Inward grooves and outward ridges create this beautifully tactile effect – and homeowners can’t get enough. Here is how to get the look…

Remember a time when everything was flat? Perhaps around a decade ago when super-clean, almost-clinical spaces and an overly minimalist aesthetic prevailed in interior design – right before colour and texture started to take over, slowly but surely. Just flick through the pages of KBB, or scroll through renovators’ Instagram reels and posts, and it won’t be long until you find flutes, flutes, and more flutes, in any shape or form.

Kitchen islands with vertical ribs, sculpted basins and taps, reeded glass cabinetry, and even grooved armchairs echoing a… groovy ‘70s aesthetic. So why have homeowners and designers been so in love with fluting lately? And is its popularity expected to fade anytime soon?

Why is fluting so popular?

“Throughout 2025, we’ve seen a noticeable shift towards spaces with more personality and flair. Fluted and grooved finishes are increasingly popular because they add depth and interest to minimalist spaces without using bold colour or heavy patterns,” says Nancy Emery, bathroom design expert at Drench. And Megan Baker, head of design at My Fitted Bedroom, thinks they’ll be even bigger this year, while identifying fluting as one of those rare design details that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. “Fluted surfaces catch the light in a way that gives cabinetry and furniture a sense of fluidity and movement,” she adds.

Not to mention that their linear pattern can make low ceilings appear taller. Designers also agree that fluting is part of a wider shift towards spaces that feel innately pretty and handcrafted rather than overstyled – which aligns with the popular ‘living’ kitchens and bathrooms look, too, where textured islands, fittings, and fixtures lend themselves to a cosy, feel-good design similar to that of a living area.

What does fluting look like now?

In kitchens, there’s an evolution away from fine, decorative ribbing and towards more sculptural expressions, according to Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport. “Particularly concave and curved fluting that introduces depth and softness to cabinetry,” he explains. “As fluting evolves, it is becoming quieter, more architectural, and more integrated, signalling a return to joinery techniques that feel enduring rather than trend-led.”

Meanwhile in bathrooms, fluted surfaces help to create a little spa retreat. “With the wellness aesthetic still thriving in 2026, fluting goes beyond simple decoration. Its textured surface plays a key role in adding tactile depth and quiet luxury to bathroom environments, contributing to the peaceful, spa-like atmosphere that many want to achieve,” says Rikki Fothergill, bathroom design expert at Big Bathroom Shop.

“From those looking to make a bold statement with entire fluted walls, to those who prefer quieter accents with fluted basins or drawer pulls, fluting facilitates more maximalist looks as well as subtly elevating existing spaces of any shape or size,” adds Rikki.

How to include it in your home

Fluting is pretty versatile, allowing you to include it in your home in many different ways and styles. A typical example is opting for glass-fronted, fluted cabinets to create a sense of mystique. “Fluted glass is a popular choice for wall-mounted cupboards, where its semi-transparent nature diffuses the view of stored items,” says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. “This softens the visual clutter of everyday kitchenware, creating a harmonious blend of function and decoration.”

To add depth and warmth, design a dynamic space, and evoke a sense of craftsmanship, consider fluted wood, either as wall panelling or on your kitchen island and cabinetry. “Three-dimensional fluted wood panelling catches the light beautifully and helps timber seamlessly flow from floor to walls,” says Anthony Scott, global product and innovation director at Havwoods. “Its sleek appeal can evoke a relaxing and comforting feel.”

Other applications may include fluted butler sinks, shower screens, bathtubs, and wardrobe doors, or even smaller details such as fluted handles, wall lights, and mixer taps with decorative spouts and handles. For instance, “a touch of a tap handle in fluted glass not only piques tactile senses but offers a visual delight as light and shadow interplay,” says Caroline Schmitt, general manager at Dornbracht.

In terms of colour and material palettes, fluting can serve as a strong accent feature when combined with warm neutral shades, natural stone, and porcelain, but it works just as well in sleek finishes such as brushed metals, and in richer, moodier shades.

The future of fluting

With homeowners’ needs always evolving, and new interior design trends emerging, fluting is bound to evolve, too. Looking ahead, many designers believe it’s set to become even more understated, integrated seamlessly into our furniture, and mixed with organic and premium materials to convey a naturally lavish feel. Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, has already noticed fluted tiles becoming softer, with more chalky and matt finishes, while Richard Eaton, design manager at Tissino, is seeing slimmer grooves and cleaner lines giving fluted designs a ‘quieter confidence’.

According to others, design-led, chunkier fluting is likely to thrive, as well. “Think wider ribs and mixed profiles which will be used to zone spaces,” says Shamila Iqbal, director at Bathroom Mountain. Or how about combining the two styles to get the best of both worlds? “Expect to see wider spacing, deeper profiles, and playful use of scale – mixing fine, delicate ridges with oversized, sculptural ones,” suggests Megan.

Whether bold or unassuming, fluting is not expected to go away any time soon. As textured kitchens, spa bathrooms, and ‘quiet luxury’ bedrooms continue to fulfil homeowners’ desire for a considered, plush, and personal home, flutes are sure to keep dominating interiors, one groove at a time.

Get the look

From reeded wood furniture and coloured basins to textured tiles and lighting, elevate the tactile experience in your kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom with this stylish finish…

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