Popular Kitchen and Bath trends from KBIS 2022

After not attending the annual kitchen and bath show for the past two years, (thanks Covid) I was so excited to get back and check out the hottest kitchen and bath trends from KBIS 2022. KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, did not disappoint. There was something for everyone whether downsizing or upsizing, but the overriding theme that I saw was a focus on smart technology, convenience and health and wellness.

Since I always prefer to tell a story using images, sit back, relax and enjoy the show through my eyes, or should I say my Smartphone.

Color Spotting: Black, White and Neutrals

I was really hoping to see lot’s of color this show. Unfortunately, I was left wanting. Maybe it was the pandemic and the fact that the manufactures were unwilling to step too far out of the norn, but the vast majority of the kitchen and bath displays were either black, white or gray…with a very heavy emphasis on BLACK!

Although designers want to declare that the gray trend is over, I did see a fair amount of gray cabinetry. Black toilets were a surprise so it will be interesting to see if that catches on going forward.

Speaking of toilets, the trend is sleek, one piece, and easy to clean. Toilets are also getting smaller and more sculptural.

I’ll all in on these one piece, easy to clean toilets!

Black and white sinks and tubs were the overwhelming majority of the ones displayed. These black and white concrete sinks below were beautiful sculptural objects.

More beautiful oval and rounded white sinks and tub on display from Nicos International

Pink flower petals was enough color to draw in this color lover when everything else was gray, white and black. More ovals and curves with the mirrors and vanities.

More kitchen and bath trends 2022 I observed were black countertops. Note too the black faucet and towel holder.

I also saw so many displays using black stone with white veining.

More black stone with white veining.

Charcoal colored, matt stainless steel was popular for appliances. A big benefit is that it doesn’t show fingerprints like traditional stainless steel.

Wood tones

Besides black and white painted cabinetry, wood tones were also trending. I observed that wood finishes were similar to the wood finishes I saw at Fall Market.The wood was lightly stained, allowing the wood grain to clearly show through the stain.

Open shelving is also still trending. It was used in almost every kitchen display I saw.

This display was interesting in that it had mixed wood tones, a pop of color in the handle and a heavily textured metal tiles. I guess time would tell if you got dizzy while cooking in front of this wavy metal reflective backsplash!

Hunting down some color

I did finally see a kitchen display with some color. It was blue and white which what was trending two years ago when I was last at KBIS.

The thing is, most designers LOVE color. If manufactures really want to create a buzz, they only have to create a booth packed with color. This kitchen below had designers waiting in line to photograph the booth and post on social media. Yes, the cabinets are black and white but the tiles and floors packed the color punch.

This display at Smeg also had designers standing in line waiting to photograph the display.

I even found some color in a couple of unexpected places!

Wall hung toilets and vanities were also trending this show. They are perfect for smaller bathrooms, as wall hung fixtures free up floor space and give the appearance that the room is larger than it is. It’s also easier to clean the floor.

I’m not sure I would want an orange or melon colored toilet in my home but it would be fun for a kid’s bathroom, a summer cottage or a pool house.

Curves and arches…The shape of the show

If you read my Fall High Point Market trend report then you might remember how prevalent curves and arches were. It therefore came as no surprise that KBIS showed the same trend. I already pointed out sinks and tubs were primarily oval and curved. The shape was all over KBIS!

Arches and curves were hard to miss!

Two Tones/Mixed Materials

Besides Black, White and Gray, two tones and mixed materials are trending.

Mixing different metals is a big trend!

Black and gold was was the most popular combination like in these black and gold metal door knobs.

This black wood vanity with gold metal trim and hardware was another example of this look.

Warm wood tone mixed with gold is stunning like on these drawer handles below.

Unexpected materials

Generally we don’t think of using materials such as mirror, leather and rattan in the kitchen. This year KBIS showed several displays with these unexpected materials.

I don’t know how practical this rattan and mirrored island would in a heavily trafficked kitchen with kids and pets, but I have to say it was stunning. The rattan gave it such beautiful texture and the mirror created the look of a floating island.

