Six kitchen interiors that use interesting materials

With the kitchen now the heart of the home, we've picked six projects to inspire your entries into our new Dezeen Awards kitchen interior category.

Material choices can play a defining role in kitchen design, influencing both aesthetics and functionality. From rich timber cabinetry to sleek stainless steel surfaces, the right materials can transform a kitchen into a striking centrepiece while ensuring durability and practicality.

With limitless options, the use of interesting materials, textures, finishes and colours offer designers the perfect recipe to set each project apart in its own way.

Below, we've collected six kitchen designs that showcase a wide range of material finishes, all of which would make a stand-out entry into Dezeen Awards.

East Village Apartment, New York by GRT Architects

New York-based GRT Architects added a functional yet attractive tiled countertop as part of the renovation of this apartment in the East Village.

The eye-catching countertop contrasts with chequerboard mosaic tiles on the floor and white oak cabinetry.

Find out more about East Village apartment ›

Highbury apartment, London, by Holloway Li

Holloway Li added a shiny stainless steel kitchen with a curved splashback as a nod to London's fast food shops to this apartment.

Vibrant pops of orange and red colours feature throughout the apartment to contrast to the exposed plaster walls.

Find out more about this Highbury apartment ›

Brunswick apartment, Melbourne by Murray Barker

This 1960s apartment in Melbourne was remodelled by architect Murray Barker and artist Esther Stewart, who added an L-shaped green kitchen.

A red marble tabletop with stove, oven and sink, as well as terrazzo flooring, complement the pistachio-coloured banquette seating, providing a charming nook for eating breakfast or dinner.

Find out more about Brunswick apartment ›

Walled Garden, London by Nimtim Architects

Nimtim Architects utilised a warm palette of materials to achieve an earthy quality for this townhouse extension in London.

Introducing a skylight brightened the kitchen while retaining a serene and cosy feel through exposed brickwork, rough plaster and concrete floor.

Find out more about Walled Garden ›

Normandy farmhouse, France, by Studio Guma

A rural farmhouse was renovated by Studio Guma, which created an open-plan kitchen to accommodates large family gatherings.

The studio retained the original brickwork and timber throughout the kitchen, while introducing minimalist elements including a concrete counter, steel shelf and sliding glass doors that take advantage of the high ceilings.

Find out more about Normandy farmhouse ›

Curve Appeal, London by Nimtim Architects

Plywood partitions and cabinetry with arched openings were used throughout this kitchen renovation in south London.

Neutral tones are prominent in this family kitchen, from handmade terracotta floor tiles and laminate countertops to sustainably sourced plywood cupboards that offer a playful yet innovative storage solution to create a tidy home.

Find out more about Walled Garden ›

Enter by 26 March!

Have you completed a similar project? Find out about our kitchen interiors category alongside all this year's categories here. Log in or create an account via our new entry platform to begin your entries.

With less than four weeks to take advantage of our discounted early entry fees, submit your projects by 23:59 London time on 26 March to save 20 per cent.

Click here for more information about Dezeen Awards and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news. Plus you can always drop us a line at awards@dezeen.com if you have any questions.

Dezeen Awards 2025 in partnership with Bentley

Dezeen Awards is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across the globe. The eighth edition of the annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley's architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.

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