White color, as a symbol of purity, freshness and light, has long been considered the most universal color when developing kitchen design. But choosing black can be quite a bold decision. Through the correct use of black and white, you can prove yourself to be a true connoisseur of modern design trends, since monochrome combinations are a sign of subtle taste.
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Black and white kitchens are usually chosen by supporters of laconic, but at the same time, expressive solutions. This color scheme has, on the one hand, simplicity, and on the other hand, restrained nobility. It is suitable for calm and balanced people who love order.
Pros of a black and white kitchen
- Versatility. With this design, it is difficult to make mistakes in color combinations and it is easier to avoid color errors.
- White surfaces are able to reflect light, creating a feeling of spaciousness.
- A black and white kitchen is a great place for experimentation.
But there are also some disadvantages:
- Be prepared to clean frequently, as all the stains and specks of dust are clearly visible on black, while specks, droplets and soot are visible on white.
- Black color can visually make the kitchen space smaller.
- Excess black in the interior can cause stress, bad mood and even depression.
What to do in black and what in white
Once you have decided that the kitchen design will include only a classic combination of two colors, the next question arises: what to do in black and what in white.
White kitchen - black countertop
When the white palette predominates, and black is used only in details, the interior becomes clearer and geometric. The black countertop marks the boundary between two parallel cabinets and outlines the work area.
This creates a feeling of deep space and makes the interior more dynamic. Black chairs, lamps, black and white prints or posters on the walls will help to enhance the accent.
White kitchen - black apron
The apron is designed to protect walls from all kinds of contamination during the cooking process. However, it can become a stylish element of kitchen decor. Emphasizes the severity and harmony of the kitchen. This is a kind of background for furniture that will look more advantageous; even simple cabinets and shelves are transformed.
White top black bottom
Perhaps this kitchen looks too formal, not homey. But still, this creative idea has gained considerable popularity, becoming a win-win option. A clear contrast delimits the space.
The upper zone of the kitchen seems airy, and the lower one becomes more weighty. The walls of the room visually move apart. And the main plus: the black color perfectly camouflages large household appliances.
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White kitchen - black floor
The black floor gives the room respectability. Regardless of how full the furniture is, the kitchen will look rich, without feeling empty. And from a psychological point of view, such a design is very comfortable for a person, as it creates a feeling of earthiness and reliability. There is no need for additional accents in the kitchen - the floor takes on this mission.
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Black table – white kitchen
A black dining table surrounded by comfortable chairs goes perfectly with a white kitchen set. It can become a bright accent in one copy, or can be supported by a small number of black objects. In addition, a table in this color provides ample opportunities to effectively complement the kitchen interior with napkins, dishes and other compositions.
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Kitchen interior design with black countertop, floor, splashback, sink or faucet
The interior of a black kitchen is usually chosen for rooms with high ceilings. At the same time, the area of the room is not as important as the height of the ceilings. A 10-square-meter kitchen with black cabinetry can also look great. But if it has low ceilings, the furniture will most likely feel too massive. To visually unload the room, today designers are trying to choose sets without upper cabinets - with open shelves, paintings, sideboards above standard bases. And the built-in columns of kitchen units usually have a floor-to-ceiling format and are recessed into a plasterboard niche.
Art Deco kitchen with black, gray and white glossy marble floor
A black kitchen really suits glossy elements: glass cupboards, polished marble, glossy facades, glazed tiles, glossy household appliances, which create reflections and make the interior more elegant.
Modern kitchen with black splashback and built-in lighting
Black kitchen interior design usually has several built-in lighting scenarios. For example, an LED strip for a worktop, lighting for buffet areas, shelves, a set at floor level, as well as a suspended or suspended ceiling with soffits and LED strips. And all this is in addition to the standard central chandelier.
Designer kitchen with island with black cupboards and appliances
In the design of household appliances, most designers give preference to black or steel elements. There is also an option with a retro-style accent refrigerator, for example, SMEG. In a black kitchen you can often find gold, silver, and brass decorative elements. For example, in the inlay of a marble floor or apron, on fittings and handles, tableware and cutlery, lamps, and decorative items.
