This time we are taking a look at some timber choices, which can be used as a focus point in a new interior scheme, or as a considered finishing touch. There’s also news of the Dulux Colour of the Year for 2025 – which is in fact three beautiful shades of blue …

A natural oak kitchen with HIMACS surfaces by KitCaboose Kitchen design studio

Clare Morton, designer at KitCaboose Kitchen, wanted to create a kitchen with a tranquil colour palette, natural oak cabinet fronts and durable surfaces, namely HIMACS work surfaces, splashback and integrated sink CS504 by LX Hausys. Clare Morton explains ‘The kitchen is inspired by our clients modern, minimalist taste and by our studio’s philosophy: to create refined, well-designed spaces with an emphasis on clean lines and attention to detail’. The cabinetry and work surface fabrication is by ThreeFourFive Furniture.

Clean lines for the HIMACS Alpine White surfaces and handle detail by ThreeFourFive Furniture

The choice of HIMACS was ideal for the both the technical and aesthetic criteria desired by Clare Morton, KitCaboose Kitchen, and her clients. The durability, easy maintenance and the possibility that any marks that do appear can be polished away made the choice of HIMACS very suitable for a compact, intensively used space. She adds, ‘The success of this renovation was the result of meticulous pre-installation planning, and precision in both design and fabrication’.

Colour of the Year 2026 from Dulux Colour Futures – Rhythm of the Blues ™

The Dulux Colours of the Year have just been announced, and for 2026, the result is a trio of blue shades, destined for popularity for innovative interiors next year. The three chosen shades are Slow Swing, Free Grove and Mellow Flow (as shown above, left to right). Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre says, ‘We’ve chosen a family of colours for 2026, they are centred around three different rhythms that offer endless scope for changing the pace of your space’.

A warm-toned kitchen scheme featuring Mellow Flow ™ by Dulux for the window frames

This kitchen features Mellow Flow defining the window frames, with Teddybear Brown for the walls, and Clay Pot for the cabinets – available in gloss, eggshell and satinwood.

A blue living room featuring Free Grove ™ by Dulux

Free Groove is a deep, vibrant blue that can be used to colour drench a room for an intense and impactful look … or it can be used with shades such as Citrus Sunburst for a striking, uplifting contrast.

Get the full wood drenching look by starting with parquet from Knot & Grain

Drenching is the interior design term used to describe a scheme where the same colour is used throughout the room – from ceiling to cornice, walls and skirting boards. Natalie Mudd, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Knot & Grain uses the term wood drenching to describe an intense wood scheme, using wood finishes for panelling, furniture and flooring. She says ‘With the popularity of wood kitchen cabinetry on the rise, wood drenching in the kitchen is the perfect addition. Match flooring to cabinetry in tone and texture for a cohesive design or create contrast with different stained finishes.  A contemporary kitchen will naturally suit modern, clean planks, whilst a country-style kitchen pairs beautifully with a rustic wood floor’. Above, Bespoke Heritage Plank in Harvest by Knot & Grain

Choose a country-style rustic look from Knot & Grain

Above, Bespoke Rustic Plank in Rustic Barn from Knot & Grain. Natalie Mudd continues ‘If you prefer a rustic look, distressed planks with an undulating surface and characterful knots in warm oak tones create a cosy and lived-in feel’.

A herringbone pattern from Knot & Grain is suited to a traditional scheme

Above, Bespoke Pristine Herringbone Plank in Manor House from Knot & Grain. The company developed from a wish to simplify the complex process of choosing a wood floor so clients can specify their own wood floor with help and advice every step of the way.

Shoreline: where Earth Meets Tide is a new paint collection from Fired Earth

The new paint collection is inspired by Britain’s coastal heritage and features twelve shades which are named after natural elements. Carly Allison, Head of Product Design at Fired Earth says ‘The Shoreline collections represents our ongoing commitment to create colours that are timeless and relevant. Each shade has been developed for it’s individual beauty and how it works within our broader story – creating endless possibilities for layering and coordination. These earthy colours, inspired by nature, feel familiar and elegant at the same time’.

Cowrie and Mudstone from the new paint collection, Shoreline, from Fired Earth

Cowrie (top half) is a versatile greige neutral with hints of green, beige and grey, and Mudstone (lower half) is one of the collection’s signature shades. It’s a deep red orange with brown undertones reminiscent of traditional fired terracotta, and inspired by fine-grained clay sedimentary rock. From Fired Earth.

Limpet and Mermaid’s Purse from the Shoreline collection from Fired Earth

Limpet (top half) was inspired by the nuanced colours of limpet shells – it’s a stoney, green-toned colour that will also work well with Peppery Furrow, Mudstone and Sand Sedge. Mermaid’s Purse is a deep olive green with brown undertones, perfect for a striking traditional kitchen scheme. From Fired Earth.

New additions to Leicht Contracts, the Beige collection of architectural colours

Leicht Contracts is championing beige as a nuanced colour providing a fresh colour palette, creating inviting interior spaces that are timeless and naturally elegant. The new Beige Collection offers a wide choice of design options, featuring shades of mohair, olive, sand, grey, and new cashmere. Sarah Edwards, MD UK at Leicht Contracts says ‘To us, Beige is more than just a colour, it’s a way to create a style statement for homebuyers which is both current and timeless. Our new trend collections lends itself to kitchen paces that are highly versatile’. Above, Cashmere is shown.

The Beige collection from Leicht Contracts also features Celano Walnut cabinets

Shown above, ORLANDO full height cabinets across the back wall in Celano Walnut, along with VERO display cabinets in a combination of glass with natural wood, aluminium frames and integrated lighting. The island here is shown in the new Cashmere finish with concealed pedestal. All  Leicht Contracts.

A new parquet floor by Urbane Living

We can’t resist just one more inspirational idea, this time from Urbane Living. Specialists in parquet, bespoke carpets and stair runners, the company has a commitment to combine beauty with durability. Above, Harley Oak Chevron Parquet in light grey with a smooth oil finish.