Could the Black Kitchen Trend Replace the Popular All-White Look?

By
Michaela d’Artois
Michaela d’Artois
Michaela d’Artois is a freelance journalist and artist based in Los Angeles who writes about design and beauty. She is currently a Contributing Editor at theSkin.
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Updated on Apr 11, 2021
black kitchen trend

Margaret Wright

There’s a new trend encroaching on the success of the all-white kitchen, and let's just say it's a daring delve into the dark side. We're talking, of course, about the all-black kitchen, a trend that can run the gamut between cozy and chic, sleek and moody—but it’s always sophisticated. This non-color (if we’re getting technical) often gets a bad rep for being too aggressive, but we've seen the success stories on Pinterest.

If you’re still not sold on this dusky look, turn your attention to a man we consider a guru of sorts—Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk. He never leads America astray, especially when proving the point that risk can be rewarding. Case in point: When he broke all the rules to create a “classic, yet edgy" dining experience in his own home. Berk lends us his wisdom on nailing this look and promises, “it doesn’t have to be scary.” He believes whether you’re in a smaller space or one pooled with loads of natural light—you can make it work.

By the end of this article, you will certainly be a monochromatic convert. Read on to explore 20 gorgeous kitchens that nail the all-black trend.

01 of 20

Choose Your Black

black kitchen cabinets trend

Whittney Parkinson Design

Not all blacks are created equal, and this could play a big part in the final aesthetic. Depending on the natural light filtering through the room, the surrounding spaces, or even personal preference, you’ll either want to scale your chosen shade bluer or a starker true black. Pick up a few swatches and hold them up against hardware, fixtures, and appliances to see which is more your style.

If you're having trouble choosing between hues, consider Farrow & Ball's Pitch Black. It works in just about any light and space, as it’s as pure black as you can get.

02 of 20

Find Your Finish

black kitchen trend

Dan Rak Design

Don’t underestimate just how diverse black can really be. One thing to think about is whether you prefer a matte or shiny finish on your coat of paint. Both are stunning in the right environment, so narrow in on which one is more up your alley. A good way to pick is to compare all the elements in your space. If your fridge is stainless steel, it’s possible a matte black would be just the right amount of balance.

03 of 20

Bring Black Into Traditional Kitchens

black kitchen cabinets trend

Whittney Parkinson Design

You might associate black with sleek and contemporary interiors, but the color works just as well in traditional spaces. In this vintage-meets-modern kitchen, for example, black stone countertops and a matching backsplash are equal parts warm and sophisticated. Brass cabinet hardware brings added dimension to the look.

04 of 20

Break It Up

black kitchen cabinets trend

Reena Sotropa

When it comes to the all-black kitchen trend, your approach doesn't have to be all or nothing. In fact, the appeal of the black kitchen look is often in how striking the shade is against contrasting colors; a black backsplash can look ultra-polished when paired with white countertops. Remember: Opposites attract.

05 of 20

Mesmerize With Marble

black kitchen cabinets trend

Reena Sotropa

Another dreamy material that can help elevate the all-black kitchen trend is white marble, whether in the form of a countertop or a backsplash. With its alabaster hue and dark veining, marble plays beautifully off of black cabinetry, and it gives an opulent lasting impression.

06 of 20

Consider Statements

black kitchen trend

Dan Rak Design

As mentioned above, fulfilling this concept does not mean everything your eye lands on is swathed in ebony. Instead, this color choice can become a beautiful canvas for a statement wall. Consider a backsplash in a contrasting shade of ivory.

07 of 20

Punctuate With Black Lighting

black kitchen trend

Devon Grace Interiors

If you’ve decided to take the approach of pops of black with neutrals in between, a beautiful way to tie it all together is with obsidian-colored pendant lights. This way the black elements will meet from the bottom to the top to truly give the desired effect.

08 of 20

Clear Your Counters

black kitchen trend

Margaret Wright

Clutter distracts from the crisp, curated look of contemporary design. When your all-black kitchen is steering toward a modern vibe like the photo above, keep your countertops as clear as possible. Install open shelving where clutter tends to accumulate.