Black marbled kitchen apron in a kitchen with two-tone facades
A black kitchen apron always looks very modern in the kitchen. The most popular options are marble and concrete finishes. It will go perfectly with a black kitchen sink, which will be made either of the same material (for example, marbled Corian) or steel. A black kitchen sink can be ceramic or natural marble. You can choose a steel, gold or black kitchen faucet to match it.
Third color
Black and white are a fairly self-sufficient pair. But by accentuating a third color, you can give the interior a special emotion. How to turn a duet of black and white into a trio?
Red
The most effective option.
Any red detail in a black and white interior will add dynamism and slight aggression to the kitchen.
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Any shades are suitable: scarlet, raspberry, fuchsia, carmine. But it is worth remembering that red is very powerful.
It concentrates attention on itself, so it is very important to find a balance, or rather a measured amount of this color as a third.
Grey
In fact, this shade is the result of mixing black and white colors.
As an accent, it can reduce and neutralize contrast. At the same time, it does not introduce anything unnecessary.
The variety of gray palette will allow you to achieve any desired result: add restraint or add emotion, create a vintage or urban mood, make the kitchen laconic or more openwork.
Green
This is the color of life, the color of nature.
Its relaxing meditative properties are generally recognized.
Green splashes in a black and white kitchen will dilute its severity and give a spring, optimistic mood.
The shade can be anything: from delicate mint to gloomy marsh, from bright salad to rich herbaceous.
Green color will undoubtedly make the kitchen more “appetizing”, because it is the color of apples, cucumbers, avocados, olives, and spinach.
Yellow
A color that can invigorate, set you in a positive mood, stimulate activity, digestion and appetite. Yellow accents will light up in a black and white kitchen, like bright light bulbs, like sunbeams, adding the necessary energy boost and creating a feeling of warmth.
However, it should be borne in mind that with prolonged exposure, the abundance of yellow paints begins to tire and even irritate. Therefore, it is important not to overdo it.
Bright elements will help avoid facelessness in the interior and dilute its excessive severity and coldness.
Using paints, you can highlight small household appliances, lamps, chairs, curtains, vases, ceramic figurines, etc.
But it is worth observing moderation, since many unnecessary details can fragment the interior, depriving it of unity.
High tech
Glossy textures, metallic, bright shades are the main expectations from this style. What will a black and white high-tech kitchen look like? Judging by the reviews - excellent! It is characterized by a monochrome design.
Pay attention to this option: matte white finish and glossy black set. Blue LED lighting adds zest - a technique that has become increasingly fashionable in recent years.
Details play a huge role in such interiors: a patterned apron, an unusual chandelier or lamps, decorative elements. Take the time to think through little things like this: they create the atmosphere.
Here is another interesting solution - a kitchen-living room with red accents in black and white.
Pay attention to the successful move with zoning - black predominates in the work area, and light in the dining room. This makes the room look more structured and organized, which helps maintain order.
If you are not afraid of the high cost of custom-made headsets, make it something like this. The futuristic design of such furniture corresponds to the spirit of high-tech. And it just looks great. True, those who like an abundance of decor should look for another option - do not distract attention from the main element, it is good in itself.
If the space of the room allows, install a white kitchen island with lighting from below in the center of the kitchen. To match it, decorate the main work area with a stove and sink on a black background.
But make the built-in refrigerator and tall cabinets black. Decorate the glossy white floor with a soft “checkerboard” rug. Yes, finding suitable furniture and accessories will require material and time costs - but the result is worth it.
What style is suitable for a kitchen in black and white?
A black and white kitchen is simply ideal for those who are not afraid to bring the most fantastic ideas to life.
Almost everything goes with these colors. To be sure, it is enough to draw a parallel with clothing. Therefore, it is not surprising that the combination of black and white can be implemented in literally any style.
Classic style
It is characterized by symmetry and strict geometric shapes.
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Both in furniture and decoration, natural or decorated materials, carved wooden elements and fittings of traditional shapes are used.
