This All-Black Kitchen Breaks All the Rules (and We're Loving It)

In case you haven't already fallen in love with interior designer Bobby Berk—he's just one member of the Fab Five on Netflix's hit reality TV show Queer Eye—his new website will give you plenty more reasons to swoon over the design pro. If you're a fan of Queer Eye, you know that Berk has a reputation for creating stunning interiors (including the Fab Five's own Kansas City loft) that are filled with unique pieces and ideal storage solutions. Now, he's sharing even more of his design prowess through his beautiful website featuring everything from design and lifestyle inspiration to furniture and fashion shopping picks.

The latest on the site is an absolutely breath-taking kitchen design in a completely unexpected, rule-breaking color palette: all-black. Berk and his team were hired by Pardee Homes to design a few showhomes in the company's new Vista Sante Fe, San Diego community and they recently revealed the finished kitchen from one of the model homes they've been working on.

While you might think that the all-black look is too extreme for a Southern California kitchen, you'd be mistaken. "Don't be scared of black. It's a color that is not only timeless but sophisticated and I predict we will be seeing a lot more of it in design," Berk writes on his site.

Keep scrolling to take a look inside the bold space and see just how Berk and his team manage to make an edgy design feel like home.

Berk admits that the all-black look is a bold choice for a kitchen, but the style fits in with his team's goal for the space, which was to create something "classic yet edgy, fun yet sophisticated," according to his website. This space, with its black appliances, marble details, and brown accents does just that.

The modern black appliances were sourced from Dacor and completely set this kitchen apart from traditional spaces with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. A closer look reveals a bold black marble backsplash behind the stove and countertops to add just a touch of color to the otherwise all-black space. The same marble is also found on the waterfall countertops of the kitchen island.

According to Berk, he and his team used wood on the front and back of the kitchen island in order to keep the space from feeling too uninviting. The rich wood instantly makes the kitchen feel warmer and more comfortable. There is also white paint on the ceiling and upper section of the walls to help off-set the intensity of the all-black design.

"We chose to do a waterfall countertop on the edges of the island to keep the visual line clean all the way across the countertops," Berk writes on his website. He also points out that the surface of the kitchen island is made of Silestone, a material that isn't natural and therefore incredibly durable. It's ideal for anyone concerned about picking a material that will stand the test of time.

Additionally, textured details also work to add warmth to this edgy, black space. Here, pendant lights hang from the ceiling featuring a screened steel for a touch of texture. The space also includes a variety of plants and flowers for another welcoming element.

Everything from the refrigerator and cabinets to the stove and microwave comes in a rich shade of black. It's definitely a look that makes a statement, but it's certainly not too overpowering.

Delicate flowers in a slender, gold vase add a bit of contrast to the intense color palette. Fresh fruit is also left on display in a large bowl to make the kitchen feel warm and lived in. These elements are a great way to off-set otherwise bold designs.

The formal dining room continues the edgy design aesthetic; however, a wooden table and cushioned chairs work to soften the look. According to Berk, the wooden table here was intentional in the same way the wood featured on the kitchen island was. "It helps to unify the two areas and also visually breaks up all the black that was used throughout the space," the designer writes.

The dining room is also complete with a built-in bar. Berk and his team carved out a section of the cabinets to create visual interest and make room for custom wine storage. "It not only gives purpose to what would have been a wall of cabinets but it now makes the dining area feel like a bar-equipped area that is ready for any kind of party," according to Berk.

Overall, this all-black kitchen is proof that the color scheme can work in a way that's equal parts edgy and inviting. Although it may not be for everyone, it's a welcome breath of fresh air from the typical all-white kitchen look that never seems to lose popularity.

Next Up: PSA: the new Queer Eye loft is 100% shoppable (and we want it all).