The kitchen is the heart of the home, and there’s nothing quite like designing your dream space. Any kitchen remodel should look beautiful, feel authentic and be a true reflection of your lifestyle. But before you begin your kitchen renovation project, it’s important to consider what trends will stand the test of time.

We’re sharing four of the top kitchen renovation trends for 2022 that blend style with functionality.

Double islands

Kitchen islands have long been a staple in many homes, but the double island is proving to be a big 2022 design trend. Their appeal lies in what they can offer – extra space, storage and a functional partition.

As we begin to host at home again, room for food preparation has become important, and cramped and crowded benches are a thing of the past. Many homeowners are turning to double islands as a way of incorporating extra seating, meaning more space for guests or family members to gather in the kitchen.

Aesthetically, double islands are a chic and sophisticated addition to any kitchen. While they may work best in more roomy or open-plan kitchens, even smaller kitchens can benefit from double islands — especially if arranged in a U or L-shaped layout. If you do have a more modest kitchen, two separate smaller islands can reduce the need for extra cupboards and can also act in place of a dining table.

If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, consider whether a double island would work for you and what features you would want each island to have. A second sink, for instance, might appeal to avid home cooks, while an additional breakfast bar caters to larger households.

Statement lighting

A kitchen’s ambience is created by the lighting. The perfect lighting scheme for your kitchen should be functional, but also needs to elevate the space and make it look beautiful. While getting the lighting right during your kitchen renovation can feel overwhelming, 2022 has brought some innovative trends that prove kitchen lighting doesn’t need to be boring or unobtrusive. There’s been a rise in unique lights that add character and become a focal point of the kitchen.

Overhead pendants or statement downlights can add flair while still providing the light needed for food prepping, cooking and cleaning up. Bold designs, like sculptural shapes, mixed material fixtures or oversized bulbs, are great ways to improve your kitchen aesthetic. While it can be bold, statement lighting doesn’t need to be over-the-top. Consider making a quieter statement with a few well-placed wall lights or sconces.

Butcher block countertops

Selecting your counters is a big part of a kitchen reno. In the past, marble and natural stone countertops have been popular choices for kitchens. Times are changing, though, and we’re seeing butcher block countertops becoming the go-to selection for kitchen renovations. These countertops offer a natural timber look that works in almost every space. Going for a darker timber with a wavy grain can enhance a kitchen’s rustic vibes, while highly polished timber in a lighter hue will create a more modern feel.

Unlike stone or concrete counters, butcher block countertops are highly functional and can be used as cutting surfaces without blunting knives. They’re also cost-effective and sustainable, making them a popular choice.

As kitchens, rather than living rooms, become the preferred gathering spot, there’s also been a move towards organic materials that add warmth and create an inviting space. If your 2022 kitchen renovation incorporates a butcher block counter or bench, know it will be timeless for years to come.

Broken-plan living

Any kitchen renovation needs to make clever use of the space. 2022 has embraced the trend for the broken-plan kitchen, a layout that merges open plan living with the more traditional separated rooms.

Broken-plan kitchens offer the best of both worlds. They bring the light and space of open-plan living while still providing a sense of privacy and separation. We expect to see more renovation projects featuring varied spaces, and there is no shortage of ways to divide your space. Different floor finishes or paint effects, concealed doors, or semi-permanent partitions made from shelves can all help define different zones in the house. When it comes to your kitchen renovations, a broken-plan layout can be created by introducing a low wall between the kitchen and dining spaces, adding a split level to divide the rooms or open shelving.