White has been the go-to color for American kitchens for the past several decades, but in recent years, demand for gleaming, shiny white kitchen decor has begun to wane. And in its place, we have the increasing use of black in kitchen home design. This color has historically been underserved in American kitchens, but homeowners are finally opening their eyes to the unique benefits of incorporating it into their cooking spaces. Whereas before 2010 you’d be hard-pressed to find any meaningful black presence in kitchens, today, it’s one of the most sought-after design elements.
In this post, we’ll run through everything you need to know about incorporating black in your kitchen renovation project, including why it’s become popular, the downsides, and some smart and stylish ways to add the color to your home.
Why People Love Black Kitchen Design
If you’ve been paying attention to home decor websites and magazines in recent years, you’ll have noticed that there’s been a marked increase in the amount of black-themed kitchens that you’re seeing. Black kitchen design is certainly having a moment, with searches for this type of kitchen decor increasing 46% year-on-year — not bad for a decor decision that, up until recently, just wasn’t on people’s radar.
The increase in interest is not by accident. As it turns out, there’s much to love about incorporating black into kitchen design. Just check out some of the key benefits below.
It’s Trending
Who doesn’t want to have a home that’s trendy and fashionable? We all do! The main trendsetters in home decor, such as Ideal Home, have been touting black kitchens as the next big thing for a while now, and that’s just what’s happened. Homeowners looking to bring their kitchens in the 2020s could do worse than giving their cooking room a touch or two of black.
It’s Versatile
You can do a lot with black in the kitchen. It’s a versatile color that can look great in a wide variety of kitchen decor styles. For example, you can use it in a kitchen remodeling project if you’re trying to achieve a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, or you can use it as part of a bohemian and crowded aesthetic. Even if you just use small doses of black, such as by including black fixtures, you’ll find that it can help to elevate the space. Basically, it’s a color that all homeowners can embrace, regardless of their preferred kitchen style.
It Contrasts Well With Other Colors
It takes an especially bold person to make their kitchen completely black. Most people who follow this trend just make a percentage of the design black; sometimes it’s just a touch, and at other times it’s the dominant color. You lighten the load by incorporating other colors into the design. Happily, black pairs well with many colors, so there’s a lot of scope for playing around. It works especially well with natural materials (such as wood and stone) and with bold colors.
It’s Impactful
Looking to make a powerful punch with your kitchen decor? Then black is the way to go. The dark color gives kitchens a vibrant, instant impact. Sophisticated and inviting, it provides a touch of luxury that other colors cannot match. Everyone pays attention when they step into an all-black kitchen, and even just using hints of the color will turn heads.
It’s In Line With Modern Needs
As we mentioned earlier, black has historically been out of favor in kitchen design. It’s really only in the past 15 years that it began to become a regular presence in these rooms. And that’s not by accident. It’s just following the broader shift in the changing demands and expectations of the kitchen. The rise of open kitchen plans has changed the role of the kitchen — in social spaces, there’s a bigger emphasis on the aesthetic of the room. And to put it simply, black allows for the creation of more beautiful spaces.
Conversely, we may also see the rise of black as being somewhat anti-modern. In a world where everything is connected to the internet and we all “live in the future,” there's an increased desire for touches of the old world. A black range hood with copper accents speaks to traditional kitchens, even if they’re ultimately used as part of a modern kitchen design.
The Downsides of Black Kitchen Home Design
We think that black kitchen designs are fantastic — and given the rapid rise in popularity in recent years, we’d say that most people agree with us. However, as with all things, using black in your kitchen design can have its downsides, as we’ll see below. You’ll find that on balance it’s still the way to go, but it’s best to be aware of the potential downsides before you get your remodeling project underway.
Black Surfaces Can Show Smudges
White kitchens may have fallen somewhat out of fashion, but they did have their plus points. For one thing, they were relatively easy to keep clean — or, at least, to appear clean. Black surfaces tend to show fingerprints and smudges more prominently than other colors, which means you may have to commit to wiping the surfaces down more frequently than you usually would. If you’re not comfortable with spending more time cleaning your kitchen yet still want black in your kitchen, look at installing anti-smudge surface tops.
It Can Make the Space Seem Small
You have to be careful when you’re using black. Otherwise, you may find that it makes your kitchen appear smaller than it is. Dark colors tend to be enclosing and can make the room feel a little claustrophobic. However, this isn’t a guarantee — there are plenty of ways to incorporate black into your kitchen without making the space smaller. It’s just important to keep this color quick in mind during the planning stages.
Trends May Change
Black is very much trending in the kitchen design world right now, but who knows what the future may bring? It’s important to really think about how you’re using black in your kitchen just in case things fall out of fashion. A beautiful black stainless steel sink will look as good in 10 years as it does today, regardless of what happens to kitchen trends, but an all-black kitchen may not be quite as fashionable in 10 years.
How to Incorporate Black Into Your Kitchen Design
As we said above: black is a highly versatile color that you can add to your kitchen in a nearly endless number of ways. If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to add this in-demand color to your kitchen, check out some of the ideas listed below.
Kitchen Islands
Thanks to their high functionality and attractive design, kitchen islands are just as popular as the color black at the moment, so why not look at adding both to your kitchen? A black kitchen island will provide a stunning centerpiece to your kitchen, and will certainly attract attention. If you’re going to do this, then it’s best to find ways to offset the dominant black structure with light color. For example, if you have a black kitchen island, then you may add white cabinets and white walls. Alternatively, you can flip things around, and have a white kitchen island surface with dark cabinets and surrounding accents.
