The theme for 2021 is natural, clean and green.

After being shut indoors for so long, it’s not surprising the current trend is for natural kitchens that bring the outdoors in and reflect the environment.

The latest natural kitchen designs incorporate green appliances along with natural materials.

Solid oak kitchens

Nothing says clean living more than solid oak. Sourced from sustainably managed forests with established replanting programmes, timber is an environmentally friendly alternative to plastics.

Solid oak kitchen cabinets and worktops bring warmth and charm to the kitchen. The unique grain pattern of oak offers a wholesome and rustic feel, with a colour that will deepen as time goes on.

Oak surfaces are easy to maintain and stains and scuffs add lived-in character. You can always sand these away and fill in dents – or varnish the surface, if you want to change the colour.

Solid oak deals with moisture better than other woods, its dense structure making it resistant to water damage.

Natural flooring options

Natural stone such as granite, limestone and slate provides a classic country-style feel that never dates. Stone is perfect for busy kitchens as its extremely hardwearing and requires little maintenance.

An additional benefit is that natural stone flooring is conducive to heat and ideal if you want to install underfloor heating.

Another option if you’re looking to use natural materials, is hardwood flooring. Timber floors give an understated elegance to any room. It’s a good investment as it lasts a very long time and can withstand decades of use.

Scratches and stains are not easily noticeable as they blend in with the knots and irregularities of wood.

Granite and timber worktops

Granite makes an eye-catching feature in any kitchen, whether it’s used as a worksurface or an island.

Exceptionally tough, granite is a natural product that has a high gloss finish that never loses its shine. It’s used extensively in kitchens because it’s heat, stain and scratch-resistant.

Alternatively, a solid wood worktop is another eco-friendly option that brings character thanks to its grains, patterns and tones. Solid timber contains natural antibacterial properties and has a high oil content and is water-resistant.

Wide doors and windows

One of the most significant ways of changing the ambience of a kitchen is to let in as much natural light as possible. If you can change the layout of your kitchen and make doors and windows larger, you will transform the atmosphere of the room.

If altering the size of windows or doors isn’t an option, ensure your glazing has maximum glass and minimal framework. Or you could change a solid door to one with a glass inset.

Also, keep curtains, drapes and blinds to a minimum, so they don’t obscure your view. Vertical blinds are convenient as you can control the level of light coming in.

Green and efficient appliances

Energy Star labels will offer guidance on the energy-efficiency of kitchen appliances.

Dishwashers and washing machines are now designed with water consumption in mind. The latest models will use less water and energy.

A combined fridge/freezer can be more energy efficient than a large standalone fridge, but you should check the Energy Star label for details. The same goes for ovens. If you want to move away from gas, an electric stove with a single oven underneath is an energy-efficient option.

We can help you create your natural kitchen

We can design a completely bespoke kitchen to perfectly match your lifestyle and home.

At K Interiors, we’re dedicated to delivering a seamless experience from initial project planning and kitchen design through to ordering, delivery and install.

Why not book a FREE kitchen design consultation and let us show you how we can transform your kitchen?

Call us on 01525 851830 or email: sales@kinteriorskitchens.co.uk