Even for the minimalists among us, incorporating grooves, indents, and waves into furniture and fixtures in the home can make a huge difference in bringing a room to life.
Take Gwyneth Paltrow's kitchen as a prime example. The neutral space sees its creamy gray cabinets feature a subtle fluting, which designers say is one of the top kitchen trends for this season, and long into 2026.
While the rest of the kitchen includes modern, metallic appliances and some warm woods, the cabinet fluting really livens up the area, making it feel textured and dynamic, despite its neutral color scheme.
Shop the look
The 10-Ounce Carved Edge Mug from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia brings an artistic update to any mug collection. Its sour cream stoneware features elegant carved ribbed edges and is perfect for hot or cold drinks, plus it’s microwave and dishwasher-safe.
While not traditional kitchen decor, I always keep a candle on hand to help with cooking smells. The Seasonal Ribbed Glass Jar Candle from Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia creates a cozy, inviting ambiance, housed in a decorative ribbed glass jar. Made with soy and paraffin wax, it burns for around 28 hours, adding warmth and fragrance to the space.
This multi-use board can display charcuterie or is just as functional for chopping vegetables. It's the ideal piece for introducing textured wooden elements without a renovation or investment.
According to interior design insiders, fluting is one of the key styles to follow amid a warm, modern trend.
'This autumn, warm contemporary interiors are capturing attention by combining sleek modern lines with cosy textures and rich, inviting tones,' explains Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product & displays at Barker and Stonehouse.
'Think dark woods, fluted detailing, and deep chocolate browns that create a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, blending style with effortless ease.'
In addition to primarily using fluted fixtures and warm woods, Magdalena recommends balancing them out with shiny accents to achieve a truly contemporary (and luxe) look.
'To bring this look to life, introduce metallic accents in gold, brass, or other warm metals to instantly add a touch of luxury,' she suggests. 'Layer in striking shapes – think a sculptural armchair, a domed table lamp, or a wiggle-framed mirror - to create bold focal points that draw the eye. Balance these modern elements with soft, rich neutral tones and retro style wooden panelling to ground the space and create a welcoming, harmonious feel.'
She continues, 'This approach offers a fresh take on contemporary design, perfect for those looking to combine modernity and comfort in a way that’s both current and timeless.'
