Matt kitchen cabinets and worktops have become a huge trend in both contemporary and traditional homes. However, although they may be popular, they may not be the right type of finish for your home kitchen.
It’s common to see new trends popping up from time to time and taking the market by storm. Then you’d think that they’re the perfect way to go, only to find out that you’re not as happy with what you chose.
This is normal since it’s hard to resist trends especially when they are splashed around in picture-perfect galleries all over.
Are chic matt worktops and cabinets ideal for your kitchen?
While a matt finish comes with its advantages, it also comes with a few disadvantages. When making a life-changing decision, it’s wise to familiarise yourself with the pros and of course the cons so you’ll be prepared with any potential drawbacks. Additionally, you will have a chance at picking another option that could possibly work better than the first option.
So below, we’ve round up the pros and cons of matt kitchen cabinets and worktops.
The Pros:
First, the good news.
Although the matt finish has been around for a while, they started making waves just about five years or so ago. Interior decorators consider them “modern” and chic, individual and fresh.
Matt is perfect for contemporary living and comes in a wide variety of colours that can easily be designed according to your space.
One huge advantage matt has over a high gloss kitchen finish is that the surface of the cabinets will not as easily show any imperfections, smudges, stains or fingerprints. This is all thanks to the absence of light being reflected on the surface. A matt finish absorbs light instead of reflecting it on the surface.
Hence, this leads to another advantage—you will not clean the surface as often compared with high gloss.
Additionally, matt easily blends well with your already existing high gloss kitchen cabinets to add a little bit more texture and character to the space. Matt worktops and cabinets are great for larger kitchen and open floor designs because they add a more expansive feel.
The Cons:
And there’s the other side of the spectrum. Matt finish has some pretty straightforward cons.
Firstly, cleaning might not be as easy as cleaning a glossy surface. Although imperfections might not easily show, but when they do, it will be more difficult to get rid of them.
It’s not uncommon to leave streaks when cleaning matt surfaces. Additionally, these surfaces tend to absorb the stain, making cleaning more difficult.
In terms of making your kitchen space larger, matt may not be for you. If your kitchen doesn’t have ample natural lighting or if there are only a handful of windows where natural light can pass through, you might want to reconsider picking matt as a finish.
Space could feel cramped since light will not be reflected off the surface but instead absorbed.
Making the Decision
Planning for your kitchen’s design is more than just mere appearances. You have to consider function and practicality as well.
Yes, matt cabinets and worktops are trendy options. However, they’re not for every household.
You have to be realistic, honest and make sense of your lifestyle and kitchen use.
So to help you with your decision-making, here are 6 questions you need to ask yourself if you do however set your mind on a matt finish.
6 Questions to Consider When Designing a Matt Kitchen
Traditional or Modern?
On of matt’s strongest elements is that it can be used in almost any kitchen style, whether traditional or modern or even somewhere in between.
Contrasting or Uniform Cabinets and Worktops?
Another thing to consider is if you want to opt for a uniform look for your kitchen. This means a uniform matt effect across all cabinetry and worktops. Or if you want to mix matt with some bit of gloss or semi-gloss.
Whichever option you choose, it works well. Gloss helps add a little bit of shine to the space and helps it make appear larger, thanks to the reflected light on the surface.
Likewise, you can make a real style statement by adding glossy doors or drawers in an otherwise matt space.
One way you can incorporate gloss is by placing it on upper kitchen cabinet doors. That way, the light will be reflected on the upper level while keeping greasy hands off your glossy surface. The matt finish will be positioned on the lower kitchen cabinets doors. A complete blend of style and practicality.
What Is Your Colour Pallet?
Remember that light drawers and cupboard help make the space feel larger and more open. This is ideal for small kitchen spaces.
Greys, navy blues and other darker shades are ideal for larger kitchen spaces since they help make the room feel very sophisticated and classic.
Meanwhile, to create a focal point to the space, opt for colours on particular units, like kitchen islands where you can make your own statement.
Glossy or Matt Floors?
One of the most neglected design areas of the kitchen is flooring. Many find it to rarely make any statement. Nothing can be further from the truth.
A well-designed kitchen flooring could help enhance the overall design of your space and help draw in all elements of design. That being said, it’s important to factor in whether you’ll go for a matt or glossy kitchen flooring.
Tiles are often used for gloss flooring, which looks striking against matt cabinets and worktops. On the other hand, matt tiling and wood are more subtle and often easy to maintain in the long run.
How Will You Decorate the Walls?
Matt paint sits well with any design and is a popular choice for almost any household kitchen. To break up the kitchen’s design, add a gloss effect on the walls.
Glossy tiles help make the room appear brighter and lighter and helps draw attention to a specific area if that’s what you are going for.
What about the Appliances?
Modern-day appliances are also available in both glossy and matt finishes, from fridges, ovens, to cookers. However, the effect will depend on how much you want the appliances to blend or stand out in the overall design.
The Bottom Line
Matt kitchens are stunningly beautiful, dramatic and full of character. It’s a trend that’s enjoying its increasing popularity. Not only is it applicable on almost all kitchen sizes, but also it can blend with other finishes to create a striking space that you’ll definitely love spending time in.
Whether you’ve got your heart set on a chic matt kitchen, or want to explore your options, get in touch. Simply fill in our online form or call us on 01707 650565.
