For statement kitchen surfaces, explore the 10 new materials changing the face of kitchen design
The very latest in kitchen design sees statement surfaces truly taking center stage, with a pioneering use of unexpected new materials and exciting, fresh updates on classic looks.
Uplifting traditional kitchen ideas with an innovative new style, striking texture, and stunning decoration, explore everything from islands crafted with a blend of rustic wood and sleek marble to cabinets finished with luxurious brass mesh; providing beautiful inspiration for a new kitchen design.
From flooring to backsplashes, cabinetry to kitchen countertops, the materials you choose for your kitchen surfaces will make a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your design.
So, with the help of a collection of interior designers and kitchen experts, let us show you the 10 luxurious new materials and design ideas that are setting this year's kitchen trends alight with sensational style.
BY LINDA CLAYTON. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ZARA STACEY
Expressive materials with natural variance and texture are bound to bring a kitchen island to life, and you can take it one step further by pitching a striking unit against a backdrop of plain painted kitchen cabinets.
Here, Roundhouse play on the tension between busy and still finishes by pairing shiny aged brass with low-sheen paint. ‘The brass has a wonderful hand-applied aged patina that makes the island stand proud against the dark, moody cabinetry,’ says Roundhouse's senior design consultant, Sam Hart.
Rustic sustainable timber is being taken in a new direction for modern kitchen ideas: less Boho farmhouse, more high-end chic.
In this Norfolk, UK, barn conversion, reclaimed sun-dried fir and satin-treated steel form a sophisticated pairing of Italian cabinetry. ‘The combination of rough, natural wood textures with soft pink marble and sleek metal creates a smart visual link between old and new,’ says Andrew Hamilton Barr, managing director, of Espresso Design.
We adore the sense of contrast that is created through the materials in this kitchen, and how the design is a more modern take on rustic kitchen ideas.
Kitchen backsplashes are shaking off their purely practical side to become one of the hardest-working decorative elements in the kitchen.
Interior designer Sophie Ashby has taken the approach to a spectacular height with this tall, ceiling-hugging design, featuring outsize book-matched Breccia Capraia marble and a bold slash of PVD metal in Brushed Anthracite; establishing a magnificent feature wall and focal point in the space.
Instead of using glass to break up expanses of cabinetry, why not incorporate a luxurious brass mesh into your design instead?
Here, woven brass by Rupert Bevan brings an extra layer of texture to this cabinet space and allows for you to subtly see what’s inside. Establishing a beautiful contrast with the texture of the dark wood, both materials work as one to add warmth and a rich sense of color to the space.
Each year, a fresh look for marble emerges that strengthens its appeal. ‘This striking Selene, with its large rock fragments in gray tones and hints of pink, gives classic marble a contemporary twist,’ says Louisa Morgan, creative director, Mandarin Stone.
Utterly timeless in style, you can never go wrong with marble ideas in the kitchen, and it is perfect for use on a backsplash or for kitchen countertop ideas.
As Alex Beaugeard, managing director at Lanserring says, 'we love the calming effect of natural stone splashbacks, such as marble. Knowing every slab is unique creates an emotional connection that helps your kitchen resonate with you.'
Tech advances are bringing ever-thinner porcelain to the forefront, which now allows for this material to even be used on cabinet doors. One benefit is that the color and pattern run right to the edge for a more realistic and finished look.
The use of porcelain from Cullifords on the cabinetry in this kitchen establishes a smart and sleek design and works wonderfully with the light wood and marble to enrich the space with beautiful natural texture and material.
In this project, interior designer Victoria-Maria Geyer goes big on terrazzo, showcasing a design by Max Lamb. ‘I used mirror backsplashes to create a box effect so you can experience the large-format terrazzo on horizontal and vertical planes,’ she explains.
A beautiful example of how creative kitchen flooring ideas can be, the terrazzo introduces a sense of playfulness and movement into this small kitchen, with the terrazzo colors perfectly complementing the natural tones of the dark wood cabinetry; making for a cohesive and stylish design.
Often it’s the subtler details that distinguish a perfectly nice kitchen from one that blows your mind, and statement edge profiles are really transforming plain worktops in stand-out contemporary kitchens.
‘We love a hand-chiseled edge for its organic texture and rawness, especially set against clean-cut lines of high-finished surfaces,’ says Joshua Tait, senior designer, at Eggersmann Design. ‘This smart detail can change the pace of a space in just one move.’
Quartzite is storming the kitchen design industry, bringing drama in its wake. Sola Kitchens is a firm advocate of this stone, which is tougher than granite and as elegant as marble.
‘The variety of colors is a constant reminder of earth’s natural beauty,’ says Sola Kitchens senior designer, Rhiannon Phenis. ‘Every slab features unique veining and inclusions, and when backlit the sparkling quartz is brought to life.’
A beautiful material that adds unique visual character and practical durability to a kitchen space.
When many of us think of decorating with pattern we picture living rooms and bedrooms filled with plush upholstery and beautiful soft accessories – but don't forget, pattern belongs in the kitchen, too.
Bring energy to the kitchen with patterns in intoxicating color combinations. Always Sunday founder, Lexi Dart, taps into this dynamic trend with flooring made from locally sourced marble offcuts laid in striking zigzags. ‘Cutting tiles from offcuts allows you to curate the exact pattern and tones desired for a floor that’s totally unique,’ she enthuses; a wonderful take on colorful kitchen ideas.
Find inspiration for kitchen flooring, walls and worktops with superb new materials and fresh design concepts shared by designers
The very latest in kitchen design sees statement surfaces truly taking center stage, with a pioneering use of unexpected new materials and exciting, fresh updates on classic looks.
Uplifting traditional kitchen ideas with an innovative new style, striking texture, and stunning decoration, explore everything from islands crafted with a blend of rustic wood and sleek marble to cabinets finished with luxurious brass mesh; providing beautiful inspiration for a new kitchen design.
From flooring to backsplashes, cabinetry to kitchen countertops, the materials you choose for your kitchen surfaces will make a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your design.
So, with the help of a collection of interior designers and kitchen experts, let us show you the 10 luxurious new materials and design ideas that are setting this year's kitchen trends alight with sensational style.
BY LINDA CLAYTON. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ZARA STACEY
Find inspiration for kitchen flooring, walls and worktops with superb new materials and fresh design concepts shared by designers
Solve the daily Crossword

