GO WITH THE GRAIN

While high-gloss cabinets can be a sleek and modern choice, one thing that no one tells you about them – unless they’ve had them in their own home

– is how much they show finger prints and smudges. That means that unless you’re willing to commit to cleaning them on the daily, your kitchen is always going to look messy.

Out of fashion for a while, wood cabinetry is enjoying a revival. Poles apart from the sterility of glossy white, the gold-toned richness of a kitchen decked out in oak, walnut, teak or stained plywood invites you to pull up a chair and stay awhile. Despite being hard surfaces, these woods practically ooze warmth and are extremely easy to care for when they’ve been properly protected.

For popular wood stain options, look to Resene Colorwood Natural, Resene Colorwood Rock Salt or Resene Colorwood Uluru. Whichever colour you choose, be sure to seal them with Resene Aquaclear to keep visible smudges at a minimum. Or, go for a whitewashed or greywashed look with Resene Colorwood Whitewash or Resene Colorwood Light Greywash. If you’re still not sold on making the move back to timber cabinetry, these finishes also look amazing on wood floors. of coats of Resene paint, which will make quick work of any resulting inconsistencies in the wood. Choose Resene Lustacryl for a hardwearing semi-gloss finish that’s suitable for kitchen cabinetry and joinery, or go for Resene Enamacryl for a gloss finish.

Brand new isn’t automatically better. Resene Norway on the walls and Resene Quarter Villa White on the trims, ceiling and cabinetry of this home make the kitchen look fresh and inviting while still blending beautifully with the home’s heritage.