Lenny Kravitz utilizes these mixed textures to bring visual interest to his pared-back kitchen color scheme

When discussing trends that are influencing how we decorate our kitchens, natural wooden features consistently come out on top – and nobody has set a precedent quite like Lenny Kravitz.

The singer has combined organic wooden features (including his walls and open shelves) with cool stainless steel countertops that interrupt the wood's warmth and offer an interesting twist on the ever-popular kitchen trend. The space is a masterclass in how to mix and match materials – exhibiting a stark contrast that's as functional as it is good-looking. It's unsurprising, therefore, that design experts encourage us to follow suit.

'Utilizing textures in kitchen design can make a huge difference to the overall aesthetics of the room, adding visual interest and tactile appeal to pared-back color schemes,' notes Grazzie Wilson, the head of creative at Ca’ Pietra (who listed mixed materials among her top kitchen trends). 

The abundance of wood in Kravitz's kitchen means it inevitably has a strong brown color palette, but as Wilson explains, the metal accents interrupt the neutrals and ensure the space feels simultaneously zoned and interesting. 'In color-rich kitchens, texture can break up bold blocks of color and help zone different areas,' she says.

'In 2024, it is all about mixing different textured surfaces, from exposed brick to wood and stone. If you don’t have these materials to hand, they can be replicated through the use of tiles, both on your walls and kitchen floors.'

Wooden features and mixed materials are both famously shaping how we approach kitchen design, but metallic accents are similarly on trend for the year ahead. Kravitz has primarily introduced stainless steel through his countertops, but we don't need to stop there. In order to take things one step further, Wilson recommends choosing a luxe metallic feature that will bring yet more interest to our space. 

'2024 is all about reinventing the roaring 20s in our home, and what better way than adding a statement piece to our kitchens in the form of a luxe metallic backsplash?' she says. 

'Splashback are often one of the first things you notice when you enter a kitchen, so it is important to think carefully as to how to make it count. The on-going trend for luxe metals means there are some eye-catching tile designs available. If you do decide to add a metallic splashback, our recommendation is to play to the material's strength by adding backlighting or downlighting to make the most of the glamour it affords.'

Grazzie Wilson

Grazzie Wilson is head of creative at Ca'Pietra, a luxury stone and tile brand based in the UK.

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