Black & white kitchen design


37 Gorgeous Ideas for the Perfect Black and White Kitchen

The kitchen isn’t often referenced as the chicest spot in a house, but as an area that many of us spend time in daily, it’s worthy of at least a bit of attention. The kitchen is also a space that offers little value if not fully functional, so it requires a design scheme that doesn’t interfere with the room’s usefulness. One easy way to get function and form to play nicely here is keeping things simple with a classic palette like white, blue, or even green. But one of the most enduring schemes (and one of the most loved by our A-List talent) is the cool, crisp black and white kitchen.

“Black and white is a classic combination that is nostalgic and timeless,” says designer Delia Kenza, who recently created a striking cooking space in a Harlem townhouse. “When done correctly, black and white is easy on the eyes and provides a sharp contrast that feels like it came together naturally.”

And there are plenty of ways to make this graphic palette your own. Some designers intentionally keep colors and decorative objects to a minimum, while others infuse small doses of a bright accent color to balance out the monotone. Some remain on theme with the rest of the house, while others will allow the kitchen to be a sexy aesthetic anomaly. “The pairing can be modern or traditional, and it can be the perfect backdrop for other colors and materials,” Kenza adds, recommending homeowners play with the palette in their floors, surfaces (she’s a fan of inky marble and honed granite), and light fixtures.

No matter your cup of tea, this collection of black and white kitchens is sure to inspire your own cooking space.

1

A Dose of Whimsy

Marili Forastieri

In this Long Island family home, Rodney Lawrence injected a dose of whimsy with a mural by David Faust, which extends into the living room. The fanciful design is balanced out by simple BDDW stools, pendant lights from Room Furniture, and basket-weave backsplash tiles from Ann Sacks.

2

Minimalism in a Stockholm Apartment

Erik Undéhn

In this Stockholm apartment by Anton Wikner, details were kept as spare as possible. White walls were the obvious choice to achieve this minimal look and stainless steel the counterweight to black decorative objects and details.

3

Family-Friendly Brooklyn Brownstone

Brian W. Ferry

For their own home in Brooklyn, design duo Civilian kept things fun, friendly, and functional. The steel frame island in the kitchen is custom and features an Arrabescato marble top. The custom hood enclosure is finished with red laminate.

4

Scandinavian-Inspired Simplicity

Haris Kenjar

In this Minnesota lake house Anne McDonald paired slate-colored countertops with white cabinetry for a refined, airy look.

5

A Lighter Spin on Black and White

Silvia Foz

In an airy New York loft, Carly Cushnie designed a simple kitchen with white marble countertops and black-framed barstools by Lulu and Georgia.

6

White and Black in Small Spaces

Kirsten Francis

In her own New York home, Augusta Hoffman opted to keep most of the kitchen’s recent updates, switching out only the ceiling lights and adding wooden barstools.

7

A Black and White Kitchen with Splashes of Red

Nick Glimenakis

As in the rest of this Harlem townhouse, Delia Kenza broke up the monotone palette with small splashes of red.

8

Black, White, and Bubblegum

Douglas Friedman

In the kitchen of this art filled Manhattan duplex, Dorothy Berwin used a photograph by Gregory Crewdson and a bubble-gum-pink table by Sabine Marcelis to add visual interest to the space.

9

Bronze as Black

Nicole Franzen

In the kitchen of this New York townhouse, Gachot subbed in bronze (on the kitchen island) for black, complementing the patinated finish with crisp white cabinetry and a Roll & Hill pendant.

10

A Rustic Take

Douglas Friedman

In fashion executive George Kolasa’s Hamptons home, black and white is approached from a rustic perspective. White subway tiles on the backsplash are perfectly balanced out by the salvaged wood island.

11

Minimal with a Twist

Douglas Friedman

In this SoHo loft, Jessie Schuster livened up the modern, mostly white kitchen with vintage tableware and stainless steel stools from Crate & Barrel.

12

Moody Tones

Joshua McHugh

In a quietly handsome New York apartment, Kevin Dumais opted for a moody kitchen in mostly black. The millwork is custom by Small Bones, the barstools are by Martell Woodworks, and the custom pendants are by Trans-Luxe.

