Dark kitchen cabinet ideas
13 Stunning Dark Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
For the better part of the last decade, homeowners, decorators and builders alike have transformed kitchens with the popular Tuscan aesthetic of the early '00s, that featured dark wood cabinetry, to a cleaner, serene farmhouse or Scandinavian style with white cabinetry and tone-matching backsplash tile. Well, sorry to be the messenger of "that's so last season" but white and bright kitchen cabinetry is now phasing out as dark greys, blues and greens are phasing in. Start picturing the heart of your home in a new way with one of these dark kitchen cabinet ideas.
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Don’t Underestimate the Power of the Dark Side
The pendulum has officially swung from light cabinets to darker ones. Hues as deep as black are becoming more popular in kitchens because they provide more depth than an all-white kitchen. Without enough contrast in the kitchen, white kitchens can feel dull and even lifeless… enter the darker tones to bring some vitality and energy to the design. The jury is still out if darker cabinets are easier to clean but anyone with white cabinets can tell you: they aren’t so easy to keep spotless.
Be sure to have enough natural light in your kitchen, however, or your kitchen could start to feel a bit like a dungeon! Look to your current doors and windows as opportunities to bring in more natural light.
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via Sherwin Williams
Feeling Blues
Blue cabinets are one of the most favored colors on the darker side of the paint palette. Depending on what you’re going for, your kitchen can have a soothing Southwestern, French or seaside feel without the nautical craze of years past. This particular shade draws an intense richness from the copper backsplash tile. If you want to paint your own cabinets from white to blue, then follow this how-to guide.
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via Teddy Edwards
It’s Easy Being Green
Blue’s younger cousin green is increasing in popularity, but not quite at the same pace.
Yet. Emerald tones are covering plenty of new and remodeled kitchens now, which provides a beautiful opportunity to get the bright copper or gold hardware you’ve always wanted.
While you’re thinking about hardware, think of what you have inside your cabinets for storage. Maybe it’s time for an upgrade.
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via Sebring
Dark and Stormy
Gray tones have become the new neutral in recent years, but in the kitchen, that gray has stayed closer to the silver side. Now, stormier and ashier grays are being favored. They’re a perfect combination: they have the calm of a neutral tone but the liveliness of a bold one. And, it’s easy to put your DIY skills to work by adding fun decor in a complementary accent color.
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AndjeIV/Shutterstock
Mix and Match
Mix and match is all the rage all over the house.
Now it’s more on trend to mix and match paint colors, materials and finishes. The different styles of cabinets pictured here come across as sophisticated, clean and elegant. If sophistication isn’t your taste in the kitchen, then change it up. For example, you could combine a cobalt blue with a deep wood tone to create a rustic, yet modern, vibe. Keep your eyes on the future by perusing these home tech tools that all DIYers love.
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Sleek and Modern
While minamalism might be phasing out on a large scale for all home interior design, you can’t deny the sleek effect that these black cabinets give. In a way, this kitchen design turns the dial up on the dark cabinetry trend by adding darker walls. For those who love the modern look, don’t worry, your favorite style isn’t completely going away! However, be wary of the McModern trend.
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via Diamond Cabinets
Pantone Radiant
Countless combinations exist for color matching and where better to exemplify that truth than in your cabinets themselves.
This kitchen takes the basic two-toned mix-and-match to a whole new level. Very subtly, a unique rainbow of cabinet colors can become a conversation piece. It’s quite a creative way to sneak more color into your home.
Thoroughly prepare to install your cabinets like a pro with these helpful tips.
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Get Artistic by Going Custom
As more young homeowners either build or remodel kitchens, they’re looking to do what they’ve done their whole lives: customize. By choosing a shade of paint for their cabinets, they can create a kitchen they know will be entirely different from everyone else and it will reflect their personal style. These multi-toned green cabinets paired with a beautiful and bold stone backsplash showcase the homeowner’s artistic taste. Be sure to follow these clever shortcuts for custom built-in cabinets.
Don’t stop at the kitchen! Customize your closet storage as well to make every bit of space count.
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via Behr
Blue in the Mind of Julia Child
If you were to imagine Julia Child cooking in an idyllic French countryside kitchen, then this might be it. We had to include two blue-colored cabinet ideas because it’s just too difficult to try to illustrate the blue cabinet trend with one photo.
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Lois GoBe/Shutterstock
Draw Focus to the Island
Color popping islands are a great way to test if you truly like a dark cabinet color… although our guess is that you’ll love it so much, you might go to bed dreaming of a kitchen done entirely in darker colors. When you imagine your perfect island, keep these 12 beauties in mind.
