Redesigning your matt or gloss kitchen involves many considerations. What colour scheme will suit your space best? Which worktop material compliments your design? And crucially, what finish should you choose—matt, gloss, or perhaps a stylish combination of both? Whether you prefer the subtlety of matte or the shine of gloss, selecting the right finish is key to achieving your dream kitchen.

The latter is a question that nearly everyone faces when designing a kitchen, as deciding between these finishes can be challenging. When opting for matt, it’s essential to consider your personal taste, lifestyle requirements, and how the finish will complement the rest of your kitchen. Both matt and gloss finishes offer their own unique advantages and pair well with a variety of other materials, colours, and styles. However, selecting the perfect finish for your kitchen isn’t always straightforward, so we’re here to assist. Today, we’ll explore matt and / or gloss and share the best ways to incorporate both finishes into your space, guided by Roccia’s award-winning kitchen design experts.

Deciding on a matt or gloss kitchen is an important step that can significantly influence the overall look, feel, and functionality of your kitchen design.

Introduction to Kitchen Finishes

When planning your dream kitchen, one of the most important choices you’ll make is selecting the right finish for your cabinets and doors. The finish you choose not only affects the overall appearance of your kitchen but also influences how it feels and functions day to day. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek shine of gloss or the subtle sophistication of matt, understanding the differences between these finishes is key to achieving the look and practicality you desire. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential characteristics of matt kitchens and gloss finishes, helping you find the right finish for your kitchen cabinets, doors, and overall design vision.

Kitchen Finish Options

There’s an extensive range of kitchen finish options available, each offering its own unique style and atmosphere. Gloss kitchens are known for their highly reflective surface, which can instantly brighten a room and create a sense of spaciousness. This shiny finish is perfect for those who want a modern, eye-catching kitchen style. In contrast, matt kitchens absorb light and feature a smooth, non-reflective surface that results in an understated appearance that feels calm and sophisticated. The choice between high gloss and matt often comes down to personal preference, the amount of light in your room, and the overall style you want to achieve. By understanding how each finish interacts with light and space, you can select the option that best compliments your kitchen’s design and your own sense of style.

Matt: Where Did the Kitchen Trend Begin, and How Has it Evolved?

The trend of matte kitchen finishes began in the early 2000s, as designers and homeowners sought alternatives to traditional surface finishes. Today, matt kitchen doors and matt kitchen units are especially popular for their sophisticated, understated appeal and versatility in modern kitchen design. Initially, matt finishes were primarily applied to kitchen cabinetry, but their use has since expanded to include countertops, backsplashes, and even appliances.

The trend has evolved in several ways over the years, for example, by incorporating new materials. Recently, innovative materials such as matt porcelain, marble effect tiles, concrete, and even leather have been introduced as alternatives to traditional matt kitchen finishes.

More specifically, matt porcelain tiles are a recent design trend that has taken the world of kitchen design by storm. They come in a variety of colours and offer a subtle way to introduce this design trend into your kitchen. Matt kitchens absorb light, resulting in a muted, non-reflective appearance that enhances the calm, modern atmosphere of the space.

Why Choose Matt Kitchens?

Matt kitchens come with a great list of advantages, for example:

• Anti-glare aesthetics as they don’t reflect light.
• Low maintenance and doesn’t show fingerprints and smudges.
• Offers a timeless kitchen look and is easy to blend into many different styles as trends change.
• Scratch-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens.

The colour and finish of matt kitchens remain consistent no matter the lighting or viewing angle, which means you can rely on their uniform appearance regardless of external conditions. This reliability is what makes them a preferred choice for many. However, it’s important to remember that matte kitchens aren’t for everybody, as they may require more frequent cleaning . Although a matt finish reduces glare, some individuals may prefer a surface that reflects light instead.

Helpful tips: To keep your matte kitchen looking its best, regularly wipe surfaces with a soft, damp cloth to prevent build up. Pair matt finishes with contrasting textures or metallic accents for a balanced and stylish design.

