For decades, the American dream kitchen has been covered in gleaming white surfaces, from subway tile to countertops to cabinets. Save for a few historic blips—think pink and turquoise in the post–World War II years, and avocado green and harvest gold in the ’60s and ’70s—white has remained the default choice for kitchen design, most recently embodied by the Pinterest-approved trend of light and bright cooking and dining spaces.
But lately, a new It color has been gaining ground in America’s kitchens, and it’s not one that we associate strongly with a bygone era. Indeed, that may be part of its appeal: Since about 2015, all-black kitchens have become increasingly popular. Sophisticated homeowners are exploring shiny black cabinets, black marble countertops with striking white veins, black floors, and even black appliances. Design manufacturers have taken notice, and sleek black ranges, refrigerators, and more have been a fixture at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in recent years. But is the mainstream ready for the all-black look? Or will this trend, like so many before it, be another flash in the pan?
‘The trend towards “black kitchens” was slow and sneaky, with black granite and marble countertops starting the trend,’ explains Andy Briggs, Optiplan Kitchens’ resident interior designer. ‘Then came a move towards black appliances, which are often seen as superior to the standard silver or stainless steel. Now, homeowners are seeking to add black cabinets, floors, and accessories within their kitchen design.’
Paint Finish Matters
Blogger Miranda Schroeder’s biggest tip for those looking to take the plunge into a black kitchen is to remember “the shinier the (paint finish), the deeper color black you will get.” Also, the more matte your finish, the harder your walls and/or cabinets will be to keep clean. Something between eggshell and high gloss will be much easier to wipe down and touch up.
“We are starting to see black being used in a much bigger way,” says Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “This is different than just larger black appliances or maybe a black countertop. This is about the move to black cabinetry, black paint, black flooring, and different black shades for countertop appliances.”
Alison Levasseur, AD’s interiors and garden director, sees the movement as a pendulum swings toward something with greater depth and sophistication, noting that black and other dark colors work surprisingly well in compact spaces. “Recently we’ve seen a trend of black kitchens designed by leading AD100 designers,” she says. “It may have something to do with designing smaller New York City kitchens.”
Black Kitchen Inspiration
New York–based Ashe Leandro, has mastered the look. “Everything should pop out; feel more vibrant and a black color palette in the kitchen allows for that. It just ozzes class.”
Black with Blue Undertones to Keep things Fresh and Interesting
Lauren Buxbaum Gordon, partner at Nate Berkus Associates and proud owner of a black kitchen herself, sees a connection between an inky palette and the possibility of personalization. “In my opinion, black symbolizes someone who is passionate about design and who isn’t afraid to take risks,” she says. “Aesthetically speaking, black tends to feel more sophisticated and formal depending on how it’s styled, but for me, that versatility is what’s most appealing. In my black kitchen, I like to mix in rope chairs, crackled subway tiles, and old French pottery to take it down a notch.”
Black with Wood Finishes for a Warmer Look
I hope you enjoyed this posting, Are We Ready for a Black Kitchen: What Top Designers Have to Say. We’d love to hear your comments so if you have suggestions, like the post, or just want to say hi, the comment box is on the right-hand side. Also, I’ve placed a few Pinterest Pins below. If you like this post, please share it with your Pinterest Friends.
Until next time …. Joy