The flooring should also be wooden.
The furniture chosen is comfortable, but practical, with smooth, elegant outlines.
Chandeliers are always openwork and decorated.
High tech
This is a strict design, clear lines and smooth facades.
Style loves gloss and shine.
Plastic, leather and metal are appropriate here. They will make a black and white kitchen more modern, especially in combination with steel, glass, silver and chrome items.
A good solution would be spot lighting in different places.
Minimalism
Everything is subordinated to functionality and avoidance of excesses. This style categorically rejects useless decorations and other decorative elements that do not carry a logical load.
A set with straight lines and smooth doors, no open shelves or small objects in sight.
Appliances are usually built-in, lamps and furniture are undecorated.
But there are also softened versions of the minimalist style, for example, Scandinavian, when bright details are allowed: one or two paintings, a chandelier, curtains, serving napkins.
Retro
It’s difficult to come up with the best color combination for this style. It will fill the kitchen space with a vintage spirit, as if taking us back to the era of black and white cinema. The emphasis is on the play of light by combining glossy and matte surfaces.
The apron can be made with a stylized pattern. And creative accessories in the hand-made style, demonstrating the extraordinary taste of the owner of the kitchen, will help to add a unique edge to the interior.
Loft
This avant-garde style is very popular among residents of modern cities.
There is always a lot of metal in the loft; the decoration is dominated by brick, concrete, rough pipes and aged wood. But its main feature is the maximum open space. That’s why the loft appealed to city dwellers who were tired of cramped spaces.
A black and white kitchen can fit very harmoniously into this style; exposed brickwork will be an excellent backdrop for it.
Provence
The most cozy and truly homely atmosphere is created by a black and white kitchen, decorated in a romantic Provence style. This is a paradise for lovers of decorative dishes and cute trinkets.
Bright curtains, patterned wallpaper and naive floral decor would be quite appropriate. Numerous open shelves where jars, plates, and spices will be placed are welcome.
Black technology
Kitchen appliances are chosen, of course, not by color, but by their functionality . It’s nice that the choice of equipment in stores is so large that popular models are available in several types of finishes. At the very least, white, grey, black and steel housings are a common option among many manufacturers. So choosing black appliances for a white kitchen is not so difficult. The surface of the equipment can be glossy (usually glass) or matte (painted). Can be thought of as two different black colors. The glossy surface is almost mirror-like, reflecting the surrounding environment. Works like a mirror in the interior. The matte surface is a “black hole”, it does not reflect anything and attracts all attention. The object seems larger and more significant. For a white kitchen with smooth facades, it is better to choose predominantly glossy black appliances. The walls should be white or light. a flat-screen TV looks great in this interior – the sleek black screen supports the artistic concept of the kitchen space.
A selection of black kitchen appliances with a glossy surface and quartz countertops
For a white kitchen with paneled or embossed facades, the best option is matte black appliances, with a minimum of glass parts. And, yes! TV is also very appropriate here.
A selection of black kitchen appliances with a matte surface
In conclusion, a few words about accessories and small household appliances . Fabric for curtains should be chosen in neutral colors, plain or with a geometric pattern. But lamps, a table with chairs, decor, paintings, dishes, napkins - will fill the interior of your white room with the content that you want to give it. For kitchen appliances, the right combination of black with steel, polished steel, glass.
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Which people suit a black and white kitchen?
The opinion that black and white interior is boring, mediocre and suitable only for offices has long lost its relevance. This range is moderately solemn, restrained and neutral at the same time.
It is of great importance for people who prefer noble shades. Black color, especially in combination with gloss and glass, gives a feeling of depth and infinity. White gives airiness and lightness.
Black and white kitchen suits people who:
- value style;
- want to always stay in trend;
- find a compromise between elegance and practicality;
- do not like halftones;
- are not afraid of non-trivial solutions;
- strive for absolute harmony.
Black and white kitchens look quite extravagant in homes where it is customary to show them off rather than hide them. And what could be more advantageous than a stylish monochrome design.
