For years, uniformity and consistency have shaped the materials we introduce in our kitchens, but this year, designers are encouraging us to be more experimentative – and we've got guidance from London's most fashionable couple.
Introducing mixed materials in the interest of added warmth and texture (alongside their practical benefits) is a lesson we're taking into 2025, but David and Victoria Beckham already set a precedent back in 2022. In their London townhouse, they enlisted the expertise of luxury Italian manufacturer Officine Gullo to design their space – the result is a mixed-material masterclass.
Admired for its high-end metal-based designs and extraordinary range of cookers, Officine Gullo is a kitchen design force. They've known how to mix and match materials for years, as Beckham's space reminds us. They exhibit the brand's famous cooking appliances (all with a metal exterior and silver countertops) alongside dark gray wooden cabinets, a natural island, and copper pans hanging in the center. Despite being two years old, it's our go-to vision for mixing materials this year.
'It's no longer considered the standard to have matching metals, and a clever and thoughtful balance of some different looks can really pull a space together,' comments Bob Bakes, the founder and head of design of Bakes & Kropp.
To master the mixed material look, Bakes explains that you need to look for areas that can ‘communicate’ with each other – then introduce one different material into each area. This will mean your kitchen still feels curated and cohesive while simultaneously appearing textured (and on-trend).
'There need to be connection points between metallics, with perhaps a single standout like a range hood or metal doors. Some ways to connect metallics are to match the sink fittings and hardware, then choose a different finish for the lighting and accessories,' he says.
While we can't all have a space the size of Beckham's, we can still tap into the kitchen trend with one of their stand-out metals: copper. The couple hung copper pans above their island, resulting in instant warmth and charm. The best part is that this material is accsessible in every kind of kitchen.
'Copper adds instant warmth to a space. Hammered copper adds texture against smooth, cool materials such as marble, which can be a great juxtaposition. Copper is also a transitional material and can flow easily between design styles,' comments Naomi Neilson, the founder and CEO of Native Trails.
The 10-piece set is described as a prized possession of professional chefs as well as home cooks alike. It serves up superior performance and looks beautiful in the process (especially when hung above an island or alongside a silver cooking appliance).
These kitchen racks may double as kitchen wall decor, but they're also highly practical – keeping cooking supplies and other kitchen utensils where we can easily reach them.
This pan's colorway is already a talking point, but what else sets it aside? Each one has a steel induction plate for rapid, even heat distribution from edge to edge – meaning your meals cook to even perfection without hot spots.
'Copper mixes well with other warm tones such as polished nickel, light gold, and various shades of bronze,' Neilson says.
'I’m a fan of matte black with hammered copper, but another option would be to pair one of our copper bathtubs with a Native Trails Precious Metals Gunmetal sink. The authentic precious metal glaze touts an incomparable luster and radiance that, when paired with the copper, would be stunning.'
