White kitchen with black worktop


Black and white kitchen ideas: 10 beautiful designs |

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.

White kitchen ideas: 27 schemes that are clean, bright and timeless

Quite simply, white kitchen ideas will always be best sellers thanks to their timeless appeal. The choice of white cabinetry provides a crisp, smart look for a new modern kitchen or a classic backdrop for a country kitchen – classic white is a practical choice for all settings.

Choosing a white kitchen could be the best decision you'll ever make. It can add brightness to your cooking and dining space, or it can act as a blank canvas onto which you can add splashes of colour in the form of decorative plates, soft furnishings and artwork.

White kitchen ideas

Although white is sometimes considered to be a safe option where wall colour (or lack of it) is concerned, white cabinetry is a stylish and fashion-forward kitchen idea.

White is a winning colour choice for kitchens, from cabinets and floor tiles, to white walls and accessories it offers a contemporary, clean and crisp design that never dates. Meaning essentially that white is a safe investment to consider for the long term, as it's a colour that will always be on-trend and sellable.

1. Choose open shelving

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

Choose white to open up a narrow gallery kitchen, to make the space feel airy and bright. Rather than choosing bulky wall cabinets on all walls you might choose to feature open shelves to keep a more open-plan feel to the layout. Paint the floating shelves in the same shade of white to that of the walls, so they 'disappear' into the wall.

Be sure to keep the stored items minimalist in design, simple white crockery and glassware, to avoid defeating the object of making the pace feel less cluttered.

2. Create a contemporary vision with all-white

(Image credit: TBC)

From floors to walls, to cabinets and appliances, a bold all-white kitchen colour scheme creates a stunning contemporary look. Simple chrome handles and sockets are enough to add a hint of colour without breaking out of the 'colourless' scheme.

All-white everything is ideal for making the space feel bright, airy and gleamingly clean, making it a popular choice for the modern home.

3. Add interest with a patterned floor

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Break up an all white colour scheme by using an alternative colour with white on the floor. This zig zag patterned tile example shows how the use of white on the floor is broken up with strips of wood-effect colour to add depth to the colour scheme.

The pattern is subtle enough that it doesn't distract from the serene colour scheme, but prominent enough that it adds a layer of interest to the design. The block of white from the kitchen island is grounded thanks to the interesting floor, thanks to the continuation of white it feels cohesive – not jarring.

4. Welcome warmth with exposed brickwork

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)

Welcome a backdrop of exposed brickwork to give your white kitchen idea a contemporary industrial edge. The natural shade of the brick adds an element of warmth to the white colour scheme. Stainless steel or concrete worktops will enhance the vibe of this modern-meets-rustic style.

Imperfectly painted white floorboards helps to anchor the colour scheme from floor to ceiling, perfectly framing the characterful brick detailing.

5. Divide the colour scheme

(Image credit: Future PLC/Veronica Rodriguez)

Go for a white kitchen in essence, but add a bolder colour on the bottom half of the room. In this  compact kitchen space the walls, worktops and kitchen island are bright white to open up the space, while the base cabinets are painted in a striking gunmetal grey. This is a great alternative to an all grey kitchen idea, that could overwhelm the small space.

The darker tone on the lower kitchen cabinets and the walnut wood flooring help to anchor the decorating colour, almost pushing the white walls away – to create a sense of space.

6. Keep the look bright and airy

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

White is the ideal colour if you're looking for small kitchen ideas, especially where windows providing natural light may be sparse. An all-white colour scheme illuminates, helping to make the space feel bigger by bouncing light around.

Skylights are a fabulous option to flood the room with light and enhance the white. But if your kitchen layout or budget don't allow for skylights, use strong overhead lighting to help make the white walls and cabinets shine bright.

7. Mix old with new for an eclectic finish

(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)

To prevent your white kitchen from looking too pristine and polished, add elements of vintage design. Industrial-style kitchen lighting and distressed ceramics can help to inject a hint of timeless vintage style to a modern finish.

The elements are still white, to keep the look cohesive, but thanks to the heritage feel of such pieces the space retains an air of eclecticism.

