5 Top Kitchen Cabinet Trends For 2022

Homeowners are remodeling their kitchens and cabinets to transform their space into a place for rest and relaxation and bring a healthier lifestyle and socializing hub into their homes.

Nearly every homeowner renovating the kitchen performs some work on kitchen cabinets (94%). While most choose to replace all cabinets, nearly 1 in 3 opt for a partial cabinet upgrade. Houzz’s 2021 Kitchen Trend Study recaps the top kitchen cabinet trends and forecasts what’s to come in 2022.

1. 1. White dominates for cabinet color
      
      40% of homeowners choose white for their kitchen cabinets, with wood as a strong runner-up. Gray is also a popular selection with 10% of homeowners choosing this color.

      With endless shades of white to choose from, even this most uncomplicated of neutrals has more to it than you might think. The different colored undertones in white paint can create a surprising array of effects and have the ability to bring out the best in your space.
                                               

   2. Kitchen renovation spend is consistent year on year
      

      The median spend on a major kitchen remodel, in which all of the cabinets and appliances are replaced, rose 14% to $40,000. Many remodelers keep the kitchen size and layout unchanged and do less complex upgrades like custom cabinets, high end appliances and adding backsplash.

       Supply-chain shortages and disruptions are likely to cause a big change in renovation spending in 2022. Material and labor costs skyrocketed mid to end 2021, with much of those increases being passed to the homeowner in 2022.

   3. A surge in islands
      

      More than half of renovating homeowners added or upgraded an existing island last year and most seeked increased storage. Homeowners improved the functionality of their island with open shelving, drawers, cabinets accessible on the back of the island and accessory cabinets like spice pull outs or utensil holders.

      41% of renovators differentiated their island cabinet color from the colors of the rest of their kitchen. Of the contrasting islands, blue and natural wood are the most popular. Homeowners also seeked wood and butcher block countertops to contrast with their quartz countertops.

      

   4. Demand for professionals remains strong
      

      89% of renovators report hiring a pro for their kitchen remodel project – the largest percentage in four years. General contractors top the hiring category, followed closely by kitchen designers.

      Kitchen designers play a key role in a kitchen remodel. Their job is to understand the homeowners needs and translate that into the kitchen of their dreams, while following industry guidelines and standards. This is achieved through kitchen design skills, experience, product knowledge, access to products and the ability to conform to a budget.

   5. Shaker style continues to lead
      

      64% of renovators choose Shaker-style cabinetry, an increase of 8% compared with 2021. Flat-panel or slab doors come in at a distant second at 17%. Kitchen renovators overwhelmingly choose custom or semicustom cabinetry.

      Shaker-style cabinets are popular in both custom and semicustom lines, as well as painted and wood finishes. The classic, simple look is easy to clean and allows for a timeless kitchen cabinet design.