As we move into a new year, and out of another pandemic year, it’s time to say goodbye to a few kitchen trends. There’s no denying how the pandemic changed the way we live, and it is becoming apparent in the way people are designing their homes. As we spend more time working, cooking, and enjoying entertainment from the comfort of our homes, the way people utilize their spaces is moving towards cozier, more colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit their lifestyles. Nowhere in the house is this change more obvious than in our kitchens.

The air fryer is likely here to stay, but grey color schemes, open shelving, and merchandise from big box stores are a few things designers predict we’ll be leaving in 2021. As they’re a key part of the house, kitchens are always of interest when we’re looking at interior design trends for the upcoming year. Here are a few of the dynamic changes we are seeing!

The Color Green

While previously it seemed like navy blue was the only acceptable non-neutral color to paint cabinetry, green has taken over. There’s a green for every style; mint green for the less bold, sage green for a nearly-neutral look, and the deep forest green for a dramatic look. Whether used as an accent or across the cabinetry (check out the brand new greens we offering here) this bold color is quickly becoming a key element. If you’re not ready to take the next step with green, an easy way to incorporate it into your current kitchen is through natural elements like plants or small green décor items.

Kitchens as Multipurpose Rooms

As any homeowner knows, the kitchen is the perfect multi-use room because people naturally gather there. This was never truer than for the family who was working from home, cooking from home, and even schooling from home. A multipurpose kitchen looks like: a bar top where meetings can be taken, where homework can be done, where happy hour happens, and a space for families to spend time together while making dinner.

Increased Accent Lighting

While we saw this trend begin in 2021, it continues to show up in design plans for 2022 as people are starting to take note of the impact that lighting has on a space. We’ve seen an increase in warmer colored bulbs in the kitchen (and throughout the rest of the house), which brings in more ambient lighting.

Cozy Minimalism

With people spending more time at home, we’re seeing an increased interest in keeping things cozy. One way cozy minimalism is showing up in the kitchen is by editing down the number of items that are kept on countertops. More and more unused appliances are being moved out of the line of sight and being replaced with design-forward items. Decorative cutting boards, olive oil, or an attractive coffee canister are taking over the countertop space and making a small but mighty visual impact.

If you’re thinking of updating your kitchen in the new year, give one of our expert designers a call! They can help you figure out the best way to create a kitchen that works for you and your family.