January 31, 2022

After a year full of unpredictability, many of us gained a newfound appreciation for our kitchens and the many purposes they serve. The heart of the home is getting the attention it deserves as homeowners realize the importance of having a multi-faceted kitchen and are ready to invest in new solutions for the way we now live.

“Spending more time at home has made us value an elevated home environment, but there’s a lingering desire for our homes to provide sanctuary and safety as an outcome of the pandemic,” said Danielle Mikesell, global vice president of marketing and design at Wilsonart. “People are eager to start welcoming friends and family back into their homes and are willing to splurge to achieve the aesthetic they desire.”

The experts at Wilsonart, a world-leading engineered surfaces company, have identified four design elements expected to dominate kitchen surface trends in 2022:

1. Nature-Inspired Designs
As we all continue to spend more time at home, there has been a renewed sense of wanting to bring the outdoors in through nature-inspired materials and décor – so it’s no surprise that biophilic design is set to be one of the top trends this year.

For kitchen surfaces, homeowners are seeking natural looking materials that are also durable and easy to maintain. Stone-inspired looks, like marbles and granites, are highly sought after for countertops, backsplashes and islands, and can be found in new colors and patterns in engineered quartz, solid surface and even in high pressure laminate (HPL) for more budget-conscious consumers.

Natural textures are also in high demand. From the continued love of stones to the growing popularity of natural woven materials and exotic woodgrain looks, a textured finish can provide a whole new look and feel to a space.

2. Resi-mercial
Fueled by the decline in travel during the pandemic, homeowners are looking to replicate the sophisticated style and comforts of an upscale hotel or luxury resort in their homes – further blurring the lines between residential and commercial design.

White marbles, especially Carrara marble, continue to be one of the most sought-after looks to achieve this sophisticated, resi-mercial style and looks beautiful when incorporating a waterfall edge. Thanks to engineered materials like ultra-durable acrylic solid surface, homeowners can achieve the luxurious look of marble without the price tag and maintenance of natural stone, as reflected in Wilsonart’s Crafted Collection.

Industrial design is another staple in this trend that continues to evolve as a modern standard. Evoking a minimalist style, this look is softer and more delicate in direction and illustrated through sleek and sometimes darker surface selections like Wilsonart’s ultra-thin European-inspired THINSCAPE^® Performance Tops, which provide a strong and sophisticated look, perfect for modern spaces.

3. Sustainable and Sanitary
Homeowners are showing increased interest in sustainable alternatives to natural products. Materials like laminate, solid surface and quartz that mimic the best of Mother Nature without impacting the environment offer appealing options for eco-conscious consumers.

The pandemic also has led to a focus on cleanliness and routine sanitation of high-touch surfaces like drawers and cabinets. As a result, homeowners are seeking more non-porous, high-performance materials such as Wilsonart^® HPL, a sustainable, sanitary and stylish surface option. Wilsonart^® HD^® Laminate is also available with antimicrobial protection that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew to keep the surface looking and smelling better, longer.

4. High-Style, Low Maintenance
Homeowners are increasingly seeking high-style surfaces that will live up to the rigors of everyday life but don’t require a lot of work to maintain. While granite, marble and other natural stones typically top homeowners’ wish lists for their aesthetics, not everyone desires the cost and ongoing maintenance that comes with such materials.

Wilsonart offers a selection of high-style, high-performance engineered surfaces for peace of mind that mimic the sought-after appearance of natural stone in HPL, solid surface and quartz options that are non-porous, easy to clean and don’t require sealing or regular maintenance like their natural stone counterparts.

For those looking for kitchen, bath and design inspiration to give their homes a fresh look for the new year, visit www.wilsonart.com.