fluting and reeding: the hottest interiors trend
Fluting and reeding are highly regarded in the design community, and for good reason. When utilised judiciously, the grooves give a sense of motion and curiosity in a design without taking over the spotlight. Since it can be used on a wide variety of materials and surfaces, it's an excellent method for calming the appearance of a modern kitchen. And the best part is... This design has been around for decades and shows no signs of disappearing any time soon.
While techniques like fluting and reeding have been around for a while, modern cooks have found clever new uses for them. Here are five examples of how Ledbury Studio designer Charlie Smallbone has incorporated the style into his work.
Reeding on an island: Many eye-catching elements and some understated ones give this Camden kitchen real heft. The reeded oak at the island's extremities is a nice touch that breaks up the smoothness of the rest of the wood.
Reeded detail on a splashback: The addition of reeding is a great way to dress up the more utilitarian parts of the kitchen. The reeded quartz behind the sink in the Camden kitchen (on the right) is a great illustration of this, as it serves both as a decorative element and a functional surface. Because it is nonporous, quartz doesn't need to be sealed and is extremely hard to scratch or chip. It's a low-maintenance choice thanks to its resistance to stains.
Fluting on joinery: The custom walnut joinery highlights this magnificent Mayfair media room. Charlie Smallbone made sure to make the most of its aesthetic potential by including fluted drawers. “Fluting helps to create a more dynamic look, which is why I love integrating it into my bespoke designs,” says Charlie. “It also creates a sense of depth, making a drawer front appear to be so much more than a flat surface.”
Charlie gave the fluted drawers a finishing touch of luxury by edging them with liquid bronze, a material that has become synonymous with Ledbury Studio. This pairs splendidly with the golden knobs on the oak cabinet that hangs on the wall. The forest green walls, which complete the room's look, give it a rustic, outdoorsy feel and complement the wood.
Fluting on a breakfast bar: Fluting under the breakfast bar in this Notting Hill kitchen has been whitewashed to match the wild walnut cabinet fronts. Downlighting gives off a warm glow and draws attention to the intricate fluting.
Fluted glass cupboard fronts: The use of fluted glass elevates the look of any room. When installed atop kitchen cabinets, it serves a practical purpose by shielding their contents from prying eyes while allowing natural light to enter the room. This aids in creating the illusion of more space and light in the kitchen.
“Fluting can help to break up large, flat surfaces,” says Charlie. “For example, a tall cupboard like this one in the New Forest kitchen (above left) might seem imposing and monolithic without any texture or detail. But by adding fluting to the doors, the cabinet becomes more visually interesting and less overwhelming." Fluted glass also adds a beautiful decorative touch to the drinks cabinet in the Hackney kitchen (above right) and looks fabulous when lit from within.
Fluting on furniture: The use of flutes or reeding on furniture is highly effective. It is adaptable to both traditional and cutting-edge aesthetics. In addition, a piece of furniture like this might act as a conversation starter and draw people's eyes throughout the room. “This desk (above) was a special commission for a client who wanted a statement piece in his home office,” says Charlie. "We hand-selected a beautiful piece of solid English walnut for the main body of the desk and designed a decorated frontispiece of cast basalt dust to create a fluted motif."
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