The 10 Most Popular Kitchens Around the World in 2022
Houzz users’ favourite kitchens feature natural materials and timeless design, but also emphasise function
The past year has been a time of big discussions on pressing themes. So it’s not surprising that some of the major design trends we’ve been seeing in other aspects of interiors – such as the use of sustainable and natural materials and the trend towards multifunctionality – are reflected in Houzz users’ favourite kitchens of the year.
Here, you’ll find a collection of the most-saved kitchen photos uploaded in 2022 in 10 countries around the world, presented in alphabetical order. Reasons for their popularity may vary. Some may be visually striking, others might highlight clever design features and some will fall into both categories. Either way, they’re all worthy of a virtual visit. Check them out, then save your favourites.
Here, you’ll find a collection of the most-saved kitchen photos uploaded in 2022 in 10 countries around the world, presented in alphabetical order. Reasons for their popularity may vary. Some may be visually striking, others might highlight clever design features and some will fall into both categories. Either way, they’re all worthy of a virtual visit. Check them out, then save your favourites.
2. France
This kitchen was designed by interior architect Lichelle Silvestry and crafted by BAT & CO for a family’s flat in Paris.
It picks up on many of the major kitchen trends in France in the past year, notably the ribbed texture of the pale wood cabinet doors and table plinth – a contemporary approach to reworking a traditional material.
This is matched with refined decor, natural tones and materials and, most of all, a timeless feel. In response to the current context, the owners opted for sustainable finishes they’re unlikely to tire of in the coming years.
Read client reviews of kitchen designers in your area on Houzz.
This kitchen was designed by interior architect Lichelle Silvestry and crafted by BAT & CO for a family’s flat in Paris.
It picks up on many of the major kitchen trends in France in the past year, notably the ribbed texture of the pale wood cabinet doors and table plinth – a contemporary approach to reworking a traditional material.
This is matched with refined decor, natural tones and materials and, most of all, a timeless feel. In response to the current context, the owners opted for sustainable finishes they’re unlikely to tire of in the coming years.
Read client reviews of kitchen designers in your area on Houzz.
3. Germany
During the renovation of a 120 sq m flat, this kitchen was set up from scratch. “The owner wanted her Berlin penthouse to make her feel as if she was still in Japan,” architect Charlotte Wiessner of Carlo says. The firm focused the renovation on wellness and combatting stress, taking direction from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or ‘forest bathing’.
The chairs, the nearby banquette and the stained cabinet fronts are made of walnut. This and the pine green upholstery and accessories draw a close connection to the forest.
“We chose the walnut wood to reference Japanese design,” Charlotte says. “The sand and cream tones we picked out form an excellent contrast.”
During the renovation of a 120 sq m flat, this kitchen was set up from scratch. “The owner wanted her Berlin penthouse to make her feel as if she was still in Japan,” architect Charlotte Wiessner of Carlo says. The firm focused the renovation on wellness and combatting stress, taking direction from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or ‘forest bathing’.
The chairs, the nearby banquette and the stained cabinet fronts are made of walnut. This and the pine green upholstery and accessories draw a close connection to the forest.
“We chose the walnut wood to reference Japanese design,” Charlotte says. “The sand and cream tones we picked out form an excellent contrast.”
4. Ireland
This design by re-interiors illustrates the growing trend for kitchens that showcase the natural beauty of wood in its unpainted state. These oak-fronted cabinets make a feature of the knots and grain in the timber, bringing an earthy, organic feel to this contemporary Dublin space.
The handleless doors ensure the space feels fresh and modern, while the natural tones of the units and flooring bring warmth and life to this sleek design.
This design by re-interiors illustrates the growing trend for kitchens that showcase the natural beauty of wood in its unpainted state. These oak-fronted cabinets make a feature of the knots and grain in the timber, bringing an earthy, organic feel to this contemporary Dublin space.
The handleless doors ensure the space feels fresh and modern, while the natural tones of the units and flooring bring warmth and life to this sleek design.
5. Italy
Interior architects Zarattini design created this kitchen in Sicily as part of the wider renovation of the living area. The owner’s request? To have a coherent space for working, cooking and entertaining.
The kitchen was custom-made to fit in the living area. The light greige colour, alongside fixtures that suit a living area as much as a kitchen, make the open space feel like a coherent whole.
The breakfast table can be expanded to accommodate guests and all of the built-in cabinetry was custom- designed by Zarattini and made by a joiner.
Interior architects Zarattini design created this kitchen in Sicily as part of the wider renovation of the living area. The owner’s request? To have a coherent space for working, cooking and entertaining.
The kitchen was custom-made to fit in the living area. The light greige colour, alongside fixtures that suit a living area as much as a kitchen, make the open space feel like a coherent whole.
The breakfast table can be expanded to accommodate guests and all of the built-in cabinetry was custom- designed by Zarattini and made by a joiner.
6. Japan
Kitchen islands with seating are also popular in Japan, as they create a place in the home for people to gather. The couple who own this house in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, asked the team from Clasis Home to make the kitchen area sociable, multifunctional, cosy and tidy.
The floor of the kitchen is one step down from the dining space so that people sitting at the table are at eye level with anyone cooking.
