The kitchen is a very important part of the home, where we spend a lot of time. It is a place for open conversations over a cup of hot tea or coffee, the morning rush during breakfast, or joyful dinners with friends and family. When designing this space, we usually hope to enjoy it for many years, so it is essential to choose not only what looks beautiful but also what best fits the space of your home. A common dilemma arises – should the kitchen façade have a glossy or matte panel? This is a difficult question to answer because both options are attractive, yet they create different feelings in the kitchen’s interior. To explore this topic, we spoke with interior designer Rūta Vaškelytė-Zaveckė.
What is more fashionable at the moment: glossy or matte panels?
Today’s prevailing trends focus on ensuring that modern, dynamic people spend as little time as possible on daily routine tasks. While naturalness, texture, and matte surfaces are highly valued, glossy panels are not entirely excluded from designers’ choices.
Do you think matte panels will eventually replace glossy ones?
I don’t think we will ever see a clear shift in one direction because the use of glossy and matte surfaces is not just a fashion trend. The right choice of surface can create a particular mood, add depth to the space, and enhance the character of the interior design.
What makes a matte panel special, and how does it affect the interior?
Matte surfaces work exceptionally well in exclusive, subtly luxurious interiors. Their warm, smooth, satin-like surface gives a refined look to kitchens that are open to other areas, such as the living or dining room. Matte panels are also widely used in Provence and Scandinavian-style interiors.
What makes a matte panel special, and how does it affect the interior?
Matte surfaces work exceptionally well in exclusive, subtly luxurious interiors. Their warm, smooth, satin-like surface gives a refined look to kitchens that are open to other areas, such as the living or dining room. Matte panels are also widely used in Provence and Scandinavian-style interiors.
What makes a glossy panel special, and how does it affect the interior?
Glossy surfaces are a great solution for small spaces because the reflective properties of glass or acrylic surfaces create a depth effect, breaking up clear spatial perception and making the room appear brighter and more spacious. They are particularly suitable for modern interiors. Some glossy panels are coated with a special UV technology that makes the surfaces durable and scratch-resistant while also being practical.
Which is more practical in the kitchen: glossy or matte panels?
This is very individual. High-quality matte products that do not show fingerprints are easy to maintain and stay clean longer. However, if they do get dirty, cleaning them may take longer. On the other hand, glossy surfaces may show stains, dust, and fingerprints more quickly, but they are very easy and quick to clean with a universal cleaner and a cloth.
If a client likes both glossy and matte panels and cannot decide, can they be combined?
Of course, panels can be combined. A current trend is to add original details to modern interiors to soften their cold modernity. Mixing and matching surfaces can bring individuality to the kitchen, but everything should be done tastefully so the final result does not feel overwhelming.
How can glossy and matte panels be properly combined in one interior, and what effect does this create?
This year, I have noticed a strong presence of elegant Art Deco-style details in interiors, and I believe this trend will continue. This can be used to add decorative elements to kitchen furniture design. By incorporating geometric patterns, you can create a rhythmic repetition or frame multiple cabinet doors, and by adding unique, stylish handles, you can achieve a distinctive, custom kitchen design.
Which panel do you prefer when designing interiors, and why?
I usually choose matte panels due to their subtle elegance, rich color tones, and smooth satin surface effect.
What would your dream kitchen look like – glossy or matte?
In my dream kitchen, matte surfaces would dominate. I would highlight the currently trendy stone texture and use a smooth matte panel to contrast with deeper textures. I would also focus on functionality and individual details to emphasize the character of the interior.
We hope that our interview with interior designer Rūta Vaškelytė-Zaveckė has helped you make a decision. The most important thing now is to ask yourself: what kind of atmosphere do you want to create in your kitchen? Once you have that answer, it will be easy to choose whether a glossy or matte panel will help you achieve it.