Originally Published: July 14, 2021
Hannah Louise
I help people tell stories, whether that's about themselves, their company, or their product.
Every project I take on has one priority: make sure the audience connects with the content. I've fine-tuned this skill over the past decade by creating content for audiences from C-suites to new hires in organizations large and small. I launched my career as a generational keynote speaker (think dispelling myths about Millennials/Xers/Boomers) and worked my way to being a principal of a consulting firm and published author by writing, presenting, and editing books, blogs, white papers, and research analysis. I bring my values of collaboration, humility, and research-driven strategies to everything I do. I'm also a cat owner, coffee enthusiast, and new home owner (you know, your stereotypical Millennial traits.)
10 modern dark kitchen spaces |
(Image credit: Future)
Finding the right dark kitchen cabinet ideas is pivotal to creating a kitchen that is both mesmerizing and intriguing.
Whether you prefer a classic look with lots of detailing or something more modern, such as flat-fronted doors, these dark kitchen cabinet ideas will provide you with the inspiration you need to create a scheme that fits your home's period, your decorating style and the room's proportions.
If you're looking for more kitchen color ideas, this selection of dark kitchen cabinetry will provide inspiration.
Dark kitchen cabinet ideas
From mesmerizing materials that will add depth to your space to the added extras that will make a dark kitchen ideas shine, we've asked the experts to explain why a dark kitchen cabinet should have a place on your list of top kitchen cabinet ideas.
1. Introduce metal effects
(Image credit: Ledbury Studio)
Looking for kitchen cabinet color ideas with drama? This breakfast cabinet from The Metallics Kitchen Collection by Ledbury Studio features hand-textured pewter fronts with dark-stained ash. Concave handles bring another point of difference to the doors, which are fashioned from stainless steel that has been blasted to dull the shine and darken the appearance.
‘I love combining fine craftsmanship with beautiful and unusual materials and textures,’ says designer Charlie Smallbone. ‘It’s the part of designing a bespoke kitchen that excites me the most.
2. Take a bold approach
(Image credit: Rachel Chudley)
Interior designer Rachel Chudley created this atmospheric scheme using impactful materials in a small area. ‘Plum and brassy yellow combinations are echoed throughout the flat, while a herringbone slate floor adds texture,’ she says. ‘We mirrored the wall facing the window to enlarge the space.’
3. Create strong lines
(Image credit: Fiona Barratt-Campbell)
Chunky kitchen countertop ideas bring an air of authority, while grey marble, from Italy, works well with smoky timber cabinetry. Interior designer Fiona Barratt-Campbell says, ‘The kitchen is made by a local artisan joiner. The handles are also custom, and something different to the usual pull bar.'
4. Go for a dramatic yet classic look
(Image credit: Heidi Caillier)
This black kitchen by interior designer Heidi Caillier goes big on drama with units in Farrow & Ball ’s Studio Green, which appears almost black but has a magical depth to it.
‘The kitchen is to the side of a huge, light room so I knew we needed to make it feel cozy. More interesting than classic white, dark surfaces were a way to make the kitchen feel like its own space.
5. Introduce Shaker cabinetry with a twist
(Image credit: Roundhouse kitchen)
With its moody colors and rich textures, this combination of gray kitchen ideas is a modern reinvigoration of classic Shaker kitchen ideas. The bespoke Roundhouse kitchen is finished in Farrow & Ball’s Pitch Black, with brass handles and hinges to add a hint of glamor. The floating reeded-glass cabinets are in Downpipe.
‘The feature wall of polished plaster frames the wall cabinets, while the fluted glass adds interest and allows for the display of items,’ says Paul Welburn, designer at Roundhouse. Other details include antique silver mirror backs in the wall units and handles in antique brass.
6. Create contrast with brass
(Image credit: Officine Gullo)
Sumptuous hotel interiors were the inspiration for this Officine Gullo kitchen.
‘The units are painted a dark dramatic blue, which complements powder-blue walls,’ says Viktor Skoglund of kitchen supplier Himlekok . ‘The strong brass details accentuates the kitchen cabinet color.’
As well as working with blue kitchen ideas, warm metallic accessories work well with darker green kitchen ideas, too.
7. Go for a graphic approach
(Image credit: Arbor kitchen)
‘Kitchen colors completely alter the mood of any space,’ says Leisha Norman, designer at Harvey Jones . ‘Used cleverly, darker shades of grey, green, blue and even black add sophistication, like in the Arbor kitchen here, especially with statement handles and well-positioned lighting.’
