Fluted kitchen cabinets are the trending way to add texture and interest to your space – here's how to get the look

This year's kitchen trends capture the desire to add interest and layered design into our spaces. They embrace individuality and abundant texture, so it's no surprise that fluted kitchen cabinets are trending.

As far as kitchen cabinets go, classic styles like Shaker and slab-front have been the most prominent designs. But 2025 is all about introducing unexpected design elements – and this textural cabinet design does exactly that.

But what's the appeal of fluted kitchen cabinets – and is it a design feature we should be embracing this year? We've turned to design experts to see if they're a good idea, and how to introduce them to kitchens of every style.

Why are fluted kitchen cabinets trending?

It's easy to get pulled into the classic cabinetry designs, especially if you're trying to create a scheme that never dates. But timeless kitchen style doesn't mean you have to shy away from more unique details – like fluted cabinets.

'Fluted cabinetry brings a distinctive tactile and visual quality to kitchen design, enhancing depth and interest with its rhythmical, vertical grooves. Whether crafted from glass, stone, or wood, fluted finishes exude refined elegance, achieving a timeless aesthetic while offering a modern architectural edge,' says Charlie Smallbone, founder at Ledbury Studio.

While they can work beautifully in a range of interior design styles, they have a particular appeal in more modern kitchen designs. It's their tactile quality and ability to feel modern without being a flat, cold surface.

'Contemporary kitchens tend to be quite plain, so introducing areas of fluting into a kitchen design is a simple way to add character and interest without the need to introduce a distinct 'pattern', which could easily date over time,' adds Victoria Spencer-Eves, of Veves Interior Design.

This kitchen trend also brings with it the opportunity to play with different materials, whether you add a feature stone or introduce a mix of contrasting materials for a more dynamic design.

'For decades, flat-panel kitchen cabinets were seen as the epitome of modern design – sleek, minimalist, and effortlessly chic. In the last decade or so, we’ve seen a shift. A new wave of richly textured materials – wood, metals and stone is becoming popular, pushing past the clean lines of the past and adding depth and character,' says Andrew Hay, founder of Cabbonet.

As well as its more aesthetic traits, fluted cabinetry adds much more than just a stylish feature. We often talk about catering to all of the senses when designing a room, and fluted details weave into an often-forgotten sense in a kitchen.

'Kitchens are highly tactile objects within a home, and something we engage with every day. Fluting encourages us to touch, it's human nature, so as a result it feels very welcoming,' explains Victoria.

3 ways to introduce fluted cabinets to your kitchen

Fluted kitchen cabinets are more versatile than you might think – and there are a few different ways to bring them into your scheme. Here, design experts share their favorite methods for a chic and dynamic space.

1. Pair fluted cabinets with simpler styles in the same color

While we often talk about two-tone kitchen cabinetry being a great way to add interest to your space, the same effect can be created by using two styles of cabinetry – and applying one cohesive color is a great way to create a bold yet cozy statement.

'I personally love fluted cabinets when the kitchen is one color, and the key is to apply it selectively. Applying fluting to the lower half of the units draws the eye down into the heart of the kitchen, and applying a simpler door (in the same color) for anything high level creates a feeling of height and airiness,' says Victoria.

In this kitchen, the same deep green hue has been used for the fluted cabinetry and the smoother floor-to-ceiling cabinets. The result is a visually interesting scheme that feels dynamic, textured, and timeless – especially when paired with a statement stone waterfall countertops.

2. Embrace fluted wood cabinets

Wood kitchens are enjoying a revival at the moment, and fluted cabinets are a more playful take on a classic kitchen style.

'Fluted wood is an exceptional choice for kitchen islands. When used on this central feature, it brings a touch of texture and warmth that contrasts beautifully with smoother cabinetry and countertops,' explains Charlie.

This design is a perfect example, where fluted wood cabinets add a more textural feel to the space, pairing beautifully with simple marble countertops and the glass-fronted cabinet. 'The result is a dynamic, inviting space where the fluted detail adds layers of interest and artistry.'

3. Add a statement accent with fluting

If you're not sure about bringing fluted finishes to the entirety of your kitchen scheme, you might prefer to create an accent feature instead. This could be one tall cabinet, a freestanding piece, or the kitchen island.

'Fluting works best as an accent in a kitchen space. We like to design kitchens with a mix of textures and materials, and fluting is a great surface to work with. It complements modern, contemporary, and transitional kitchens and can be created in a multitude of finishes like timber, painted, metal, or stone,' says Andrew.

Adding an accent rather than a full run of fluted cabinets helps to create a focal point and can feel a bit more versatile in a scheme. Fiona Ginnett, co-founder at HØLTE, agrees with Andrew, explaining that smaller fluted additions can be more characterful and adaptable, especially on an island.

'Fluted cabinets are incredibly versatile. In modern, minimalist kitchens, they add the perfect touch of texture without disrupting the clean lines. In traditional or transitional spaces, they bring character and a sense of heritage, while keeping the design fresh. I love using fluted panels on curved back or end panels of an island, as it brings a sculptural element to the space,' she explains.

Whether you go all in with a full run of fluted kitchen cabinets or add an accent on an island, this textural trend is a fun way to bring visual interest into your scheme. For a less permanent option, a freestanding fluted cabinet is a great way to introduce two huge trends for 2025. You can find out more about how to mix freestanding furniture into your kitchen in our dedicated feature.