From ancient temples to contemporary countertops, fluting—the timeless art of vertical grooves—has made a stylish resurgence, now claiming a fresh stronghold in the heart of the modern home: the kitchen.
Once confined to classical columns and the legs of ornate furniture, fluting has evolved from architectural relic to design statement. This sculptural texture, which plays with light and shadow in a way that feels both tactile and refined, is now being embraced by architects and interior designers as a way to bring dimensionality, elegance, and even a bit of whimsy into utilitarian spaces.
But why the sudden love affair with fluting in kitchens? And how are today’s designers reinterpreting this ancient detail?
Fluting as Texture—and Function
At its core, fluting is about movement. Its repetition of slender vertical lines gives surfaces a rhythmic energy, breaking up flat expanses and drawing the eye. In a space like the kitchen, where clean lines often dominate, fluted surfaces introduce softness without sacrificing sophistication.
Designers are also tapping into fluting’s ability to visually elongate or “slim” cabinetry and islands, making it especially effective in compact or low-ceilinged kitchens. There’s a subtle luxury in its presence—a nod to craftsmanship and detail in an age of mass production.
And while fluted finishes may call for a bit more dusting than their smooth counterparts, most design lovers are more than willing to trade a microfiber cloth swipe for the undeniable visual payoff.
A Global Gallery of Fluted Kitchens
The current wave of fluted kitchen design spans continents and materials—from carved wood and ceramic to stone, concrete, and even plaster.
In Paris, design duo Hélène Pinaud and Julien Schwartzmann of Heju Studio created a showstopping kitchen island clad in fluted relief tiles. The island becomes more than just a workspace—it’s a sculptural focal point that grounds the airy apartment in texture and rhythm.
Across the Channel, the British kitchen brand deVol offers a classic fluted ceramic sink handcrafted in England. They also feature a double Tuscan farmhouse sink carved from Carrara marble, marrying old-world craftsmanship with modern function.
In London, creative polymath Ferren Gipson hunted down curved 3D tiles by German designer Sebastian Herkner to give her kitchen remodel a playful but elegant edge. The matte-glazed Soap tiles add subtle shadows that change with the light throughout the day.
Meanwhile in the Netherlands, Avenue Design Studio integrated fluted paneling into a Rotterdam kitchen to balance the warmth of oak cabinetry and the drama of a natural stone countertop. The result? A harmonious blend of organic and sculptural elements.
Australian firm Surman Weston played with materials as much as form, pairing fluted oak cabinetry with terrazzo surfaces in a compact London kitchen. The backsplash and counters, made from Foresso—a composite of wood waste and plaster—echo the ethos of thoughtful reuse.
Innovation Meets Artistry
Fluted detailing isn’t confined to cabinets and islands. In Sydney, the tech company NCR opted for dramatic floor-to-ceiling fluting in their in-house café, proving that even commercial kitchens can benefit from architectural flair.
In Denmark’s coastal Svinkløv Badehotel, a boutique resort rising from the ashes of a beloved seaside inn, the fluted reception desk sets a serene, tactile tone. It’s a reminder that design details like these offer more than aesthetics—they create atmosphere.
Athena Calderone, the multi-hyphenate force behind EyeSwoon, infused her Amagansett kitchen with a fluted island of custom plasterwork crafted by Brooklyn-based Kamp Studios. The piece reads like a minimalist sculpture grounded by a marble countertop—a striking blend of form and function.
Also from Brooklyn, Kamp Studios has built a reputation around its architectural finishes, with fluted tile samples that read like modern relics. Their work has made them a go-to for designers seeking unique, handcrafted surfaces.
And in Australia, Kate Fitzgerald of Whispering Smith—a self-described feminist architecture studio—created a fluted centerpiece in the kitchen of her “House B” project. The effect is bold yet inviting, a testament to the power of subtle repetition.
London restaurateur Mark Hix took a more industrial approach, fashioning his kitchen island out of salvaged concrete columns sourced from design salvage house Retrouvius. The result is raw, refined, and unmistakably personal.
Why Fluting Now?
Design trends often reflect larger cultural shifts, and the renewed interest in fluted detailing speaks to a craving for tactility, warmth, and history in our homes. As kitchens continue to evolve into multi-use hubs—part cooking station, part gathering space—there’s growing demand for design elements that both ground and elevate.
Fluting does just that. It feels handcrafted, even when machine-made. It plays well with both natural materials and high-tech finishes. And perhaps most importantly, it brings a sense of timeless beauty—one that nods to the past while feeling perfectly suited to the present.
In a world increasingly driven by fast-paced innovation, fluted kitchens remind us to slow down, appreciate craftsmanship, and take pleasure in the small, artful details that make a house feel like home.
