The Rise of Reeded Cabinetry

A fresh texture trend has emerged in cabinetry design that’s captivating designers and trendsetting homeowners alike: grooved, fluted and ribbed cabinetry. With its unique tactile appeal, this texture trend brings a sense of depth and sophistication to cabinetry, moving beyond traditional flat-front doors. It’s a style that everlaps elegance and minimalism, perfectly suited to both classic and contemporary interiors.

Marble grooved door (Image credit Integral Surface Design)

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What’s Behind This Trend?

At a time when people are looking for interiors that feel softer, more texturally interesting and more disticntive, grooved and fluted textures offer a new way to add character to a space without relying on bold colours or complex patterns. Grooved, fluted, and ribbed finishes can be adapted to a variety of styles, from mid-century modern to the latest emerging trends.

These designs can also enhance natural light. As light moves across the surface, it creates subtle shadowing, adding depth to cabinetry and creating a slightly sculptural effect. This quality is particularly striking in darker tones or in materials like oak and walnut, which allow the grain to complement the textured surface.

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Ribbed Cabinetry at Clerkenwell Design Week

The influence of this trend was evident at Clerkenwell Design Week, where I noticed several prominent designs showcased textured cabinetry styles. The event displayed how these finishes are being embraced throughout the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industries, with vendors showcasing grooved and ribbed cabinets on their display stands. Visitors saw variations in materials and textures that demonstrated how versatile these styles can be, from bold, dark ribbed finishes to lighter, more delicate fluting.

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Japandi-grooved kitchen cabinetry (Image credit Wren Kitchens)

Award-Winning Japandi-Grooved Kitchens

This trend’s popularity is also reflected in recent award-winning designs. The 2024 Ideal Home Kitchen Awards winner masterfully blended a Japandi theme with ribbed cabinetry doors. Utilising minimalistic design, natural timbers and contrasting black slab doors this award-winning interior exemplifies how this trend can blend subtle detailing with modern elegance. The Japandi theme further enhances the clean, calming atmosphere, emphasising the soft lines and restrained palette.

Such accolades highlight the growing popularity of textured cabinetry styles and validate this trend’s appeal in both high-end design and residential settings.

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How to Integrate Grooved, Fluted of Ribbed Cabinetry into Your Interior

If you’re looking to incorporate this trend into your own home consider a few practical tips:

• Material Choice: Opt for natural materials like wood for a warmer, organic look, or go with a wrapped finish, such as a marble effect to add a touch of luxury.

• Colour and Texture Balance: Textured cabinetry can stand out beautifully in neutral tones, where shadow and light bring out the details. For a bolder statement, go with deeper colours that accentuate the grooves or ribs.

• Mix with Simplicity: Given the richness of textured cabinetry, balance the rest of the space with simpler surfaces, think polished countertops and minimal, or even no handles if that's an option.

(Image credit pikcells.com)

As grooved, fluted, and ribbed cabinetry continues to gain traction, it’s becoming clear that textured finishes are here to stay (at least for the short term). Whether you’re drawn to a refined ribbed finish to make the most of an economic renovation, or a dramatic fluted surface that adds to the opulence of a luxurious kitchen, this trend offers a modern way to bring life and texture to cabinetry and interiors.