Many NKBA member brands lead the way in offering authentic woods, stones, metals, and textiles that make seasonal design both beautiful and practical.
By Nicholas Tamarin
As autumn sets in, kitchens and baths naturally become the heart of the home—places of warmth, gathering, and renewal. Designers and homeowners alike are turning to natural materials that not only capture the season’s rich palette but also provide durability and timeless style. Many NKBA member brands lead the way in offering authentic woods, stones, metals, and textiles that make seasonal design both beautiful and practical.
Autumn is all about layering warmth, authenticity, and comfort into the home. By choosing natural materials—wood, stone, tile, and metals—you can create kitchens and baths that feel timeless, welcoming, and connected to nature’s seasonal beauty. The result is a design that’s not just stylish but also enduring.
1. Warm Wood Cabinetry and Surfaces
Nothing says autumn like the rich tones of natural wood. Walnut, oak, and cherry cabinetry add instant warmth and texture to kitchens and baths.
- Wood-Mode cabinetry showcases luxurious custom wood finishes that highlight natural grain patterns.
- Dura Supreme Cabinetry offers warm stains and modern silhouettes, perfect for combining seasonal coziness with contemporary style.
Pro Tip: Pair darker woods with light, honed stone countertops for a balanced fall-inspired aesthetic.
2. Stone Countertops with Organic Appeal
Natural stone offers a unique, one-of-a-kind canvas for autumn design. From honed marble to soapstone, earthy veining brings seasonal depth.
- Cambria delivers American-made quartz surfaces that mimic natural stone with bold, warm veining, ideal for autumn palettes.
- MSI Surfaces offers granite and marble with warm undertones, perfect for grounding spaces in seasonal richness.
Pro Tip: Leathered and matte finishes enhance tactile warmth and minimize glare, creating a cozy atmosphere.
3. Terracotta and Handcrafted Tile
Terracotta tiles and clay-based ceramics are timeless fall choices, evoking rustic elegance and handcrafted charm.
- Ann Sacks tile collections highlight artisanal textures and earthy hues—from sienna to burnt orange—that perfectly reflect autumn’s natural palette.
- Walker Zanger offers handcrafted ceramic and terracotta tiles that bring depth and heritage to kitchens and baths.
Pro Tip: Use terracotta on floors or backsplashes and pair with aged metals for a sophisticated seasonal mix.
4. Autumn-Inspired Metal Finishes
Copper, aged brass, and bronze echo autumn’s warmth and evolve beautifully over time with natural patina.
- House of Rohl features unlacquered brass and bronze fixtures that develop character with age.
- Brizo faucets in warm metallic finishes complement fall-inspired wood and stone selections.
Pro Tip: Incorporate metals across multiple touchpoints—hardware, faucets, lighting—for a cohesive seasonal story.
5. Reclaimed and Sustainable Materials
Autumn also invites us to celebrate authenticity and sustainability, embracing materials that tell a story.
- Cosentino offers eco-friendly surfaces, such as Silestone, which incorporates recycled content, marrying durability with sustainability.
- Kohler highlights water-saving fixtures and sustainable finishes, helping kitchens and baths align with modern eco-conscious living.
Pro Tip: Use reclaimed wood beams or recycled glass surfaces as standout elements that blend rustic character with responsible design.
