2022 Kitchen Color Palettes are Soft, Warm Neutrals with Dashes of Black and Bold Color

Design experts are always thinking about the future, in attempts to predict (and plan for) what will be big. If you talk to a design pro, most will admit that, thanks to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the future of America’s kitchens actually looks a lot different than what they imagined just a few years ago. And now, thanks to the shifting needs of homeowners who continue to work and cook at home, kitchens have been undergoing major changes within the last two years.

Soft Neutral Colors with Splashes of Brilliance

Designer Mary Kathryn Timoney of Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio — which has offices in Atlanta and Nashville — expects kitchen colors to range from warmer cream tones to soft bursts of color in 2022. “Warm tones complement the popularity of gold-toned plumbing fixtures and decorative hardware, while a splash of color adds a light, airy palette and a bit of fun.” Her colleague at the design firm, David Cook, adds, “We are seeing warmer tones in spaces where clients want something different.”

“We do love a classic white kitchen,” says Ili Hidalgo-Nilsson of Terracotta Design Build. “White kitchens are fresh, bright, modern and timeless, while offering a safe commitment for costly selections. Having said that, be brave with a splash or dash of something rich, fun and full of life.” Popular places to put these dashes of color are on pantries, islands, or cabinetry.

Colorful Cabinetry

Bold, colorful cabinetry has been a popular kitchen trend these last few years: “Many people are adding a more personal touch to their kitchens and moving away from the all-white look. Expect to see wood cabinets in warm, neutral hues or painted cabinets to add a pop of color,” says Laurel Vernazza, home design expert at The Plan Collection.

Arianna Cesa, associate manager of color marketing and development with Benjamin Moore, agrees. “We have seen consumers start to get more adventurous with their kitchen cabinet color choice,” she says, adding that emerald greens, rich navy blues, and smokey charcoals are a trending, bolder approach to kitchen cabinets. If a homeowner would rather ease into the trend, Cesa suggests starting with soft blues. “Calming, subtle, versatile, soft blues can even help to make spaces feel more open and airier,” she says.

Black Accents

Although designers are still seeing neutrals used for the main space or perimeter of the kitchen, that doesn’t mean other colors are out. Expect to see more interest in black chrome, burnt stainless metal finishes and gunmetal finishes.

Accents are the ultimate way to spruce up a kitchen with a touch of personalization. Brass and copper cabinet handles and hardware have been all the rage, but now sophisticated black accents are leading the way in stylish kitchens. “While natural, subtle colors and warm tones in the kitchen will continue to trend in 2022, black accents will be the exception,” says Laurel Vernazza. “This means black appliances — be it black stainless or black slate. To finish the look or to tie it in with another room, some homeowners are going with interior black window frames.”

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