What do you think of black kitchens?   

Dramatic, sophisticated, glamorous, or too scary to even contemplate?  I must admit I am put off by those ultra modern shiny black kitchens that modern developers use to attract young buyers, but, done right, black kitchens can look lovely too.

Keep the walls white, or at least pale.  That way the black kitchen cabinets have a lovely bright contrast.  Window frames and architraves can look stunning painted black too, but make sure it’s matt black to keep the look contemporary.

Keep wall cabinets to a minimum or at least replace some with open shelving or with glass fronts.  Too much solid black will almost certainly feel oppressive.

Use reflective surfaces to bounce light around the room.  Shiny stainless steel, glossy wall tiles, or glass (see above) will all work.

Make sure that you plan for lots of different lighting sources.  A black kitchen at night might look like a black hole but with plenty of task lighting and mood lighting it will look glamorous and inviting.

Introduce some warm wood tones into the scheme.  It can be the work surface, a table or even the floor.  Too much black and white without relief can look cold.

Keep accessories simple.  White tableware, steel utensils, wooden boards and linen will all create a sophisticated look.  Depending on the accessories you choose the look can become country, contemporary or industrial.

If you love black but really cannot take the plunge, why not compromise with a white kitchen and black island?

Would you contemplate a black kitchen?

Image sources: 1 jean-marc wullschleger 2 remodelista 3 elle decor 4 design shuffle 5 gregory mellor 6 apartmenttherapy 7 atlanta homes and lifestyles 8 decorpad