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The Stainless Steel Kitchen Trend is Having a Moment

Thanks to the new Netflix documentary, ‘Beckham’ – which delves into the life of David Beckham following the former midfielder’s rise to football stardom – has had the nation hooked, and even gives viewers a sneak peek inside the Beckhams’ London mansion.

Since airing, the world of interiors has been admiring the beautiful mix of materials used in the Beckhams’ home. From the intriguing use of stainless steel in the kitchen and charming cottagecore living spaces, their home serves as inspiration for achieving the perfect blend of country chic and unrefined industrial interiors.

Renowned for its sleek appearance, durability, and versatility, stainless steel has become a staple in modern kitchen designs, adding an air of sophistication and timeless elegance. But why does it continue to captivate homeowners and designers alike?

1. Aesthetics and Versatility

One of the biggest draws of stainless steel kitchens is their visual impact. The clean, reflective lines of stainless steel appliances and fixtures add a sense of modernity and refinement. This is a material that works across design styles — from ultra-minimalist city apartments to rustic country homes. It even pairs beautifully with the cabinetry choices explored in our custom vs off-the-shelf kitchen units guide, offering flexibility in both layout and finish.

Stainless steel complements a huge range of colour palettes, so whether you’re going for bold, high-contrast tones or softer, muted shades, it will slot in seamlessly. It’s equally at home beside statement splashbacks or pared-back natural stone worktops, letting you experiment with multiple kitchen features without clashing.

2. Durability and Longevity

Beyond looks, stainless steel is incredibly robust. Resistant to corrosion, stains, and heat, it’s perfect for areas that see high levels of activity, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. This makes it a strong contender when you’re comparing worktop and fixture options alongside surfaces like those in our quartz vs granite kitchen worktops breakdown.

The non-porous nature of stainless steel also prevents bacteria build-up, making it hygienic and easy to maintain. Most of the time, a wipe down with mild soap and water is all you need to keep it looking immaculate. For busy households, that ease of maintenance is a major plus.

3. Timeless Appeal

Some kitchen styles fall out of favour quickly, but stainless steel is truly timeless. Its enduring appeal means it can move effortlessly through decades of changing design trends. This is especially valuable if you’re renovating with long-term resale in mind, as a stainless steel kitchen is often seen as a premium, sought-after feature.

Pairing it with complementary finishes is key. For example, combining stainless steel with the layered textures from our kitchen lighting comparison: pendants, spotlights, and under-cabinet guide can make the space feel more inviting without losing that sleek, professional edge.

How can homeowners incorporate stainless steel into their kitchen design?

Simon Ribchester, Head of Design at Beams shares some advice…


“Stainless steel has been used in professional kitchens for years, as it is easy to clean, resistant to stains and even prevents bacteria from building up on surfaces. 

For homes on the other hand, stainless steel is only just beginning to re-emerge in kitchen interiors. Of course, it’s a far cry from the ‘cosy’ or ‘trendy marble’ aesthetic of home kitchens that have dominated in recent decades. 

But the shift does make sense – because why shouldn’t we take a leaf out of the professionals’ books and embrace the practicality of stainless steel kitchens? I for one, am all for it – as, even aesthetically, a slight addition of this material can instantly make a space feel more modern.


Not sure where to start? Here are just some of the ways to incorporate stainless steel into a kitchen: 

  • Mounting stainless steel kitchen shelves. Consider adding mounted stainless steel kitchen shelves, they can provide both functionality and a modern touch to your kitchen
  • Add stainless steel appliances. These appliances are timeless, making them a great and durable addition to kitchen interiors
  • Adding stainless steel light fixtures. Want to ease into the stainless steel trend? This is a simple but effective way of tying in a contemporary look to any room, not just in the kitchen


How to bring contrasting materials together?

“Don’t be scared to mix materials when renovating your home, as this can add a sense of luxury and a unique touch to any space.

Strike the right balance by selecting your primary material, then incorporate various other materials that complement each other, always keeping the primary material as a reference point. 

The Beckhams’ kitchen is a great example of this, as they’ve opted for a combination of rustic wood and stainless steel in their kitchen – a pairing that’s grown in popularity over the years. The natural beauty of the wood pairs well with the sleek, industrial look of stainless steel – creating a sophisticated ‘organic-meets-modern’ vibe.

Of course, this is where your own personal taste and style comes into play – experiment with different pairings and types of different materials, like metals and woods, as they’ll naturally differ in terms of colour, sheerness, and texture. That said, remember to keep in mind non-aesthetic factors, like a material’s durability.”