Dark Kitchen Cabinets

Dark Kitchen Cabinets | milesredd.com | via Design-Vox.com

I don’t have a strong preference one way or the other when it comes to light versus dark kitchen cabinets. I like the purest whites as well as the deepest blacks and many choices in between. Still, I think I might lean slightly in favor of going dark. Isn’t the above glossy blue cabinetry amazing? I want it to have white countertops and brass hardware. Oh that would be good.

Dark Kitchen Cabinets | theortitz.com | via Design-Vox.com

I adore this. Unfussy chic at it’s best. That matte black is making me crazy.

Dark Kitchen Cabinets | thedesignfiles.net | via Design-Vox.com

Shut. Up. This is jaw dropping. Forgive the slightly creepy suspended cat head. These luscious saturated blues are just perfection. Art in the kitchen gets a big “Yes” from me and I love these poignant portraits. How about that paint treatment with the free-handed stripes? It would be overwhelming covering a whole wall, but as a limited feature I think it’s awesome. This type of room might scare off a lot of people. The predominant reaction is probably, “Interesting, but I could never do that in my own home.” I challenge you to ask yourself: why the heck not? As soon as you start pushing your mind to think beyond the “safe” and the expected, amazing things can happen.

one | Miles Redd
two | Lucas Jimeno, photo by The Ortiz, via 79 ideas
three | David Bromley, photo by Toby Scott, via The Design Files

Super Classy Neutral Kitchens

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Super Classy Neutral Kitchens | atmosphereid.ca | Featured on Design-Vox.com

Oh so slick and shiny! Love the modern cabinetry and dark wood tone. The waterfall countertop is a winner in my book. Are you familiar with that term, waterfall countertop? It refers to the way the counter material extends over the edge and to the floor. It’s a luxurious look, even more so with my beloved white marble.

Super Classy Neutral Kitchens | adamhunterinc.com | Featured on Design-Vox.com

This is a well stocked kitchen! I’m a fan of the simple black countertop paired with white. I don’t think I could or should ever have a liquor stash like that, but this is the way to display it if you do! Notice how high those shelves are; far from a child’s reach.

Super Classy Neutral Kitchens | skonahem.com | Featured on Design-Vox.com

This is my favorite. Of course you know I love the marble. I also like the creamy paint color and the beautiful tile floor. Sometimes busy patterns like that don’t work for me. In fact it’s possible if I saw the whole room I might find it a little overwhelming. But in this shot anyway I think it’s lovely. I also love the not stainless steel oven. Stainless is not the only option when upgrading your appliances!

oneAtmosphere Interior Design via nicety
two | designed by Adam Hunter via desire to inspire
three | Skona Hem via 79 ideas

Finishes That Speak For Themselves

kitchen042213 01

I like me a quirky kitchen, but not everybody needs or wants funky art or bold tile or show-stopping chandeliers. Some of the most gorgeous kitchens feature none of those extras but still take my breath away with stunning finishes. Like the kitchen above, which I literally don’t think I can talk about because it’s too beautiful.

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You don’t need to add any extra flair when you have an amazing space like this. That gorgeous wood and amazing circular window speak for themselves. It would be a shame to clutter up this room and distract from the simple beauty.

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Guh. Painfully beautiful. You all know how much I love marble. And I am aware of how expensive burl wood is, so the fact that this entire island is covered in it is amazing. Subdued art, unfussy storage, and beautiful but simple light fixtures complement this kitchen’s finishes while letting them be the star of the room.

one // designed by Robert Bakes & Cecil Baker for House Beautiful via Design Crisis
two // the home of Kirsty Davey, photographed by Brooke Holm,
for The Design Files via desire to inspire
three // the home of designer Rose Uniacke via 79 ideas

Using Black In Kitchen Design

kitchen040413 01

Whether it’s a little or a lot, black can do amazing things in interior design. Many designers believe that every room needs at least a little black, and they’re definitely on to something. Black gives things depth, drama, and contrast. If a room feels unfinished, juvenile, or bland, add black and I bet it will be transformed. I love the broad use of black in the above kitchen.

kitchen040413 02

One big moment of black may be what you need, like what they’ve done with this island. And it doesn’t necessarily need to be a true-black to get this effect. If you’ve ever opened up a paint fan deck you’ll know that there are an astounding number of “whites” and “blacks”. You could go with a favorite of mine, blue-black, or any other über dark color that reads as black at first glance but has added nuance from other hues.

Using Black In Kitchen Design / GlucksteinHome.com / Featured on Design-Vox.com

The use of black in this kitchen is just perfect in my opinion. It borders the lower cabinets and then accents the uppers. If they had gone with all white, the room would be entirely different. Not bad, but not nearly as dramatic and special.

I had my own run-in with the power of black in design while updating my bathroom recently. I’m getting closer every day to being able to share that with you guys!

one // by Greg Natale
two // the home of Jenna Lyons, photographed by Melanie Acevedo, via my ideal home
three // Gluckstein Home via Design Crisis

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