SOLID WOOD KITCHEN CABINETS BLOG

Freshen your kitchen up with a patterned design this spring, which adds extra visual texture and lifts a space up. Many of the options listed below are easy to add to your cooking area and require little effort to fit. There is something for every budget when you are upgrading your kitchen, so the work can be completed without costing the earth.

Tiles

One of the best things about tiles is that they work really well in both small spaces and larger areas. A vibrant tiled splashback might only cover a portion of the wall above your hobs, but it will make a surprisingly big difference to the atmosphere and add an interesting central focus point. This is also true for tiling an entire wall, but this is a more extravagant way to create this look because the extra tiles will cost more. Moroccan themes are on-trend right now and patterned tiles are a strong part of this look. Read our blog to achieving a Moroccan kitchen for more inspiration.

Using different layouts for tiles can also create a distinctive patterned look. Metro or subway tiles are usually laid horizontally with a half-brick overlap – like a brick wall – but you could choose to mix this up by laying them vertically, changing the amount of overlap or laying them in a chevron-shaped ‘herringbone’ style, which looks fantastic in a range of kitchen settings. Hexagonal, square or geometric tiles are also worth considering if you would like something a bit unusual.

Worktops

Often a worktop is used as a base for a kitchen design, and more vivid or patterned elements are chosen to contrast with a kitchen’s prep space. Choose the right worktop and you will be able to enjoy the natural patterns from a wooden, stone or metal surface. For a truly striking surface, check out our zebrano worktops, which are available in standard, deluxe and full-stave options and have an extraordinary striped pattern that resembles a zebra’s coat. Order a sample to experience this material’s unique natural appeal.

We also stock a wide range of laminate worktops which echo patterns found in real wood, stone or metal. Cypress cinnamon and coco bolo are two to compare if you want an inexpensive, characterful wood effect worktop, while our Winter Carnival granite, and white marble surfaces offer realistic representations of natural stone.

Credit: Glamour

Flooring

Flooring also provides a brilliant opportunity to include patterns and extra textuality. Wooden floorboards suit all styles because there are many different types available – varying woods, finishes and patinas all add distinctive character to your floor. Another option is to use the floor as the centrepiece of your new kitchen design – like in the kitchen shown here. The cabinetry is painted in a restrained navy blue while the tiled walls are glossy white, and the floor ties these two colours together in an eye-catching pattern.

If a whole new floor is out of the question, consider opting for a patterned rug. Even small, inexpensive rugs can lift a room and offer a noticeable contrast to your current scheme. Rugs come in every conceivable style, price and colour, making them especially handy if you fancy refreshing your kitchen fairly regularly.

Credit: Pinterest

Wallpaper

Whilst wallpapers are unsuitable for use as a splashback, but they can still take centre stage in your kitchen. Wallpapers come in so many different styles that you can create a unique finish and either match or contrast your appliances, cabinetry, worktops or accessories. In this kitchen, the neutral tones of the grey cabinets and thin, gloss white worktop are completely overshadowed by a lucid, unmissable blue-green wallpaper with natural images. The gingham checked blind adds further contrast and visual drama.

Credit: Bluebell Gray

Lighting

Well-chosen lampshades work twice as hard as other patterned items because they look great when the light is turned off, and then project beautiful designs throughout the room when it gets dark and the light is turned on. Lampshades can be hung low enough to sit in your eyeline, making them an integral part of a kitchen design. Again, a range of styles and themes are available, and all budgets are catered for too – and they are easy and low-cost to change should you wish to refresh your look.

Credit: quietclementine

Crockery and kitchenware

Jazz up mealtimes with colourful or patterned plates, like these hand-painted ones. Plenty of more subtle designs are available to gently introduce pattern into your kitchen theme, and smaller items like this can be matched or contrasted with other aspects. Show patterned crockery off by opting for shelving or our glass fronted cabinet doors.

Textiles and accessories

Just like with the crockery and kitchenware above, smaller accessories and textiles can make a huge difference for little cost. You could use anything from tea towels, cushions and throws to mugs, salt and pepper shakers or tea and coffee pots to add a zing of brightness, especially if the kitchen uses neutral tones for the walls and cabinets.

There are many inexpensive ways to add pattern to your kitchen, so freshening up the space and keeping it on trend is easy and affordable. How would you choose to add interior pattern to your kitchen?