8. Make it monochrome
(Image credit: Studio Tate)
This show-stopping black kitchen idea has been masterminded by Melbourne-based interior architecture practice Studio Tate. Statement finishes, such as graphic terrazzo surfaces on the wall and island unit, breathe life into the monochromatic palette and are punctuated with black accessories.
A skylight above the run of units enhances the drama of the space.
'To ensure a seamless flow between the external architecture and interiors, a reduced color palette of soft gray and black was chosen for the cabinetry,' says Alex Hopkins, design director, Studio Tate .
9. Go for a dark stained wood
(Image credit: TR Studio)
Taking timber in a contemporary direction requires a considered approach to avoid missing out on the wood’s natural beauty. TR Studio chose deVOL’s Sebastian Cox range, featuring cabinetry in black-stained beech.
‘We like to use wood kitchen cabinet ideas in a very calm way in kitchens. You can maintain clean lines and use sleek surfaces, but wood itself brings craft and texture, both visual and tactile,’ says Tom Rutt, founder, TR Studio . ‘We love how this wood kitchen cabinet idea strikes the balance between traditional and contemporary. It is clearly a real solid timber door, but the color makes it abstracted and adds a modernity.
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10. Paint it black
(Image credit: Roundhouse)
The richness of this scheme is brought about by using paint in two deep shades, selected after designers Sam Hart from Roundhouse and Paul Carter of Vivid Consultancy studied how the light falls at certain times of the day.
The tall units are painted in Copper Beech and the island in New Black, both by Paint & Paper Library. Although striking as a whole, this kitchen’s success arguably lies in its finer details. On the kitchen island, a thick band of brass in the shadowline of the kitchen countertop elevates the glamorous quartzite to another level.
Finally, a trio of dark glass pendants and bar stools in plush emerald were added, bringing poise, texture and a swish of deep-jewel color to the space.
How do you make dark kitchen cabinets look good?
Dark kitchen cabinet ideas can be made to look both dramatic and sophisticated in many ways, and will suit open-plan kitchens, galley kitchen, U-shaped kitchens and L-shaped kitchens.
Black is a neutral color and will go with almost anything, you just have to plan your space out well and make sure everything comes together as you want it to. Black is never going to clash with any color you choose, so this is your opportunity to choose a contrasting color palette that will truly sing out.
What you’ll need to consider is the kind of atmosphere you want to create. Black and white is a timeless combination that is not only chic, but great for small kitchen ideas where you may want to ensure the space feels light and airy. Wood also works really well in a variety of forms, from dark mahoganies to lighter oaks.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space.
Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
design ideas and 33 photos in the interior
Pros and cons
A kitchen in dark colors with a modern design is universal. Such a palette is distinguished by rigor and restraint, so the use of black, brown, cherry or dark blue allows you to visually save the interior from excess variegation and make it noble. Thanks to the correct arrangement of dark furniture in the kitchen, if necessary, visually narrow the walls or reduce the height of the ceiling, thereby eliminating the imbalance. nine0005
One of the downsides of a dark kitchen is that dirt or damage becomes particularly noticeable, so the set needs careful maintenance. The peculiarity of such a palette also lies in the fact that its excess makes the atmosphere too gloomy. In dimly lit or small spaces, it's best to minimize soft colors or use them only as accents.
Choosing the tone of the kitchen
When choosing the shade of the headset, you should be guided by personal preferences and the characteristics of each color. Popular achromatic tones:
- Black. This classic color adds elegance and sophistication to the setting. Black is in harmony with any colors. With the skillful combination of such a headset and its environment, you can create an original interior, which, if desired, can be easily changed using various decor items.
- Dark grey. The combination of gray with other pastel and rich shades makes it possible to create an unusual interior. To achieve expressiveness, you should avoid an excess of gray when decorating the kitchen space. nine0014
The photo shows a stylish black kitchen interior. Matte set creates a cozy enveloping atmosphere. White furniture and wood décor bring the interior to life.
The following dark tones are also often used in kitchen design:
- Brown.
A variety of shades from dark wood to chocolate tones gives the interiors a noble look. The kitchen set with wooden facades looks luxurious. - Dark blue. Sapphire or azure, blue color brings freshness, adds lightness and airiness. nine0014
- Burgundy. Luxurious shades of red are especially good for arranging a kitchen in a classic style. Burgundy goes well with natural wood, carvings, gold. In modern interiors, it looks no less interesting and is revealed through the use of contrasting colors.
