Mix up MATERIALS

Hard, glossy kitchen finishes such as lacquer and chrome are giving way to softer, organic materials. Not only are these long-lasting and easy to live with, but they also develop a lovely patina over time. And they’re great news for country kitchens, where a natural look feels just right. Plus, they’re often better for the environment.

Where a conventional fitted kitchen might feature just a handful of finishes, the latest designs are quirkier and more individual than their counterparts, with units in a mix of shapes and materials. Take inspiration from interior design studio Retrouvius, which favours reclaimed timber and stone in its bespoke kitchens, and Devol’s Haberdasher’s kitchen, which features oiled-oak and glass-fronted cupboards based on vintage shop cabinets.

Distressed metallic surfaces are also growing in popularity – they give a much more relaxed effect than polished, contemporary metals. Ledbury Studio, a new brand from Smallbone of Devizes founder Charlie Smallbone, has cupboard doors clad in patinated copper

verdigris, while Humphrey Munson uses aged, silvered mirror-glass to create textured splashbacks.

If you live in a period property with old stone floors or walls, these finishes will feel like natural companions, and have endless style potential. Rough-hewn woods and textured stones will give a more timeless, rustic feel, while metallics, mirrors and veined marble inject a little glamour. Having just one statement feature – a splashback, worktop or even an upstand trim – is enough to elevate a simple design.

Sebastian Cox’s beech cabinets (this picture) are paired with an agedcopper sink and worktop, all by Devol. Neptune’s crisp white kitchen highlights old beams (bottom left)

Here, a collection of different textured materials combines effectively for a kitchen with plenty of interest in a variety of subtle, neutral shades