Metallic kitchens: from glamorous to industrial

Be it fashion or interiors, one thing is certain – metallics are back in a big way. If you too are a fan of lustrous finishes, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite gleaming kitchen designs to show you what’s possible.

KBB journo Nicky Rampley-Clarke has found that one of Pinterest’s trend predictions for 2024 is ‘hot metals’ – and searches for metallic and aluminium furniture have been blooming over the past few months. So, what does this mean for our kitchens?

This trend translates into striking metallic kitchen cabinetry, which not only makes a sleek and modern design statement that helps bounce light around dark spaces, but also has a raft of practical benefits – from being incredibly durable and long-lasting to being easy-to-clean and heat-resistant. What’s not to love?

Blink and you’ll miss the fact that this rear extension from Kitchens by Holloways boasts a metallic base concealed beneath the island. It’s not all style over substance, either: it also houses additional cabinetry so it’s as practical as it is beautiful.

Plus, there are a number of ways you can embrace the metallic kitchen trend, whether that’s wrapping your entire space in gold cabinetry for a cohesive look that’s chic and glamorous, or choosing a single piece crafted from brass such as the island or a floor-to-ceiling larder to add wow factor.

If you love professional-style kitchens or industrial designs, then base your new kitchen moodboard on sleek stainless steel cabinetry. Alternatively, mixing and matching metals, as well as choosing polished, brushed, distressed, textured or even coloured finishes are great ways of achieving an eclectic scheme.

Gold cabinetry with white surfaces and a matching extractor hood.
If you feel daring, don’t hold back – opt for gold metallic cabinetry and a matching extractor hood for your new kitchen design. Project by Loud Architects.

Distressed metals

Speaking of distressed metals, they are making a strong comeback in 2025, according to Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. “Unlike the perfection of highly-polished finishes, distressed metals bring a sense of heritage and authenticity to contemporary spaces.

“Their distinctive patinas add visual interest and evoke a feeling of craftsmanship that enriches the overall design. For those looking to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, these metals offer the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern elegance, transforming the kitchen into a lived-in, welcoming space.”

Kitchen design with copper unit panels and mirrored glass cabinetry.
Designed by Ledbury Studio, this glamorous kitchen combines aged Verdigris copper panels on the two drop-down cupboards on either side of the sink run with aged mirrored glass on some of the cabinetry – the perfect way to mix and match finishes.

“When it comes to kitchen design, mixing metals can be a controversial topic. Some designers swear by sticking to one metal throughout the space, while others love the eclectic look that comes from a combination,” he adds. But you can, in fact, mix them! “By layering different metals, you can create a sense of visual interest that can elevate the design,” says Charlie.

To get your moodboard going, we’re rounding up a collection of beautiful kitchens that use metallic cabinetry in different and unexpected ways. Read on…

Metallic kitchen ideas

Dark wood kitchen with a brass island and a matching splashback.
This striking kitchen by DesignSpace London combines wood veneer dark cabinets with brass base units and a matching splashback.
Champagne-coloured units with a matching island, red bar stools, and wood beams.
The undisputed star of the show in this architecturally-designed house in Notting Hill is the kitchen, featuring bronze cabinetry that complements the tone of the natural wood ceiling and beams perfectly. Photography: Blue Book Agency.
Black-stained oak handleless units and a burnished brass island.
This design by Sola Kitchens features a burnished brass-fronted island as the stand-out feature. Behind it, dark grey laminated cabinets with black-stained oak frames provide a striking contrast, while a vintage-oiled solid oak work surface adds warmth and cohesion to the overall look.
Stainless steel cabinetry with a marbled splashback and stainless steel shelving.
This space, designed by Roundhouse, is bang on-trend with stainless-steel cabinetry inspired by professional spaces. The look is smart and utilitarian but softened with the addition of a marbled splashback.
Brass cabinetry concealing a larder and fridge-freezer.
This tall cabinet next to the larder, clad in aged brass, conceals the fridge-freezer. The fabric wallpaper, veined marble and rich wood pick up on the metallic’s warm, earthy tones. Kitchen by Davonport.
Bronze and dark wood kitchen design.
Pair bronze finishes with dark wood for a sophisticated, modern kitchen design. X-ME effect lacquer bronze VC blackwood GE black matt and glass in Parsol Grey by Pronorm.
White oak cabinets with a stainless steel island, wood wall panelling and open shelving.
This custom-designed kitchen by London-based design studio HØLTE features bespoke stainless-steel fronts on the island offset by American white oak cabinetry. The look is contemporary but still timeless.
Wood cabinetry with a large island clad in oxidised copper.
Match made in heaven? We certainly think so with the oxidised copper aesthetic sitting harmoniously with the cross-scratched timber finish in this set-up by Stori.  
A metallic island with a built-in tap and smoked based cabinets.
This contemporary take on metallics, from German manufacturer Nolte Kitchens, features a Corten-steel surface for both the island worktop and wrap-around cabinetry. Interestingly, the particles in the steel fronts mean they’re magnetic – making for the perfect family noticeboard.
Metallic kitchen cabinetry with an industrial look.
Interior design studios such as Sims Hilditch, traditionally known for its quintessential country style, are seeing more requests for industrial-style kitchens.

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