09 of 20

Take an (All-Black) Seat

Black kitchen trend

Photo: Amy Bartlam; Design: Jenn Feldman Designs

Allow the whole look to come together by opting for sleek black seating—whether it be bar stools or step stools that are functional to the space. This will tell visitors you’ve really dedicated yourself to the approach.

10 of 20

Don't Forget the Floor

black kitchen trend

Rikki Snyder

Your choice of flooring is very important to accomplishing your dream all-black kitchen. Complementing an apron-front sink, open storage, and industrial-style lighting, hardwood floors contribute to the welcoming, casual vibe of this vintage-style kitchen.

11 of 20

Opt for Natural Elements

black kitchen trend

Earthen Co Interiors

If you do decide to go all black, our tip is to warm it up with earthy elements. Butcher-block counters, reclaimed-wood shelving, and leather-backed seating can help soften the all-black look, as can a few houseplants or floral arrangements.

12 of 20

Think Beyond Paint

black kitchen trend

Earthen Co Interiors

If your eye is set on a full midnight-hued kitchen, delve into the various materials at your disposal. You’re not limited to achieving this look with just a paint roller. Black tiles offer texture as well as visual intrigue, whether they're crafted from natural stone or polished glass.

13 of 20

Shine On

black kitchen trend

Photo: Amy Bartlam; Design: Jette Creative

A great way to make a black kitchen really pop is to contrast it with polished brass hardware. This gorgeous kitchen stuns from every angle, from the black-and-white tiled floor to the exposed ceiling beams and reflective brass light fixture just below. The brass cabinet pulls complete the look.

14 of 20

Practice Your Geometry

black kitchen trend

Erin Williamson Design

Think beyond your basic shapes when choosing your black tile. Here, hexagonal tile transforms an oft-overlooked area behind the range into a focal point. We love how the tiles' intricate black-and-white motif elevates the area with global appeal.

15 of 20

Be Bold With Black Hardware

Black kitchen trend

Hannah Tyler Designs

Pairing your black cabinetry with black hardware results in a look that's just oh-so cool. Above, onyx-hued hardware practically disappears against matte-black cabinetry, yet the handles are large enough that you don't have to fumble around to find them in the dark. Consider it a win-win.

16 of 20

Find Your Farmhouse Focus

black kitchen trend

Rebecca Rollins Interiors

It's no secret that black plays a large role in farmhouse-style design. Channel your inner Joanna Gaines by limiting yourself to a black-and-white palette, then finish the look with plenty of textures—think warm woods, stone countertops, and vases full of seeded eucalyptus and king protea.

17 of 20

Explore Black's Softer Side

black kitchen trend

Tara Kantor

While blacks can certainly be striking, they also have a softer side. Here, a large kitchen island is swathed in black paint, yet the overall look of the open-style kitchen remains bright and airy. This is due, in part, to the design's use of delicate, organic accessories, like the blooming orchid and the pair of bubble-glass pendants.

18 of 20

Go Glam

black kitchen trend

Tara Kantor

Further proof that black can play a supporting role in almost any aesthetic, this modern kitchen uses black as the springboard to a decidedly glam vibe. Featuring a woodgrain-like finish, the black cabinetry juxtaposes the mirrored finishes of the kitchen's high-polish hardware and luxe accessories.

19 of 20

Add Contrast Through Textures

black kitchen trend

True Home

Just like an all-black outfit, the key to making a black kitchen visually interesting is in the layering of various textures. Try pairing blacks with unexpected materials such as metallic accents or pendant lights crafted from woven rattan, as seen in the photo above.

20 of 20

Coordinate Your Appliance

black kitchen trend

True Home

Achieve continuity in your design by choosing appliances in a coordinating shade of black. In this galley-style kitchen, a black range blends seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry. The vent hood echoes the color of the range and pops against the backsplash of glossy white subway tiles.

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