Top 5 Kitchen and Bathroom Trends We’re Loving in 2022

As the year progresses, we are starting to see some definite trends in kitchen and bathroom styling that we’re really loving. There’s a sense of freedom in our choices, inspired by colour, shape and also nature. Perhaps this has come from a post-pandemic desire for more freedom and movement? Or maybe it’s just time for a shake-up? Whatever the reason, in 2022, we are welcoming new shades, bolder contrasts, interesting shapes and more natural, sustainable features into our kitchens and bathrooms. We are breaking away from tradition and embracing new options in colour, shape and texture. Here are the top 5 kitchen and bathroom trends we’re loving in 2022.

1. Tapping into colour

Coloured tapware is really coming in strong this year. While these fittings may seem like a small part of your overall aesthetic, don’t underestimate their power to speak volumes. Coloured tapware instantly updates your kitchen or bathroom without having to commit to a whole remodel.

We love Villeroy & Boch’s ColourChoice tapware in five finishes. The whole range is durable and attractive, which is what you want when your tapware becomes a stand-out feature. This year matte black will continue to dominate. The matte finish brings with it endless possibilities and a rich, luxe quality. It blends seamlessly with both modern and industrial looks and can also take on a vintage feel in your Queenslander. Or you may prefer gun metal, a dark matte grey which pairs well with neutrals, stone and industrial surfaces.

Brushed gold tapware is also big this year. This choice is all about luxe accents. Brushed gold can bring a sense of elegance and warmth to a neutral palette. It also complements warm and rich jewel colours we are seeing right through our homes this year. For a more understated contemporary look, brushed nickel is the modern low-sheen version of chrome.

If you can’t decide, Villeroy & Boch have made the whole system completely interchangeable with universal in-wall bodies. So you have freedom to change the colour and style very easily through your design process and after. 

2. Colour in everything and the kitchen sink

Not only are the 70’s back in vogue this year, so is coloured sanitaryware. However, like with all things that come back around, the modern version is much more appealing. From our basins, showers and the kitchen sink, colour is everywhere. And why not, it’s an easy way to stamp your style and make a statement. Here are our faves:

• Black. Matte black has a velvety finish that is sophisticated and touchable. It is the perfect contrast for white. And who doesn’t love the luxe effect of a black bath? Pair it with this season’s yellows, greens, purples or blues. Or lean into an already dark palette for moody impact. Particularly for a coloured kitchen sink, it’s important to choose high quality. That way it will continue looking beautiful with high temperatures and resisting normal family wear and tear without a scratch. Villeroy & Boch’s ebony sinks are exceptional. As you would expect from this luxury German brand, the sinks are incredibly robust, and beautiful.
• Colour. If you’re after a statement piece in your bathroom, you’ll love the BetteCraft range of coloured basins. Bette offer over 500 basin shades in hand-crafted titanium steel. Made to the highest quality in stunning colours. Right across their ranges Bette emphasise beautiful lines and organic shapes.

3. Reshaping kitchen tapware

Kitchen tapware can be that thing that brings all your elements together. So choosing wisely, choosing quality and choosing a shape that mirrors your style will have the best overall impact. What’s trending:

• Square profile kitchen mixer. In 2022, the square profile kitchen mixer is an instant moderniser. A square, high neck shape is beautiful in its simplicity, offering clean lines and modern elegance. This shape is a great choice for minimalist designs and is particularly beautiful in black. It also pairs well with square sinks.  When it comes to your kitchen tapware, functionality also makes for good design. The Villeroy & Boch Architectura Square Kitchen Mixer ticks all our boxes. This design sits high and wide, giving you much more space under the tap for manoeuvring large pots and pans. This mixer comes in Villeroy & Boch’s signature ColourChoice finishes of brushed nickel, gunmetal and matte black as well as chrome.
• Gooseneck mixer. If your redesign is embracing curved lines, or you want to create an overall softer look, 2022’s other rising star is gooseneck tapware. The neck sits high above your sink, and is again, great for getting in underneath of. The spout creates an exaggerated curve like a gooseneck. The height emphasises the curved shape, and this allows the eye to follow other curved lines in your kitchen.

4. Going green

In recent years our home has become our sanctuary. We’re looking for a sense of serenity, and we’re taking more cues from nature in our homes. Green in all its shades is naturally a prominent colour choice in our kitchens and bathrooms this year.

• Bathrooms. The Bette range of titanium-steel baths and freestanding basins come in a range of green hues available made to order. Choose from glossy or matte greens in shades of Moss, Evergreen, Grun (blue-green) as well as deep greens like Forest. You can also add a little shimmer to Forest by opting for it as an effect colour (very luxurious!) For your bath, a bicolour option leaves the core of the bath white, with colour on the outside.
• Kitchens. Green cabinetry is trending, and there is no limit to the shade options. Soft and soothing olive and sage, or earthier greens, which pair well with natural wood and stone. Deep blue-green, emerald and clover take on a vintage or industrial vibe and look excellent with black fittings.

Nature is also accentuated by the use of organic curves, and soft lines. Textural elements like bare wood, textured tiles, stone and marble also feature heavily. As well, we’re seeing more indoor plants and nature-inspired art and wallpaper.

5. Choosing sustainability

Sustainability is becoming top of mind when choosing products for our bathrooms and kitchens in 2022. We’re opting for brands whose values match our own and quality products that last. Brands like Villeroy & Boch and Hansa offer after-purchase service and spare parts, as well as standardised componentry. When it comes to finish, Villeroy & Boch’s CeramicPlus finishes or Bette’s handcrafted titanium-steel are always worth the investment for impeccable wear over the life of your bathroom or kitchen.

The smart toilet is trending as a must-have for the sustainable bathroom of the future. The smart toilet is a toilet and bidet in one, incorporating waste, water and air functions in a single unit. Its smart technology varies the flush based on need, which means you use less water, and they also don’t use toilet paper!

When it comes to cleaning we are embracing an eco-friendly approach. A host of thoughtful eco-friendly cleaning products are available to us in 2022. These products are not only gentle on us and the environment, they’re also gentler on our bathrooms and kitchens, caring for our surfaces in the best possible way.

Our favourite trends are lasting trends

So that’s our wrap up of what we’re loving in 2022. We’re loving the freedom in colour and shape we’re seeing come through this year. Translating that to the showroom, we’re seeing the personal style of our clients really coming to the fore this year. It’s an exciting time to help shape ideas and infuse more individuality into those hard working, high-traffic spaces. And that’s why we think this year’s trends will probably stick around in Australia’s kitchens and bathrooms for years to come.

Putting it all together

Are you going through the process of creating your dream kitchen or bathroom? Seeing the options in real life always helps. Come have a play at our Brisbane showroom. You can see the largest range of designer European and Australian brands in Brisbane, including Villeroy & Boch, Bette, HANSA, Reginox, Schell, JEE-O and Argent. You can also get personalised advice from our team of experts in bathroom, kitchen and interior design. Bring your floor plans, samples and mood boards. We’ll chat through your ideas and offer our guidance on styling, finish and functionality.

arthaus Bathroom & Kitchens are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and 9am-4pm Saturday, located Level 1, 22 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley. We welcome you anytime, and also offer on-site parking, which you can access by intercom at the top of the car park. If you’d like some dedicated 1:1 time with Andrea, Richard or Kathy, we also offer consultation bookings.

We can’t wait to see how you interpret 2022 trends in your home!