Texture in Kitchen Design: why everybody’s talking about it, and how to bring it into your kitchen

That’s music to our ears at Naked Kitchens, because we love working with beautiful, characterful materials. Here’s why texture is so important in creating a stunning, unique kitchen – plus plenty of tips and examples of how you can harness its power…

Why texture matters in interior design

In interior design, texture is where two senses – vision and touch – meet and interact in our minds. Texture how something ‘feels to the eye’. It’s about what certain materials remind you of, and how a surface interacts with light and shadow to create visual depth and detail.

It’s something that US homeowners are really becoming conscious about. As Jayne Everett, Head of Design at Naked Kitchens, explained recently: “In the UK and now America, more customers are thinking about how they can introduce layers of texture; mixing smooth and rough, natural and man-made surfaces for visual interest.”

By introducing and combining different textures you can create spaces that are completely unique, and have a vibe and character that’s all your own.

And of course as well as pleasing the eyes, texture also engages our sense of touch. “We’ve been doing more reeded and fluted textured doors and panels,” Jayne adds. “When you run your fingers across them, there’s something deeply satisfying about it, like an old-fashioned washboard.”

The joy of natural materials

The most obvious way to harness the power of texture in a kitchen is to embrace natural materials.

Different materials have different effects – whether it’s a rough stone surface or floor, or a smooth, cool marble – but always by bringing that connection to nature into your home you create a sense of timeless authenticity.

At Naked Kitchens, of course, we especially love working with natural timbers. There’s nothing better than sustainably sourced American hardwoods like oak and walnut for warmth, richness and organic beauty.

One timber in particular that’s making waves is natural walnut. Jayne says: “Previously people always turned to darker walnut for their cabinets because they wanted that deep, rich look. That’s beautiful of course and will never go out of style…. But we are seeing a trend now for walnut that looks very natural – lacquered rather than stained – where you can see the grain in the timber and all the lovely tonal variations.

Nine ways to bring texture into a kitchen design

1. Fluted finishes – A refined yet tactile trend, fluted panels on cabinets and kitchen islands add a sophisticated sense of depth and movement.
2. Reeded glass – A stylish, subtle way to introduce texture while maintaining an airy, light-filled kitchen space.
3. Layered worktops – Pairing stone countertops with a wooden or butcher block section, or mixing polished stone with honed or leathered finishes, creates a subtle textural shift.
4. Bold splashbacks – Once a practical feature, splashbacks are now a major design element, incorporating striking colors, mosaic tile patterns, or unique materials like brass to add visual impact.
5. Mixing and matching cabinets – contrasting painted cabinetry with exposed timbers with visible grain, creates layers of texture. (See more ideas in our blog Kitchen inspiration: mixing and matching different cabinet styles for visual effect)
6. Handcrafted tiles – Handmade ceramic or encaustic tiles bring a beautifully irregular, textural effect to splashbacks or floors.
7. Exposed brick or plaster walls – Rustic exposed brick, or Venetian plaster walls bring a lived-in, artisanal feel to the space.
8. Fabrics – soft, textured rugs break up hard surfaces and add warmth, and you can also bring fabrics in through bar stool seats or even just hanging woven baskets
9. Open shelving with curated items – Displaying your favourite natural ceramics, metal and wood items on open shelves creates a tactile, curated look.

Designing with texture – with Naked Kitchens

While texture is an exciting trend, balance is key. “You don’t need to overdo texture,” Jayne advises. “A few little textured pieces here and there is fine. It’s all about layering and balance.”

At Naked Kitchens, we love to experiment with texture, helping our customers to create kitchens that feel rich in character and warmth, and combining the best American timbers with English craftsmanship and design.

Are you ready to make your dream kitchen a reality? Get in touch with us today and let’s make it happen.