- Dark green. Malachite and emerald tones, combined with silver, gold, stone and wood textures, are perfect for a classic-style kitchen set. Modern design trends suggest combining this color with white, gray, lime or yellow. nine0014
- Violet. This color contributes to creating an atmosphere of mystery. When designing a dark kitchen, it is best to give preference to neutral or warmer shades of purple.
The photo shows an original interior with a dark blue kitchen unit.
The cold tone is balanced by the textures of wood, brick, concrete. Thoughtful lighting emphasizes the combination of matte and glossy textures and the depth of shades.
How can dark tones be diluted?
You can emphasize the expressiveness of a kitchen decorated in muted colors by using light shades. White, beige, light gray will add volume and air to the room.
Dark furniture goes well with bright colors. Juicy yellow, turquoise, green or red tones allow you to place expressive accents. Chair seats, spice containers, and splashbacks in rich colors help bring the space to life.
Bright colors should be used thoughtfully to avoid excessive variegation. One accent color or a couple of shades will be enough. nine0005
The photo shows an original interior of a dark kitchen with expressive color accents. Yellow, turquoise and red are used in moderation to bring the room to life.
When designing a kitchen space, it is important that the interior contains materials that differ in texture.
The countertop of a dark set made of wood looks spectacular; this material adds warmth to the kitchen and looks cozy at home. A glass table, a crystal chandelier or lamps with transparent shades will visually add volume and lightness. nine0005
The photo shows how the abundance of decor and the play of textures contrast with the black set. Light colors make the interior more airy and spacious.
What nuances should be considered when finishing?
Walls can be finished with both dark and light materials. For zoning, it is best to choose wallpaper with a bright pattern or highlight one of the walls with color.
Wallpaper in pastel colors will be indispensable for rooms that are modest in size. When designing a kitchen-living room, you can delimit zones by playing on the contrast of a dark set as opposed to the rest of the space. nine0005
White ceiling adds volume. Minimalism in the design of the ceiling relieves the atmosphere of congestion.
The photo shows a simple kitchen interior. Black and gray shades are successfully combined with each other, and the combination of matte and glossy textures makes the atmosphere more original.
The photo on the right is an example of a dark kitchen in a classic style. Wooden floors and decor in warm colors make it cozy.
For spacious kitchens, a dark wooden floor, different in texture and shade from the headset, is an excellent solution. When decorating the floor, it is better to give preference to warm tones. Black or graphite shades should be used with caution, as they deprive the atmosphere of liveliness. nine0005
Particular attention should be paid to the finish of the apron, for which different materials can be used. One of the best options is ceramic tiles - a rich color palette, a variety of textures and ways of laying which allows you to create interesting and original design solutions.
Choosing the right furniture and appliances
It is important to decide which textures should be given preference.
Matte and glossy materials of kitchen furniture and appliances are revealed in the interior in completely different ways. A room seems dimmer if too many matte surfaces are used, so a combination of matte and glossy surfaces is the best choice when choosing furniture materials. nine0005
Furniture for the dining group can be combined in color and style with a kitchen set, giving the interior integrity and rigor. Dining table, chairs can also be light or made of wood - a game of contrasts will add zest to the room.
The photo shows a chocolate-colored kitchen set. Wooden furniture enlivens the interior, filling it with warmth and creating a cozy atmosphere.
The photo on the right shows a contrasting Scandinavian style kitchen. The massive black set is successfully balanced by a white dining table and chairs. nine0005
A win-win option would be to match household appliances to match the headset. Built-in appliances allow you to achieve the effect of a monochrome surface.
The combination of a matte headset and glossy technology looks expressive.
In order for the severity and integrity of the environment not to be violated, household appliances must be combined with each other in color and style, this is typical for both black and chrome-plated appliances. Light fixtures should be used with caution, as such an emphasis may become redundant. Bright appliances can become a real decoration of the kitchen in dark colors, attracting attention. nine0005
The photo shows an original solution for the choice of equipment. Red household appliances act as an accent and create a special mood.
We organize competent lighting
A kitchen with dark facades looks advantageous with good lighting. It is important not to overload the window so that there is as much natural light as possible. Additional illumination of the working area of the kitchen set and lighting of the dining group create a warm homely atmosphere, and the glare from light sources on the surfaces emphasizes the textures used in interior design.
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The photo shows how the spotlights on the ceiling create a soft fill light. Pendants above the dining table and worktop lighting provide eye-friendly lighting in these areas.