How Can I Incorporate Matt Kitchen Cabinets into My Kitchen?

At Roccia, we offer a diverse range of matt kitchen designs showcased in our kitchen showroom in Preston. Here, you can explore some of our favourite luxury kitchen brands that feature matte finishes in their collections. For instance, Jacob and Son’s kitchens highlight traditional English designs with matte finishes applied throughout their fixtures and fittings. These wooden kitchens are perfect for those looking to incorporate matte elements while creating a warm, inviting, and family-friendly kitchen environment. Using matt units helps achieve a consistent, non-reflective look across the kitchen, complementing other finishes beautifully.

Additionally, matte-finished kitchen tiles provide a subtle way to introduce this finish into your space. These tiles can be applied throughout the entire room for a bold statement or used as a stylish splashback.

Gloss: Where Did the Kitchen Trend Begin, and How Has it Evolved?

The use of high-gloss finishes in kitchen design dates back to the 1980s, a period when sleek and modern aesthetics were highly sought after. Initially, high-gloss finishes gained popularity for their ability to reflect light, making kitchens appear brighter and more spacious. The introduction of various high gloss and gloss finish options has further enhanced these reflective qualities, cementing their place as a key feature in contemporary kitchen design.

In recent years, advancements in materials and technology have allowed for even glossier, more durable finishes. The trend towards smooth surfaces and contemporary finish has further solidified the popularity of gloss kitchens in modern design.

Additionally, the rising popularity of high-gloss kitchens has been fuelled by a growing emphasis on minimalism and clean lines, which perfectly complement the smooth, reflective surfaces characteristic of high-gloss finishes.

Why Choose Gloss Kitchens?

Gloss kitchens suit a wide range of personal styles and can enhance various kitchen designs. They offer numerous advantages, including:

• Creating a bright and spacious appearance due to their reflective surfaces.
• Gloss doors and the choice of door style can significantly impact the kitchen's overall look and practicality.
• The reflective surfaces of gloss kitchens enhance reflected light and work well with both natural and artificial lighting to brighten the space.
• Gloss kitchens are particularly suitable for compact kitchens, a small kitchen, smaller kitchens, and smaller spaces because their reflective surfaces help make these areas feel larger and more open.
• They create a stylish and modern atmosphere.
• Easy to clean and wipe down without trapping dirt.
• Available in a wide range of colours due to their popularity.
• Adds value to your home because it’s a desirable finish

Although this finish appeals to many, some people may shy away from gloss because it can reveal more scuffs and scratches compared to matte finishes. However, with proper care and maintenance, this typically isn’t a problem.

How Can I Incorporate Gloss Kitchen Cabinets into My Kitchen?

Gloss can be incorporated into a kitchen in various ways, with one of the most popular being through cupboards. High-gloss finishes are a favored choice for kitchen fittings, and we offer a selection of kitchen brands featuring this finish, such as our Valcucine kitchens.

These luxury kitchen designs are perfect for those who enjoy entertaining and hosting guests. Featuring striking high-gloss finishes on bold white cabinets, they provide clean lines, a minimalist aesthetic, and a bright, inviting space wherever used. The glossy finish is a hallmark of modern kitchens, enhancing their sleek and contemporary appeal.

To maintain the shine and avoid scratches on gloss surfaces, it is best to clean them with a wet cloth or a non abrasive cloth.

Alternatively, if a full gloss kitchen feels too bold, you can still achieve the glossy look by selecting glossy wall tiles. Available in a wide variety of colours, sizes, and patterns, our extensive collection of kitchen wall tiles ensures you'll find the perfect match for your space.

Still undecided between a matt vs gloss kitchen? Don’t worry—you don’t have to pick just one. Many kitchens successfully blend both finishes, such as pairing matte cupboards with gloss tiles or combining matte tiles with gloss cupboards!