All-white kitchens are a classic. But right now, homeowners everywhere are in love with the drama of black kitchen design.

The black kitchen trend started in 2016, but really gained steam in 2017. As each day passes, more people are making the choice to ‘go over to the dark side’. But trust us; it’s not as scary as it sounds. In fact, there are plenty of fun and easy ways to introduce black into your kitchen palette.

Like white, black goes with everything – it can stand on its own or pair with any other colour.

The Benefits of a Black Kitchen

Black kitchen designs are, by nature, a more dramatic style choice. It’s a colour that stands out, and demands to be noticed.

Another benefit is that black blends nicely with every style. Whether you’re going traditional, or leaning towards modern, black makes everything look good.

If you’re looking for a sophisticated kitchen with a universally appealing colour pallette, black is an option to consider.

The Challenges of a Black Kitchen

The biggest challenge with a kitchen that features a lot of black is that it can make your space feel smaller, which no one wants in a brand new kitchen.

While white and lighter surfaces reflect light, black absorbs it. This means that if your kitchen has little to no natural light, it’s going to feel more Batcave, and less like the open entertainment space we all want.

The secret to making a black kitchen work? Proper lighting, and plenty of it. Talk to your designer to figure out how much black will work for your kitchen, and how much natural and artificial light you’ll need.

A black kitchen doesn’t have to be scary – it can feel dramatic or cozy and intimate. Photo credit: Elle Decor.

How Your Kitchen Can Rock a Black Design

Thinking that you could never pull off an LBK (or little black kitchen)? Think again! There are lots of ways you can incorporate the colour black into your new kitchen, without creating a doom and gloom atmosphere.

Black Kitchen Accents

Accents are a major part of any space. They’re also a great way to introduce colours and styles without making the major commitment of countertops and cabinets, which are expensive to change.

For example, you could feature black vases or decorative pots on the window sill, coupled with some black accessories. You could even use it for your window trim!

The wall clocks, chairs, and place settings all suit the white kitchen space, while the black continues to carry throughout the rest of the house. Photo credit: Elle Decor.

Lighting and Hardware

Light is essential for black kitchen designs, but it’s also a way to include the colour. Use lamp shades as a stepping stone if you still aren’t sure how much you black you want to incorporate.

The black light fixtures make a great visual when paired with white cabinets and metallic appliances. Photo credit: Houzz.

The same is true of your cabinet and drawer handles. Your hardware is the perfect small step towards the dramatic, and will give your kitchen some extra flair. The best part? These can be changed if you hate them five years from now.

Don’t Forget: Black plumbing fixtures are still on-trend right now, and are becoming more and more affordable all the time. We’re even seeing black refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers.

Sometimes all you need is a subtle nod to ‘the dark side’, like with this cabinet hardware. Photo credit: Houzz.

Wall Space

Your wall space is a blank canvas – you can do anything you want with it. That includes painting it black.

A black wall becomes a great place to feature different colours and textures like photographs, open natural wood shelving, or anything else that suits your style. After all, black goes with anything.

Paint is something that’s relatively inexpensive to adjust post-renovation, so if you realize it’s not for you, you can opt for something different. On the other hand, you may fall head over heels for the colour, and start incorporating it in other places in your home.

A black wall gives this white-and-wood kitchen some drama and sophistication. Photo credit: Pinterest.

Backsplash is another place where you can experiment with colour. Many people opt for a more patterned design to complement their kitchen, and there’s no reason why black can’t be included in that pattern!

The small tile gives a great textured look to the wall – you can experiment with style and patterns, which is why backsplash is so fun! Photo credit: Elle Decor.

Your Island

Are you spending a lot of time coming up with the perfect kitchen island? That’s what we like to hear – it’s an important part of a kitchen for many people. But when contemplating materials and colours, don’t forget to throw black into the mix.

A black island can add the perfect amount of drama. Paired with a light counter, and you get a sleek monochromatic effect that is light and airy but still has variety. It can either serve as the single accent piece dressed in dark, or provide continuity with your cabinets.

This island (featuring electrical outlets and seating) incorporates black, but blends nicely with the white cabinets and brown floor to create a timeless neutral space.

Cabinets

Cabinets are the bread and butter of your kitchen – you can’t have one without them in some way, shape or form. Why not go with black?

Black cabinets are a strong statement when mixed with lighter walls and counters, or they make a striking addition to an already darker-toned kitchen. That’s the beauty of them – they really do go with everything!

You can mix and match styles and finishes to get the right look. Talk to your Laurysen designer about picking the right blend.

How fantastic are these black cabinets? They make the entire kitchen look chic and sophisticated.

Counters

A black countertop is a great option if you’re looking for more than an accent, but less than multiple cabinets. They add a lovely polished look to any space, and are a real asset if you want a black-and-white theme. They also come in a wide variety of materials, so you’ll get the look and texture you want.

Counters are one of the more expensive things to change about a kitchen. We recommend asking your designer as many questions and seeing as many samples as you need to feel comfortable with you decision.

Not sold on solid black? Opt for a more marbled, multi-toned counter. You still get the svelte look, but at a slightly lighter tone.

Flooring

For top to bottom, your new kitchen will be getting the Laurysen touch, and that includes flooring. If you’re ready to commit to black, consider including it in your flooring.

A black tile can be a great way to make a statement, and can make your light-coloured kitchen features pop. On the other hand, dark colours tend to show dirt, so if you do go with a black floor, be prepared to stay on top of sweeping.

This black hardwood dresses up the industrial brick space. Photo credit: Houzz.

All-Black Kitchens

For some people, it’s all or nothing. That’s when the all-black kitchen comes into play, and with the right design and materials, it can be absolutely stunning.

If you’re interested in creating an all-black statement kitchen, we recommend adding a lot of light (natural or otherwise) and including some reflective materials (like a metallic finished fridge). This will help keep your kitchen from looking too gloomy. Instead, it will look fresh and sophisticated, making you the envy of your family, friends, book club, and anyone else who sees it.

All black is stylish, functional, and fun when it’s designed with plenty of light and the right dimensions. Photo credit: Home Designing.

Remember: Dark floors and furniture are going to show light dust, footprints, and pet hair. If you do go with a darker colour, you need to be prepared to put in the extra cleaning time.

Should I Use Matte or Gloss Finishes?

Finishes are an important part of your kitchen renovation. What one should you choose?

Matte is a popular trend, not just in the home design world. It’s described as a more flat finish, with no shine.

Gloss, on the other hand, is exactly that – a shiny surface. While more and more people are going matte today, gloss is still a great design choice.

At the end of the day, it’s your choice. Your designer will be able to help you by giving you the available options and their recommendations.

We’ll Help You Design the Perfect Kitchen, No Matter the Colours

Our award-winning designers will help you include as much or as little black as you want in your kitchen design. By the time the design is finished, you won’t want to wait to enjoy your new space.

Ready to start creating your new kitchen?

Book a Free Consultation

Want more great black kitchen designs? Visit Houzz and Elle Decor; they have tons of great ideas!

Act now and save! Order a Closet System before May 31st, and we’ll pay the tax! Call or book a free consultation to learn more.