7 questions to consider when creating a matt kitchen

One of the strongest elements of the matt finish is that it can be applied to almost every style of kitchen, whether that's ultra-modern or traditional (or somewhere in between).

Did you know: Matt finish is available across a number of the Wren Kitchens ranges, including Shaker, Edwardian and Contour, providing plenty of different options to choose from.

When designing your matt kitchen, you'll need to decide if you'd prefer a uniform matt effect – across both the kitchen worktops and the units – or if you'd prefer to have a touch of gloss in the room.

Both work well, but gloss kitchen worktops can add shine to the room, making it appear larger thanks to the light refracting off the surface. Similarly, gloss elements on kitchen island drawers and doors in an otherwise matt room can make a real style statement.

When deciding between a gloss or matt kitchen, it's important to remember, though, that matt does still reflect light, simply in a subtler effect than gloss. Therefore, light matt worktops can still work in a small kitchen, whilst larger kitchens can explore darker matt to create a sophisticated look.

Matt paint is by far and away the most popular choice for almost every kitchen, and will fit well with a matt kitchen design. If you want to break up the room design, small areas of gloss effect on the walls can work well.

A statement wall featuring glossy tiles can make the room feel light and bright, and will attract the eye to that area of the room if you want to draw attention to something. This works particularly well behind the main food preparation area, as tiles are hard-wearing and easy to clean, as well as attractive.

Kitchen flooring is an often neglected area, as it very rarely makes a large statement. However, this underappreciated part of the room can truly enhance the overall design of the kitchen. It's important, therefore, to consider whether matt or gloss flooring will work for your design.

Gloss flooring is typically made of tiles, which can look striking beneath matt units. Meanwhile, wood and matt tiling is much more subtle – but no less beautiful – and is often easy to maintain in the long run.

Light cupboards and drawers will make the room feel open and large, which is ideal for smaller kitchens. Darker shades, such as greys, are great for larger kitchens, as they feel very sophisticated. Colour on particular units, such as kitchen islands, can make a real statement, and help to create a central point to the room.

Kitchen accessories and appliances – such as microwave ovens, cookers, hobs and fridges – are available in both matt and gloss effect. Choosing the effect that works for your kitchen really depends on how much you want the appliances to either stand out or blend in with the rest of the kitchen.

Stainless steel can have a beautiful matt effect, particularly on microwaves, fridges and ovens doors, which is ideal if you want to keep the theme consistent. However, choosing a gloss effect for these and your hob can also help to add an extra dimension to the room, and will not ruin the overall matt effect.

When it comes to the finishing touches, accessories can either help to cement the style of the room, or be used to make a contrasting statement. Accessories to consider include light fittings, storage containers, utensils and crockery.

If you choose statement kitchen light fittings, a range of finishes on the accessories can create a stunning, modern effect. Choose three or more in similar colours, but with varying matt to gloss finishes. Likewise, crockery that features small areas of gloss on an otherwise matt backdrop can make for a striking finish to the room.

Matt kitchens are a beautiful design trend that's enjoying increasing popularity. It can be applied to kitchens of all sizes, and can be blended with gloss features to create a striking room that you'll love to spend time in.

If you need help designing your perfect matt kitchen, book your free appointment with one of our expert kitchen designers today, or try our free, online kitchen planner!