Top Designers Weigh in on 2022’s Kitchen and Bath Trends

After spending so much time cooped up indoors for the past two years, homeowners today know exactly what they want in their homes — and what they don’t. These four styles emerging in kitchens and baths this year are timeless, stress-tested, designer-approved, and sure to uplift the spirit.

The color: gray green

“In 2021, green became a go-to color for almost every room of the house, especially kitchens,” says Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk. “And this soothing shade isn’t going anywhere. This year, we expect to see green get even earthier, bringing in gray undertones and the feeling of entering a foggy forest.”

Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Glidden and PPG all agreed, choosing some variation of this shade as their color of the year. Green instantly connects us to nature, which is something that many homeowners and designers are feeling drawn to, as indicated by several recent surveys. The hue has also been shown to diminish stress levels, improve mood, enhance cognitive performance and encourage creative thinking. Sally Augustin, PhD, an environmental psychologist, tells Well+Good, “It’s conjectured that we have such a positive response to green because eons ago, when we were around lots of green plants, it meant that life was generally good.”

The era: old world

Whether a home is technically old or not, the materials used throughout it can give it the character of an old soul. “Old world” style in particular captures this vibe, drawing heavily on 16th and 17th century European influences and offering both warmth and formality to a space. Houzz.com reports that muted colors, heavy, intricate textiles, ornate dealing, and distressed and antique finishes are trademarks of old world style. Wallpaper can also set the tone.

Says designer Jacqueline Clark, “As far as I’m concerned, while things like herringbone floors, gently curved side splashes, and beadboard walls have never gone out of style, there’s no denying that these old world-esque additions are hot in the design world right now, and for good reason. These subtle yet impactful design details really do help take ones home to the next level, and I love that they’re a nod to all their design predecessors, instantly infusing a space with oodles of character and charm.”

By sticking to designs that are tried-and-true from decades and eras past, you’ll also ensure that a trend you follow this year won’t become a regret next year.

Nate Berkus advises sticking to things that have been around since at least the 1920s or ’30s — e.g., copper sinks, carved stone trim around the edges of a medicine cabinet, unlacquered brass or polished nickel vanity hardware, and intricate plaster work. “If it has been around since then, it’s probably a good investment,” he says. 

The concept: A spa-throom

According to the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, two in five homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a bathroom renovation, report that they plan to use their renovated bathroom for rest and relaxation. To create a “spa-like atmosphere” in the bath, homeowners said it’s most important that the space is clean and clutter-free. 

The survey also found that modern, transitional and contemporary styles remain the leading choices for renovated bathrooms. Other features gaining popularity include dimmable lighting, greenery, and soaking tubs (the latter pastime is up six points compared to last year, outpacing the share of those who unwind with long showers).

The vibe: All-black everything

Last year, we bid adieu to the popularity of open concept — bright, white, and airy rooms. We’re now seeing the opposite trend take over. The “all-black kitchen” continues to grow in popularity; the all-black bathroom is now being revisited by the industry’s top designers; and trends such as black porcelain tile, black paint, and statement pieces in all-black rooms are having a moment.
 
In particular, matte black is the new black — providing the same drama but with a softer edge. When Vanessa Hudgens reflects on the primary bath that designer Jake Arnold dreamed up for her, she says, “It’s like a sexy cave.” The bath, featured in Architectural Digest, employs black cabinetry, charcoal-hued plaster walls and a NativeStone concrete bathtub.

And when “Queer Eye” star Bobby Berk recently partnered with vacation home designer Paula Oblen to renovate a Palm Desert, California, compound, they dreamed up a moody matte black bathroom by using a combination of black brick and tile from Fireclay Tile and a Native Trails Solace vanity in Midnight Oak.

When Jennifer Chipman needed a show-stopping wet bar moment, she went with an all-black color palette, turning up the drama knob even further with our Rio Chico trough bar sink.  

To explore more of-the-moment designs using Native Trails’ artisan-made products, visit our Inspiration Gallery and blog today.