Clinical, synthetic materials are out. Woods, stones and metals are in. Using natural elements in the kitchen has become an increasingly popular trend among interior designers and discerning homeowners in recent years, and itโ€™s not hard to see why. As well as environmental benefits, natural materials offer timeless beauty, a vast palette of texture and unparallelled durability. If youโ€™re thinking about bringing nature into the heart of your home, here are three rules to bear in mind.  

  1. Tailor your choice by taste

When using natural materials at home, itโ€™s important to choose a style that reflects your personal tastes. After all, the kitchen is usually where all the main action happens, where friends and families meet, socialise and share food, so itโ€™s important to ensure that this space really feels like your own. Wood is ideal for traditional, farmhouse-style kitchens as it helps to bring a soft, rustic charm to the room. For something more contemporary, granite, marble and soapstone offer a clean, matte look. To create a unique space, seek out suppliers that specialise in natural products for tailor made kitchens. For example, DeTerra Kitchens supply individual components rather than sets, allowing you to create a bespoke space just the way you want it.

  1. Keep on top of maintenance

Letโ€™s face it, with the inevitable wear and tear of ย family life, your kitchen is bound to take a beating. While a few dents, nicks and imperfections can add character and charm, itโ€™s important to bear in mind that most natural products require maintenance and special handling. If youโ€™re using wood, stone, granite, marble or recycled glass for your worktops, youโ€™ll need to make sure you wipe up spills to avoid damaging the surface. You should also avoid placing hot pans directly onto the countertop and use a chopping board at all times. If you have stone or wooden worktops or flooring, it may need sanding down or resealing every year or so for added protection and durability. With a bit of love and care, natural surfaces can last for many years.

  1. Choose complementary materials

When mixing and matching styles and textures, itโ€™s best to try and stick to two or three choices to keep the overall space balanced. There are plenty of opportunities to use natural materials in the kitchen, from the floor, walls and shelves to cabinets, countertops and islands. However, to avoid making the space look too chaotic, youโ€™ll need to make your choices mesh together. For example, if youโ€™re using a few different woods, try to choose ones that have similar undertones and grain patterns. Wooden cabinets can also look great when teamed with smooth, stone countertops. For a modern twist to a rustic room, try adding subtle metal accents, such as copper, bronze or iron hardware and lighting fixtures.

By bearing these guidelines in mind when decorating with natural elements, you should end up with a homely, timeless kitchen that the whole family will love.

Wooden work surface image by Shutterstock. 

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