13

Sleek Black and White Kitchen

Julia Robbs

A large white marble island adds an interesting contrast to a New York condo kitchen that’s outfitted with a black marble backsplash, black stools, and cabinets.

14

Industrial Undertones

Jennifer Hughes

In a Baltimore loft with high ceilings, the kitchen is one of the more intimate spaces. Here, Laura Hodges paid tribute to the space’s industrial origins with Fisher & Paykel appliances.

15

Modern Californian Simplicity

Douglas Friedman

In a modern California cottage, ELLE DECOR A-lister Nicole Hollis tucked black Overgaard & Dyrman stools under a Caesarstone countertop, keeping things refined and functional. The ceramic tile backsplash is by Heath Ceramics, and the sconces are by Brendan Ravenhill.

16

Balanced in Brooklyn

In the light-filled kitchen of this Brooklyn townhouse by Home Studios, the white range is by Lacanche, the island is custom, the stools are from Rejuvenation, and the flush mounts are from RH.

17

Fun in the Sun

Kris Tamburello

In the kitchen of this light-filled Florida home by Fawn Galli, the cabinetry is custom and painted in Farrow & Ball’s Borrowed Light. The table is by Moving Mountains and surrounded by Tom Dixon’s Scoop chairs, which were re-covered in a Scalamandré fabric.

18

Monaco Black and White Kitchen

Francis Amiand

In a '70s-era Monaco apartment, the black and white kitchen features a table and chairs by Jeanneret, along with an oven, cooktop, and hood by Aster Cucine.

19

Chic & Relaxed

Rikki Snyder

A black and white kitchen in a Scarsdale, New York family home features a custom black hood in the place of upper cabinets. The designer, Tamara Magel, added contrast to the space by opting for brown leather stools.

20

Statement Subway Tiles

LG Studio

A trio of pendant lights add warmth to a kitchen design that features white subway tile (one of many industrial notes in the space) and black cabinetry with gold hardware.

21

Black and White Ranch Kitchen

William Abranowicz

In photographer William Abranowicz's Westchester ranch house, pendant lights by Produzione Privata hang above the marble-top kitchen counter, adding a clean, minimalistic accent to the black and white space. The black bar chairs are by Thonet and the milk glass-lined cabinets are custom made. The backsplash tiles are by Waterworks.

22

Nashville Kitchen

Alyssa Rosenheck

For a Nashville family home, designer Jason Arnold opted for a black and white palette to keep things simple. A black, oversized pendant and wood bar stools complete the play with scale and keep things interesting.

23

Classic Meets Modern

Young Huh Interiors

A kitchen designed by Young Huh Interiors is a lesson in mixing different styles and periods. A graphic black and white island and soft pink walls pull the fun, welcoming space together.

24

Table for Two

Richard Powers

A pair of 19th-century English chairs are paired with a Kartell table in a cozy Brazilian kitchen in a São Paulo building.

25

Charming Black and White Kitchen

Grey Crawford

In the striking 1920s Hollywood home, which belongs to actors Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, the white island is topped with a contrasting dark countertop. It features cabinet supports inspired by hand-turned spindles spotted in an old bakery.

26

Natural Meets Modern

Mikkel Vang

Designed by firm Ashe + Leandro, this Manhattan loft kitchen belonging to Coldplay's lead guitarist Jonny Buckland and his family blends natural materials with modern finishes, embracing a black and white aesthetic with touches of rustic appeal. Leather-upholstered barstools provide seating around the room's mahogany butcher.

27

Elegant Cooking Space

Simon Upton

Hostess Rena Abboud's black-and-white kitchen is ideal for elegant evening socializing with its elegant brushed-metal island. The stools are Lamboro and the pendant lights are Eichholtz.

28

Beverly Hills Cottage Kitchen

Björn Wallander

In this Beverly Hills cottage belonging to designer Madeline Stuart, a lover of the Arts and Crafts movement, the kitchen's cabinetry is custom made and the flooring is Marmoleum.