Plenty of storage is built into the wall units and island, freeing the space of clutter and helping it to look tidy.
Kitchen islands with seating are also popular in Japan, as they create a place in the home for people to gather. The couple who own this house in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, asked the team from Clasis Home to make the kitchen area sociable, multifunctional, cosy and tidy.
The floor of the kitchen is one step down from the dining space so that people sitting at the table are at eye level with anyone cooking.
Plenty of storage is built into the wall units and island, freeing the space of clutter and helping it to look tidy.
7. New Zealand
Palazzo Kitchens in Christchurch gave this kitchen a garden-focused orientation thanks to a new floor plan that switched the kitchen and living areas around, creating an indoor-outdoor flow. This connection to nature is reinforced by the verdant outlook through the glazed splashback.
Grainy wood-look laminate combines with black elements in the cupboard fronts, island and window frames to give a modern-rustic appearance to the space. Wrapping the timber up the wall and partially across the ceiling zones the kitchen and gives the area a warm, cosseting feel.
Palazzo Kitchens in Christchurch gave this kitchen a garden-focused orientation thanks to a new floor plan that switched the kitchen and living areas around, creating an indoor-outdoor flow. This connection to nature is reinforced by the verdant outlook through the glazed splashback.
Grainy wood-look laminate combines with black elements in the cupboard fronts, island and window frames to give a modern-rustic appearance to the space. Wrapping the timber up the wall and partially across the ceiling zones the kitchen and gives the area a warm, cosseting feel.
8. Spain
This homeowner found the architects at Studio Madera on Houzz, and used ideabooks to communicate and exchange ideas with the professional during the renovation of their flat in Madrid.
Custom-made furniture makes the most of the available space – a real challenge in this 31 sq m apartment.
Linking the two spaces, the kitchen island has a bookshelf on the living room side. This was a request from the owner, who saw it in one of Studio Madera’s previous projects on their Houzz profile.
More: How to Lay Out a Small Kitchen
This homeowner found the architects at Studio Madera on Houzz, and used ideabooks to communicate and exchange ideas with the professional during the renovation of their flat in Madrid.
Custom-made furniture makes the most of the available space – a real challenge in this 31 sq m apartment.
Linking the two spaces, the kitchen island has a bookshelf on the living room side. This was a request from the owner, who saw it in one of Studio Madera’s previous projects on their Houzz profile.
More: How to Lay Out a Small Kitchen
9. United Kingdom
This Surrey kitchen by Maddalena Minerva is a masterclass in modern country style. The warm timber worktops tone beautifully with the polished copper taps, dark green units and flagstone flooring, while patio doors connect the space to the outside and ensure the room feels bright and inviting.
Dark green kitchens have been popular on Houzz for a couple of years now and the trend remains strong. This room also ticks a lot of other boxes when it comes to kitchen wish lists, thanks to the large island, range cooker, dining table nook and pantry cupboard (which can be seen in other photos in this project).
More: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
This Surrey kitchen by Maddalena Minerva is a masterclass in modern country style. The warm timber worktops tone beautifully with the polished copper taps, dark green units and flagstone flooring, while patio doors connect the space to the outside and ensure the room feels bright and inviting.
Dark green kitchens have been popular on Houzz for a couple of years now and the trend remains strong. This room also ticks a lot of other boxes when it comes to kitchen wish lists, thanks to the large island, range cooker, dining table nook and pantry cupboard (which can be seen in other photos in this project).
More: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
10. United States
This warm and inviting kitchen near Boston, Massachusetts, has cosy cottage style and a touch of rusticity. The homeowners looked at inspiration photos on Houzz before hiring designer Hannah Oravec of Lawless Design to help them realise their vision.
Warm white walls, marble worktops and a row of windows above the sink keep the space bright and welcoming. A rustic, stone-look ceramic tile splashback and sawn white oak cabinets in a natural finish give the room character. A gas fireplace brings a flickering glow to the room, adding to the cosy mood.
Tell us…
Which of these kitchens is your favourite? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
This warm and inviting kitchen near Boston, Massachusetts, has cosy cottage style and a touch of rusticity. The homeowners looked at inspiration photos on Houzz before hiring designer Hannah Oravec of Lawless Design to help them realise their vision.
Warm white walls, marble worktops and a row of windows above the sink keep the space bright and welcoming. A rustic, stone-look ceramic tile splashback and sawn white oak cabinets in a natural finish give the room character. A gas fireplace brings a flickering glow to the room, adding to the cosy mood.
Tell us…
Which of these kitchens is your favourite? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
One of the most common design challenges for Australians renovating their homes is to find a design that’s classic enough to blend in with their historical property, yet highly functional and contemporary.
This kitchen by Naibu Design, located in Sydney’s beachside suburb of Clovelly, fits the bill. Wrought in a soft sage green, its smooth cabinetry contrasts with the island’s tongue-and-groove detailing and the textured zellige wall tiles. The thick Caesarstone worktops, subtle handles and brushed-brass fittings bring a touch of modern sophistication.
Open shelving adds a sense of spaciousness and allows organic shapes to provide contrast to the linear kitchen.