Range Hoods
Range hoods are primarily functional, helping to clear unwanted smells, air, and heat away from your kitchen. However, they also provide an outstanding opportunity to add some beauty to your kitchen. At CopperSmith, we’re proud to offer some truly stunning black range hoods that can come complete with accent colors such as brass or copper. You’ll need to have a range hood in your kitchen, so why not make it one that really elevates the appearance of the room? A brass vent hood with a dark antique finish is a surefire way to add dark color to your kitchen in a timeless, breathtaking way.
Accessories and Accents
Unsure whether you want to fully commit to black in your kitchen design? Then start off small. There are plenty of ways to add touches of black to your cooking space without going all-in. For example, you can begin by adding non-permanent black fixtures, such as a black fridge, dishwasher, microwave, utensils, and kitchen appliances. This will help you to give you an idea of what a black kitchen can feel like, without having to stick with it forever.
Flooring
A relatively easy — and also relatively risk-free — way to add some black to your kitchen is by switching up the flooring. There’s no shortage of black flooring options, including platinum vinyl and stone, which can really help to elevate the look of your kitchen. As well as giving your kitchen the black elements that you’re looking for, you’ll also find that this type of flooring is good for cleanliness since black floors show fewer signs of dirt than white flooring.
Black Kitchen Sink
A quality kitchen sink can give your kitchen a much-noticed boost in aesthetic appeal. If you’re thinking of starting a remodeling project, then it’s the perfect time to add a stunning brass or copper sink to your kitchen. These sinks are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including black. To really make your kitchen pop, look at adding a black farmhouse style sink.
Black Kitchen Walls
Opting for black kitchen walls is a surefire way to get many of the benefits of a black kitchen, without having to worry about going overboard. The walls are typically considered a good starting point for a shift in focus since, while it’ll still be impactful, there’s a lot of wiggle room to play with other colors which can prevent the room from becoming overwhelming. Later on, if you decide that you want to add more black to your kitchen, you can switch out the cupboards and other kitchen fixtures.
Also, if you just need to paint your walls, then you’ll have the chance to play around with various shades of black until you find the one that you’re happiest with. If you’re willing to take a greater leap into the wonderful world of black kitchens, then you can also consider painting the ceiling black.
Tips for Using Black in Kitchen Home Design
As we’ve said: black can look terrific in your kitchen, but it is a slightly riskier shade than others. When it’s done correctly, it’ll revolutionize your kitchen space, but that won’t happen all on its own. In order to maximize the effect and make the space look its best, you’ll need to follow some handy tips, which we’ve outlined below.
Think of Natural Light
Black won’t work as well in already-dark kitchens. Before agreeing to make wholesale changes to the color scheme of your kitchen, it’s best to ensure that the room gets enough natural light to manage the darkness of black. If your kitchen only receives minimal light, then it’ll be best to keep black touches to a minimum — a black island in a room otherwise decorated with light colors, for instance, would work well.
There are ways to add more natural light to your kitchen, however. Sometimes, just switching out your windows for wider, newer windows can do the trick. If you’re in a position to add a skylight, then do so; it’s a highly effective way to make the most of your dark colors and make a statement.
Does it Work With Your Kitchen Size?
Utilizing black in your kitchen will naturally make the space seem smaller than it is. That’s no problem if you have a large kitchen, but if you’re already feeling a little cramped in your kitchen, then it’s best to keep your use of black to a minimum. Whatever size your kitchen currently feels like, you can assume that it’ll feel around 20% smaller if you go overboard with black. If that’s not a sacrifice that you’re willing to make, then use hints of black, rather than full palettes.
Keep the Space Light and Airy
Your focus shouldn’t be on having a black kitchen — the first priority should be to have a kitchen that’s light and airy. If that works well with black, then fantastic. In the end, it’s all about getting the balance right. There should be enough black to make a statement, but still enough light to prevent things from becoming all-consuming. A simple way to do this is to use two-tone colors whenever possible. For example, you might have a run of black cabinets with a lighter top surface.
Add Warmth With Natural Materials
An all-black kitchen can look sleek, modern, and stylish, but it can also look a little cold. One smart way to counterbalance this effect is to add natural materials to your kitchen, which can help to add warmth. Is there a way to add wood countertops to the room? You may also add a range hood or sink made from a natural material, such as copper.
Get the Right Finish
Finally, remember that it’s not just the color that you choose for your kitchen that counts, but the finish of the color. There’s a big difference between a matte finish and a gloss finish, for example. Both serve different purposes. If you’re concerned with the amount of light that’ll enter your kitchen, then opt for gloss, which will reflect light. If you have no light concerns and want to achieve that rustic country look, then opt for matte, which pairs especially well with wood.
The Best Colors to Pair With Black
As we mentioned earlier, one of the joys of incorporating black into your kitchen is that it gives you a lot of wiggle room when it comes to selecting the other colors that you’ll use. If you’re looking to keep things relatively risk-free, then stick to neutral colors, which will help to offset the boldness of the black without making too much of a splash. A black and gray, white, or cream combination is more likely to stand the test of time, too.
If you want to add some bolder color to your black kitchen, then feel free to do so — but try to keep it on the muted side. A dull yellow finish can look fantastic in a black kitchen, for example.
Get Your Dream Kitchen From CopperSmith
Whatever colors you decide to use in your kitchen remodeling project, it’s important to work with the best of the best. After all, the colors you use are only the starting point — it’s the quality of your appliances and finishing that’ll have the biggest impact on the aesthetic strength of your kitchen. At CopperSmith, we’ve built our name on manufacturing exceptional products that can elevate the look and feel of your kitchen. If you’re looking for a stunning range hood, kitchen sink, or kitchen table to add to your recently renovated cooking space, then check out our collection. Our items are highly customizable, and we’ll even send you a 3D configuration of your order and a free quote within 24 hours.