Source: https://www.oppeingroup.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/OP17-PVC06-02.jpg
Are you planning the kitchen, a major remodelling, or a new kitchen entirely? There are so many choices of materials and colours for countertops, cabinetry and appliances. It can be overwhelming! If you google kitchen design ideas, you get millions of design suggestions, ideas and examples. In this article, I will try to help you become a kitchen design expert by following a simple and elegant design rule – black countertops and carefully chosen cabinet colours.
What are black countertops?
Sleek, glossy, black countertops, in granite, quartz, marble or other stone, have long been a signature look in kitchen design, combining elements of elegance and drama with depth and contrast. Black counters come in a wide range of patterns, from matte to glossy, and whatever the aesthetic, they’re also durable, heat-resistant and scratch-resistant. Black countertops are the perfect foil for almost anything in the kitchen. They reflect forks and knives as well as the colours of veggies and fruit.
In addition to their practical benefits, black countertops provide a neutral backdrop for other kitchen elements. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern ambiance or a cosy, country-style kitchen, black countertops are a great design choice – and thanks to their timeless qualities, your kitchen will always look good. Black countertops are a cost-effective, visually stunning way to take your kitchen to the next level, whether it’s contemporary or traditional.
With knowledge of black countertops’ properties and benefits, we can begin to exploit their possibilities in kitchen design. Black countertops’ ability to work with every other colour and texture of cabinetry makes possible a wide range of kitchen design choices.
The appeal of black countertops in kitchen design
At the base of the colour wheel, black countertops grab attention by setting a scene, providing a dramatic backdrop and anchoring the room. Everything in the kitchen lays itself bare against their dark surface – backsplashes, cabinet hardware and other accents suddenly appear with a newfound intensity.
Additionally, black countertops have the ability to feel classic. In almost any setting, they can be used as a foundation for your kitchen’s style, from a white kitchen with sleek linear features and a monochromatic colour scheme, to a more vibrant and mixed-media space that embraces a rainbow of colours and a potpourri of materials. Black – like beige – seems to play well with others. Black countertops fit in everywhere. This versatility might explain their widespread popularity among homeowners and designers alike.
But part of the enduring appeal of black countertops is practical, too: a dark colour is less forgiving, less likely to show stains or spills. It is the sensible choice for a busy family kitchen. For countertops made from quartz or granite, this attribute is particularly important: they are not only beautiful, but durable and resistant to heat so, whatever you throw at them, they will look as beautiful in years to come.
Understanding cabinet colors: A basic guide
Pairing cabinet colours with black countertops doesn’t mean much without understanding the basics of selecting cabinet colours. Cabinets are the most defining feature of the kitchen, and can provide the contrast or complement that you are looking for when paired with your countertops.
Neutral tones such as whites, grays, creams and beiges, are another option to consider, and are useful in creating a feeling of spaciousness and lightness – especially in the case of smaller kitchens, or those with little or no natural light.
On the other hand, dark cabinetry colours such as deep blues, greens or blacks can make a kitchen feel more sophisticated, and can look especially luxurious paired with black countertops for a unified, glamorous feeling. You can avoid making such a dark colour scheme feel claustrophobic by using bright lighting, and possibly lighter walls or backsplashes.
Bold cabinet colours – reds, yellows or darker tones of navy or emerald – can give a kitchen personality and pep. Coupled with black countertops, the colours pop.
How to pair cabinet colors with black countertops: Tips and techniques
When selecting cabinet colours to pair with black countertops, it’s important to approach the task with an eye toward achieving the right balance. By following the tips and techniques below, you’ll have a much better idea of how to make it work.
Contrast it: Black countertops are a good choice for contrasting them with the cabinets. You can use light-coloured or brightly coloured cabinets for highlighting your countertops. This contrast can help to bring liveliness and can spruce up your space. Either light wood tones or white cabinets can make your space airy and fresh, while the bold colours such as yellow or light blue can make it playful.
Stick with Monochrome: For a cool, modern kitchen, build it around black, grey or dark blue cabinets. Monochromatic kitchens create an understated sense of flow from the counter tops to the cabinets, making it feel bigger and more integrated. Add a bit of white or light wood in accessories, flooring or a backsplash to avoid making your kitchen too dark.
Soften It Up: Black countertops can feel cold, particularly when paired with the usual cool colours of stainless-steel appliances. Add some warm wood cabinets in cherry, oak or walnut to make the area feel more welcoming.
Texture and Finish Are Also Crucial Besides colour, the texture and finish of your cabinets can also have a big impact on how they look. Glossy cabinet finishes will reflect light, making the space brighter, while matte finishes are a little more subdued and sophisticated. Textured cabinets (eg, those with a wood grain) can also add depth and interest when combined with the sleekness of black countertops.
Avoiding common mistakes while pairing cabinet colors with black countertops
There are some typical pitfalls to avoid when choosing a colour for cabinets when paired with black countertops. Here is a list of what you should avoid to achieve the best possible design.
1.Darkening the Space with Cabinets: If your cabinets are dark, black countertops will look great, but make sure there is also lightness in your space to prevent your kitchen from looking dark and cramped. You could add some light walls, flooring, or a brightly coloured statement backsplash, for example.
2. Oversight of Lighting: You might find the light fixtures and even the windows in a kitchen beautiful, but if the space is not carefully lit, then all the rest becomes wasted. If the countertop is dark and the cabinets are darker, make sure the lighting compliments this palette and creates an inviting space.
3. Ignore the hardware and accessories: The cabinet hardware and accessories also play a big part in the final look of the kitchen, whether it’s more modern or more traditional. Pick hardware that plays well with the cabinet colours and black countertops. A little hardware will pull it all together.
Conclusion: Mastering the art of kitchen design
Pairing cabinet colours and black countertops is a perfect match when done right. With a basic understanding of colour selection for cabinets, a love for contrast and texture, and a list of pitfalls to avoid, you’ll be able to make your kitchen a beautiful, inviting place that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Keep in mind what style your home is, what you like and dislike, and how you and your family use your kitchen as you make your selections. You can find a professional cabinet manufacturer like OPPEIN for help with the new kitchen solution.
