It's probably no surprise that warm whites are an eternal favorite when it comes to paint colors to lighten a dark kitchen. However, they pair beautifully with a huge range of colors – and for something brighter, blues and greens are timeless choices.
Go for pale shades of grey and blue for maximum lightening effect. If it's warmth you're after, don't be afraid to use light terracotta or yellow paint colours – a sunny hue can brighten and warm a dark, dingy space. Just be careful not to clutter the room with brown furniture so the scheme doesn't become overpowering.
Over-cabinet and under-cabinet lighting add general light and highlight key areas, while plinth lighting brightens darker floors and adds dimension.” “Pendant lighting is elegant and practical, bringing light closer to where you need it, especially in kitchens with high ceilings.”
One of the key things with dark kitchens is to balance the dark shades with lighter and metallic colours. Go too heavy with the dark colours and you'll end up with a kitchen that's moody and downright depressing.
Accents and Accessories: Use contrasting colours to break up the dark tones. Metallics like brass, copper, or stainless steel can add a touch of glamour, while light-coloured worktops or backsplashes can create visual interest. Textures and Materials: Incorporate a mix of textures to add depth.
For floor tiles, we recommend natural stone tiles like marble, slate and limestone, rustic terracotta and patterned tiles – black and white tiles work especially well. Wood effect and concrete style or grey floor tiles are also excellent options.
If you love the look of dark cabinets, choose a hardwood that's at least 1-2 shades lighter than your cabinets. In general, white and grey woods go well with black, dark blue, and green cabinets, while natural woods, like oak and maple, will match dark brown, burgundy, and burnt sienna cabinets.
For instance, bright metallic finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or gold can pop against a dark backdrop, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. Matte black hardware can also be incredibly striking against dark cabinets.
All kitchens get their fair share of wear and tear, but some show it less than others. A dark kitchen is a good choice if you think your cabinets are going to need to stand up to frequent spillages and knocks. A dark surface can be more forgiving than a light one, and won't instantly show up scuffs and stains.
By using mirrors as a backsplash, on cabinet doors, or above your sink, you can play with perspective and maximise the visual impact of a compact space. Designing a small kitchen can be a challenge but it also gives you the opportunity to get creative.
Green continues to be a favoured colour trend in 2024. Integrating this hue into your kitchen offers an opportunity to re-establish a connection with nature. It has a remarkable, uplifting effect on the home, embodying balance, wellbeing and serenity.
Vibrant yellows are especially effective at reflecting artificial light, making them the ideal options for windowless rooms. Swap darker flaxen shades for buttery, brighter mixtures like Hot as Mustard, and add extra warmth with white accents and light wood details.
What is the most timeless kitchen cabinet color? Designers say that white cabinets are bound to stand the test of time. “A white kitchen will never go out of style,” Collins says.
If you're looking to add a bit of boldness and vibrancy to your kitchen, bright colors are the way to go. Light hues like white or gray work especially well when paired with dark cabinets.
Darker flooring will give your kitchen a dramatic and moody flair, especially when paired with lighter cabinets. Meanwhile, lighter flooring paired with darker cabinets will also add contrast, but the space will feel much brighter and open.
According to the pros, dark wood cabinets aren't going anywhere anytime soon, despite the colorful kitchen cabinet trend.
Choose a paint colour with a warm undertone
Off white and neutral paint colours with a subtle yellow or red undertone will add warmth to a space. Colours like Sandy Castle or Marbles carry a warmth that makes them perfect for north facing rooms.
If you're kitchen barely gets any natural light – whether it's the direction the room faces or a lack of windows, a bright white paint color is your best chance at creating a lighter scheme. 'Simply White OC-117 is my go-to crisp white for brightening up a dark room.
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.
For a timeless kitchen with a clean and crisp aesthetic, pairing white quartz worktops with black cabinets is a design choice that never goes out of style. The classic combination of light and dark tones creates a striking and sophisticated look that can adapt to various design styles, from modern to traditional.