Kitchen Surface Trends: Sophisticated, Sustainable Surfaces to Steal the Spotlight in 2022

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(BPT) – 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. According to a recent U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, homeowners are
likely to focus on upgrades such as countertops, backsplashes and other surface refreshes like island
bases and cabinet fronts. These relatively easy updates can be transformative and deliver a dramatic new
look in days.
If you’re ready to set out on a kitchen surface overhaul, here are 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 design elements. We’ve never needed the healing powers of nature
more than we do now, so it’s no surprise that biophilic design — the practice of creating a closer
connection to nature through building, design and landscaping considerations — is set to be one of the
top design 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.
Wilsonart® Home can help homeowners achieve
these looks with designs inspired by the world around us. The collection of engineered surfaces keeps
the whole design space in mind and is versatile enough to be used anywhere — on countertops, cabinets,
walls and everything in between.
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.
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 perfect for modern spaces.
3. Sustainable and
Sanitary

More and more homeowners are showing interest in sustainable alternatives to natural products;
alternative materials like laminate, solid surface and quartz mimic the best of Mother Nature without
impacting the environment, offering appealing options for eco-conscious consumers.
The pandemic has also led to a focus on cleanliness and regular sanitation of high-touch surfaces like
drawers and cabinets, yet not all surfaces are built to handle this challenge. Homeowners prioritizing
this are seeking specific features like non-porous, high-performance materials. HPL is a great choice
for homeowners looking for a sustainable and sanitary surface option — plus, 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. Multi-Functional
Formats

Our new hybrid schedules have created the need for “zoning” and creating spaces within our homes for each
activity. More than any other space, the kitchen has taken on a multi-purpose role and the need for
flexible design has become essential for today’s homeowners.
From cooking and homework to Zoom calls and entertaining, having a countertop material with an on-trend
look that can withstand the wear and tear from near-constant use and cleaning is a high priority. Wilsonart® Home offers beautiful, on-trend
options for virtually every surface in the home with performance features and price points to suit any
lifestyle and budget.
But multi-functionality isn’t the only element in high demand. Homeowners are also seeking more elbow
room, requesting larger islands and even double islands for added space to accommodate the range of
activities.
5. High-Style, Low
Maintenance

Our new home-centric lifestyles mean our homes need to perform as never before. Homeowners are
increasingly seeking high-style surfaces that will live up to the rigors of everyday life, but which
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.
Also emerging from this low maintenance trend, traditional tile is out, and large-format slab
backsplashes are in, made from countertop slabs that wrap around the back wall for a bold, grout-free
statement. Besides being easy to clean, this look creates a natural design flow from countertop to wall
for a clean, modern look that ties the entire room together.
For those looking for kitchen design inspiration to give their homes a fresh look for the new year, visit
www.wilsonart.com.

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