29

Fierce Kitchen

William Waldron

In this Hamptons home of Oscar de la Renta's young executive Erika Bearman, decorator Miles Redd created a black and white kitchen that exudes vibrant personality. The kitchen's stools are by Design Within Reach, the ceiling fixture is from YLighting, the refrigerator and wine cooler are Sub-Zero and the photograph is from Natural Curiosities.

30

Quaint Kitchen

Sergey Ananiev

In this Moscow apartment, designer Olga Kulikovskaia-Ashby created a breakfast nook within the black and white kitchen. Pendant lights by Tom Dixon hang above the black table. The chairs are by Vitra and the plates on the kitchen counter are by Seletti.

31

Farmhouse Style

Magdalena Björnsdotter

Swedish photographer Magdalena Björnsdotter covered the kitchen of her monochromatic, century-old farmhouse in rural Sweden in bright white paint, but added shadows of black on counters and industrial-style chairs. The space includes a flea-market table and a metal-and-driftwood pendant light by Olsson & Jensen.

32

Black and White Pattern

Eric Piasecki

The kitchen of a PR maven's glamorous New York City apartment is complete with Sam Still artwork that hangs on a wall covered in a black and white Madeline Weinrib wallpaper. The antique birthing chair is from New Orleans and the custom kitchen island has a Carrara marble top.

33

Loft Style

Simon Upton

In the SoHo loft of designers Kevin Roberts and Timothy Haynes, the black and white kitchen features custom-made cabinetry with vintage hardware, 1950s sconces by Gunnar Asplund and 1970s light fixtures. The refrigerator is by Sub-Zero, the sink fittings are by Dornbracht, and the countertops are white glass.

34

Glamorous Design

Douglas Friedman

In this storied Manhattan townhouse, architectural firm Leroy Street Studio and designer James Aman devise created spaces that are both glamorous and kid-friendly. Custom-made lacquer cabinetry lines a wall of the black and white kitchen. The barstools are by Philippe Starck, the vintage light fxture is by Stilnovo, and Saarinen Tulip chairs by Knoll surround a table designed by John Meeks.

35

Malibu Kitchen

Simon Upton

In Courteney Cox's Trip Malibu home, wood-and-steel bar stools bring rustic flair to the black and white kitchen. Countertops are by CaesarStone, the ovens and a refrigerator are by Gaggenau and stainless-steel sinksare by Franke. The light fixture is from Nessen Lighting.

36

High-Design Cooking Space

William Abranowicz

Young designer Megan Winters infused her dream house in Illinois with Parisian flair and exuberant personality, and this black and white kitchen is no exception. The cabinetry is custom-made and the eye-catching pendant lights are by Urban Electric Co.

37

Townhouse Kitchen

Simon Upton

In this New York townhouse's black and white kitchen, the sleek pendants are from a Czechoslovakian factory and the 1940s stools are by Warren McArthur. The oven is by Wolf, the floor is lined with Corten steel tiles and the staircase is suspended from cable supports.

Black and white kitchen ideas: 10 beautiful designs |

(Image credit: Future)

Black and white kitchen ideas are a classic choice – timelessly elegant, unlikely to date and easy to decorate. Choosing a mostly white kitchen with touches of black is the safest choice, while black cabinetry matched with white countertops is a braver option that can look smart, dramatic and always neat. 

Whichever way you tip the color balance, a black and white kitchen design easily lends itself to a modern scheme and period properties, too. You can team black and white with rustic wood for a warmer finish, marble for an elegant feel, and metallics for a more contemporary finish. 

Adding pattern will bring character and interest to your kitchen ideas. As for brighter, bolder colors, these can be swapped in and out through everything from paint to accessories. 

Black and white kitchen ideas

If your search for kitchen color ideas has led you to favor black and white kitchens over all other options, we congratulate you. This is one of the most elegant of combinations, it will never date, and can be given character and personality so easily with the introduction of other materials, particularly wood.  

Below, we have selected our favorite black and white kitchen ideas to inspire you.

