Expert Eye: How to Work Dark Tones Into Your Kitchen
From all-black to broken-up black, as well as alternative dark tones, here's how to make your kitchen dark and handsome
Every kitchen colour and style has its place, and while the crisp, fresh all-white look continues to be one of the most popular choices for homeowners, many people are turning to blacks, greys and dark timbers in a daring change. And black isn’t confined to a cabinetry colour choice; it’s also increasingly popular for appliances, benchtops, splashbacks and accessories.
While a dark kitchen may not be to everyone’s taste, or suit every type of space, there are many ways that darker tones can be introduced into a kitchen to create a look that is as striking and dramatic – or as simple and elegant – as you like.
While a dark kitchen may not be to everyone’s taste, or suit every type of space, there are many ways that darker tones can be introduced into a kitchen to create a look that is as striking and dramatic – or as simple and elegant – as you like.
How to make black on black work
It doesn’t get any darker than black on black, and this is the obvious choice for those looking to create a dark and dramatic space. But this look certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted.
In decades past we have mostly seen high-gloss finishes on black kitchens, but there is now a huge move towards matt and textured finishes. Matt-finish kitchen cabinetry has a ‘touch me’ appeal that creates a softer and more inviting space than glossy finishes do. Matt finishes are more readily available now, with more manufacturers offering their products in matt as well as gloss. This look is here to stay.
It doesn’t get any darker than black on black, and this is the obvious choice for those looking to create a dark and dramatic space. But this look certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted.
In decades past we have mostly seen high-gloss finishes on black kitchens, but there is now a huge move towards matt and textured finishes. Matt-finish kitchen cabinetry has a ‘touch me’ appeal that creates a softer and more inviting space than glossy finishes do. Matt finishes are more readily available now, with more manufacturers offering their products in matt as well as gloss. This look is here to stay.
Designer tip: Layer black benchtops on top of black cabinetry to create a block effect, where the lines are blurred between where one material ends and the next begins. Try to choose blacks that have the same intensity to maximise the look.
7 moody colour alternatives to black
7 moody colour alternatives to black
How to mix black and white (and get the ‘tuxedo’ effect right)
The combination of black and white is an elegant and sophisticated pairing that crosses over from fashion to interior design. This striking high-contrast monochromatic colour scheme is popular with homeowners who want to break the solid feel of all-black cabinetry with an injection of crispness. Try using white benchtops and solid black cabinetry, or visa versa.
Tip: The stark contrast of white against black is a bold statement that can be softened with the introduction of mid-tones such as charcoal and lighter grey.
The combination of black and white is an elegant and sophisticated pairing that crosses over from fashion to interior design. This striking high-contrast monochromatic colour scheme is popular with homeowners who want to break the solid feel of all-black cabinetry with an injection of crispness. Try using white benchtops and solid black cabinetry, or visa versa.
Tip: The stark contrast of white against black is a bold statement that can be softened with the introduction of mid-tones such as charcoal and lighter grey.
Designer tip: When combining black and white, or any combination of light and dark colours in a small space, it’s a good idea to use the darker colours on lower cabinetry, and possibly benchtops, while keeping the upper cabinetry white. This helps to open up the space and avoids a top-heavy look.
How to introduce dark tones using timber
Dark timber tones are my favourite way to introduce dark colours into the kitchen without using black. Timber has a natural simplicity and earthy luxuriance that creates a warm and inviting feel, especially when the timber is rich in colour. Sleek, modern kitchens and country cottage-style cooking spaces can both take advantage of this look.
Tip: Over the past few years, kitchen renovators and designers alike have rekindled their love for dark timber tones. Combine them with crisp white finishes and luxurious marbles for a high-end and timeless look.
Dark timber tones are my favourite way to introduce dark colours into the kitchen without using black. Timber has a natural simplicity and earthy luxuriance that creates a warm and inviting feel, especially when the timber is rich in colour. Sleek, modern kitchens and country cottage-style cooking spaces can both take advantage of this look.
Tip: Over the past few years, kitchen renovators and designers alike have rekindled their love for dark timber tones. Combine them with crisp white finishes and luxurious marbles for a high-end and timeless look.
Designer tip: Solid wood is the most authentic option when incorporating wood tones into the kitchen. For a low-maintenance, more cost-effective option, however, explore timber veneer and timber-look laminates when choosing cabinetry finishes.
Alternatives to solid wood for floors, walls and ceilings
Alternatives to solid wood for floors, walls and ceilings
How to use dark colours that aren’t black
As I mentioned before, dark doesn’t have to mean black. Dark tones, such as muddy turquoise, deep navy blue, earthy or dark forest greens and greyed-out blues can be just as striking and dramatic as black. Think dark, moody and muted as opposed to bright and vibrant.
I have designed many kitchens where white or light-coloured cabinetry is contrasted with dark-coloured island benches in navy blue or teal, for example, particularly in more traditional-style spaces.
As I mentioned before, dark doesn’t have to mean black. Dark tones, such as muddy turquoise, deep navy blue, earthy or dark forest greens and greyed-out blues can be just as striking and dramatic as black. Think dark, moody and muted as opposed to bright and vibrant.
I have designed many kitchens where white or light-coloured cabinetry is contrasted with dark-coloured island benches in navy blue or teal, for example, particularly in more traditional-style spaces.
Designer tip: Navy is expected to become the kitchen colour of choice for 2017. Team it with gold or brass-toned hardware – another design feature growing in popularity right now.
See more blue in the kitchen
See more blue in the kitchen
Pairing timber with black for great effect
An all-black, or even black-and-white kitchen, can appear cold and run the risk of being uninviting without the right injections of character and warmth. With colour-blocked cabinetry growing in popularity, it is easy to break up solid sections of black or dark cabinetry with areas of lighter or warmer tones. Using timber is a great way to do this.
Timber accents pare back the harshness of all-black cabinetry with their warmer colouring and textured, tactile finish. The overall look is one of elegance and refinement, balancing harder-looking sleek finishes with more natural and aesthetically organic elements.
An all-black, or even black-and-white kitchen, can appear cold and run the risk of being uninviting without the right injections of character and warmth. With colour-blocked cabinetry growing in popularity, it is easy to break up solid sections of black or dark cabinetry with areas of lighter or warmer tones. Using timber is a great way to do this.
Timber accents pare back the harshness of all-black cabinetry with their warmer colouring and textured, tactile finish. The overall look is one of elegance and refinement, balancing harder-looking sleek finishes with more natural and aesthetically organic elements.
Designer tip: Add an extra dimension by combining smooth matt black finishes with textured wood tones. Using contrasting finishes as well as colours adds depth and interest.
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If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Browse more kitchens with dark wood cabinets
First off, a dark kitchen design doesn’t have to mean a midnight black space. There are many other options that you can consider. Here, we explore a variety of dark-toned kitchen colour schemes to tempt your daring side.