Trend on Super Matte, Textured Wood, Stone and Marble

The majority of recent exhibits included a combination of super matte shades, low-sheen textured wood grains and marble or stone finishes. These three elements were versatile and mixed-matched across designs in many possible combinations of upper/lower/open cabinetry, backsplashes, countertops and island cabinets. Instead of only for marble countertops and backsplashes, concrete and stone finishes were prominent for cabinet doors. This married well with super matte finishes, primarily dark grays and earthy tones that added a soothing sensation to the complexity of the stone finishes. 

The consistency of these three elements was overwhelming and nearly comical, as if the exhibitors shared notes.

Trends – Surfaces

Marble, cement and stone veneers are bold elements that added life to the exhibit, and they are no longer constrained to countertops and backsplashes. These elements had a wide range of finishes, including ultra matte, low sheen, medium sheen and high gloss. The authenticity of the stones came through in the texture, especially in matte or low-sheen finishes as a buffed lacquered panel was finished smooth with a mirror-like finish. The cement and stone veneer surfaces continued from the 2016 Eurocucina as we see this trend start to develop more and be accepted in mainstream offerings, adding an industrial feel to a modern design.

Super matte is here to stay. High-gloss finishes were shown in less than 5 percent of Eurocucina exhibits, while no- or low-sheen surfaces were featured on the most highly desired countertops and cabinetry. Super matte finishes were prevalent in dark, earthy or neutral tones, with white maintaining a classic presence. There was a lack of deep or wild color in these finishes, with hints or specs of blue, green and red with silky, warm aesthetics. High-gloss finishes are not over and may never fully subside, but the growth of super matte is upon us.

Low-sheen wood grains added identity and natural comfort to the exhibits. The most common species included light white oak, gray eucalyptus, colorful quarter-cut walnut and character-filled rustic red oaks. 

Color overall was subtle, with many shades and neutral finishes. In the vast majority, bold explosions or fusions of color were rare and stood out in the few exhibits with enough courage to emphasize them.  Color will undoubtedly play an important role in Eurocucina 2020.