For our latest lookbook, we’ve put together eight functional kitchens that prove that conventional building materials have their place in a home’s interior.
The kitchens in this overview use common building materials, including wood, metal and concrete, to create an atmosphere of durability and serenity.
Combining these materials creates a balanced interior, where wood provides a feeling of warmth, while metals such as stainless steel and concrete add an atmosphere of functionality.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, offering visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with red accents, homes with internal windows and spaces energized by colorful window frames.
Apartment in Madrid, Spain, by Leticia Saá
An open-sided kitchen island flanked by a duo of three-legged stools features in this kitchen in a Madrid flat by architect Leticia Saá.
A shelf-like surface holds the hob and a simple coat of white paint covers the walls and ceilings, creating an informal and bright kitchen.
More information about Madrid apartment ›
Normandy farmhouse, France, by Studio Guma
Large windows and a blush pink concrete island characterize this kitchen, which is located in a rural farmhouse in northern France, designed by Studio Guma.
Original rustic beams and a stone wall complement the minimalist kitchen, in which the designers opted to forego conventional wall cupboards in favor of a slim shelf.
Learn more about the Normandy farm ›
Casa Olivar, Spain, by Matteo Ferrari and Carlota Gallo
Rustic and industrial design motifs combine in this kitchen in Casa Olivar, a two-story apartment in Madrid renovated by designers Matteo Ferrari and Carlota Gallo.
A wooden table and uneven floor tiles contrast with sleek stainless steel cabinetry, giving the space a sense of balance.
More information about Casa Olivar ›
Sacha apartment, France, by SABO Project
Upholstery, storage space and plywood furniture define the interior of this Parisian apartment from SABO Project.
White walls and floors connect the abundant use of warm-colored wood with the concrete ceiling above.
More information about apartment Sacha ›
Penthouse M, Australia, by CJH Studio
CJH Studio covered the walls of this kitchen with small square tiles during the renovation of Penthouse M, an apartment in Gold Coast, Australia, that dates back to the 1980s.
A wooden bar, flanked by tall bar stools, sits in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bright, cool color palette creates an atmosphere of tranquility.
More information about CJH Studio ›
K916 and K907, Poland, by Thisispaper Studio
A slatted wooden partition and concrete ceiling provide a textural backdrop to the kitchen and dining room of this flat in the Polish capital, Warsaw.
Thisispaper Studio has furnished the space with purely essential furniture – a simple kitchen unit and a functional dining area – to give the room an aesthetically calm appearance.
Learn more about Thisispaper Studio ›
BolÃvar House, Spain, by Juan Gurrea Rumeu
Local architect Juan Gurrea Rumeu added dark wood cabinetry to the kitchen of his Barcelona home, creating a warm and grounding effect.
Exposed wires attached to the lighting add an industrial touch, and the presence of concrete on the walls and floors creates an interplay between warm and cool tones.
More information about BolÃvar House ›
Mossy Point house, Australia, by Edition Office
Metal countertops and backsplashes add a utilitarian touch to this plywood kitchen installed in a home in Australia.
Local studio Edition Office installed smooth-fronted cabinets to keep clutter out of sight, allowing select ceramics and coffee paraphernalia to take center stage.
Learn more about the Mossy Point house ›
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, offering visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with red accents, homes with internal windows and spaces energized by colorful window frames.