Designing a Matt Kitchen: Key Questions to Ask Before You Start

Ever noticed how matt kitchens are popping up everywhere lately? There’s something irresistibly cool and contemporary about that velvety, no-shine finish. Matt kitchens have become a go-to choice for homeowners who love clean lines, subtle textures, and a timeless aesthetic that doesn’t shout for attention—but still turns heads.

But before you dive into designing your dream matt kitchen, it’s worth pressing pause and thinking a little deeper than just the surface. From lighting to maintenance, there are a few key questions that can help you create a space that looks stunning and works perfectly for your lifestyle.

How Will You Balance Texture and Finish?

Texture is the unsung hero of any successful matt kitchen. Since the finish itself is smooth and non-reflective, combining it with other textures can really elevate the design. Think of pairing soft-touch matt cabinets with warm wooden accents, brushed metals, or even a high-gloss tile backsplash. These combinations add dimension and keep the space from feeling flat or one-note. The goal? A kitchen that feels tactile, layered, and full of personality.

What’s Your Colour Scheme?

Colour plays a huge role in a matt kitchen—more than you might expect. Because matt finishes absorb rather than reflect light, the colours you choose will influence the overall atmosphere of the space. Lighter shades can help keep things feeling open and airy, while darker hues add depth and sophistication. But be careful: too dark in a poorly lit room might make the space feel cramped, and very light colours can sometimes show every speck of dust. The trick is to assess your natural and artificial lighting and choose a palette that complements it beautifully.

How Do You Plan to Light Your Matt Kitchen Design?

Lighting is everything in a matt kitchen. Since the surfaces don’t reflect light like gloss finishes, you’ll want to make sure your lighting design works hard to brighten and define the space. Under-cabinet LED strips are a sleek, modern choice that add soft task lighting right where you need it. Pendant lights over islands or dining areas can bring in visual interest and warmth. And don’t forget ambient lighting—ceiling spots or integrated shelf lighting can help balance the overall mood. Good lighting doesn’t just make your kitchen more functional—it enhances the beauty of your matt finishes too.

Which Worktop Complements a Matt Kitchen Best?

Your choice of worktop can either ground the look or make it pop. When working with matt cabinetry, you’ll want a surface that complements the finish while offering durability and ease of maintenance. Quartz is a popular choice for good reason: it’s tough, low-maintenance, and comes in a huge variety of tones and patterns. If you're after something more organic, natural stone like granite or marble can introduce texture and elegance. Just be mindful of how the tones play with your cabinets—contrast can be striking, while tonal harmony creates a more subtle, cohesive look.

How Will You Maintain It?

One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of designing a matt kitchen is understanding how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. While matt finishes are often praised for their sleek, modern appearance, not all are created equal when it comes to upkeep. Some matt surfaces, especially darker tones, can show fingerprints, smudges, and grease marks more easily than others. If you cook frequently or have children, pets, or a busy household, this could become frustrating over time. Ultimately, choosing a matt kitchen that fits your lifestyle means striking the right balance between aesthetics and practicality — so you won’t be constantly stressing over every little smudge.

Designing a matt kitchen is about so much more than just choosing a trendy finish. It’s about understanding how texture, lighting, colour, and materials work together to create a space that’s as practical as it is beautiful. By asking yourself the right questions from the start, you can build a kitchen that doesn’t just look good—but feels good to live in every single day.