1. Rustic elements add warmth to black and white kitchen ideas

(Image credit: Neptune)

A monochromatic palette in a white kitchen can conjure up thoughts of a sterile space – albeit one that's sleek, modern and not often considered in a period setting. However, it can work really well in more traditional homes, as shown in this stunning kitchen by Neptune

One element that is key in this space is the use of wood – it warms up the kitchen and acts as a ‘middle man’ between the black units and white walls. It’s important to choose the right tone of wood too – if you go too pale, it will look washed out. A mid-tone such as that of the basin unit and island countertop is spot on. 

2. Combining black and white with marble is elegant

(Image credit: Pooky)

A black kitchen will always benefit from texture in its surfaces – so if you want to create interest, consider marble for your countertops. It will create a decorative aspect that will soften the overall feel of the space, and gray kitchen counter marble veining can be a really pretty addition, like in the space above. 

When choosing metallics for black and white kitchen ideas, it's worth knowing that you can also soften the scheme with warm-toned metallics, such as brass, gold or copper, like these pendants from Pooky . 

3. Wood flooring suits a Shaker style kitchen

(Image credit: Harvwoods)

Wood, as we have said above, is a wonderful foil for the sterility of a black and white kitchen scheme. We asked Calven Gurr, manager at Havwoods , for his advice on choosing wood kitchen flooring for a black and white scheme:

‘For darker kitchen color schemes, we would recommend selecting boards with warm undertones; this will create a feeling of spaciousness, which can help to make the room appear bigger and brighter. To add depth and character, choose boards with texture or even opt for reclaimed wood as the inherent knots and marks will add a unique touch to the space.

What we love about the floorboards in this kitchen is how they tie in visually with the exposed brick around the fire surround. These features all help to create a warm black and white kitchen scheme. 

4. Contemporary black and white kitchen ideas are perfect for open-plan spaces

(Image credit: DesignSpace)

Black and white kitchen ideas lend themselves to an ultra modern space. You can see how fabulous they look in this contemporary, open-plan space, where a black and white palette is the perfect backdrop for the softer side of the room. 

‘Black acts as a neutral as it goes with most colors and finishes. We often use materials such as carbon oak veneer, flamed granite or even porcelains such as Kerlite,’ says Richard Atkins, design director at DesignSpace London . ‘Set against, say, white lacquer, their texture and profound depth of color adds life and interest’.

5. A splash of black can transform an all-white kitchen

(Image credit: Neptune)

If your kitchen is small or has low ceilings, it makes sense to consider a predominantly white color scheme above all others – but you can inject a little drama by installing one single but impactful black element, such as a range cooker, to your scheme.  

In this Neptune designed kitchen, the black is subtly carried through into the base unit handles and picture frames – this is a great example of how to make it work when you play with balancing light and dark. 

6. Subtle touches of color enliven black and white kitchens

(Image credit: DesignSpace London)

There’s a preconceived notion that if you choose a black and white kitchen scheme you can’t add in other colors, but in fact, it can be used as a blank canvas for just that, as Richard Atkins explains:

‘White is less affected by fashion and taste than other colors and finishes that tend to date, and monochrome is timeless… a white kitchen with dark accents will never go out of fashion. White on white works well and as a neutral, it also coordinates with a wide range of other materials and finishes including woods and a wide choice of colors.’

Artwork is a fabulous way to introduce color and you can carry the mains shades through into accessories on your countertops.  

7. The right shade of black is vital

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

For painted kitchens, there are many shades of black to choose from – you can find blacks with a hint of red, green, blue and brown, and some are harsher than others to the eye. So it is always worth testing out your cabinetry color, whether black or white, before picking out the final color. 

Farrow & Ball’s Railings No.31 is classed as a ‘softer’ black. It has undertones of blue which creates a dramatic more enveloping feel. 

Another consideration when you decide how to paint kitchen cabinets is the finish: full gloss will work well for a modern scheme, whereas a softer sheen will create more of a relaxed feel in a period-style kitchen.

8. Warm metallics are the perfect complement

(Image credit: Maestri Studio)

The oh-so-smooth finish of a black and white kitchen might be, quite frankly, too sterile unless you love the minimalist look. However, there are some great tricks you can use to give it warmth and texture while enjoying the black and white elements.  