We select curtains
Depending on the style of the kitchen in dark colors, roller and Roman blinds, tulle or curtains will be appropriate. For spacious rooms, you can pick up massive, dim curtains, which are distinguished by their simplicity of lines and shapes, and for small kitchens, light curtains made of flowing fabrics will be indispensable. nine0005
Tie-downs, layering and intricate draperies will add softness to the setting, but you should know when to stop and not overload the window. If the place of cooking is in close proximity to the window opening, you need to pay attention to the curtains, which are easy to care for.
The photo shows a good example of a kitchen window design. The color scheme of the curtains echoes the decor items, and the simple shapes of the curtains emphasize the austerity of the kitchen.
Small kitchen hacks
It is traditional to use dark kitchen furniture when decorating spacious rooms. However, a well-thought-out design in such a color scheme will be appropriate even in tight spaces. In order for a dark-colored kitchen in the interior to look harmonious, it is recommended to consider the following features.
- Keeping proportions. The more cramped the room, the more you have to dilute it with light and bright details.
- Competent placement of accents. A wall with a kitchen set can be decorated mainly in dark shades, and the rest of the space can be filled with light as much as possible, focusing only on individual elements using a dark palette. nine0014
- A game of contrasts. A light apron and countertop will balance the dark facades of the headset.
- Transparent furniture. A glass table and transparent chairs bring lightness and weightlessness, so this design of the dining group does not attract undue attention.
- Light floor.
For the most cramped kitchens, this solution gives a feeling of spaciousness. - Minimum decor. Accessories and fixtures tucked away in cabinets, the most free walls visually add volume. nine0014
- More gloss. Due to their ability to reflect light, such surfaces visually expand the space of a small kitchen.
Photo gallery
From the presented examples it is clear that the dark kitchen looks spectacular both in spacious and cramped rooms, filling them with an atmosphere of comfort and privacy. Properly using such a palette, you can embody bold design ideas.
Dark kitchen in the interior: design features and ideas
- Article content
- Dark Kitchen Design Tips
- Photo of the kitchen in dark color from SPUTNIK style
To create a favorable environment in the kitchen, it is necessary to approach the development of a successful design with all responsibility, taking into account all the features of the kitchen room.
The concept of interior design can be very diverse, and modern design ideas will allow you to develop a truly unique design. Among the variety of options offered, dark kitchens are quite popular, but at the same time, they require a special approach. With proper arrangement, it is possible to achieve a stunning effect in the formation of a refined and elegant environment. nine0005
The color design of the room, made in dark colors, should not have a negative impact on the psychological health of the household. Therefore, before choosing, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons and give preference to the option that best suits aesthetic preferences, without losing functionality, ergonomics and color balance.
The dark color of the kitchen does not always mean the use of exclusively tones close to black. This might be a good solution: nine0005
- a combination of several shades of brown;
- the use of contrasting shades;
- the use of bright and light accents.
The main thing in the design is not afraid to fantasize and apply the most daring and original ideas, because kitchens in dark colors are suitable for creative people who love to show their individuality. nine0005
The dark color visually hides the usable area, so its use is not desirable for small rooms. But if you use the game of contrasts, you can achieve a good result. In this case, it is preferable to buy a kitchen in noble shades of brown with an imitation of a wood pattern or from solid wood impregnated with a special darkening agent. Walls and floors are best decorated in contrasting light colors. This effect will balance the colors and visually expand the space. A good addition would be open hanging shelves with voluminous, but not massive decor. Equipping the work area, it is recommended to organize good lighting using spotlights. nine0005
A kitchen set for decorating a dark kitchen can be used with both matte and glossy facades. It all depends on aesthetic preferences and personal perception.
Having studied the catalog of kitchens, you can find inspiration for yourself and design the interior according to the chosen furniture design, focusing on the general idea.
When choosing furniture, do not forget about the color balance. Items of the same tone will merge, so it is better to give preference to several shades of the main color. Luxurious furnishings will be complemented by some accessories and kitchen utensils: nine0005
- cozy soft corner;
- stylish bar counter;
- kitchen worktop, apron and window sill, made in the same style.
Photo of the kitchen in dark color from SPUTNIK style
Ordering a kitchen in a popular dark shade is the right decision. The secret of the success of dark kitchens lies in elegance, unique calmness, comfort and homeliness. A well-played design with the help of decorative elements will bring a touch of charm and individuality. Considerable attention is paid to lighting.
