Symmetry and Light: Why We Love the Kitchens of 2022
We take a peek into the most popular kitchens on Houzz this year and why they appealed to renovating readers
What makes a kitchen so appealing that thousands of people save it to their Ideabook for future renovations? To find out, we combined editorial knowledge and insights from two readers about the most-saved kitchens. These images were saved between 1 January and 15 June in 2022 from photos uploaded by Houzz professionals in the year from 30 June 2021 to 30 June 2022.
At the other end of the spectrum, this urban space by Vicello Kitchens appealed to many readers.
The judicious use of battens cladding the island bench adds texture and interest to the all-black space and provides a beautiful contrast to the streamlined handle-less black cabinetry.
Veined stone adds sophistication and the window splashback and linear pendant light above the island bench add just the right touch to break up the space.
Does this make you want to design your dream kitchen? Find a reviewed kitchen designer in your area on Houzz and get the ball rolling
The judicious use of battens cladding the island bench adds texture and interest to the all-black space and provides a beautiful contrast to the streamlined handle-less black cabinetry.
Veined stone adds sophistication and the window splashback and linear pendant light above the island bench add just the right touch to break up the space.
Does this make you want to design your dream kitchen? Find a reviewed kitchen designer in your area on Houzz and get the ball rolling
Clean, bright and airy was the main appeal of this kitchen in Sydney, NSW, for Amy Kelley of Brisbane, Queensland.
“We loved the clean symmetry of this kitchen and its light, bright, airy look,” she says. “The window splashback, simple joinery without handles, and the spacious island benchtop were some of our favourite elements.”
Kelley says her household took a lot of inspiration from this kitchen by Heliconia when they planned their renovation, which was completed in December 2021.
“We had already decided on very similar colours and finishes to those in the photo, but were undecided as to the layout. We really love it. Our kitchen is now our favourite space to spend time in our home!”
“We loved the clean symmetry of this kitchen and its light, bright, airy look,” she says. “The window splashback, simple joinery without handles, and the spacious island benchtop were some of our favourite elements.”
Kelley says her household took a lot of inspiration from this kitchen by Heliconia when they planned their renovation, which was completed in December 2021.
“We had already decided on very similar colours and finishes to those in the photo, but were undecided as to the layout. We really love it. Our kitchen is now our favourite space to spend time in our home!”
In between light and airy and dark and handsome are kitchens that blend lighter and darker elements to achieve a contemporary yet casual look. This space, by Kristin Adam Design in Perth, WA, achieves just that with a mix of timber, white and stone.
The mainly white bank of joinery and neutral kit-kat splashback tiles (with an antique glaze for depth) recede, while the solidity of the curved stone-wrapped island bench with timber battens draws attention.
Browse more stunning Australian kitchens featuring island benchtop lighting
The mainly white bank of joinery and neutral kit-kat splashback tiles (with an antique glaze for depth) recede, while the solidity of the curved stone-wrapped island bench with timber battens draws attention.
Browse more stunning Australian kitchens featuring island benchtop lighting
There are so many beautiful details in this kitchen by Blue Tea Kitchens and Bathrooms in Clovelly, NSW. They combine to make it truly the heart of the home, from the V-groove panelling on the island bench to fluted-glass cabinets displaying stacks of beautiful tableware. Black inclusions, in the form of handles, lights and the island bench ground this predominantly white kitchen, making it work beautifully in an updated heritage home.
Your turn
Which of these kitchens appeals to you for your next project? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Looking for more fun kitchen ideas? Feast your eyes on this Before & After: A Chic Modern-Scandi Makeover for a Drab Kitchen
Your turn
Which of these kitchens appeals to you for your next project? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Looking for more fun kitchen ideas? Feast your eyes on this Before & After: A Chic Modern-Scandi Makeover for a Drab Kitchen
This Melbourne space by MMAD Architecture, with its beautiful timber, stone, brick and concrete, captured the eye of reader Sharyn Rea, who was one of many who saved it to her Ideabook. “I love the colours and mix of natural materials used – concrete look plus natural timber – just stunning,” she says.
Rea, who lives on Queensland’s sun-soaked Gold Coast, says she was looking for new kitchen inspiration when planning a new build when she came across this image. “I’m using natural-look timber cabinets mixed with Polytec Ferro matt cabinets, a Caesarstone Cloudburst Concrete benchtop, slimline bar, overhead lighting and engineered-timber flooring,” she says.
“The cabinets have gone in, and now we are just waiting for the benchtop and flooring. We hope to have it completed by the end of August.”