In a smaller space, dark cabinetry can create a heavy, even oppressive atmosphere, especially if the lighting is dim. On the other hand, dark colours often do a wonderful job warming up an extra-large kitchen, which would feel sterile with wall-to-wall white.
Even though light colors work better in small kitchens, you can still use dark cabinets. Dark colors tend to dominate a space, making it feel cramped. To make the room feel brighter and more inviting, balance darker cabinets with lighter colors throughout the rest of your kitchen.
But here's the challenge: do dark colours make spaces look and feel smaller than they actually are? If so, shouldn't they be avoided in a small kitchen? The Short Of It: Yes, Black Cabinets Can Visually “Shrink” a Space.
Dark colors can dominate a room and make it appear smaller. There are many good reasons to use dark cabinetry though. Dark shades of certain colors such as gray and brown add a touch of elegance to a kitchen and serve as a nice background color. The simple answer to this question is “Yes!
They're Susceptible to Scratches
While they might not show them, black kitchen cabinets are very susceptible to getting scratches from fingerprints to wear and tear marks, and others. Apart from frequent cleaning, you might need to add paint coats now and then to protect your kitchen cabinets.
White is your best friend in a small kitchen. It reflects light, enhancing the sense of space and making the walls recede. When you include white on cabinetry, countertops, walls, and the ceiling, you create a seamless space without edges or boundaries.
A common question most homeowners ask is, “Should countertops be lighter or darker than cabinets?” Well, it depends on the look that you choose for your kitchen. Classically, one could use darker countertops than cabinets. Today, the trend is using lighter countertops than cabinets to improve the kitchen's appeal.
Dark kitchens have disrupted the traditional restaurant model and brought forth a new way of thinking about food service. They allow businesses to experiment with different cuisines and menus without the risk of altering a successful dine-in experience.
Small kitchens can be in dark, dramatic shades but they will benefit from an element of the cabinetry being in a contrasting pale color. Pale pretty shades like blush pink combine well with gray countertops and backsplash and they will expand your small kitchen visually. Be clever too with your textures.
When it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space.
Light and white continue to reign
In HomeLight's report, 84% of agents see that buyers want the classic light, white, and bright color scheme. There have been trends of bold cabinet colors featuring shades of greens, blue, and more.
Make a Small Kitchen Feel Larger
Two-tone cabinets are a great way to create the illusion of space in a small kitchen.
White cabinets evoke a clean and sanitary look, while creating a light and airy feel to your kitchen.
All-White Kitchens
For the past decade, we've been seeing white walls, white tile, and Carrera marble. People are tired of these muted palettes, and designers are bringing in color— which we love.” Most designers also agree that white-on-white kitchens will look dated in 2023. So what color will be the new white?
Dark wood cabinets are all the rage in home decor for 2023.
Even though dark wood tones are outdated, some dark colors have grown in style and will continue to in 2022. Matte black or deep navy blue are both modern choices, particularly for lower cabinets.
Quartz countertops from companies such as Caesarstone and PentalQuartz are another good option. Blackband recommends sticking with white or, if you don't like white, a neutral color, such as tan, beige or ivory. Go with a subtle pattern and low veining for a longer-lasting look.
Pick Classic, Neutral Colors
Quartz can be a single consistent color or feature the looks of beloved white marble and other soft natural stone patterns. When choosing a quartz countertop that's designed to last through the decades, stick with neutrals like beiges, grays, off-whites, and bright whites.
Urban subway tiles can give the sense of opening up the most miniscule area. The thick black lines between the subway tiles give the illusion that the kitchen is bigger. If you can't afford to change your kitchen tiles, a geometric floor runner can provide the same visual effect.
Install a backsplash with strong horizontal lines, like shiplap or subway tile laid in a bond pattern. Those horizontal lines make the kitchen feel wider than it really is. Add open shelving to repeat and emphasize those lines and create a cohesive illusion of a larger space.