Interestingly, behind that first panel was a dishwasher.

I found a vendor selling cut to size woven rattan that would be so pretty to give some interest and add texture to a cabinet front.

These leather and nailhead drawers concealed two dishwasher drawers.

As notes above with the mirrored island, leather may not practical for a busy kitchen but how about for a less used entertainment room?

Here is the full room display to give you some context.

I immediately pictured this in our basement….if only!

Texture

Texture is so popular in the interior furnishings space so it’s no surprise that texture is showing up in kitchen and baths.

These gorgeous statement vessel sinks embraced texture to the max.

Reeded wood is a huge trend in the interior design world at the moment. It’s such a beautiful way to add texture to your kitchen or bath walls.

I also loved these engraved patterns as options for wood cabinets or wall panels.

More texture with these metal grated drawer fronts.

Golden touch

Gold has been trending for a few years now and seems to be still going strong for kitchens and bath finishes.

This gold, heavily textured soaking tub was a huge hit and won a design award at the show.

A shiny gold vent hood was also another star of the show.

The overwhelming majority of drawer handles on both the kitchen and bath displays were gold. Gold finishes are a great way to add warmth to an otherwise cold space like a kitchen or bath that has so many hard surfaces.

Downsized Living

Since we downsized three years ago, I have developed a laser focus when it comes to spotting products for small living.

KBIS did not disappoint and showed a wide variety of products for living small. The small dishwasher below takes up only a small amount of space. It goes directly into the countertop and is perfect for a tiny kitchen.

Need only a single gas burner or two? There is a product for that. Like the dishwasher above, these gas burners are installed individually, directly into your counter. No big range needed.

This space saving induction range is perfect for tiny living at only 20″ wide. The company also has one even smaller at 18″ wide.

This wall hung 18″ wide vanity would be perfect for our condo powder room which measures only 4.5′ x 3.5′.

Another space saver is this combo chopping board-trash bin cabinet. This allows one to chop and then sweep the waste through the hole directly into the trash.

These extended sink work stations are ideal for small kitchens with little counter space. These stations come with all sorts of attachments that allow for chopping, draining, and food prep, all done directly over the sink.

One last small living photo to share, are these very thin 6″ modular shelving units. I have found that many of the new build condo units (mine included) have long narrow hallways leading to the open living space. These shelves would be perfect for displaying collectibles, small works of artwork, or even a place to put the keys upon entering.

Health and Wellness

Since Covid, health and wellness has taken on a prominent role in our daily lives. Homeowners are spending big on products that will improve the quality of their lives and keep them healthy.

Steam showers, lux soaking tubs, biophilia, and appliances that are made in an energy efficient way with as small a footprint as possible are all trending.

A single shower head is so last year. Today’s trend is multiple shower heads, all with varying functions to enhance the shower experience.

For the health conscious cook, what is better than always available fresh herbs grown right at home? This kitchen grow station can be incorporated directly into the design of the kitchen cabinets. The grow tower continually monitors the herbs and distributes the ideal amount of water, PH and light. Fresh herbs always at the ready.

This washer dryer combo from Beko, is not only energy and space saving, but the inside is made from recycled plastic. Beko’s commitment to the planet is leading edge for an appliance company.

I attended a talk by the company’s president and he said that appliances are one of the most discarded and polluting things in our landfills.

Will a home charging station soon be in everyone’s garage? With electric vehicles becoming more and more popular it’s probably only a matter of time.

We have driven an electric car for the past six years. Before that we drove a car that ran on used vegetable oil! I like to think we were early adopters for weaning ourselves off gasoline. Our charging station however is big, bulky and not very attractive. It pokes out about eight inches from the wall and I am constantly bumping up against it as I squeeze by to get into the house from our narrow one car garage.

I couldn’t wait to show my husband this unit from LG. It is small, sleek and attractive!

Thoughts on kitchen and bath trends 2022?

So there you have it! If you have made it to the end you are now fully informed as to what is trending for kitchens and baths going into 2022 and beyond.

Let me know in the comments what you think of some of these trends?