Survey predicts 2022 trends

The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association of New Zealand has recently released the results of their annual Trends Survey, predicting what we can expect to see in kitchens and bathrooms around New Zealand in 2022.

With the construction industry booming, renovations and new builds are a common sight across New Zealand. 62% of NKBA members commented that they are busier than they were pre-Covid 19, with 72% of members saying they are most in demand for their kitchen design and manufacturing expertise – particularly for renovations.

Designer, Kevana Naidoo of Kitchen Inspirations in Auckland says that renovations have seen a spike for many reasons, however she believes that working from home has inspired people to create a space they love.

“As more people work from home, they have discovered the importance of living and working in a space that reflects who they are and what they enjoy. I also think lockdowns have helped people to find a love of cooking and this has increased an interest in transforming kitchen spaces so they can enjoy cooking and entertaining at home,” says Naidoo.

So, what can we expect from kitchen design in 2022? Let’s take a closer look…

Timber is in

According to the trends survey, timber is in style, in a big way. 39% of NKBA designers predict timber to be the most popular cabinetry colour of 2022, pushing white out of the top spot. The most popular timber colours were oak and walnut; however all natural timber finishes were considered on the up.

Siobhan Nolan of Lily and Forbes Interior Design in Christchurch, says that there has been a shift away from greys and whites as people select timber tones to warm up their homes.

“Natural products are a fantastic choice as they bring a real warmth and personality to a space. We use a lot of melamine products, but if budget allows, we like to utilise veneer if possible. Melamine options are getting more realistic with texture and colour tones. There is a lot of choice,” says Nolan.

Textured and matte finish most popular

In terms of finish for the cabinetry, 34% of respondents said matte will be the finish of choice, however ‘textured’ is on the rise.

Mal Corboy of Mal Corboy Design in Auckland says it is about the touch and feel of the product. “What we like to see in a textured finish is a more natural, organic look and feel, with some definition to the veneer. Homeowners don’t really want the ultra-sleek finish anymore, they want their kitchen to be more homely and natural, and this trend will continue to grow in popularity,” says Corboy.

Benchtops will be Porcelain

For the first time, porcelain is predicted to be the benchtop of choice in 2022. The ultra-durable material has been slowly rising in popularity over the years, and is now the preferred material for many designers, with 46% predicting it to be in every new kitchen in 2022.

Karen Harlen of Bays Joinery in Nelson says the majority of her kitchens in 2021 have utilised porcelain, and that she is even using the product in her own upcoming home renovation.

“There is a wide variety of finishes - from industrial to classical. This helps achieve the look you're after, keeping the same hard wearing, non-porous, temperature resistant surface without compromise,” says Harlen.

Keeping splashbacks seamless

The finish to many kitchens is the splash back, with more and more homeowners choosing to make a statement. For 2022, 50% of NKBA members said splash backs will be seamless with the bench.

Siobhan Nolan says a seamless bench to splash back is contemporary and high end. “It means no grout lines which makes it easy to maintain and keep clean. It also gives people another way to display their beautiful stone and porcelain,” says Nolan.

And the price tag

Overall kitchen trends in 2022 will see modern and contemporary spaces reign supreme with integrated appliances and smart technology. And the price tag for this? 31% of NKBA members that responded to the survey said a kitchen will cost $40,000$60,000, while 25% said they are able to create a space for $20,000$30,000. 13% of respondents said a kitchen will cost upwards of $80,000.

Suzie Rees, Executive Officer of NKBA says that the large difference between prices demonstrates that there isn’t a one size fits all kitchen.

“Our NKBA designers and manufacturers design and build a huge array of kitchens at many different price points. It’s important when determining the brief that communication is clear. Consumers need to be clear on their budget, but also understand that many of the kitchens seen in magazines and on Instagram are big budget with quality finishes and luxury products. It’s about striking a balance between what consumers want and what they can afford,” says Rees.

Bathrooms a space for relaxation

For bathroom design trends, NKBA members say we can expect to see stand-alone baths, two person showers and creative lighting dominating the trends.

Kevana Naidoo says creative lighting sets a mood and a tone for the bathroom.

“Many of us have had a tough few years and so we are looking for ways to de-stress and relax. Lighting has a big impact on your mood and how you feel. Through lighting you can make a bathroom softer and calmer. Ways to do this are through negative detailing, getting creative about how you soften the look with well-placed lighting and lights behind translucent materials,” says Naidoo.

And the cost of a new bathroom?

34% of respondents said you can expect to pay between $20,000$40,000, with 10% saying a new bathroom will cost upwards of $50,000.

Delays still an issue

Now that we know the trends of 2022, how quickly can we get started? The construction industry is currently experiencing significant pressure due to supply and demand problems, causing delays globally.

Suzie Rees says that though New Zealanders are wanting to renovate or build immediately, they should expect delays.

“43% of our survey respondents said that the supply of materials and products from overseas was creating the biggest strain. 46% of designers said that clients can expect to wait at least 6-12 months for a new kitchen, says Rees.