Painted or woodgrain: choosing a finish

One of the first decisions in any fitted-furniture project is whether to go painted or woodgrain. Both are hard-wearing and easy to care for, so the choice is really about the character you want.

A painted finish feels calm and architectural; it recedes, letting the room's proportions and the worktop do the talking. Woodgrain brings warmth and grain, and reads a little softer and more relaxed — particularly in the mid and darker tones.

Many of the best rooms use both: painted cabinetry paired with a woodgrain island, or a run of open shelving. If you are unsure, order samples of each and look at them morning and evening — daylight changes everything.