Add Contrast with Black Kitchen Cabinets
EDMUND BARR
Painting cabinetry black is an easy way to upgrade your space without spending a lot on a complete kitchen renovation. Add a coat of matte black paint to cabinets for a modern look that contrasts light surfaces, like this kitchen's stone countertops. "Matte finish is more forgiving as it does not show dirt and grease," says Susan Hayward, founder of Susan Hayward Interiors. Complete the look with polished brass fixtures for an upscale look akin to a fancy black-tie event.
Create an Intimate Atmosphere
BRIE WILLIAMS
The kitchen is a focal point in many homes, so you want it to be as comfortable as possible for your family and guests. Darker colors tend to absorb light, making a space seem smaller. While that might not seem like a pro, if you have a large kitchen, adding black kitchen cabinets will make the space more inviting for entertainment, cooking, or enjoying a meal.
Go for Glossy Black Kitchen Cabinets
COURTESY OF BAKES and KROPP
While the upkeep of glossy black cabinets might be a little more than matte cabinets, the shiny finish creates a luxe look. Bakes says Black Satin Paint 9018 is a great choice for modern kitchens that need a little extra shine. "It allows light to bounce around the room while maintaining a highly sophisticated, sleek, and luxurious look.”
Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of Mendelson Group, also recommends Farrow and Ball's Railings No. 31 for a full-gloss look when it comes to black kitchen cabinets.
Add Warm Metallic Hardware
WERNER STRAUBE
For a traditional take on black kitchen cabinets, opt for cup drawer pulls in a warm metallic finish. Both brass and gold hardware complement black cabinets; just make sure the cabinet undertones also lean warm for a cohesive look. Continue the finish on a range hood, pot filler, or upper cabinet handles.
Pair Black Kitchen Cabinets with Stainless-Steel Appliances
EDMUND BARR
Stainless-steel appliances are the perfect pairing for black cabinets. They are durable and resistant to damage but also look timeless when surrounded with classic black Shaker-style cabinets. Add warm surfaces and materials, such as the kitchen's butcherblock countertop and bamboo window treatments, to balance a black-and-white color scheme.
Complement with Natural Materials
EMILY J FOLLOWILL
This midcentury modern kitchen features natural materials that complement black base cabinets gilded with Art Deco knobs. The ceiling features preserved tongue-and-groove wood, and the open shelves are magnolia. Complete with potted plants and natural light from the skylights, this kitchen has a warm and cozy feel. The matte black cabinets pair well with organic materials for a casual look.
Expand Beyond Black Kitchen Cabinets
Shades of black aren't just for your kitchen cabinets. Bring this bold color to other furnishings and fixtures in your kitchen, such as the range hood, floating shelves, or window and door frames. Practically anything paired with a crisp white wall will look great in a contrasting dark color.
Try Two-Tone Cabinets
If you're not ready to commit to an entire kitchen of black cabinets, the two-tone look might be right for you. Keep upper cabinets light and airy with a white finish and utilize a dark shade of charcoal on base cabinetry to ground the look. You'll still get a sleek, sophisticated feel without requiring a major renovation.
Add Color for Interest
JOHN BESSLER
Incorporate bright or pastel colors to liven up neutrals with black kitchen cabinets. Here, the deep shade of black sets off warm finishes, like a butcher-block island surface and granite countertops. Cool stone floors and stainless-steel accents balance the look.
Consider Glass-Front Cabinets
EDMUND BARR
Glass-front cabinet doors can help showcase your carefully curated dishware collection. And black cabinets give what's inside even more definition, especially if your tableware is bright white. For heightened interest, wallpaper the back of your cabinet with a metallic pattern or contrasting color.