“European kitchen design trends go beyond the means of aesthetics— it is born by necessity.”
Photo from French Cabinetry
The European style has always inspired the American market when it comes to interior design. However, throughout the years, it has gone beyond the means of aesthetics and more into functionality. It influences U.S. trends by providing design-related solutions to make the spaces look more extensive.
In a nutshell, European interior design is deeply rooted in clean lines and storage solutions. So expect trends that lean into avoiding visual clutter and color schemes that give spaces depth. As we wrap up 2022, we’re here to rank the best European kitchen design trends that happened for the year!
2022 European Kitchen Design Trends
Photo from French Cabinetry
The pandemic brought about many changes, one of which is rethinking how to spend time at home. This led to several changes in interior design preferences— especially in the kitchen. Serving as the heart of the house, most owners are looking for how to add convenience to the kitchen.
Fast forward to post-pandemic, what seemed like a temporary fix became a flexible opportunity for more! Here are some of the design trends that made sense aesthetically and functionally for 2022.
#5 Layered Surfaces
Photo from Composit
Photo from Composit
The kitchen has evolved into more than a place for food prepping. It has become an all-in-one hub that works as a place for:
- Social Gatherings
- Business Meetings
- Work
- Studying
- Storage
- Eating
- And more!
Due to this, different ways to maximize the use of islands emerged. Islands are taking over the scene when it comes to being the main protagonist of the kitchen. One example is layered surfaces. Imagine having an extension that could function as a separate area!
This trend is excellent for individuals who use the kitchen as a workspace, study corner, or even a small meeting space.
#4 Ribbed Cabinetry
Photo from Composit
Designers or homeowners can execute this type of detail in many materials. It’s a luxurious touch that helps upscale the value of a kitchen. At the same time, the ribbed effect also serves to bring architectural details indoors.
This is also perfect if you want to add a splash of nature to your kitchen. Besides, the pandemic accelerated the trend of biophilic design since people were missing nature. So if you want to bring the outdoors inside, this is the trend for you.
#3 Thin Cabinet Frames
Photo from Composit
Photo from Composit
European cabinetry is famous for its ‘frameless style,’ which helps utilize storage spaces more. In fact, this trend is all the more beneficial as it reduces clutter— the kitchen’s main antagonist.Since homeowners are spending the majority of their time indoors, an obsessive desire to eliminate clutter has emerged.
Take this trend as one step closer to eliminating clutter physically and visually.
#2 Full-wall Paneling
Photo from Composit
Speaking of avoiding visual clutter, isn’t it convenient to have a full-wall paneling of hidden storage? When it comes to the kitchen, storage is essential. But if done wrong, this often ends with a cluttered cooking space.
So in our books, a sleek and functional full-wall storage paneling wins second place. Especially when combined with panel-ready appliances. Not only can you have a fully functional wall, but it’s also possible to hide your work or prep zones! It’s perfect for homeowners who use the kitchen as the home office. See below for some samples.
For more seamless storage solutions, you can read more here.
Hidden Work Zones
Panel Ready Appliances
#1 Use of Porcelain
Snatching first place for this section— another notable trend is the porcelain innovation for seamless use! It’s a fantastic feat since porcelain is a very durable and heat-proof material. So imagine if you can use this material for your sink, countertop, and even the cabinet itself!
More importantly, it’s hygienic and anti-bacterial and even stops fungi or bacteria from spreading! Porcelains are great to use since one of our most significant concerns these past few years revolves around disinfecting.
For more seamless storage solutions, you can read more here.
Countertop Integrated Sink
Photo from Composit
Island as Focal Point
Photo from Composit
Waterfall Sides
Photo from Composit
2023 Design Trend Forecast
Photo by Chabert Duval
Now, looking forward to what’s in store for us this coming 2023, here’s a short list of what to expect in European kitchen design trends and more.
#5 Ribbed Cabinetry
Photo by Composit
Yes, ribbed cabinetry again. This trend has been sneaking into North America’s Luxury market, and it will continue gaining the attention that it deserves! It’s a nice touch for the kitchen as it resembles architectural elements. And adding a touch of warmth to the kitchen is always a win.
So bookmark this idea if you’re planning a fabulous touch for your kitchen renovation for 2023.
#4 Smart Kitchen
Photo from Gaggenau
Incorporating panel-ready and smart appliances into the kitchen is expected to continue growing. The increased adoption of this type of technology is currently at 31%. It will continue to increase until 2025. So expect more innovation for smart kitchen appliances.
Click here if you want to find out more about the perks of upgrading your appliances.
#3 Art of Decluttering Continues
Slide Out Counter
Photos from Kesseböhmer
European kitchen trends are always innovative in creating more space. So expect more decluttering solutions for the kitchen. It could be through storage, finish, and more! It’s exciting to anticipate the next trend for European cabinetry, as they are always on point regarding functionality and aesthetics.
Furthermore, it’s convenient to have a nicely packed kitchen that functions as a one-stop shop in your home. The kitchen, being the core of the home, should be neatly packed with all the right storage spaces, appliances, and fixtures. So expect emerging trends that maximize all the kitchen’s wasted space.
- Wall of Storage
Homeowners are finding ways to create a more open look and feel for their kitchens. So for 2023 and the coming years, it’s safe to expect more innovations and design strategies involving storage. As the obsession to conceal storage continues, it’s safe to expect more full-wall storage.
- Pantry
In the coming years, you can expect more variations of a pantry. We have a walk-in pantry for more space, a built-in pantry, and even a butler’s pantry.
For example, you can have a walk-in pantry with a small appliance work area and a coffee station!
#2 Maximize Islands
Photo by Composit
Islands are still taking the spotlight. As the kitchen becomes a prominent space in the house with multiple uses— various innovations on how to maximize islands will continue to pop out.
So it’s time to reinvent the island and include prominent features such as the following:
- For charging phones and other devices
- To eat meals
- For food prep
- To work/study
#1 Color
As for European kitchen designs, the use of solid and bold colors is predicted to continue to rise in popularity. So it’s time to bid farewell to the usual neutral wood and stone combination and say hello to statement colors.
The top kitchen solid colors forecasted for 2023 are the following:
- Green
- Blue
- White
Color of the Year
Pantone served us Very Peri as 2022’s color of the year. It’s a color close to bluish-purple— a color that encourages creativity and personal inventiveness. As a result, cool color combinations emerged throughout the year.
In fact, since 2020, Pantone has been releasing colors from the cooler side of the spectrum. Then comes 2021 with an Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a tint of pastel yellow color combination. Will the year 2023 finally bring us a color of the year with a warmer tone?
Yes! Pantone finally unveiled the color for 2023, and it’s full of vibrance and vigor. For 2023, we have Viva Magenta to look forward to.
2020
2021
2022
2023
Photo by Chabert Duval
Rise of Luxury Beige
Another color trend to look out for in 2023 is the rise of luxury beige. As predicted earlier, the 2023 color trend is expected to revolve around warm tones— so beige is perfectly understandable. The best part? You can mix and match the trend and choose one solid color to use as an accent.
“If you love minimalistic, classy, and seamless kitchens— then European kitchen design trends are the perfect inspiration.”
Get on Trend Now with French Cabinetry!
French Cabinetry keeps up with the latest trends in European kitchen design trends and more! So schedule a FREE consultation with us about the latest and upcoming trends to apply in your kitchen. Just click here, choose a date and your preferred platform, and we’ll help you realize the most suitable kitchen for you.
Want more inspiration? You can explore our design catalogs here for more kitchen collections.