Brass – and other warm metallics – is one of the big kitchen trends right now, and it looks fabulous in this kitchen by Maestri Studio . It gives it a luxurious glow and breaks up the monochromatic scheme perfectly. Another key addition here is the textured white wall tiles; they add a lovely tactile feel which gives this space that extra bit of style. 

9. Match black and white to softer gray

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

If you are wavering between a gray kitchen design and black and white kitchen ideas, you'll be pleased to know that you can have the best of both worlds. Gray cabinetry is softer and more space-enhancing than stark black, and more adventurous than white cabinetry – but if you combine both black and white into the scheme, too, you'll create a room that's the perfect compromise. 

We love the nod to on-trend green kitchen ideas with the addition of the green and white gingham here – it's the ideal accent shade to further soften the scheme.

10. Limiting the black to the kitchen island is a safe option

(Image credit: Drew Forsyth)

If the black and white kitchen ideas you've been considering are just a little too bold, why not consider kitchen island ideas that are painted black, with the cabinetry around the boundaries of the room a safe white?

This creates an interesting, impactful feel, and is also great if you're wondering how to make a small kitchen look bigger, especially if the countertops are light colored.

What colors go with a black and white kitchen?

Colors that go with a black and white kitchen include gray, green and woody tones. You can successfully match stronger colors, such as berry shades, warm blues and muddy, earthy tones – from pink to yellow – with a whole host of black and white kitchen ideas, too. 

The colors to avoid when using a black and white palette are primaries – yellow, red and blue kitchen accents – which are too stark against the monochromatic color scheme.

How do you add warmth to a black and white kitchen?

The very best way to add warmth to black and white kitchen ideas is through wood – those with a strong grain add both texture and warmth really effectively. You can use wood on both floors, countertops, in shelving, in the room's architecture and in accessories. 

The next best thing to add warmth to a black and white kitchen is to introduce texture – black cabinetry with a textured finish will look warmer than flat-fronted or high gloss doors. Other natural textures – such as wicker, sisal and warm-toned marble can work, too. 

Then introduce greenery through houseplants displayed in terracotta pots, ensure the scheme makes good use of kitchen lighting ideas, and include soft furnishings, such as dining chair cushions.

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events.  For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.

pluses and minuses, third color, 60+ photos of examples

White color, as a symbol of purity, freshness and light, has long been considered the most versatile in kitchen design. But the choice of black can be quite a bold decision. Through the correct use of black and white, you can prove yourself a true connoisseur of modern design trends, since monochrome combinations are a sign of fine taste.

« Marko Poplasen/Shutterstock.com»

Black and white kitchens are usually chosen by supporters of concise, but at the same time, expressive solutions. Such a color scheme has, on the one hand, simplicity, and on the other hand, restrained nobility. It is suitable for calm and balanced people who love order. nine0003

Contents

The benefits of a black and white kitchen

But there are also some disadvantages of :

What to do in black and what in white

Once you have decided that the design of the kitchen will include only the classic combination of two colors, the next question arises: what to do in black and what in white.

White kitchen - black worktop

When the white palette prevails, and black is used only in details, the interior becomes clearer, more geometric. The black countertop draws the line between the two parallels of the cabinets and delineates the work area. nine0003

This creates a feeling of deep space, making the interior more dynamic. Black chairs, lamps, black and white prints or posters on the walls will help to enhance the accent.

White kitchen - black apron

The apron is designed to protect the walls from all kinds of dirt during the cooking process. However, it is he who can become a stylish element of kitchen decor. Emphasizes the severity and harmony of the kitchen. This is a kind of background for furniture that will look in a more advantageous light, even simple cabinets and shelves are transformed. nine0003

White top - black bottom

Perhaps this kitchen looks too formal, not at home. But still, this creative idea has gained considerable popularity, becoming a win-win option. A clear contrast delimits the space.

The upper area of ​​the kitchen appears airy, while the lower area becomes more weighty. The walls of the room visually move apart. And the main plus: the black color perfectly masks large household appliances.

