Kitchen Trend: Black Is Back
Travel to the dark side and ooze sophistication with a jet-black kitchen injection
Nelly Reffet
15 September 2014
Houzz Australia Contributor. Interior Designer at Twinkle & Whistle based in Perth, Western Australia. Creating inspiring and "real" homes for every budget is my bread and butter. Well, make that "baguette and olive oil", in honour of my Mediterranean-French heritage! I believe a beautiful space is not a privilege of wealth and I love nothing more than witnessing how a considerate design positively affects my clients' life.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Interior Designer at Twinkle & Whistle based in Perth,... More
After a decade of white dominating the world of kitchen design, another timeless and uber-chic colour is making a comeback – black. From statement pieces to subtle hints, let’s look at the different ways to bring black back into the kitchen this year.
Black and white
A timeless combination, black and white continues to be strong. Forget black benchtops on white cabinets, though, which can look unbalanced. The best way to make these two work together on a large scale is to use them equally. Lower white cabinets with white benchtops will make the room feel light and airy. While upper black cabinets add strength and attract the eye towards the higher part of the room, making it look larger than it is.
BONUS TIP: It is important to use a material or pattern for the splashback that will link the two colours together, such as mirror, stainless steel, black and white tiles, white marble or grey-coloured glass. Avoid bold colours that will create a harsh contrast.
A timeless combination, black and white continues to be strong. Forget black benchtops on white cabinets, though, which can look unbalanced. The best way to make these two work together on a large scale is to use them equally. Lower white cabinets with white benchtops will make the room feel light and airy. While upper black cabinets add strength and attract the eye towards the higher part of the room, making it look larger than it is.
BONUS TIP: It is important to use a material or pattern for the splashback that will link the two colours together, such as mirror, stainless steel, black and white tiles, white marble or grey-coloured glass. Avoid bold colours that will create a harsh contrast.
Black and timber
With a growing trend towards sustainability and organic materials, timber is gaining more and more popularity in every room of the house. Used with black in the kitchen, timber adds texture and warmth and softness. If you feel bold and adventurous, pair your black cabinet with a striking splashback and balance out this statement with a warm-toned yet light timber. This is certainly not a safe combination but, as you can see here, it can be quite a visual and textural treat when well executed!
More: 16 Timber Kitchens to Inspire You
With a growing trend towards sustainability and organic materials, timber is gaining more and more popularity in every room of the house. Used with black in the kitchen, timber adds texture and warmth and softness. If you feel bold and adventurous, pair your black cabinet with a striking splashback and balance out this statement with a warm-toned yet light timber. This is certainly not a safe combination but, as you can see here, it can be quite a visual and textural treat when well executed!
More: 16 Timber Kitchens to Inspire You
Timber doesn’t have to be everywhere to enhance the beauty of black. It can be used for the frame or the backing of an island, or the side of a tall cabinet, or just a pantry door. Never underestimate the visual power of smaller elements.
Floating black cabinets
For many, black can be too strong – too overpowering. It can also darken a room and make it look smaller than what it is. To avoid this, opt for a minimalist look with floating cabinets. A light-coloured wall will act as a backdrop for your black cabinetry, making it stand out without cramping the room. The result will be sleek and very elegant.
For many, black can be too strong – too overpowering. It can also darken a room and make it look smaller than what it is. To avoid this, opt for a minimalist look with floating cabinets. A light-coloured wall will act as a backdrop for your black cabinetry, making it stand out without cramping the room. The result will be sleek and very elegant.
Textured black
Gone are the days of impossible-to-keep-clean high-gloss black cabinets! The current trend is textured black. Think stained timber with visible grain and veins, and a matte finish. It’s all about understated elegance…
Gone are the days of impossible-to-keep-clean high-gloss black cabinets! The current trend is textured black. Think stained timber with visible grain and veins, and a matte finish. It’s all about understated elegance…
Playful black
While they were once the must-have of luxurious mansions and wealthy bachelor pads, black kitchens are now becoming all the rage for the young (at heart) creative types.
Black, being such a strong yet flexible colour that works with many other finishes, really can be the perfect canvas for daring creations. Here, matt-black cabinets accessorised with brassy hardware, and a striking pattern (on the ceiling), make for a highly individual and powerful design.
While they were once the must-have of luxurious mansions and wealthy bachelor pads, black kitchens are now becoming all the rage for the young (at heart) creative types.
Black, being such a strong yet flexible colour that works with many other finishes, really can be the perfect canvas for daring creations. Here, matt-black cabinets accessorised with brassy hardware, and a striking pattern (on the ceiling), make for a highly individual and powerful design.
Black kitchens don’t need to be contemporary and expensive. Old timber cabinets can be given a new lease on chic life with black paint. Contrasting white walls and white glass light fittings keep this room bright and subtly quirky.
