Gloss Kitchens: Do They Still Have a Place in Modern Homes?
Gloss kitchens were once a go-to choice for anyone looking to add a touch of shine and sleekness to their kitchen space. Popular in the early 2000s and well into the next decade, their reflective surfaces, bold finishes, and contemporary edge made them a firm favourite. However, in recent years, matt and textured finishes have greatly dominated kitchen design trends. This shift has led many homeowners to wonder whether gloss kitchens still belong in modern homes.
The short answer? Yes – but with a few key style updates for making a success of your gloss kitchen scheme. If you’re considering gloss finishes for your new kitchen, or you’re wondering how to modernise an existing one, our following Kitchen Experts guide to gloss kitchens is for you.
The Evolution of Gloss Kitchens
Gloss kitchens rose to prominence thanks to their ability to bounce light around the room, creating a bright and airy feel – particularly helpful in compact or poorly lit spaces. They were also celebrated for their minimalist appearance, easy-clean surfaces, and ultra-modern aesthetic. As kitchen trends have moved towards more natural, tactile materials like wood, stone, and ceramic, gloss kitchen doors and finishes have been somewhat left behind. Yet gloss kitchens haven’t vanished entirely – they’ve simply become more refined.
Today’s gloss kitchens are softer in tone, more considered in their use, and often paired with contrasting finishes to create balance. When styled thoughtfully, they remain a great choice for those who love a clean, streamlined look.
Where Gloss Kitchens Shine
Gloss kitchens are particularly well-suited to:
- Small kitchen spaces: Their reflective surfaces help make a room feel larger and brighter.
- Contemporary homes: Gloss kitchen doors and finishes work beautifully in modern apartments and new-build homes.
- Low-light areas: If your kitchen doesn’t benefit from much natural light, gloss kitchen finishes can help lift the space.
- Busy households: Gloss doors are easy to wipe clean, making them a practical option for families.
That said, gloss doesn’t need to dominate the entire kitchen. Using gloss finishes strategically can achieve a timeless and sophisticated look.
How to Style Gloss Kitchens for a Timeless Look
If you’re keen on gloss kitchen doors but want to avoid a dated or overly reflective appearance, the key lies in balance, contrast, and subtlety. Here are some tried-and-tested design tips for a successful gloss kitchen scheme:
1. Mix with Matt or Textured Finishes
Combining gloss kitchen doors with matt cabinetry, woodgrain panels, or concrete-effect worktops is one of the easiest ways to create visual interest and break up reflective surfaces. Gloss kitchen base units paired with matt wall cabinets, for instance, can result in a stylish and layered kitchen scheme.
2. Use Gloss as an Accent
Rather than choosing gloss for every door, consider using it for a specific zone – such as a kitchen island or a bank of tall units – while keeping the rest of the kitchen more subdued. This keeps the scheme contemporary and avoids gloss overload.
3. Opt for Soft Neutrals or Muted Shades
Gloss kitchen finishes don’t need to be stark white or mirror-shiny black. In fact, the most current gloss kitchen colours tend to be softer and more neutral. Light grey, taupe, champagne, cashmere, and warm ivory are all stylish options that provide warmth and elegance without overwhelming the space.
How to Style Gloss Kitchens for a Timeless Look
4. Choose Handleless Designs
Gloss kitchens often look best with handleless cabinetry. It enhances the sleek finish and keeps the focus on clean lines and smooth surfaces. Integrated grip rails in contrasting colours (e.g., black or brushed metal) add a smart detail without interrupting the surface.
5. Pair with Natural Materials
To avoid gloss kitchens feeling too cold or clinical, pair them with natural or organic textures. Wood-effect worktops, stone floors, or a wood slatted feature wall will help bring balance and warm.
6. Let Lighting Work in Your Favour
Gloss reflects light beautifully, so it’s worth planning your lighting carefully. Spotlights or under-cabinet lighting will enhance the finish, while pendant lights above an island or breakfast bar can provide contrast and character.
Which Brands Still Offer Gloss Kitchens?
While some kitchen manufacturers have moved away from gloss ranges, several trusted brands continue to offer high-quality gloss kitchens in updated styles:
- Nobilia
Nobilia’s gloss kitchen options remain popular, especially in their Lux and Fashion ranges. Their lacquered high gloss finishes offer a modern aesthetic in colours like white, slate grey, and magnolia. These designs are ideal for contemporary homes and can be mixed with textured elements for a current look. - Bauformat
Bauformat includes gloss kitchen finishes in their lacquer and laminate doors. These kitchens offer a refined, German-engineered quality with colours that suit both neutral and bold palettes. Their handleless gloss options look particularly smart in open-plan spaces. - Brigitte
Brigitte offers a variety of gloss kitchen finishes as part of its modern kitchen range. High-quality lacquered gloss doors in soft greys, whites, and beiges allow for elegant pairings with wood or stone elements. - Pronorm
Known for its innovative design and engineering, Pronorm’s Proline and Y-Line series include high gloss lacquer kitchen options. These work well in minimalist homes and are often styled with contrasting materials for a striking effect. - Rotpunkt
Rotpunkt offers gloss finishes in several of their modern kitchen styles, especially in their Gloss Crystal or Gloss White ranges. Paired with dark worktops or wood details, these kitchens retain a timeless quality that suits a variety of interiors. - Next125
Next125 focuses more heavily on matt and textured surfaces in recent collections, but some high gloss finishes are still available in selected colours. Their strength lies in combining finishes for dramatic yet balanced kitchens, ideal if you want gloss without it being overpowering.
Popular Gloss Kitchen Colours in 2025
While the high-gloss red or electric blue kitchens of the 2000s have faded from popularity, today’s gloss colour trends are much more refined. The most popular gloss kitchen colours now include:
- Gloss white – Clean and timeless, though best softened with warmer tones elsewhere.
- Gloss light grey – Elegant and neutral, pairs beautifully with wood and black accents.
- Gloss cashmere or champagne – Adds warmth while keeping a modern edge.
- Gloss taupe or mocha – Offers depth and sophistication with a softer shine.
- Gloss black – Bold and dramatic, works well in larger kitchens with strong lighting schemes.
These colours reflect a more mature, design-led approach to gloss kitchens, moving away from the brash and towards an elegant finish.
Is A Gloss Kitchen Still a Good Investment?
Yes – when used thoughtfully. If you’re designing a kitchen that you’d like to keep looking stylish for years to come, gloss can still work well. It’s all about the context. A full gloss kitchen in white might feel outdated, but when gloss finishes are used sparingly and paired with the right elements, the result is sleek, fresh, and modern.
Final Thoughts
Gloss kitchens may no longer dominate kitchen showrooms, but they haven’t disappeared. They’ve simply evolved. Today, they’re more likely to feature as part of a mixed-finish scheme or as a way to add light and polish to a well-balanced design.
If you’re drawn to the look and practicality of gloss finishes, there’s still a place for them – just style them carefully. Choose softer tones, combine them with matt or textured materials, and keep your layout simple. With thoughtful design, gloss kitchens can still shine – just in a more understated, timeless way.
Thinking about including gloss in your kitchen renovation? Speak to a local kitchen expert for fully tailored advice that suits your taste, space and budget requirments.
