Precious and velvety: Matt surfaces are on-trend

Furniture surfaces with a high-gloss look dominated the appearance of the modern kitchen for years. However, the trend is currently reversing: matt surfaces are now being offered increasingly in the kitchen. Rock structures, metal surfaces and wood make a luxurious impression in a noble matt finish and are happily used by kitchen planners in the material mix – a challenge for the interior designer.

The trend toward matt surfaces acquires its charm from the coming together of two contradictory statements: for one thing, matt-painted surfaces remind us of the good old days, of the country style and surfaces that can be written on with chalk, which are currently also extremely popular as wall connection panels. There is good reason why tips for chalky wall colours in nuanced pastel shades fill the interior design blogs. On the other hand, however, they are today surrounded by a trace of high-tech, nanotechnology and cool automotive paint. In addition to this, when surrounded by high gloss, matt acquires an extremely original character.

The new matt surfaces are high-tech materials, such as Fenix NTM from Rehau, an extremely matt nanotech material that lends surfaces a luxurious, velvety touch. Due to its positive properties, it is suitable both for horizontal and for vertical surfaces, and of course also for use in kitchens. The decorative surface is refined by a special nanotechnology and the use of a special manufacturing process. At Schattdecor they also see a trend toward matt surfaces. Dominik Haller from Schattdecor sees a trend in 2018 in the segment of luxurious stone textures, metal surfaces and dark, matt wood shades in oak or walnut: "precious metals like corten steel, bronze, brass or black steel are replacing copper as the king of metals and are being supplemented with natural looking woods like, for example, oak. Decors in textile visuals also complement the casual material mix. The decors used are thereby reminiscent of high quality, handmade materials and are less rustic, thus increasing the high quality impression of the furniture."

Buyers of new kitchens are today happy to combine in so-called material mixes. Real wood is the jack-of-all-trades here, because it can be used as a natural kitchen furniture front, as a work surface, as an extra table and chair, as flooring, and finally also as a cutting board. Solid wood and real wood veneers are visually rich in variety and versatile. Real wood convinces with its inherent idiosyncrasy and has a different effect depending upon the type. The light coloured beech, for example, has a slight red shade and makes a warm impression, while brown-stained oak seems heavy and almost antique. Light oak, left untreated, a type of wood that is becoming increasingly popular in recent years, has a simple and elegant appeal.

White and grey remain classic colours for matt paints. For bold kitchen owner there is a growing offering of black or pastel colours, even of dominant signal colours like red, yellow or vibrant blue. Materials used here include printed glass, paint and laminate, as well as real slate. When, however, for cost reasons natural materials aren't an option or when the focus is on function, then there are in fact substitute materials available that can imitate nature with surprising ability.