Let’s Talk Texture in the Kitchen

After the past few years of global upheaval, the

world can seem like a very stark and scary place. Thankfully, the home has become a cocoon for rest and respite, with the kitchen taking a central role of refuge. The kitchen is the place where we nourish our nearest and dearest, and gather together to socialise with family and friends.

The latest kitchen trends both amplify and fulfil this sense of stability, highlighting our need for a calm retreat into the heart and hearth of the home. The overall aesthetic has shifted towards a warmer, more textured feel in the kitchen introduced through finishes of natural stone, timber, and hand-crafted tiles. With an emphasis on warmth and earthiness, and a resulting feeling of security, let’s explore the latest tips and trends that will turn your kitchen into a sanctuary...

Marble

Marble has seen a huge revival, with bold patterns taking the lead. Seen in larger areas, covering whole islands and backsplashes, this surface is great for making a big statement with lots of colour and bold veining. It gives the kitchen a new sense of purpose and personality, and adds a sophisticated yet playful feeling.

Warmth, warmth, and more layers of warmth coupled with texture. The nested and insulated feel of the kitchen responds to the current need for a sense of security. Kitchen by Inarc Archtitects, Australia. Lisa Twyman

Interior and Product Designer

www.lisatwyman.com

@lisatwyman

Wood

Natural timbers warm up the kitchen and add plenty of depth with the wood grain texture. In line with a Scandinavian look, the grain texture is best accentuated when applied to flat panel doors and drawer fronts. Low sheen and oiled matte finishes help to keep the wood looking as natural as possible. A wood and marble pairing creates an overall cosseted feeling, enhancing a sense of safety and well-being.

Hand-crafted tiles

Hand-crafted and glazed tiles create lively and rich surfaces that bounce the light around and go a long way in elevating the new layered and textured look. Introducing them in a splashback will bring warmth and light to your kitchen. The hand-crafted sentiment is a trend that extends beyond the kitchen throughout the home. It suggests the charms of the old world – something people are leaning towards more and more.

"Low sheen and oiled matte finishes help to keep the wood looking as natural as possible."

Another master, Yasmine Ghoniem from YSG Studio gets playful with a combination of textured finishes and bold, colourful marble.

TOP LEFT: Flat panel doors allow the wood grain to pop – it’s all about the texture. Kitchen by Belle ‘Ame Agency, USA.

TOP RIGHT: Brass shelving offers a warm texture against this concrete wall. Interior design by Lisa Twyman. Photography Lar Glutz.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Oil paintings in this space make the kitchen feel homely and warm. Kitchen by Devol Kitchens, UK.

FAR RIGHT: A tiled splashback will bring warmth and light to your kitchen.

Metallics

Metals are still having a moment, showing up in brass, gold, or copper accents in islands, sink mixers, and even inside sinks. The metals are all about warming up the kitchen and complementing the natural timbers, stone, and marble.

Green and soft blue

Two colours that are all the rage for creating a soothing space this season, are blue and green. From light, mint greens to dark, rich, and moody olive greens, the verdant shade spectrum offers a restful atmosphere to complement those brass and gold accents. Soft blue brings a fresh modern look that is a beautiful replacement for typical light grey, greige, and neutrals on cabinetry.

Mixing vintage and modern

This trend sees vintage or antique pieces being introduced to the modern kitchen as major show pieces. Balancing charm with modern sensibility, restored furniture pieces can be turned into cabinetry, islands, and pantry cupboards.

Lighting is another way to go when mixing the old with the new. Even a small addition of vintage oil paintings on the wall or an antique table lamp on the counter can add a sense of old-world charm, which is what this trend is all about. Plus, by adding a sense of history, the endearing idea that the kitchen is the heart of the home is also emphasised.

In terms of new appliances and features, there are some exciting innovations that elevate both the functionality and aesthetic of the kitchen space. Integrated hobs and sinks create a seamless look on your stone top. Plus, sinks are also becoming wider, incorporating integrated functions like drying racks and chopping boards.

Harmonious rhythm

In open-plan homes, kitchens often form a backdrop to the living area, which is why the general style of the kitchen needs to fit the aesthetic of the living area to create a harmonious interior. This means seamless floors and finishes that tie in with what is happening beyond the kitchen. Such enhancements can be achieved by introducing a central colour in the kitchen and surrounding areas, or by bringing some of the marble or timber textures of the kitchen into the living room furniture pieces. The overall effect should be calm, nurturing, and harmonious.

The kitchen plays a major role in our sense of home, security, and well-being. Thankfully, the tide has turned, gracing us with a warm, cocooning space that encourages connection and a sense of calm.

"The overall aesthetic has shifted towards a warmer, more textured feel in the kitchen, introduced through finishes of natural stone, timber, and hand-crafted tiles with an emphasis on warmth and earthiness."