Gillies
Disadvantages of mattA surface with a matt finish absorbs light as opposed to reflecting it. This results in a more muted look. You should also note that, because matt-finish cabinet fronts don’t reflect any light, they won’t help to make your space feel any bigger, if that’s what you are trying to achieve. Matt finish cabinet fronts are not quite as easy to clean as gloss cabinets are, because the matt surface isn’t as smooth. Even so, they are not difficult to clean. Again, use a microfibre cloth, which won’t ever scratch your cabinets. If you are choosing a laminate material for your cabinet fronts, ensure that you check out samples carefully and that the material preferably has a smooth flat finish. Some matt-finish laminates have a texture to them, and this makes them slightly more difficult to clean as a textured finish will give dirt and dust more surface to stick to – but it shouldn’t stop you buying textured laminates as they can look spectacular in the kitchen. Ideally, choose a sparely textured surface with a low profile.What to consider when choosing cabinet handles
5. Location: Glebe, NSWArchitect: Nobbs Radford ArchitectsWhy we love it: Just because concrete features heavily in a space doesn’t mean it can’t feel inviting. The trick is introducing some timber to warm things up. This swish kitchen is part of an ultra-contemporary extension to a Federation home.
9. Black, Timber and MarbleThis is the perfect colour scheme for those who love black and white but want to add a little something extra. It’s a warmer alternative to the stark ‘tuxedo’ look of mixing black with white. Timber has always been a popular material choice in kitchens, whether it be on cabinetry, benchtops or flooring. Its warm colouring and natural aesthetic is appealing and inviting in any space. Almost any timber colour will work with black, just avoid anything too dark or too red as it will jar with the black. Look at timber veneer and laminate options when choosing timber colour materials for cabinetry fronts for a more cost-effective and durable alternative to solid wood. Veneer and laminate will also offer more consistency in colouring and grain pattern for a more uniform look. A matt finish black will look more natural and work much better with timber tones than a high-gloss finish. Choose a marble or marble-look benchtop that has a white or light grey base with darker grey veining to tie the look together.
Book shelves
Book shelves
Book shelves
materials & colour and cupboards
nook
kitchen and dining layout
Windows & cladding
striking
tv nook
tv room
partition
entrance space
wrong feature wall something not quite right
fireplace in middle of room
layout similar
front patio
inside outside
similar layout
indoor garden
indoor garden
book case location
fireplace middle of room
6. Mix with blackThis kitchen in Cornwall belongs to designer Tom Raffield, known for his steam-bent wood furniture and lighting, so it’s perhaps no surprise that it features quite so much wood. (You might have spotted this on the telly as the project featured in an episode of Grand Designs.)The section of black-stained wood, particularly as it’s in a recess, adds depth and a cosy atmosphere. It also provides a break between the two different uses of wood: smooth and flat on the tall units; mismatched and reclaimed on the clad wall. A good tip to take from this space is that, if you’re varying your surfaces or wooden finishes, it’s good to have something that lends continuity. Here, repeating the same handles – dark leather straps – throughout does the job.
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