Introduction

The use of natural, raw, and organic materials in home design has become increasingly popular in recent years. This trend is especially notable in places like Asheville, North Carolina that have strong connections to nature and sustainability. Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it an ideal location to embrace organic style. From reclaimed wood floors to natural stone countertops, many local homes incorporate elements that give off an earthy, wholesome vibe.

In one stunning Asheville kitchen, the owners made use of a variety of new yet organic materials to achieve their dream raw and rustic aesthetic. Their beautiful custom kitchen demonstrates how different textures and elements can come together to create a cohesive style that is both warm and modern.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring Sets Natural Tone

The homeowners opted for wide-plank reclaimed wood floors to serve as the foundation for their new kitchen’s design. Reclaimed wood adds rustic charm and brings a live edge feel to the space. Using reclaimed flooring materials follows sustainable building principles, giving the home a smaller carbon footprint.

The neutral tones and varied knots and grains of the reclaimed wood floors add organic texture and visual interest while not detracting from the other natural elements in the kitchen. The floors ground the space with their raw, earthy beauty.

Organic Shape Island in Rich Walnut

One of the main features of the kitchen is the large central island which has an organic, asymmetrical shape. The countertop is made from a stunning slab of Black Walnut wood which has been given a natural oil finish to protect and enhance its rich coloration.

The use of whole Black Walnut slabs follows the owners’ desire to avoid manufactured or synthetic countertop materials in favor of natural substances. Black Walnut’s distinctive grain patterns and swirling colors lend visual drama to the island. The organic shape of the island reflects natural forms, adding to the overall earthy aesthetic.

Rustic Brick Backsplash With Handmade Tiles

To continue the raw, organic style on the walls, the backsplash behind the ranges consists of salvaged brick tiles interspersed with handmade ceramic tiles. The brick tiles came from a demolished local warehouse, keeping with the reclaimed aspect. The varied terracotta tones and imperfect shapes add to the rustic texture.

The handmade tiles were locally crafted and glazed in natural hues like deep green, brown, and ivory to complement the brick. The artisanal quality and non-uniform nature of the tiles inject more organic character into the kitchen’s design. The backsplash evokes natural earthen finishes brought inside.

Natural Stone Sink and Counters Contrast Nicely

On the opposite side of the kitchen, the sinks and accompanying counters were crafted from thick slabs of durable soapstone. Soapstone is naturally anti-bacterial and heat-resistant, making it an ideal countertop material for kitchens. The grayish-green hue of the soapstone pairs well with the Black Walnut island.

By selecting natural stone for the sink area rather than stainless steel, the owners continued the raw, organic scheme. The veining and subtle color variations of the soapstone make for a lovely natural pattern that fits with the other materials.

Rustic Pot Rack and Accessories

Several hand-crafted, rustic accessories complete the raw style of the kitchen. Hanging above the kitchen island is a wrought iron pot rack with black pipe fittings, left unfinished for an industrial feel. The rack was locally fabricated by a metal artist and continues the creative, handmade accents.

The shelves hold ironstone dishes and crockery with an aged, organic look. Small decor items like vases, bowls, and trays made from natural materials add finishing touches. Items made from metal, wood, clay, and other organic substances effortlessly match the overall aesthetic.

Conclusion

This stunning Asheville kitchen demonstrates how raw, organic materials like reclaimed wood, natural stone, and handcrafted tiles can produce a harmonious, rustic design. The incorporation of locally sourced natural materials honors the home’s mountain environment while creating a warm, inviting space.

Elements like the reclaimed wood floors, Black Walnut island, brick and tile backsplash, and soapstone counters strike a perfect balance between organic, raw, and modern. The end result is a beautiful, eco-friendly kitchen that channels rustic design in a fresh way. This kitchen exemplifies the creative potential for raw materials to shape a chic yet organic style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of raw materials that can be used in kitchen design?

Some great raw materials for achieving an organic kitchen design include reclaimed wood for floors and accents, natural stone like granite and soapstone for countertops, exposed brick for backsplashes, and unfinished metals like wrought iron for fixtures and accessories.

How does using raw materials benefit kitchen design?

Raw materials add organic texture and natural variation to a kitchen space. Materials like reclaimed wood and natural stone have unique aging, imperfections, and color variations that manufactured materials lack. Raw materials are also sustainable and environmentally friendly.

What are some tips for combining different raw materials in a cohesive way?

Using raw materials of complementary neutral and earth tones allows the textures and grains to take center stage. Repetition of materials in different parts of the kitchen, like natural stone counters and backsplash, helps tie the look together. Mixing matte and glossy finishes can also blend raw materials nicely.

Why are raw material kitchens popular?

Raw material kitchens have risen in popularity because of their warmth, uniqueness, and the handmade artisanal quality they lend to spaces. People appreciate the sustainability, authenticity, and rustic yet modern aesthetic of raw materials. Their imperfections and variety feel organic and inviting.

How can you add raw materials to a more contemporary kitchen?

There are many ways to incorporate raw materials like wood, stone, and metal into modern kitchens. Exposed brick backsplashes, reclaimed wood shelves, and concrete-style countertops add organic texture and contrast nicely with sleek finishes like stainless steel. Darker raw materials like black pipe fittings work especially well.

Conclusion

The creative use of reclaimed wood, natural stone, handmade tiles, and other raw organic materials transformed this Asheville kitchen into a stylish yet rustic dream space. Their varied grains, textures, and earth tones blended beautifully to produce a unique, nature-inspired design. This kitchen offers inspiration for embracing raw materials in your home and striking the right natural style balance.