Halay Alex/Shutterstock.com

White kitchen - black floor

Black floor gives the room respectability. Regardless of the fullness of the furniture, the kitchen will look rich, without feeling empty. And from the point of view of psychology, such a design is very comfortable for a person, because it creates a feeling of earthiness and reliability. The kitchen does not need additional accents - this mission is taken over by the floor.

"Rehan Qureshi/Shutterstock.com"

Black table - white kitchen

A black dining table surrounded by comfortable chairs pairs beautifully with the white kitchen. Able to become a bright accent in one copy, and can be supported by a small number of black items. nine0061 In addition, a table in this color provides ample opportunities for effectively complementing the interior of the kitchen with napkins, dishes and other compositions.

"Dariusz Jarzabek/Shutterstock.com"

Third color

Black and white is a rather self-sufficient pair. But by adding a third color accent, you can give the interior a special emotion. How to turn a duet of black and white into a trio?

Red

The most efficient option.

Any red detail in a black and white interior will add dynamism and slight aggression to the kitchen. nine0003 "Cinematographer/Shutterstock.com"

Any color will work: scarlet, crimson, fuchsia, carmine. But it is worth remembering that red is very powerful.

He focuses attention on himself, so it is very important to find a balance, or rather a measured amount of this color as a third.

Gray

In fact, this shade is the result of mixing black and white.

As an accent, it is able to reduce, neutralize the contrast. At the same time, it does not add anything extra. nine0003

A variety of gray palettes will allow you to achieve any desired result: add restraint or add emotionality, create a vintage or urban mood, make the kitchen laconic or more openwork.

Green

This is the color of life, the color of nature.

Its relaxing meditative properties are generally recognized.

Green blotches in a black and white kitchen will dilute its severity, give a spring, optimistic mood. nine0003

Any shade can be: from soft mint to gloomy marsh, from bright lettuce to rich grassy.

Green color will undoubtedly make the kitchen more “appetizing”, because it is the color of apples, cucumbers, avocados, olives, spinach.

Yellow

A color that can invigorate, set in a positive mood, stimulate activity, digestion and appetite. Yellow accents will light up in a black and white kitchen, like bright bulbs, like sunbeams, they will bring the necessary energy impulse, create a feeling of warmth. nine0003

However, it should be borne in mind that with prolonged exposure, the abundance of yellow paints begins to tire and even irritate. Therefore, it is important not to overdo it.

Bright elements will help to avoid facelessness in the interior, dilute its excessive severity and coldness.

Paints can be used to highlight small household appliances, lamps, chairs, curtains, vases, ceramic figurines and more.

But it is worth observing moderation, as a lot of unnecessary details can split the interior, depriving it of unity. nine0003

What style suits the kitchen in black and white

The black and white kitchen is just perfect for those who are not afraid to bring the most fantastic ideas to life.

Almost everything goes with these colors. To be sure, it is enough to draw a parallel with clothing. Therefore, it is not surprising that the combination of black and white can be implemented in literally any style.

Classic style

It is characterized by symmetry and strict geometric shapes. nine0003 "JuneJ/Shutterstock.com"

Both furniture and decoration use natural or decorated materials, carved wood elements and fittings of traditional shapes.

The flooring must also be wood.

The furniture is selected comfortable, but practical, with smooth graceful outlines.

Chandeliers are always openwork and decorated.

Hi-tech

This is a strict design, clear lines and smooth facades. nine0003

Style loves gloss and shine.

Plastic, leather and metal are appropriate here. They will make a black and white kitchen look more contemporary, especially when paired with steel, glass, silver and chrome pieces.

A good solution would be spotlights in different places.

Minimalism

Everything is subject to functionality and the rejection of frills. This style categorically rejects useless decorations and other decorative elements that do not carry a logical load. nine0003

Set with straight lines and smooth doors, no open shelves and small objects in sight.

Appliances, as a rule, built-in, lamps and furniture without decor.

