5 Swoon Worthy Black Kitchens + Design Tips
It should come as no surprise if you’ve been following along for awhile that I LOVE a dark, dramatic black kitchen. I remember when we first started working on the the Kresswell Interiors project #TheOliverEscape and as we were planning this dark, black kitchen in the height of white kitchen popularity, a few people thought we were a bit nuts! There’s a myth that dark colors, especially black, can make a space feel small, cramped and crowded and in some cases, dark colors can be a bit imposing, but done right - black is beautiful and is definitely a favourite color of mine for kitchens especially! So, in honor of the black kitchen that started it all (for me at least!), I wanted to share 5 inspiring black kitchens that just might change your mind about going dark and dramatic and why they work. You’ll see some repeating patterns as we go through these kitchens but when it comes to designing a black kitchen there are a few tips worth keeping in mind…
Contrast is key - black millwork is striking against lighter finishes such as backsplash, countertops or walls
Texture is so important - there are so many opportunities in a kitchen to inject texture through your cabinet fronts, backsplash, countertops, lighting, etc - have fun with it!
Black looks best paired with a bit of warmth - warm wood, warm brass finishes and warm accents (accessories, art) look stunning against dramatic black finishes
#sorrynotsorry but obviously I need to shamelessly plug my own design business here by sharing this beautiful black kitchen! ;) You can see more photos of this reveal here - and if you want to see what it looked like before, definitely check this post out!
Why it works: We embraced drama in this small condo space, painting out the kitchen and living room in black. If you’re going for drama, go for the drama!! Big windows and varying textures break up the black which makes this dark space work.
How stunning is this modern black kitchen?!
Why it works: Unique textures paired with sleek lines, and the high contrast of the white all add interest to this simple modern kitchen. Note the warm knotted wood against the matte black - this is how you do contrast right!
I love semihandmade and I love this kitchen!
Why it works: Black isn’t just for modern kitchens - this transitional space shows more traditional millwork details and hardware done in a modern way. Black pairs really well with warm woods so the floor and butcher block in this space compliment the black doors beautifully!
4. This Black Kitchen That Packs a Punch
How great is this space?! So much character!
Why it works: This is another kitchen showing that you can go for drama in small spaces. It works because while the cabinets, plumbing, hardware and countertops are all black (or nearly black), all of the vintage touches and accessories contrast the sleek modern finishes. This is tension at it’s finest in design terms!
5. This Bright Beautiful Kitchen
If you want an example of a black kitchen that feels so bright and open, this is the one for you!
Why it works: This kitchen is a great example of using contrast and texture to your advantage. I love the shiplap details on the side of the island that tie into the same finish on the hood fan surround. This kitchen contrasts black and white for a beautiful modern farmhouse finish. The lack of upper cabinets along the range wall keep it feeling open while the dark charcoal in the wallpaper ties into the black finish of the cabinets. Just stunning!
Honorable Mention: #TheModernInMagrath
Sorry, I just can’t help myself! haha This sleek, modern Kresswell project might be my favourite kitchen we’ve ever designed at Kresswell Interiors. While the cabinetry is technically a deep charcoal, it’s my blog so I’ll do what I want (haha!), so I had to include a few more images of this project that I just adore! Head here to see the full reveal of this gorgeous modern project!
