How to incorporate matte finishes in your kitchen & bathroom

You’ve probably seen matte finishes in new or renovated homesBEFORE. That’s because they’re hugely popular right now, and with good reason. They look great, and have several other benefits that make them perfect for high traffic kitchens and bathrooms. 

We’ve whipped up a guide to help you incorporate matte finishes into your spaces. 

The benefits of matte finishes

• Besides looking great, matte finishes are extremely easy to clean. They hide smudges, fingerprints and watermarks beautifully, which makes them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. 
• If you buy quality, they can also be more scratch resistant than other, shinier, materials, which can mean they last a bit longer. 
• Last, but not least, matte finishes are extremely versatile. Because of their low profile, unassuming appearance, they can fit into almost any design. 

Where can you incorporate matte finishes?

Matte finishes look great in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries in particular. Here are a few ideas around where you can incorporate them:

Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities

Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities painted with matte finishes can look amazing, just make sure you use a paint designed for wet spaces (or ask for an expert’s help). The other option is revealing the timber underneath your existing cabinetry’s painted surfaces, and applying a matte clear coat to protect it. Timber cabinetry is trending right now, but we believe it’s a timeless look that will always be in. 

Appliances

Kitchen appliances aren’t just available in white and stainless steel anymore. The biggest brands are releasing fridges, espresso machines, dishwashers, ovens and cooktops, all with attractive matte finishes. If you go for matte appliances, it’s usually best to match the finish with your fittings to achieve a cohesive design. 

Fittings and fixtures

The smallest touches of matte can make all the difference, especially when it comes to your bathroom and kitchen fixtures and fittings. 

One of our favourites in the kitchen is the Gareth Ashton, 304 gooseneck kitchen mixer – it’s understated design is perfectly suited to its matte black finish. The Gareth Ashton horizontal shower is the same. Just the right amount of understated, perfect for a modern minimalist bathroom. 

Consider your overall aesthetic & get inspired

Matte finishes can look amazing, but they should always be used carefully. They’re best suited to rustic, modern minimalist, or industrial looks, and they’re not always the right option. For example, gloss cabinetry and fittings may be a better option for darker, smaller spaces, as they can enhance the perception of light. 

Not sure where to start? No worries – drop into your nearest Abey showroom to see matte fixtures, fittings and finishes in person and speak to a kitchen design expert.