To keep the room dark and moody, go for dark natural stone counters. Concrete could also work to give a more modern look. If you want to lighten the room, pick paler or even white stone for contrast. Butcher block wood countertops are also a good complement to black kitchen cabinets.
For really dark brown or black cabinets, accenting with bright white creates a modern vibe. It's a cool, high contrast look is great for modern spaces. If you go with all white walls, or a white backsplash, brighten things up with small pops of color through accessories and appliances.
For a traditional take on black kitchen cabinets, opt for cup drawer pulls in a warm metallic finish. Both brass and gold hardware complement black cabinets; just make sure the cabinet undertones also lean warm for a cohesive look. Continue the finish on a range hood, pot filler, or upper cabinet handles.
If you're planning to paint your kitchen cabinets black, you'll probably want to update your countertops as well. White or lighter colors like gray and beige will contrast perfectly with dark cabinets.
“We tend to go with a satin finish for black kitchen cabinets. [It] is cleanable and durable without being over-the-top shiny.”
One downside of black cabinets is that they will need cleaning often. Dirt and dust seem to be drawn to black surfaces as though they were magnets, so be prepared to have your dusters and cleaning cloths at the ready to keep your black cabinets clean.
Cabinets for Dark Kitchens
If you are going for a darker look for your kitchen, consider using matte cabinets. This is because scratches and fingerprints appear much easier on gloss-finished cabinets and may be very noticeable when the kitchen is dark.
While black cabinets are great for otherwise white kitchens, they also work in rooms that are naturally dark. If you prefer the mood lighting, lean in. Because the hue of black kitchen cabinets is rich and deep, pairing them with other deep tones is sure to give the room an opulent flair.
In this case, opt for light coloured flooring. White is a failsafe option and can have a contemporary look when paired with black cabinets. Alternatively, ash grey provides a subtler contrast, while a pale wooden finish creates a welcoming feel.
Creative Lighting solutions
Consider installing lights underneath the overhanging cabinets to give your kitchen a quick boost of light. You can also install recessed lighting in the ceiling. Halogen light bulbs inject a large amount of light into a dark space, and CFL light bulbs mimic important natural light.
Yes, black cabinetry can make a room feel more confining than it actually is. But colour techniques, design concepts, lighting and more can trick anyone's eye into not only offsetting the “shrinking” effect of black cabinetry, but these elements can make your kitchen feel more spacious than it is.
Matching your countertops will be a breeze with dark cabinets. Dark cabinetry can look great with almost any stone choice. Consider picking a countertop with similar tones to your cabinets, such as a golden beige granite with warm-toned dark cabinets or bright and cool quartz with cool-toned dark cabinets.
Likewise, black cabinets are equally timeless. Although they scream modern, they've been a go-to for many years and for good reason.
Under-the-cabinet lighting is the best fix for a dark and cramped kitchen. Choose from puck lights, fluorescent light bars, or LED light bars to brighten up your space.
Collects Dust
Black cabinets tend to be higher in maintenance than medium tone cabinets or even light or white ones. The color often shows more dirt and smudges, so you might find yourself doing more cleaning and upkeep. This can be especially true if you have a full house and a lot of foot traffic in your kitchen.
'Typically, darker cabinets are coupled with a lighter floor color to break up the space and to prevent the kitchen from feeling too enclosed,' says Chris Dance, head designer and director at InHouse Inspired Room Design. 'With lighter cabinets, there's often a greater diversity of flooring choices. '
Go with Light Colors
Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
For really dark brown or black cabinets, accenting with bright white creates a modern vibe. It's a cool, high contrast look is great for modern spaces. If you go with all white walls, or a white backsplash, brighten things up with small pops of color through accessories and appliances.
Hides Scratches and Stains
Your kitchen cabinets get a lot of traffic — they're always being opened or closed, kicked, scuffed, or knocked into. Fortunately, black doesn't show wear and tear like white or light-colored cabinets do, allowing them to maintain their flawless appearance, even when accidents happen.
While black has a reputation for being dark and dramatic, it makes for a great color to use in your kitchen. It's easy to pull off, and when done correctly, your kitchen will look totally chic.
Lighter cabinets can create a clean and airy look, while darker cabinets can add warmth and depth. Matching cabinet and wall colors can create a cohesive design while contrasting colors can add visual interest. Accessories and decor can be used to complement and enhance the overall design aesthetic.
The larger the space, the more likely it is that a glossy finish will help reflect light and provide an overall brighter feel to the room. On the other hand, if your kitchen is on the smaller side, then matte paint can be a great choice to add some texture and depth to your cabinets.
There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.