But there are also softened versions of the minimalist style, for example, Scandinavian, when bright details are allowed: one or two paintings, a chandelier, curtains, serving napkins.

Retro

It's hard to come up with the best color combination for this style. It will fill the kitchen space with a vintage spirit, as if returning us to the era of black and white cinema. The focus is on the play of light by combining glossy and matt surfaces. nine0003

The apron can be made with a stylized pattern. And creative accessories in the hand-made style, demonstrating the extraordinary taste of the owner of the kitchen, will help to add a peculiar sharpness to the interior.

Loft

This avant-garde style is very popular among residents of modern cities.

There is always a lot of metal in the loft, brick, concrete, rough pipes and aged wood prevail in the decoration. But its main feature is the maximum open space. That is why the loft was liked by the townspeople who were tired of crowding. nine0003

A black and white kitchen can be very harmonious in this style, the exposed brickwork will be the perfect backdrop for it.

Provence

The black-and-white kitchen decorated in the romantic Provence style creates the most cozy and truly homely atmosphere. This is a paradise for lovers of decorative tableware and cute knick-knacks.

Bright curtains, patterned wallpaper and naive floral decor are quite appropriate. Numerous open shelves are welcome, where jars, plates, spices will stand. nine0003

What kind of people suits a black and white kitchen

The opinion that a black and white interior is boring, ordinary and suitable only for offices has long lost its relevance. This gamma is moderately solemn, restrained and neutral at the same time.

It is of great importance for people who prefer noble shades. Black color, especially in combination with gloss and glass, gives a feeling of depth and infinity. White gives airiness and lightness.

A black and white kitchen suits people who:

Black and white kitchens look extravagant in homes where it's customary to show them off rather than hide them. And what could be more advantageous than a stylish monochrome design. nine0003

Black and white kitchens photo

11 design tricks and color matching

Contents

If you use the right black and white palette, you can visually expand the walls and slightly raise the ceiling in a small room. However, the choice of such a combination of colors is fraught with a small danger: there is a chance to make mistakes and get a result that is not at all pleasing to the eye, but depressing. This article contains 11 actionable principles that will help you properly design your kitchen in monochrome. nine0003

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Principle one: add more white.

If you use black and white in equal amounts (or mostly black), then the interior can come out gloomy and depressing. It is better to give preference to white, especially in the following cases: when the kitchen is small in size or does not have enough natural light. Indeed, due to the white color, the space visually expands, and the light will be reflected from the white surfaces, and the kitchen will become brighter. nine0003

In addition (surprisingly!) light surfaces are less easily soiled than dark ones, which means that with this choice of color, the issue of thorough daily cleaning is eliminated. At the same time, it is important not to forget that an excess of white will also negatively affect the design of the kitchen. If there are no black elements, then the design will lose the contrasts it needs. There is a recommendation that the ratio of black and white should be approximately 1:3 or 1:4. This will create the necessary harmony and balance.

Principle two: ready-made solutions for those who would not like to make a mistake…

You can try the following option: paint the floor in black, and the ceiling and walls in white. It would be good to make the facades of kitchen cabinets light, and the countertop and backsplash dark.

For an asymmetric kitchen, a white bottom and black top would be an excellent solution. But in this case, it is better to make the floor dark, like the upper part, so that the composition does not merge into a single spot. To add a little variety, an apron or countertop can be colored.

If the kitchen is small in size, then you should try the following option: make the entire kitchen set and the floor light, and only the countertop dark. This will make the room look more spacious. From the materials for the countertop, you can choose transparent plastic, glass or dark marble with a glossy surface. In this situation, black household appliances will also look good: a gas stove, a refrigerator and even a microwave oven. nine0003

For a larger kitchen, there is a solution: make the dining area lighter and the cooking area darker.

The third principle: drops of liquids, fingerprints and other contaminants become more distinct on a black surface.

However, on a glossy surface, such contamination is much more visible. One solution to this problem is to choose materials for flooring and furniture without relief, and ideally so that they also repel dust and moisture. For work surfaces (as well as for the floor), for example, natural wood with an antistatic effect may be suitable. In addition, for countertops and backsplash, it is better to use materials with a natural pattern, for example, granite with small inclusions. On a multi-colored background, crumbs and various spots will become less noticeable than on a perfectly black one. nine0003

Fourth principle: create optical illusions - this will expand the space of even a small kitchen.

