Interior Design
Fluting is a timeless design element that’s resurging in contemporary home decor. It adds fascinating texture and a touch of Art Deco allure to interiors.
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This trend has transcended architecture, becoming a prominent feature in homes — think kitchen cabinets, islands, vanities, and more.
Below, we showcase how five designers are using fluting to inspire your next project.
Understanding Fluting
Fluting is an age-old architectural technique featuring shallow grooves across surfaces, enhancing light play. Traditionally, it was applied to columns for a slender and graceful appearance.
In today’s interiors, fluting serves similar purposes, adding texture while complementing minimalist decor.
According to a creative director, fluting is “tactile, traditional, and distinct, with a decorative charm.” It evokes a sense of nostalgia while introducing texture into bolder designs, making it a preferred choice in modern homes.
1. Chic Fluted Kitchen Islands
Design expert Laura Butler-Madden emphasizes the importance of texture in her work. She loves fluting and incorporated it beautifully into a kitchen island design.
Initially considering natural wood, she opted for a stunning gloss finish in the same hue as the cabinetry, ensuring a striking contrast between the textures.
“I aim for elegance and longevity in my designs; fluting is a timeless feature,” she adds.
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The fluted design in the kitchen island by MAEK Residences beautifully contrasts the darker elements, enhancing the lightness of the pale wood furniture.
2. Fluted Walls for Privacy and Light
Day True effectively utilizes fluting in dividers and glass panels. Creative director Hayley Robson notes that vertical grooves add texture and light interplay, drawing from ancient architectural inspiration.
Fluted glass cabinets and bespoke elements enhance kitchens, while bathrooms benefit from fluted furniture and shower screens that create striking visual interest.
3. Statement Fluted Kitchen Cabinets
Victoria Spencer-Eves from VEVE interior design highlights how fluting adds depth without overwhelming patterns. In a project called The Art House, fluting on lower kitchen doors harmonizes beautifully with the high ceilings.
She advises careful spacing for flutes to avoid misalignment, ensuring a polished look.
4. Elegant Fluted Vanity Units
This blush pink vanity by Ham Interiors exemplifies the charm of fluted design. Designer Katie Cox adores fluted elements for their versatility in both modern and traditional styles.
Inspired by Swedish antiques, she incorporates a reeded finish to bring character to simple furniture.
5. Fluting as a Subtle Detail
Fluting can serve as a nuanced detail that elevates any space, adding texture without being overpowering. This kitchen by Bayswater Interiors showcases how fluting can add a luxurious touch.
6. Incorporating Fluting in Furniture
Dart Studio features fluted banquette seating in a renovated kitchen-dining area, creating an inviting and stylish atmosphere.
7. Fluting for Luxurious Headboards
Quadro Room creatively applies fluting in headboards, enhancing the bedroom's grandeur. Whether vertical or horizontal, fluting adds a sophisticated touch to any design.
8. Art Deco Inspired Fluted Lighting
Fluted lighting, inspired by the Art Deco era, is trending. Emily Bizley explains that modern techniques allow for intricate fluting and reeding, adding texture to spaces.
In bathrooms, fluted elements contribute to a harmonious balance with solid fixtures, enhancing overall aesthetics.
9. Fluting as a Wall Feature
Using fluting as a wall material can define spaces creatively. In one dining room, it separates an open area, providing architectural interest and acoustic benefits.
Another design by Studio Clement features open fluting that allows daylight to filter through while creating warmth and texture.