Splashback
The splashback is a perfect surface to add a little amount of black: large enough to make a statement, but small enough not to be too strong or dark. Pair your black splashback with a dark benchtop for a more seamless look.
Here are some more useful tips for pairing splashbacks and benchtops
The splashback is a perfect surface to add a little amount of black: large enough to make a statement, but small enough not to be too strong or dark. Pair your black splashback with a dark benchtop for a more seamless look.
Here are some more useful tips for pairing splashbacks and benchtops
Black range hood
Black fittings and appliances are another way of adding black to a kitchen. Some range hoods now come in black but the variety is still limited and often quite costly. Alternatively, you can try a range hood concealed in a black cabinet, contrasting with the rest of your kitchen.
Black fittings and appliances are another way of adding black to a kitchen. Some range hoods now come in black but the variety is still limited and often quite costly. Alternatively, you can try a range hood concealed in a black cabinet, contrasting with the rest of your kitchen.
Black stove
Ideal for a country or a modern-rustic kitchen, black stoves are impressively traditional and contemporary at the same time. Visually, these stoves work best when fitted between light-coloured cabinets.
Ideal for a country or a modern-rustic kitchen, black stoves are impressively traditional and contemporary at the same time. Visually, these stoves work best when fitted between light-coloured cabinets.
Black tapware
Black can also be used as an accent colour in the kitchen. Using black tapware is a great way to incorporate black in a subtle way while making a design statement.
In this minimalist and soft kitchen, a black tap spices up the space and directs the eyes to the discreet yet funky splashback.
Black can also be used as an accent colour in the kitchen. Using black tapware is a great way to incorporate black in a subtle way while making a design statement.
In this minimalist and soft kitchen, a black tap spices up the space and directs the eyes to the discreet yet funky splashback.
Black tapware is at ease in both very contemporary and modern rustic interiors. In this country kitchen, the black tap echoes the small black pendant, and both of them add interest to an otherwise very simple kitchen.
Black sink
The sink is another way to add a splash of black to the kitchen. For a minimalist look, opt for an undermounted sink, paired with light-coloured benchtops. Other touches of black ought to be brought in through accessories, furniture, lighting or small appliances.
The sink is another way to add a splash of black to the kitchen. For a minimalist look, opt for an undermounted sink, paired with light-coloured benchtops. Other touches of black ought to be brought in through accessories, furniture, lighting or small appliances.
Black apron sinks are harder to find but they are worth the search when completing a rustic kitchen. They will look their best when resting over a white cabinet and framed with black (or very dark) benchtops.
TELL US
How do you feel about black in the kitchen? Is this a trend you will embrace or have embraced already? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
Man Space: Create a Sleek Kitchen You’ll Want to Cook In
Black Ceiling: 11 Reasons Why You Should Give It a Go
How to Make Coloured Appliances Work in Your Kitchen
TELL US
How do you feel about black in the kitchen? Is this a trend you will embrace or have embraced already? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
Man Space: Create a Sleek Kitchen You’ll Want to Cook In
Black Ceiling: 11 Reasons Why You Should Give It a Go
How to Make Coloured Appliances Work in Your Kitchen
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Most Popular
Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
The right designer can bring your dream kitchen to life – three kitchen designers reveal where to look and what to ask
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Heights to Consider When Designing Your New Kitchen
By Anne Ellard
Create a user-friendly kitchen and avoid excessive stretching and bending with these design tips for recommended heights
Full Story
Storage
Renovation Insight: How to Choose & Work With a Cabinet Maker
Custom joinery allows you to tailor a space to suit your needs – here's how to choose the right firm for the job
Full Story
Most Popular
Reno Insights: Don't Rush It! Why Kitchen Planning Takes so Long
Preparing to renovate can take up to four times as long as building, but it's crucial for a good result – here's why
Full Story
Kitchen Expert Advice
10 Times You Should Hire a Kitchen Designer
These specialists can solve layout issues, save costs, update an older space and create custom design details
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Control the Cost of Your Renovation, Room by Room
Where to save, where to spend (and all the tricks in between) for keeping the cost of your renovation on track
Full Story
Kitchens
A Kitchen That Uses Special Elements to Punch Above Its Weight
This couple wanted a well-designed kitchen that incorporated their pre-bought furniture; this designer delivered
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
By Anne Ellard
Discover the correctly proportioned kitchen island bench dimensions so your space works as well as it can
Full Story
Most Popular
Shoestring Budget: Getting the Best Kitchen Cabinets for Less
It can be daunting choosing the right kitchen cabinets with limited funds, but these UK design experts' tips will help
Full Story
I have noticed how black is taking off in interior design. How do you like this new matte black and rose gold kitchen sink mixer? Just thought I would share it with you.