STORAGE THAT IS OUT OF SIGHT

Hidden storage like this walk-in pantry shown below is definitely in high demand. It should not be an after thought! My clients get really excited about organized storage spaces – there’s just something about keeping our things orderly that creates a sense of calm and satisfaction.

A pantry from the Kitchen and Bath American Dream Home we visited this past January in Orlando, Florida

MATERIAL TRENDS

Two words: Natural and Organic. This combination feels calm and soothing. This is a trend that crosses generations and definitely will dominate. Sustainability is woven into the mix with things like recycled countertops and flooring materials.

Light fixtures like these make kitchens more unique and are one-of-a-kind statements pieces.

BONUS “TREND”: Outdoor kitchens that mimic the indoors.

I believe that this trend is here to stay. There’s no better way to extend your outdoor living!

An outdoor kitchen from the KBIS American Dream Home.

So the question is: What are trends to embrace and what is here to stay? Stay tuned as we tackle those questions and more in Part Two!

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Trend forecast from the 2020 Kitchen & Bath Show (KBIS)

Last month I had the pleasure of traveling to Las Vegas for the National Kitchen and Bath Show (aka KBIS). I met up with a few designer friends and we spent three days searching for exciting new products and attending informative seminars.

The first trend we noted was iron clad shelving with mixed materials like wood and marble. Black iron shelving has been around for several years but the addition of wood or marble lends interest while LED lighting adds a layer of functionality. Gotta love any “trend” that brings function and style to a home.

The next trend we noted were bold, statement backsplashes, many of which were illuminated. The photograph below is an agate slab that is lit from behind. It’s not for everyone or every home, but it makes a statement nonetheless.

An illuminated stone slab
This line of semiprecious stones by Caesarstone would make a beautiful backsplash in bar.
Marble studded tiles add texture to this unique backsplash.

Two years ago at this same show, I wrote about the new trend of illuminated vanities and vanity lights. Fast forward to 2020: this has now become a staple and is more or less an expected feature. As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, I love the fact that these enhancements create another layer of safely in any home…for any generation.

At illuminated mirror at the Kohler Showroom.
We’re even seeing the edges of cabinetry integrated with LED lights. How great is this feature?

We also noticed straighter, more sleek edges on countertops as well as the profiles on door styles. As a result, it’s interesting to note that the countertops are completely flush with the cabinetry.

The edges on the countertops do not protrude. We really liked the look of this streamlined, transitional style for any kitchen or bathroom.
Perhaps another noted trend that falls inline with sleeker cabinetry: more streamlined hardware as pictured above.
This was unanimously one of our (my two fellow designers and I) door profiles.

As an interior designer who prides herself on designs are less trendy and more timeless, I take these trends with a “grain of salt”. By attending these shows, we’re able to educate ourselves and stay ahead of the curve in regards to new materials, products and business practices. At the end of the day, design is about what personally resonates with you. If what resonates with you has more or a curve and less of a streamlined look, then there’s always a way to design so that each design reflects our client’s personal taste and style.

Stay tuned for a future post on the Kitchen and Bath Show as we reveal what we learned about all of the smart appliances!

If you’re interested in learning more about any of our services, including kitchen and bath design, call or email us! We’d love to chat!

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Designing for an Investment Property

We recently completed a renovation for a client’s investment property. Our goal was to maximize the value of the property by keeping costs low while trying to achieve a high end look. By making the property more attractive to potential renters now, the client avoided an even larger renovation project in the future.

The result? The property was rented before we even put the finishing touches on the project!

The newly designed kitchen design in this Bergen County, NJ rental property.

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