Trends for 2022
Kitchen countertop trends change as often as fashions. After the boom of the subway and grey surfaces, it now appears that polished stone, marble, and wooden-effect materials are making a comeback. The choice is not always up to you: kitchens can be fitted with whatever material happens to be in stock at installation time. If you plan to move or remodel your kitchen space anytime soon, you may want to consider these countertop trends for 2022.
1. Matte Finishes
Black granite was so last decade. The new matte finishes combine warmth and coolness in one surface with subtle undertones of grey or brown that blend seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry. The stone is honed to the point where it appears smooth but still retains its natural, slightly rustic texture. Matte countertops are one of the fastest-growing styles for kitchen surfaces at the moment.
2. Wood-Effect
Retro is back in fashion, and wooden surfaces are a great way to make a home feel more comfortable and inviting. If you can’t afford natural wood cabinets, perhaps opt for a stone effect with a grain stamped into the surface instead – it makes your kitchen look like natural hardwood without breaking the bank or going through any damage or maintenance. The wood effect trend took off last year, but it’s predicted to rise even further as we go forward into 2022.
3. Polished Stone
Previously reserved for high-end kitchens, polished stone countertops have become more affordable over the years as new manufacturing methods have been developed that enable better quality at lower prices. For example, Vogue polished granite from Ragno marble is available at an excellent price point. Large slabs, which would be out of reach to most, can now be purchased in more medium-sized formats for a fraction of the cost, and they look pretty good too! It’s predicted that polished stone will continue to rise steadily over the next few years.
4. White Quartz
White quartz surfaces with silver veins running through them appear modern and stylish without being cold like glass or steel. Their reflective qualities mean you don’t need to worry about harsh overhead lighting: your countertop space is always well lit and shows off any kitchen gadget within (and there will be many).
5. Mini-Splashes
Small splashes of color on the side of a white or grey surface add a little jazz to a kitchen without going overboard. Splashbacks can be made in any color or pattern you choose, and they make a significant statement in a small space. They, too, are currently at an all-time high for popularity, so it’s predicted that this trend will continue throughout 2022.
6. More Customization
When it comes to kitchen countertops, you can have anything you want. You just have to be prepared to wait a while for it! Manufacturers understand that the market is changing, and people aren’t willing to settle anymore. The customization trend means manufacturers need more time on their side to work with clients over the phone or online to get things right. Many companies already offer digital rendering services which will allow customers to see what their dream countertop will look like before it even arrives at their home.
7. Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate surfaces may appear simple, but they benefit from withstanding heavy use and abuse without showing too many signs of wear and tear. This makes exposed aggregate countertops well suited for busy kitchens used frequently by many people. Although they have been around for a while, it is predicted this trend will continue to rise in 2022.
8. Self-Healing Countertops
For the kitchen lover who wants their countertop space to be pristine at all times, no matter what happens to it, self-healing countertops are an ideal choice. The stone contains minerals that work together to fill in any scratches or chips over time, so you don’t need to worry about damaging your surfaces anymore when you’re cutting up vegetables, opening cans, or using sharp objects in your kitchen.
9. Digital Countertops
Digital countertops allow you to choose precisely what design and pattern suit your needs best with the help of a designer, and then they ensure the perfect results every time. Digital countertops are a huge trend right now, but it’s predicted to grow even further in 2022.
10. Sustainable Materials
With the rise of social consciousness in the home, more and more consumers are starting to think about sustainable materials for kitchen countertops. As an example, The Emerald Home offers natural stone countertops that are 100% VOC-free. Many companies now offer green alternatives that harm no one by using recycled or recyclable products instead of mined stones, which often come with high upfront costs.
Kitchens are evolving to be more versatile than ever before. We can expect the types of countertops being used to change over the next few years – but what will stay the same? We can guarantee that white quartz, exposed aggregate, and silver veined polished stone will remain popular for quite some time. And why not? The combination of strength, durability, and beauty gives you everything you need in a kitchen space!