Black kitchens are not for the faint of heart but they don’t have to be as intimidating as you might think. Are you currently trying to find this? Best kitchen cabinets Tempted to go on the dark side of color for your next renovation?
If this is you, we’ve got some great tips from kitchen experts to tell us the most stylish ways to design and decorate a black kitchen.
Everything from the best color pairings to tile choices and fun paint techniques.
1. Contradictory internals
(Image credit: Harvey Jones)
No one shys away from the fact that black kitchen cabinets seem darker than the room White kitchen cabinets will do However, they offer a great opportunity to be fun and playful with your designs.
Tom Hawley“Dark and dramatic paint colors like black have a way of adding ambience and sophistication,” says Tom Hawley Kitchens’ creative design director. “Dark shades can be intimidating, however, how you use them changes the feeling. Used on the main body of base and wall cabinetry, while dark colors look luxe and attractive, dark colors look stunning.”
A contemporary way to add interest to a black kitchen is to paint the interior of your kitchen cabinets. You can choose any bright pop color you want to add a fun surprise to your cabinetry. This is sure to put a smile on your face every time you go to use your kitchen.
Light Yellow 2022-60 Interior Paint
Price: $2 per sample
Fill your kitchen cabinets with sunshine with this fun yellow hue.
Green 13: Sage Green Paint – Matte interior paint
Price: $2 per sample
This pistachio green paint will be the perfect pop of color.
Pink 08: Dusky Pink Paint – Peel-and-stick sample
Price: $2 per sample
This dusky pink shade will look absolutely gorgeous against black cabinetry.
Tom Hawley is the founder and creative design director of a bespoke kitchen company. They have been at the forefront of creating beautiful and highly functional kitchens for over 20 years, and have established an exceptional reputation for beautiful, long-lasting British design.
2. Combine with light colored tiles
(Image credit: Sarah Barnard)
Aside from cabinetry, your choice of wall coverings is probably the second most important design element you’ll choose for your kitchen.
If you have your heart set on black cabinets, you should consider Choosing light tiles To decorate your walls as this will make a welcome contrast. “Black kitchen cabinets look surprisingly warm and cozy when paired with lighter tiles, warm woods or brick details,” says Sarah BarnardFounder of Sarah Barnard Design.
There are so many different tile designs to choose from, everything from mosaic to herringbone, be sure to choose the right style for you and your kitchen.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional well-being. She creates highly personal, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and environmental preservation. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah believes in celebrating nature through responsible design that works symbiotically with the local environment.
3. Dip in black
(Image credit: Industville)
Not too afraid to go dark and dramatic? Then you can think about it Soak up the color Your kitchen with black cabinetry and walls (and maybe even the ceiling)!
“Cozy or chic, soft or bold, black is surprisingly versatile and can complement any kitchen style, from traditional to modern. Using black paint, whether it’s just a touch or an entire room, can make a tremendous visual impact and create a focal point. For an undeniable statement, apply this dark color to all kitchen cabinetry and walls,” suggests Helen ShawMarketing Director at Benjamin Moore.
This will create a dramatic and luxurious setting but also be warm and inviting when you have friends and family over.
Helen Shaw is part of the UK division of Benjamin Moore. A color expert and international marketing director, Helen and her husband Craig are the founders of Shaw Paints, which was acquired by Benjamin Moore in 2020.
4. Pair black cabinets with chrome
(Image credit: Ikea)
You may initially think that black only comes in one shade, however, like any other color, black can vary in color. If your black kitchen cabinets have blue undertones it will naturally make the room feel cooler when flooded with natural light.
“Blacks with blue undertones look a little cooler and work well with metallic finishes like chrome,” Helen explains. Think about this when you’re shopping for your kitchen faucets and handles.
Moin Chrome Sip Modern Cold Water Kitchen Beverage Faucet
Price: $199.95
A classic chrome kitchen faucet will never go out of fashion.
Zauyx Jasper Pulls 10 Pack Polished Chrome Cabinet Pulls
Price: $36.99
Choose chrome handles for your black kitchen cabinets for a timeless look.
Washington Mews 4 – Light Kitchen Island Pendant
Price: $118.99
Hang this elegant chrome light over the kitchen island.
5. Green undertones for an outdoor feel
(Image credit: Neptune)
“Alternatively, black kitchen cabinets that boast green undertones work well in spaces with kitchen gardens as the paint will pick up the cast from the light as it reflects off the trees and plants,” continues Helen.
Black kitchen cabinets with green undertones look fabulous Brushed brass hardware. The warmth of the brass complements the green perfectly and will give your kitchen an elegant and luxurious feel.
6. Play with texture
(Image credit: Harvey Jones)
A run of black kitchen cabinetry can sometimes look quite flat. Don’t let this happen to your kitchen and choose a fluted cupboard door design.
You don’t have to have this design on all your cabinets but choose one pantry closet or island. Flute finish To make it into a real uniqueness of the room.
7. Choose copper worktops
(Image credit: deVOL)
Chances are that if you’re planning a black kitchen, you’re not afraid to take risks when it comes to decorating your home. Instead of opting for standard laminate or quartz, opt for a more unique option to complement your black cabinetry, such as an aged copper work surface.
“Bold, daring and elegant, but actually a very traditional choice for kitchen furniture, black is surprisingly gentle and soft and can give a room a very stunning and comfortable feel. Add some aged copper worktops and you have instant understated glamour,” says Helen ParkerCreative Director of deVOL Kitchens.
Helen Parker is the creative director of deVOL. Joined as a kitchen designer in 2004, by 2011 she was responsible for deVOL’s style, creating one-of-a-kind showrooms, sourcing antiques and gifts, and designing new pieces of furniture and accessories.
8. Go to Black Island
(Image credit: deVOL)
A black kitchen can run the risk of feeling dark and oppressive if it’s not appropriate for the space. Avoid this and go for black Kitchen island Or rather feature.
“Black kitchen cabinets can also be a dominant design element when used sparingly for a kitchen island or range hood,” explains Sarah. So, if you like the idea of black cabinetry but don’t want to fully commit, then use black as a statement feature rather than for the entire design.
9. Chalkboard walls instead of cabinetry
(Image credit: Naked Kitchen)
Another innovative way to incorporate black into your kitchen design is to keep your base cabinets black but decorate your walls with black chalkboard paint.
Black wall cabinetry naturally looks very heavy. Instead, keep your walls open and spacious by choosing open shelving and painting the walls with chalkboard paint. Not only will this look consistent with the rest of your black color scheme but you’ll be able to personalize your kitchen walls – what fun!
Black is a bold color and cannot be underestimated. However, there are many different ways to incorporate your cabinetry into your kitchen design that isn’t too scary.
Use black as the base of your design and contrast other key elements. Or, if you’re feeling brave, paint your entire kitchen black for a scheme that really has the wow-factor.