8. Take a tonal approach

(Image credit: Future PLC/Veronica Rodriguez)

Smart grey kitchen ideas, such as the coloured walls and flooring shown above, look beautiful when paired with all-white units and worktops. If deciding to incorporate colour options it's best to stick to a tonal colour palette. So if you're using greys, use varying hues of the same shade up to black to keep the look uniformed.

If using a warmer neutral, such as stone flooring, consider off-whites, taupe or Dulux's Brave Ground as complimentary paint colours.

9. Integrate an alternative island

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Integrate an island in an alternative finish, such as natural wood, to break up the starkness of everything being white. By using white as a reverse colour, as shown on the storage drawers of this kitchen island idea, it seamlessly intertwines the two-tone finish.

Using wood as the alternative finish helps to keep the look minimal, allowing for a further accent colour to add more personality.

10. Set the scene with wallpaper

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Add interest to a white kitchen with a statement wallpaper. The calming white background helps to enhance the decorative design. This characterful paper decorated with birds and branches welcomes a hint of nature indoors, which ties in the wooden worktops perfectly.

When used between the lower and head-height white cabinets, a patterned wallpaper is a great way to add an alternative to a tiled splashback. Just be sure to use a hardwearing paper that can withstand the elements of a working kitchen, with heat and sink splashes etc.

11. Choose white for a timeless country look

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

For a timeless look in the kitchen, go white country. Here, the owners have chosen white for almost everything from accessories, such as ceramics, to fittings.

It goes to show that a white room can still feel warm and welcoming as long as you include delicate details like fresh foliage, whitewashed floorboards and brass handles. The added decorative touches help to inject a touch of personality.

12. Warm up white with brass fixtures and fittings

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

If you're sticking to an all-white colour scheme consider ingratiating brass tones to add warmth. Instead of traditional chrome taps and sockets choose fashionable brass alternatives to warm the shades of white. This richer metallic tone will avoid making the white shades feel cold and steely.

13. Stick to a classic monochrome combo

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Pairing black with white isn't exactly reinventing the wheel, design wise. Yet black and white kitchen ideas always look modern, provided you pick the right little details.

Team an all-white kitchen with black painted furniture and statement accessories to create an effortlessly chic look.

14. Create space with white

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Open up a smaller kitchen space with the help of a primarily white colour scheme. The choice of white will help keep the space feeling light and airy, therefore more spacious. Add a strength of character by using black worktops. Just ensure there is plenty of natural light to assure the space retains a sense of lightness.

Add touches of natural greenery with houseplants to give the space a well dressed feel.

15. Team concrete for contemporary cool

(Image credit: Future PLC/Fraser Marr)

Polished concrete is beautiful when used in a contemporary white kitchen, particularly with statement lighting. Use it sparingly to create an organic/industrial look and it will lend a splash of natural colour to subtly stop the space from being an all-white scheme.

16. Warm up white with wooden touches

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Make a feature of an engineered oak floor in an expansive room. Using different hardwearing flooring as an effective trick for creating separate zones is a clever open-plan kitchen idea.

In this kitchen, wooden accents appear throughout as the perfect complement to the flooring, and pastel-coloured pendants add a sense of fun to a grown-up scheme.

17. Not sure if white will be too stark? Try off white

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

You might be daunted about going white, particularly if you want a cosy kitchen. If that's the case, take inspiration from cream kitchen ideas and go for an ever-so-slightly-off white for your furniture.

In this scheme, the cook's table has made a welcome return. It perfectly suits this light room, as it's less heavy than a traditional island, and has an unfitted feel, which keeps the look informal and current.

18. Add a splashback of marvellous white marble

(Image credit: Future PLC/James Merrell)

Marble is a beautiful option. Use it subtly to create an organic look and it will benefit from being at the centre of an all-white scheme. It's an elegant and stunning choice for a kitchen.

Look for distinct patterns and variations in tone for an entirely unique splashback or worktop. Marble isn't cheap but with its tactile charm, it's a luxury investment that will stand the test of time.

19. Make your appliances match

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

White appliances have had a bit of a bad rep of late, so much so that we're increasingly likely to hide them behind closed doors. But the kitchen above demonstrates just how sophisticated they can look.

