We interview one of our Senior Designer’s Allison Lynch on kitchen trends for 2022 from parquet flooring to metallics and mixing materials.

What trends are there for materials in bespoke kitchens for 2022

So far, I would say that the most popular luxury kitchen trend is using a mix of materials that work well together. For the brave, we would suggest dark greens and metals paired with textured worksurfaces. I can also see a real desire for texture now. It seems to be something people want to add into their spaces, whether it be wood grain, panelling and polished plaster walls. 

Timber veneers have also made a comeback, although not ‘Swiss ski lodge timber’ but textured, warm / dark tone timber, used in slats. The organic, natural look seems to work well too. Clients tend to use these materials when they want their kitchen to appear as if it were a piece of furniture.

We are seeing less want for marble worksurfaces and more for quartzite or man-made composite stones, such as Caesarstone, for its durability. 

What advice would you give someone on how to incorporate these trends into your home?

I would suggest looking at all the materials you wish to have starting with flooring as that covers most of the space. You can layer the materials from there, choosing bespoke kitchen finishes and surfaces that will complement the flooring. Herringbone parquet or chevron-style flooring (as seen in main picture at the top) is very popular as it creates interest and luxury while injecting warmth. This is usually paired with other natural materials such as concrete-effect textured doors and slatted or scalloped timber.

Natural materials and textures can also be incorporated through soft furnishings. The kitchen itself can be sleek but with the addition of soft furnishings, you can create a layered look. Natural pottery in organic shapes with dried grass is a great example of how to soften the look of a kitchen and add a touch of creativity. We are also seeing lots of open shelving to display collections of sculptural vases, and less of a need for lots of wall cupboards. The bolder use of colour is being explored whether it be on walls or cabinet doors, to create mood and add depth to the space.

What does one need to watch out for when redesigning kitchens using these materials?

Try to avoid choosing a lot of busy materials as it makes it more difficult to achieve a harmonious look for your luxury kitchen design.

The use of metals is still popular, but this should not be overdone either. Mixing styles is good, for instance incorporating modern and antique elements. People often choose a mix of both styles to be sympathetic to the period of house for example, keeping the kitchen contemporary and adding ironmongery that make it more modern or traditional. Kitchen handles are popular again but be careful what style, finish and size you choose – it’s all in the detail!

What are the advantages and disadvantages of these kitchen design material trends? 

The advantages are that there is a lot of choice, so you can create a very individual kitchen design by choosing a combination of elements that reflect your style. Renovating an old piece of furniture is very on trend; recycling and sustainability is really a hot topic in today’s world and this is filtering into how we design and decorate our homes.

The disadvantage is that it’s difficult to choose an antique piece that will work in a modern home, so you may need to consult a professional. When choosing the final finishes such as light fittings, be careful not to compromise on quality. There are lots of less expensive copies on the market and often you will be disappointed in the quality and longevity of the product.

Any tips on how to combine materials to get the look you want?

From a kitchen designer’s point of view, I would recommend considering the function of the space. If using natural materials, think about how it would withstand wear and tear. For example, marble worktops are beautiful, but this is a very impractical work surface as it stains easily. I would suggest a composite man-made stone instead as this can be made to resemble concrete, marble, granite or just have beautiful veining.

I would suggest using a matt finish on cabinetry door over gloss, so they are more timeless and won’t show up fingerprints combined with timber, whether it be the flooring, or a piece of furniture like a dining room table. A metallic or textured finish can be used as a feature in a floating wall unit or island.

Think about the light in the room and whether it needs to be enhanced by choosing work surfaces that reflect the light or by adding extra lighting to cabinet interiors.  

Textures can create mood, draw you into a space and excite your senses through their tactile qualities, so think about where you would like to draw attention to the use of materials.

If you’d like to read more about the latest design trends, get advice about what to choose and how to plan your own bespoke kitchen, or enter an exclusive competition why not sign up for our Newsletter

Our expert kitchen designers can help you make the best choices for your Roundhouse bespoke kitchen. Visit any of our six Roundhouse showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Guildford & Cheltenham and get planning!