Black white and gray 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.
30 Gorgeous Grey and White Kitchens that Get Their Mix Right
Like Architecture & Interior Design? Follow Us.
..- Follow
Whether your style is contemporary or ultra-modern, grey and white pair together to complete any look. The hues can cover walls, countertops, floors, and cabinets. Using one alone can make a striking statement. Blend the two together for a look of understated sophistication. The two are also combined in these kitchens in marble islands, making a bold statement right in the middle of the kitchen. These 30 grey and white kitchens get it just right. Some intentionally create a cool industrial style and others present in a warm and welcoming fashion. The hardware, textiles, and lighting complete these looks with perfection.
- 1 |
- Visualizer: Ihor Bednarchyk
- 2 |
- Visualizer: Stanislav Borozdinskiy
- 3 |
- Designer: The Phil Nichols Company
- 4 |
- Visualizer: Dmitriy Tereshchuk
- 5 |
- Designer: Brayer
- 6 |
- Architect: Ilkin Gurbanov
- 7 |
- Designer: Hoang Long
- 8 |
- Designer: MHK Architecture & Planning
- 9 |
- Designer: Bedrock Quartz
- 10 |
- Designer: Hazel and Brown Design Company
- 11 |
- Designer: Newick Architects
- 12 |
- Visualizer: Armine Avetisyan
- 13 |
- Visualizer: Armando Ferriani
- 14 |
- Visualizer: Lugerin Igor
- 15 |
- Photographer: Joakim Johansson
- 16 |
- Designer: Lauren Rubin
- 17 |
- Visualizer: Cristian Gentile
- 18 |
- Designer: DesignSpace London
- 19 |
- Designer: Roundhouse
- 20 |
- Visualizer: Armando Ferriani
- 21 |
- Designer: Roundhouse
- 22 |
- Designer: Armando Ferriani
- 23 |
- Designer: Destilat
- 24 |
- Designer: Harvey Jones
- 25 |
- Designer: Justine Hugh-Jones
- 26 |
- Designer: Design Squared
- 27 |
- Designer: Issie-Mae Interior Design
- 28 |
- Designer: Urban Kitchens
- 29 |
- Designer: Conrad Gargett
- 30 |
- Designer: Rebecca Jansma & Suzanne Gorman
- Photographer: Jason Busch
- 31 |
Recommended Reading:
40 Gorgeous Grey Kitchens
30 Modern White Kitchens That Exemplify Refinement
Did you like this article?
Share it on any of the following social media channels below to give us your vote. Your feedback helps us improve.
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.
Contents
The benefits of a black and white kitchen
- Versatility. With this design, it is difficult to make a mistake in color combinations and it is easier to avoid color errors.
- White surfaces are capable of reflecting light, creating a feeling of spaciousness.
- A black and white kitchen is a great place to experiment.
But there are also some disadvantages of :
- Be prepared to clean often, as all smudges and dust particles are clearly visible on black, and specks, droplets and soot on white.
- Black can make the kitchen look smaller.
- Excess black in the interior can cause stress, bad mood and even depression.
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.
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.
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.comWhite 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.
In addition, a table in this color provides ample opportunities for effectively complementing the interior of the kitchen with napkins, dishes and other compositions.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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 matte surfaces.
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.
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.
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:
- appreciate style;
- always want to stay in trend;
- find a compromise between elegance and practicality;
- do not like halftones;
- are not afraid of non-trivial solutions;
- strive for absolute harmony.
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.
Black and white kitchens photo
Black and white kitchen - 89 photos of a beautiful interior in the best color
Contents
- How to design a floor based on a black and white kitchen?
- What are the best curtains for a black and white kitchen?
- Black and white kitchen design photo
Modern people have asked themselves the question of creating an unusual and attractive kitchen design.
But due to the lack of knowledge of design, they do not understand how to play with paints and how much they can be used.
The black and white color scheme creates a bright and harmonious design organization for the kitchen. Although there is an opinion that it is impossible to create brightness, saturation and sophistication from two colors at the same time.
But it is erroneous, because a true master of design is able to provide a kitchen design only with the help of them.
These two colors successfully combine the possibilities of creating contrasting shades, providing a modern vision for decorating such an important area of the apartment.
It is very important to choose the right wallpaper for a black and white kitchen design
Thicker versions of the wallpaper are considered the best choice, as they will provide the possibility of applying patterns based on the use of a stencil. Although now you can already buy versions with a pre-prepared pleasant pattern.
In principle, if the drawing is suitable, it is not forbidden to use them, but it is better to create your own image, because it is more pleasant.
But here it is important to follow a simple rule - you can not afford to oversaturate the space with a large image.
Although some designers believe that large patterns can also be applied to wallpaper, it is best to use some kind of dedicated area for them. They will help decorate the place for direct eating.
It is important to remember that white wallpapers get dirty easily, so you should pay attention to washable options and buy them.
This option would be a financial burden, but would allow easy cleanup. To beautifully decorate the wall, you can stop on black wallpaper with the presence of a white pattern, however, this approach must be very careful and created by a real master.
How to design a black and white kitchen floor?
Gender is equally important in the process of creating a design based on these two colors. With it, you can provide a visual increase or even expansion of the kitchen space.
Designers find that glossy tile is almost perfect for flooring.
Moreover, large checkerboard tiles should be used. Due to this trick, visually the kitchen will be able to maintain its actual size.
Although some people want to make one of the colors the main one. In this situation, the floor can be decorated in only one of the colors. And the furniture in this case should go in contrast to the floor based on the opposite color.
Otherwise, a tasteless fusion of colors may result. Fans of black should pay attention to the laminate in this color and put it on the floor.
However, it is worth adding various patterns based on beautiful shapes, complemented by varnishing.
What are the best curtains for a black and white kitchen?
Curtains play one of the most important roles in the design of the kitchen. They help create protection from the penetration of sunlight and are considered an important part of the decorative design.
In the case of a black and white design, the curtains must be successfully synchronized with these contrasting colors.
It is not necessary to use only black or white colors for curtains in this case, the option with a gray tint will also work.
But it is imperative to adhere to the saturation of the color, but it should not go beyond the overall harmony. You can use any length of curtains for the kitchen.
It can only depend on the height of the kitchen ceiling. A high ceiling necessarily implies low curtains.
To visually elongate the kitchen, it is worth trying to place curtains along the entire length of the curtain, fixed at the base of the ceiling.