4 Kitchen and Bath Design Trends - KBIS 2022

I attended the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show last week and I have some interesting takeaways on design trends I’m seeing for 2022.

I hate to write the word “trends” but when you see a few of the same type products popping up as new during an industry show or market, I feel they deserve a mention.

Most of these are answering a definite need in the market these days. And let’s face it, the demographics of people who are considering remodeling or new appliances, etc. is always changing. We’ve especially changed how we live in our homes in the last few years. New challenges and problems have come up that need to be solved. And problems are the mother of invention, right?

One thing is for sure, people are definitely interested in fine tuning their homes to function better for them and to be more comfortable and useful, as well as beautiful!

Take a look at some of the products and design trends I saw that seem to be gaining in popularity.

1. Workstation Sinks

2. Two-Tone Finishes (Mixing Metals)

3. New Finishes Galore!

4. Appliances for Small Spaces

1) Workstation Sinks

I had a client that wanted one of these in her kitchen remodel a few years ago, in a smaller 36” version. After it was installed, she said her kitchen stayed much cleaner overall. Why? Because she did all her chopping and prep work at the sink, not on the countertop.

I’ve heard this about workstation sinks, no matter how big they are, that they do keep the mess confined more to the sink area where it is easier to clean up.

Normally, we think of The Galley sinks, as the king of workstation sinks, but there are more brands doing these now. I saw several at KBIS, one quite elaborate 57” model from Ruvati. It’s an Italian company, but I was told they stock in Austin, TX, so that is really convenient for me! I could even drive over to Austin and pick one up!

This model, below, is from Kohler.

Here is a custom copper workstation sink, from Coppersmith.

I think you can definitely see how these sinks would keep the mess confined more to the sink area. They also let two or even more people cook in the kitchen, comfortably.

2) Two-Tone Finishes / Mixing finishes

Everywhere you look there were fixtures with multiple finishes and finish combinations, especially with plumbing fixtures like faucets.

This is a design trend that will only spread and should make design easier really. If you have a one item with a two tone metal finish, like a kitchen faucet or a venthood, then you could go with either metal finish in cabinet pulls or lighting without it feeling like a one note space. It really can give you more options to choose from.

See some of these products, below.

 

 

It’s always nice to mix metals on a customized hood, and these brands make it easy to design whatever you want.

Vent-a-Hood has so many options and ways to customize a hood they now can even paint the underside of the hood for a totally integrated look.

 

Emtek and other hardware brands are mixing metals within their product lines.

Monogram Appliances has a new appliance line, designed by Richard Anuszkiewicz, that includes a leather and metal appliance pull.

Monogram had a stunning booth, designed by Richard, that featured his new appliance collection. See the mix of the stainless range with the brushed brass hood and refrigerator door panel? That sleek look is perfect for kitchens with taller ceilings these days, as it is a 96” high door panel.

 

3. Finishes Galore!

There were so many brands featuring new finishes. Black was really popular as was white. Stainless steel move over!

This matte graphite range and hood from Ilve also had a warm bronze strapping finish and then gunmetal gray controls and handle.

 

Bertazzoni is known for colorful appliances, this year they featured white.

Smeg also has color and fun patterns, etc., but their new color option featured this year is a matte black.

Cafe Appliances featured several bold kitchen vignettes, this one inspired by Iris Apfel. The appliances were a matte black with copper pulls.

 

4. Appliances For Small Spaces

Rarely do we see appliances get smaller, they’re usually getting super sized. With all the tiny house and small space living out there though, it is about time we saw some new small appliances. Take a look at these.

Smeg debuted a 24” wide range this year. It’s cute, isn’t it?

I saw this brand from Turkey with 20” wide ranges.

I saw several of these countertop ovens, they would make a great second oven to have, maybe in your pantry or to bring out during the holidays, so that you don’t need that big double oven you only use twice a year.

 

Pitt Cooking had an interesting display. These gas burners can be installed anywhere in a countertop and in any arrangement you want. Install one burner or many. There could even be a remote burner or two installed across the kitchen for a second cook.

While I’ve seen this 18” deep beverage fridge in years past, it is definitely a great undercounter appliance for smaller spaces.

See more of the latest markets and shows I’ve attended, including The New American Home 2022 tour, below!