Matte Finishes in Kitchen Design: Tips for Using Them Right
Many homeowners love glossy kitchens for their sleek, modern look, but quickly find them hard to maintain. If you feel the same or are curious about the matte trend, this guide is for you!
In this post, we’ll talk about why matte cabinets are becoming so popular and what makes them a great choice. We’ll also share easy styling tips and clever ideas for small kitchens to help you create a space you’ll love.
First, let’s look at why this trend has become such a big deal in today’s kitchen designs.
Why the Matte Kitchen Trend Is Trending Now
The matte kitchen trend is dominating because it offers everything glossy surfaces don’t. Unlike shiny surfaces that reflect harsh light around the room, matte finishes create a soft, even glow that feels more comfortable.
These surfaces are also amazing at resisting fingerprints, which means you’ll spend way less time cleaning. Plus, they have a timeless quality that won’t make your kitchen look outdated in just a few years.
Why Interior Designers Love Working with Matte
Now, there’s a reason matte kitchen cabinets are a favorite among designers, and it’s not what you’d expect. These surfaces work beautifully with almost any other material you want to use.
Natural stone countertops look absolutely stunning when paired with matte cabinet doors. If you’re thinking about adding reclaimed wood elements, they blend perfectly with matte surfaces, too. Even your stainless steel appliances will look great alongside matte finishes without everything fighting for attention.
Today’s matte finishes actually have incredible depth and character, which makes them a stylish choice for any space.
So next, we’ll go over the best ways to style matte finishes in your space.
How to Style Matte Cabinets in Your Dream Kitchen
Styling matte finish cabinets starts with understanding that they work best as the foundation of your kitchen design. They serve as a calm, steady base that highlights other elements while keeping the look balanced and modern.
You can bring this to life with these simple changes:
Mixing Textures
The easiest way to start is by adding different textures that work well with your matte cabinets. For instance, metallic hardware creates a beautiful contrast against those smooth matte surfaces. Brushed brass and sleek chrome, in particular, add a perfect hint of shine.
Another great option is adding glass doors to some of your upper cabinets. This breaks up all that solid matte surface while keeping the clean, modern look you want. You can also bring in reclaimed wood elements, like a wooden island top or some open shelving, which adds warmth to your contemporary style kitchen.
Lighting Tips
One of the best things about matte surfaces is that they work beautifully with natural light, without any harsh glare bouncing around. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook how you set up artificial lights.
A simple tip is to install under-cabinet lights to illuminate your countertops. Then, add pendant or small hanging lights over the kitchen island for functional and stylish work spots.
Contrast Strategies
Now, if you’ve got your eyes on matte black cabinets, pair them with warm wood tones, and bold accent walls. They keep the space from looking too dark while adding visual depth.
For smaller kitchens with limited natural light, lighter matte shades like soft greys or warm whites can make the space feel bigger and brighter.
If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s see how to plan your kitchen remodel with matte finishes from the very start.
How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel or Renovation with Matte
Looking to swap glossy surfaces for matte? Your kitchen layout and design choices will need a fresh approach. But the good news is that matte finishes work well with both major renovations and smaller kitchen makeover projects. Here’s how:
Budget-Friendly Matte Upgrades
Start with your lower cabinets if you’re working with a smaller budget. These get the most visual impact since they’re at eye level when you’re cooking. One easy switch we recommend is changing your cabinet hardware to matte black or brushed finishes because it instantly lifts the whole look.
Don’t overlook your small appliances either. Replacing things like your kettle, toaster, or coffee machine with matte versions can tie your whole design together without spending a fortune.
Eco-Friendly Matte Options
A great trend in matte finishes is using eco-friendly materials that are safe for your family and kind to the planet. You can find cabinets made from sustainably sourced wood or even recycled materials. These options usually look amazing with other natural materials you might already have, such as stone countertops, marble backsplashes, or bamboo flooring.
Durability
One concern people often have is whether matte surfaces will hold up over time. The truth is, modern matte finishes are extremely durable and actually resist scratches better than most people expect.
The special coatings protect against daily wear whilst maintaining that smooth, elegant appearance. For cleaning, just use gentle soap and water to keep your matte finish looking fresh.
Okay, but what actually are the trends keeping kitchens looking fresh in 2025? Let’s go through them together.
Building Your Dream Kitchen with Matte: Trends and Design Elements for 2025
Building your dream kitchen with matte finishes puts you right at the heart of what’s trending in modern kitchen styles 2025. This year is all about creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and genuinely liveable.
The Hottest Design Styles of 2025
The biggest trends this year all work beautifully with matte finishes, and each one offers something different for homeowners looking to create their perfect space.
- Japandi Style combines Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian cosiness, using matte surfaces to create that perfect clean yet inviting feeling.
- Warm Minimalism takes this concept further by adding rich textures and natural tones alongside your matte cabinets.
- Sustainable Design focuses on eco-friendly materials and reclaimed elements that pair beautifully with matte finishes.
Matte kitchens can be surprisingly versatile, and using these trends lets you craft a space that’s stylish, comfortable, and all your own.
Design Elements That Make Matte Stand Out
When you want to make your matte kitchen cabinetry really pop, accent walls work wonderfully as focal points, especially in rich, deep colours.
Metallic accents add just the right amount of sparkle without fighting with your matte base for attention. You can also add a bit of greenery to bring life into the kitchen, and open shelving to break up the solid look of the matte cabinets.
Now, part of what makes matte finishes so popular is their simple, elegant style that works for today’s homeowners. This look ensures your kitchen won’t feel outdated in a few years, and it also makes it easy to change accessories or décor without having to redo the entire space.
The Future of Matte Kitchens
Want to make the switch to a matte kitchen but still feel a bit uncertain? Let’s quickly revisit how all those initial concerns we talked about are now completely manageable with the right approach.
- Small spaces look bigger and feel brighter when you choose lighter matte tones.
- Durability is no problem with today’s scratch-resistant matte finishes.
- Matte cabinets play beautifully with natural light, taking the stress out of lighting choices.
- Fingerprint-resistant surfaces help keep maintenance simple and stress-free.
Matte finishes create that perfect balance between contemporary style and timeless elegance. The clean lines and understated sophistication mean these kitchen trends will continue defining modern kitchens well beyond 2025. Your investment in matte surfaces today sets you up for years of satisfaction ahead.
Curious how it could look in your home? Visit Sweetly Dias of San Diego for ideas.