Go with the Grain

Wood has many charms. It can add warmth to a pale scheme, introduce texture to smooth surfaces, or dial down the drama of brightcoloured cabinetry. It can even set the tone of a space: whitewashed woods have long been associated with Scandi sensibilities, while richer, darker timbers are the backbone of a dramatic scheme. The current trend is for exposed grain, which adds instant texture to a kitchen. The more pronounced the grain, the better.

Project details

the owners of this Roundhouse kitchen chose the deeply textured grain of river-washed black walnut ply to complement the exposed brickwork and original timber structure. a smooth concrete worktop introduces a textural shift still very much in keeping with the aesthetic, while a blackboard splashback adds a playful touch. swapping out cabinetry for shelves made from scaffold boards keeps cooking essentials close to hand. utensils and cafetières are hung from hooks to keep worktops clear, creating a casual café vibe. Bespoke kitchens from £35,000.

Project details

Get the natural wood look for less with laminate, available in many guises including schmidt’s murphy wood-effect door fronts. using a single material or colour for cabinets was once de rigueur, but rules have relaxed and mixing and matching has become the norm. schmidt nails the look by offsetting murphy’s prominent grain with an oh-so-sleek nano Black finish. schmidt’s expando table with a matching murphy tabletop, £1,096.45, and daytona chairs, £511.55 for two, complete the look. schmidt kitchens priced from £10,000.