While white kitchens remain a classic, color is making a comeback in cooking spaces, with black kitchen cabinets popular for a sophisticated contrast. “Dark kitchen cabinets have an understated elegance that exudes European sophistication,” says Bob Bakes, director of design at Bakes & Crop. “We're finding that homeowners are becoming increasingly bold in their design choices.”
Like clothing, black kitchen cabinets go with virtually everything and complement a variety of natural materials, metal finishes, and kitchen color palettes. It also adds depth and creates a luxurious feel while avoiding the stark look that many all-white kitchens have. If you're ready to dive into the dark side, check out our kitchens with black cabinets to inspire your own space.
Add contrast with black kitchen cabinets
edmund barr
Painting your cabinets black is an easy way to upgrade your space without spending a lot of money on a full kitchen renovation. Adding matte black paint to your cabinets gives it a modern look that contrasts with lighter surfaces, like the stone countertops in this kitchen. “Matte finishes are more forgiving because they don't show dirt or oil easily,” says Susan Hayward, founder of Susan Hayward Interiors. Complete the look with polished brass fixtures for an upscale look akin to a fancy black tie event.
create an intimate atmosphere
Bree Williams
The kitchen is a central location in many homes, so you want to make it as comfortable as possible for your family and guests. Dark colors tend to absorb light and make spaces appear smaller. It may not seem like a pro, but if you have a large kitchen, adding black kitchen cabinets will make your space even more inviting for entertaining, cooking, and dining.
Choose glossy black kitchen cabinets
Provided by Bakes & Crop
Glossy black cabinets may require a little more maintenance than matte cabinets, but the glossy finish creates a luxurious look. Bakes says Black Satin Paint 9018 is perfect for modern kitchens that need a little more shine. “It allows light to bounce around the room while maintaining a very sophisticated, sophisticated and luxurious look.”
Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of the Mendelson Group, also recommends Farrow & Ball Railing No. 31 for the perfect gloss look when it comes to black kitchen cabinets.
Add warm metallic hardware
werner straube
If you want a traditional take on your black kitchen cabinets, choose cup drawer handles with a warm metal finish. Brass and gold hardware both complement the black cabinetry. Make sure your cabinets have warm tones as well for a cohesive look. Continue finishing the range hood, pot filler, or upper cabinet handles.
Pair black kitchen cabinets with stainless steel appliances
edmund barr
Stainless steel appliances look great with black cabinets. Not only is it durable and damage resistant, but it also looks timeless when surrounded by classic black Shaker style cabinetry. Balance the white and black color scheme by adding warm surfaces and materials, like butcher block countertops and bamboo window treatments in the kitchen.
supplement natural materials
Emily J. Followill
This mid-century modern kitchen features natural materials that complement black base cabinets with gold-plated Art Deco knobs. The ceiling has preserved tongue-and-groove wood and the open shelves are magnolia. Featuring potted plants and natural light from a skylight, this kitchen has a warm and inviting feel. Matte black cabinets go well with organic materials and give a casual impression.
Expand beyond black kitchen cabinets
Black shades are not only suitable for kitchen cabinets. Incorporate this bold color into other furniture and fixtures in your kitchen, such as the range hood, floating shelves, and window and door frames. Almost anything paired with crisp white walls looks beautiful with a contrasting dark color.
Try a two-tone cabinet
If you're not ready to go all out with black cabinetry in your kitchen, a two-tone look may be the best option for you. The top cabinets are finished in white to keep it light and airy, while the base cabinets are finished in dark charcoal to round out the look. You can get a sophisticated, sophisticated feel without the need for major renovations.
Add color to add interest
John Bessler
Liven up your black kitchen cabinets with neutrals by incorporating bright or pastel colors. Here, deep black hues accentuate warm finishes like butcher block island surfaces and granite countertops. Cool stone floors and stainless steel accents balance out the look.
Consider glass front cabinets
edmund barr
Glass front cabinet doors help display your carefully curated tableware collection. Black cabinets also give more definition to what's inside, especially if the dishes are bright white. To add interest, cover the backs of your cabinets with a metallic pattern or contrasting color wallpaper.