Simple wooden worktops, unusual worn brass handles and a copper rail bring a rustic charm, and the hexagonal kitchen tile idea add a hint of modernity.

20. Mix in natural materials

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Here's another technique for anyone concerned that all white might be too clinical. Choose the best white paint for walls or neutral floor units and then use a contrasting colour or material for the rest of the cabinetry. It's smart but not too stark.

21. Jazz up white with sunshine yellow

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Inject some personality into a white kitchen with just a couple of accent pieces in a bright colour. The yellow works really well here and warms up the look, but vibrant red kitchen ideas along with other colours such as a bright blue would do the same, as white is so versatile.

Stick to key items, so the look isn't over the top.

22. Use white as a base for an eclectic look

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

It's easy for an eclectic look to start out stylish and end up plain messy. Avoid this by building up your look on a white canvas – we're talking white walls, white flooring and white units. You can then add your flea market finds and pops of colour with confidence.

23. Choose a retro accent colour

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Tailor the look to suit your own personal taste by adding one key accent colour. For a more retro vibe incorporate bold splashes of orange, with either statement pendant lights and artwork or simply through your tableware and accessories.

The accent colour rule can apply with any colour, so make the space feel more personal with your favourite shade.

24. Fill a large space with white

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Make the most of a big room with a huge island that's packed with helpful kitchen storage ideas, and floor-to-ceiling cupboards. As well as spotlights, this kitchen has industrial-style pendants suspended on long cables to create a cosy glow at the breakfast bar.

In a space as big as this, an all-white scheme could feel empty and stark. But the low-hung pendants break up the wide gap between the island unit and ceiling, while citrus coloured accessories and an engineered wood floor add warmth and charm.

25. Find space for a breakfast bar

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

A breakfast bar is the perfect way to transform a kitchen into a family and entertainment space. This room might not be the widest, but by slimming down the island the owner has managed to fit one in, in a prime position near the bi-fold doors. In summer, when the space is opened up to the garden, it doubles up as a serving counter.

26. Keep it practical

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Consider handleless cabinetry so surfaces are absolutely free of adornment, creating a bold and minimalist look. This elegantly simple design is enhanced with wooden trims that create an elegant grid effect.

Plan the wall and floor units in regimented banks for super-organised storage.

27. Dress white kitchens with colourful accessories

(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)

This white kitchen doesn't rely on colour to inject personality, it's got oodles of that just from the characterful layout. The white Kitchen design features white tiled walls and floor, white units with wooden worktop and white open shelves filled with crockery and books.

The abundance of colourful accessories adds enough vibrancy without having to break from the white kitchen decorating scheme.

What colour goes with a white kitchen?

The usual design rules apply where white is concerned. It's generally acknowledged that a totally white colour scheme can look clinical, reminding us of an operating theatre rather than a warm, welcoming room that is the 'heart of the home'.

Therefore an accent colour is always a welcome addition to inject warmth and a touch of personality. Whether through furniture choices, a statement splashback or appliances and accessories, the choice is yours.

Strong primary colours, such as yellow or red, are ideal for making an impactful contrast. Such bright colour accents are best used through freestanding appliances, lighting and accessories – all less investment and commitment. While more tonal colours, such as silver chrome, grey or black, are ideal or adding depth on a more permanent basis.

Two-tone painted kitchens with grey on the low level cabinets or a tiled splashback is a contemporary way to add an accent colour, without jarring with the brilliant white blank canvas.

Are white kitchens out of style for 2023?

White kitchens will never be out of fashion. in fact white kitchens proved to be the most Googled kitchen colour of the year! The timeless colour option is still the most popular choice for kitchen colours, despite the prominence of on-trend greys. White is a safe but sensible option that is great for re-sale value, because it can suit all tastes. White creates a blank canvas, which allows for almost any accent colour to stand out.

What countertops go best with white kitchens?

The beauty of white is that it's the ideal colour to suit any era and style of house, which is why it makes such a good blank canvas, especially in the kitchen. Thanks to its many different design aesthetics, from country to modern, any worktop finish sits comfortably alongside white cabinetry and walls.