Black elements can be visually pushed deeper when placed against a light background. It is useful to apply this effect in the following interpretations. The walls can be painted white, while the ceiling can be made black - so it will look higher. Another option, not so risky, is to make the floor dark, but in this case, leave the walls and ceiling light. This will also help visually increase the room in height. nine0003

You can also give the space a little volume and create the effect of depth in the wall - for this you need to make the backsplash black, and the walls themselves and the kitchen set white. In addition, the kitchen will visually become more spacious if three of the four walls are made in white, and the last in black.

The fifth principle: not every style suits black and white.

English classics, Empire, Provence - these are not quite suitable styles for combining black and white. High-tech, minimalism, art deco, retro pop (if you add red or orange), as well as classic interior style will look most successful in monochrome. Some of them deserve to be described in more detail. nine0003

Minimalism - the very name of this style suggests that there should be no unnecessary details in the room. This style implies a very rational layout with clear color zoning. Materials can be used both natural and artificial, but an indispensable condition is that they have a smooth surface that can reflect light. When choosing minimalism, do not use bright accents or ornaments. One option is to make the countertop and legs of the kitchen table contrast in color. nine0003

The classic style is characterized by symmetry and strict geometry. Both in decoration and in furniture, natural (or decorated to look like natural) materials, including carved wood elements, will look good. Also, the floor needs to be made of wood. Comfortable and at the same time practical furniture with smooth curves will perfectly fit into the design. A vintage openwork chandelier will look very elegant.

Sixth principle: uniform illumination must be achieved.

To create uniform lighting in a black and white kitchen design, one chandelier in the middle of the room will not be enough. You will need, for example, small lamps that can be placed on the ceiling or at the bottom of kitchen cabinets around the perimeter, another option is LED strip.

It is best to use lamps that emit neutral or warm white light. If the artificial lighting created by the lamps is too dim, then harsh shadows will completely spoil the whole effect of the chosen design. nine0003

Seventh principle: the use of additional monochrome patterns will emphasize the originality of the kitchen design.

There are many black and white prints and ornaments that will perfectly complement this interior design. These are alternating black and white stripes, and a polka dot pattern, and even an imitation of piano keys ... You can experiment with arranging similar patterns on the walls and on the floor. By the way, if you lay out a black and white cage on the floor (certainly diagonally), this will make it possible to visually increase the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. nine0003

Eighth principle: don't be afraid to combine non-standard materials and heterogeneous textures.

The combination of materials with different textures will revive the interior. For example, the upper tier of a kitchen set can have a glossy facade, and the lower one can have a matte one, or vice versa. In addition, you can add unusual materials to the design: natural wood, brickwork, white, gray or black marble, and others.

Principle nine: the presence of colored or metallic parts does not hurt. nine0035

The black and white interior design is self-sufficient, but it is not forbidden to decorate it a little with color accents. It can be any accessories: wall sconces, napkins for plates, flower pots... The following colors will be especially organically combined with black and white: yellow, green, pink, red, as well as their shades. Meanwhile, do not forget the dishes. It is better if it is black, white or in the color chosen for other colored elements. Multi-colored ornaments on plates and cups will not be very suitable. nine0003

Curtains for windows do not have to be black and white. They can also repeat an additional shade. And for a kitchen in any of the modern styles, blinds are perfect.

Another trick to spice up a monochromatic kitchen is to add gold, silver, bronze or copper colored metal details to the interior. This includes handles from furniture, something from plumbing, or a chandelier with other lamps.

Tenth principle: black and white photographs will look great on the walls. nine0035

A black and white kitchen design can be given a special charm by adding one large poster or several small monochrome photographs to the walls. Black and white wallpaper for any one of the walls would also be appropriate for this purpose. If the room for the kitchen is very small, then it is better to choose photo wallpapers with an image using the panoramic perspective technique.


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