Trend spotlight: natural and neutral kitchens

Versatile, sophisticated and timeless - neutral kitchens are so much more than just an understated colour palette. In fact, from white and beige to taupe, terracotta, earthy shades and even greige, when paired with natural materials like marble, quartz and wood, a neutral kitchen can be completely head-turning. Here, we speak to Matt Kelly, experienced Dual Site Manager of our Wilmslow and Southport showrooms, to get the lowdown on this hot kitchen trend.

Home Inspiration Trend spotlight: natural and neutral kitchens

Natural kitchens are here to stay

Natural kitchens with wood finishes aren’t new, but they’ve taken a back seat over the last few years as we’ve seen a resurgence in painted lacquered doors and industrial stone finishes. However, they’re coming back and firmly becoming one of the most popular kitchen design choices. Many customers want a kitchen that’ll stand the test of time and appeal to the mass market if they choose to later sell, and a neutral and natural kitchen ticks all these boxes. Not to mention, it’s a sure-fire way to achieve a simpler and more calming atmosphere – something many of us need.

There’s a neutral kitchen for everyone

While pared-down tones are more common in Scandi-inspired kitchens, you can achieve a natural design whatever your preferences and taste. From modern and minimal rooms to classic country looks, neutral and natural palettes can be tweaked to suit your needs, and it’ll make the most of whatever space you do have.

It doesn’t have to be boring

Colour psychology tells us that neutral colours are calming for the senses. So, it’s no surprise that many customers are concerned that a neutral kitchen might be bland and uninspiring. But you don’t need to play it safe. Experiment with subtle contrasts like light walls and dark furnishings or even dark kitchen cabinets with white overhead cupboards.

There’s still space for colour too including soft blues, greens and pink. Known as ‘new neutrals’ these shades are reinvigorating the natural kitchen trend and bringing an extra touch of warmth to it. Our Lava and Magma colour ranges are particularly popular amongst customers looking to combine lacquered and wooden fronts for some character.

Experiment with lighting

Far from dull, neutral shades can be incredibly dynamic and, with the right lighting, can show off different undertones. For this reason, it’s essential to consider how natural light flows into your kitchen. For example, a taupe might look cool and crisp in the morning but deeper and cosier come evening.

Layering is essential

To achieve an interesting look and feel, I always recommend combining different natural shades, materials and textures. Think polished marble worktops, natural stone flooring and rustic additions like a large wooden table or strategically placed chopping board. To continue the neutral appearance, opt for untreated or lightly finished wood.

Warm white looks even better when paired with earthy beiges. And another idea is to pair plain walls or natural and white kitchen cabinets with exposed stonework. Traditional brass hardware works well with lighter tones and satin cabinets complement glossy tiles.

Remember the finishing touches

As with any room, finishing touches are crucial in a natural tone kitchen. Open shelving, ambient lighting, plants and flowers can all make a space feel more lived in. Even better, just because you want an eye-catching feature, like a bar, it doesn’t mean you have to use dramatic design and colour. A bold kitchen and neutral kitchen are planned in the same way – you simply just change the fronts.

Your dream neutral kitchen can be in budget

We might be biased, but a good kitchen designer will make all the difference. They’ll be able to work with the options they have and do it within budget. Lots of people think that following a current trend means spiralling costs but there are smart tweaks we can make, namely to the finish of the doors and what they include internally.

Are you a fan of neutral kitchen design ideas? Take the first step towards your dream kitchen today and contact your local showroom for bespoke kitchen design advice.

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Trend spotlight: natural and neutral kitchens