So the question is, what look would you prefer? If you wish to take your white kitchen in a more contemporary direction, pair the elements with a white marble or quartz countertop to keep the look slick and streamlined. Alternatively a black marble-effect worktop will retain a modern feel, while welcoming a less stark monochrome accent.

For a more classic country look white kitchens are best offset with wooden kitchen worktops, such as traditional oak or a wood veneer.

Make the most of recessed LED lights for cupboards and shelving. Install them on the wall beneath the cabinetry, under the units themselves or even inside so finding ingredients is easy.

White kitchen with black worktop (50 photos + video)

White kitchen with black worktop

Headings: All about furniture 2 , Kitchens 88 , Living rooms 2 , Bedrooms 3 , Hallways 2



White kitchen with black countertops (28 photos in the interior): 5 design tips Such a contrast immediately catches the eye, but for some, the combination of these colors will seem inappropriate for the kitchen because of their severity and coldness.

White kitchen with an abstract pattern on the backsplashSnow-white interior design with dark chairs to match the worktop

In fact, well-placed color nuances create a completely different idea of ​​the interior in black and white.

Dairy kitchen with black worktop in a classic interior Matt fronts are an attribute of a classic kitchen. Light furniture in combination with a dark backsplash creates an optical illusion to expand the space.

A black top is a minor detail that can set a different tone and create a different impression of the interior. It all depends on what colors you added, except for black and white, what style was chosen for the kitchen, what decor was used in the design.

It can be useful: 7 simple rules for color combinations in the interior of the kitchen.

A selection of dark countertop kitchen design ideas in the video:

Benefits

A black countertop kitchen can look elegant in styles such as minimalism, art deco, neoclassic. In Scandinavian or Provence, this combination creates a feeling of lightness, freedom.

White kitchen with glossy fronts and skins

White color has been breaking records for popularity in kitchen design for more than one season. The fashion for Scandinavian interiors, the search for simple ways to optimize space became the reason for this. Despite all the inconsistency of this combination, the housewives are ready to follow current trends. Although there are obvious downsides.

Disadvantages

1. Balance

Too much white or too much black - two extremes. None will do any good. The proportion for white and dark - 60/40 or 70/30 will help to make the design harmonious.

Add another color. Almost anything goes with black and white.

Here are some good options.

The white interior is diluted not only with black, but also with yellow, dark blue. This makes it seem so cozy and warm. The dark work surface is complemented by a black dining table. Aqua blue curtains stand out against the white background.

2. Suitable countertop material - natural or artificial stone

These materials have a natural heterogeneous pattern - small chaotic inclusions, stains. Such effects well mask pollution.

Read also what is the best kitchen countertop.

Other materials that are more troublesome to maintain - natural wood (painted), chipboard (postforming). The second option is the cheapest, but it also has a short service life.

See also: 25 white kitchen design ideas with wood.

3. Match with backsplash correctly

Gray is close to black, so it is suitable for finishing an apron. A black countertop and a brown apron look great together. It is good if in the interior the color of the wall in the working area is supported by brown colors in other details - textiles, decor, for example.

In combination with a white set and white walls, an optical illusion is created - as if there is a niche in the work area. This adds volume to the room.

Wenge-colored wall panel instead of the top row of the suite in combination with a white kitchen and black worktop Finishing of the worktop in a natural stone look with a brown tint

Plaster, wallpaper or paint - walls can be any finish, but the working area must be additionally protected from moisture, temperature and dirt. It can be glass, a plastic panel or a special lacquer

A mirror backsplash is a great way to expand the space.

Brown backsplash matches the color of the walls.

4. Glossy fronts are easier to maintain

Cleaning is much easier. Glossy set is suitable for small kitchens. But with the reflective surface of the furniture, it is difficult to distribute the lighting so that the highlights look beautiful.

Matt due to the rough surface retain dirt, they are not easy to clean. But on them scratches are less noticeable. With a matte headset, you do not need to bother with lighting.

Matt white kitchen - a good solution for a classic interior Matt white kitchen fronts in combination with a glossy backsplash

5. Match with decor

Just the right amount of bright accents, such as red, turquoise or purple.


Learn more