15 Beautiful Black and White Kitchens That Are Timeless
Graphic has never looked so good.
Despite the uptick in colorful kitchen cabinets and avant garde tile backsplashes, classic black and white kitchens still reign supreme among the top trends in kitchen design. And for good reason: The pairing is both timeless and versatile, seamlessly jumping from minimalist to maximalist without skipping a beat. Black and white kitchens, however, can easily feel drab or dated if not accessorized and designed correctly. Opt for open shelving or skylights to ensure dark paint doesn't make a small black and white kitchen feel cave-like, and use high-gloss paint and gold accents for a more glamorous take on the color palette. For a more subtle approach, stick to the greyscale throughout the space and let your architecture do the talking.
The best part about modern black and white kitchens is they'll never go out of style. The easiest way to make the hues feel fresh if you're getting sick of them is to swap in new lighting, hardware, and accent colors. We love neutrals for a modern kitchen or a farmhouse feel and matte black hardware for an industrial vibe. If you're worried about black and white being too stark or graphic, we recommend pairing the colors with light hardwood floors or painting your upper cabinets white and lower ones black for a toned-down take.
Beautiful black and white kitchens can work for practically everyone, no matter your style or sensibility. Ahead, we're highlighting 15 black and white kitchens to spark your inspiration. They just might have you running to the hardware store to grab a gallon of paint.
Gild the Lighting
To add some glamour to the otherwise stark color palette, opt for brass or gold lighting. The metal finish provides a warm tone to contrast the paint and adds drama.
Opt for Open Storage
To prevent black cabinets from looking and feeling too dark, keep the storage open. If you must have closed cabinets, take a note from this kitchen and choose frosted glass door fronts for a lighter feel.
Pick an Accent Color
Keep things simple by only having three colors in your kitchen—black, white, and an accent. It an even be a metallic finish. In this kitchen, burnished copper makes an appearance on the oven handle and range hood.
Let It Shine
A black-and-white kitchen doesn't have to require a paint job. Go for a refined, restaurant-like atmosphere with high-gloss tiles and equally dramatic hardwood floors. Keep the ceiling white to make it appear higher.
Choose Graphic Patterns
A geometric rug and countertop artwork continue the room's color palette, but they bring a more dynamic energy to the colors than just a solid wash of paint.
Go Greyscale
If black feels too dark for you, leave it as an accent hue and take the greyscale approach. In this kitchen, black and white play supporting roles to cool-toned cabinets.
Adorn the Range Hood
To add interest to the neutral hues, add flair with an artistic range hood. This one's pattern adds visual depth and makes a functional appliance more like an art installation.
Take It Outdoors
Black and white kitchens can also work outdoors. Choose light-colored pavers and build your dream space in deep hues from the ground up.
Make It Rustic
To warm up the color palette, opt for lush greenery accents and exposed beams or wooden kitchen utensils. The natural finishes lend a more casual air to the black and white shades.
Go for Light and Bright
If you prefer white cabinets, bring in black through your marble's veining. In this Atlanta kitchen by designer Jerel Lake, the dramatic waterfall countertop and backsplash have just enough black for contrast.
Mix Metals
To add a luxurious flair to black and white, don't be afraid to mix metals. This kitchen opted for silver drawer pulls alongside a glossy black range with dramatic gold hardware.
Create Depth
An easy way to create depth with black and white without covering your kitchen from head to toe is to use the darker hue to accent its trim and woodwork.
Don't Forget the Floors
Mixing black and navy is only a faux pas in fashion. This kitchen proves the two hues can work together to create a stunning space with navy cabinets and black and white tile flooring.
Industrial Chic
Use concrete and brass as kitchen materials to bring an industrial vibe to a black and white color scheme. Concrete lightens the black, while brass adds warmth to keep the space from feeling like a warehouse.
Add a Skylight
Brighten up black cabinets with a dramatic skylight. Open shelving also keeps this alcove kitchen from feeling too boxed in from the rest of the home.
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