Never before in our lifetimes have homemakers all over the world been forced to stay inside as much as we have had to since the pandemic hit – out of precaution many of us are working, eating, exercising, teaching, and entertaining ourselves at home.
Although this has been incredibly stressful at times, it’s also reignited mass action to turn homes into safe sanctuaries and beautiful expressions of everything that makes inhabitants feel at peace within the turbulent global environment we find ourselves in. When outdoor spaces like parks and beaches were closed to the public, we saw an upward trend for including elements inspired by nature into our indoor spaces – and this extends far beyond simply placing an indoor plant in the corner of the room.
We’re here to show you how incorporating materials inspired by nature into your kitchen design will work wonders in achieving the feeling of ‘the great outdoors’, from inside your home. With noblessa’s Kitchen Collections and custom kitchen cabinets, it’s easier than you think.
Biophilia & The Benefits of Nature
Over and above the lockdown effect, the tendency to achieve the feeling of nature indoors is no new trend – in fact, biophilic design has featured within our man-made surroundings for thousands of years, dating way back to when interior and exterior architecture began.
Since the beginning of time, humans have searched for ways to incorporate the essence of the natural world into the designs of their homes and work spaces. Just like being outdoors, biophilic design works to reduce stress, boost productivity and creativity, and aid emotional, mental and even physical wellbeing. This has never been more important, with stress levels peaking globally.
The most obvious way to realize the benefits of biophilic design is to incorporate plants, and even water features, indoors – but a more thoughtful way is to choose materials that emulate the raw beauty found in your favorite outdoor spaces.
Why We Use Wood Reproductions
There is no denying the beauty of natural wood – but it is not the best choice for a high traffic area like the kitchen. Natural wood can be easily scratched and stained from common kitchen mishaps, and it is extremely expensive to replace. If you want your kitchen to look just a good as the day it was purchased, it is best to choose a more durable material such as a wood reproduction.
noblessa’s wood reproductions have the appearance of textured grain and come in a variety of shades, making it quite similar to wood found in nature. But there are two main benefits to choosing wood reproduction – it is a more sustainable option that does not deplete the Earth’s natural resources, and it is has improved durability that reduces signs of wear and tear.
Standard wood is especially susceptible to water damage and unfortunately there are limited options to address this issue. Wood reproductions on the other hand -can actually help to extend the lifespan of your kitchen because it has an increased resistance to water stains.
So we believe it is best to leave natural wood outside of the kitchen, and instead choose a wood reproduction to convey the essence of nature while still prioritizing durability.
Whether you’re looking to go with a more traditional kitchen style, like our Tempo Collection, or you’re more into sleek, modern and minimalist design, such as the Motion and Sensation Collections, wood reproduction will elegantly ground your desired look.
Warm Hues in the Kitchen
Although using textures inspired by wood in kitchens is certainly not a new idea; recently there has been a strong contemporary trend of adding wood inspired elements to the kitchen space in a uniquely, modern way. Adding textures and tones that are reminiscent of wood introduces a welcoming warmth into any space. If you chose to incorporate stark whites or dark greys without warm, wood hues – it could leave your space feeling heavy instead of inviting.
You can create a beautifully natural contrast with white custom kitchen cabinets and accents of an oak reproduction, as seen in the Sensation Collection. This kitchen collection is the perfect balance of cool and warm tones that creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Opting for wooden countertops will also help lift the look of darker cabinetry, like those used in the Tempo Collection. They won’t look dated like many other countertop materials that seem to go off trend after about a year or so.
You can also choose to add elements of nature in a more subtle way – such as choosing an elegant table and chair set inspired by nature, or add organic inspired decorum to achieve a feeling of warmth in an otherwise darker space (see the Spirit Collection for reference).
