Dark kitchen cabinets can create a dramatic atmosphere in your home, especially when paired with rich, moody hues on the walls or decor. Here is an in-depth look at achieving this striking aesthetic in your own kitchen.
Why Choose Dark Kitchen Cabinets?
Dark colored kitchen cabinets are having a major moment right now. Here are some of the reasons this trend is so popular:
- Sophisticated Look – Dark cabinets immediately give a kitchen a more upscale, elegant vibe. The deep tones lend a refined, expensive appearance.
- Cozy Atmosphere – Unlike stark white cabinets, dark cabinetry brings warmth and coziness to a kitchen. The moody effect makes the room feel more intimate.
- Dramatic Impact – Few design choices make as much of a statement as ultra-dark cabinetry. The bold look acts as a dramatic focal point.
- Classic Style – While trendy, dark cabinets are also classic. The timeless look will stay stylish for years to come.
- Accentuates Colors – Deep cabinet colors emphasize and accentuate other bright, bold shades in the kitchen. Lively paint colors really pop against a dark background.
So if you’re seeking a kitchen with serious drama and atmosphere, dark cabinetry is the way to go. The moody, cozy vibe also feels extra inviting. Keep reading for more tips on successfully implementing this popular look.
Choosing the Right Dark Color
Dark kitchen cabinets encompass a wide range of deep, dramatic shades. Consider the following colors and tones when selecting cabinetry:
Black
A true black palette brings unmatched drama and sophistication to a kitchen. It also serves as a blank canvas, allowing any other colors to really stand out. Black cabintes work especially well in modern, contemporary kitchens.
Charcoal Gray
For a slightly softer alternative to black, charcoal gray kitchen cabinets are stunning. The gray undertones keep the look from feeling too stark. Charcoal cabinets pair perfectly with cool-toned colors like blues and greens.
Dark Walnut
Dark, espresso-stained walnut cabinets bring warmth along with the drama. The rich brown wood tones look elegant while also lending an organic vibe. Dark walnut shaker-style cabinets also remain a popular option.
Deep Green
Vibrant dark green cabinets make for an unexpected, unique look. Deep emerald and forest green shades give off woodsy, nature-inspired vibes. Use green cabinets to inject an eclectic flair into a more traditional kitchen.
Navy Blue
Another bold dark option, navy blue kitchen cabinets feel both stylish and nautical. Navy looks especially pretty paired with brass accents and a marble countertop. The colors complement each other beautifully.
Dark Gray
A very on-trend shade, dark gray cabinets strike an ideal balance between trendy and classic. Gray kitchen cabinets in various charcoal, slate and graphite tones combine nicely with marble, brass hardware, and white countertops.
Have fun experimenting with different dark cabinet shades to find the perfect moody hue for your specific kitchen. Keep reading for more cabinet design tips and ideas.
Cabinet Door Style
The style of your dark kitchen cabinets’ doors significantly impacts the overall look. Consider these door options:
Shaker
Classic shaker-style cabinet doors with a flat center panel and visible trim create a clean, versatile look. Shaker cabinets suit both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
Slab
For a minimalist, streamlined aesthetic, opt for simple slab cabinet doors lacking any trim or ornamentation. The flat-front look keeps things low-key.
Inset
Inset cabinet doors fit snugly within the door frame for a seamless, built-in appearance. The inset look tends to feel more formal and traditional.
Louvered
Doors with angled horizontal slats allow for a more airy, breezy cabinet style. Louvered doors also grant the interior shelving partial visibility.
Mix up door styles like shaker and slab for visual interest. For a cohesive look, stick with minimalist slab doors. The unfussy style puts all the focus on the gorgeous cabinet color itself.
Hardware
Don’t overlook the importance of cabinet hardware! Drawer pulls and knobs in finishes like brass, black iron, or brushed nickel complete the kitchen’s overall aesthetic.
Brass hardware brings a lovely warmth that pairs perfectly with navy or black cabinets. The opposing tones play off each other beautifully.
Matte black hardware feels modern and edgy against dark gray or charcoal cabinets. The matching dark tones feel harmonious.
Nickel finishes lend an elegant, refined touch that complements most cabinet colors. Nickel knobs or pulls keep things classy.
When selecting hardware, hold up options directly against your cabinets to see what looks best. You want the finishes to work cohesively together. Mixing metals can work too, but stick with just two complementary metals.
Countertops
With ultra-dark cabinetry, you’ll want to carefully select the right countertop colors and materials to complement the look.
White Marble
Classic white or gray marble paired with dark cabinets creates a lovely contrast. The swirling white patterns really pop against a dark background.
Black Marble
For a high-contrast look, solid black marble countertops make the dark cabinets the star of the show. The combo feels super dramatic and luxe.
Butcher Block
Rich acacia or walnut butcher block countertops bring out the warmth of dark brown cabinets. The similar wood tones create harmony.
Quartz
Neutral-toned countertops like white or gray quartz blend nicely without competing with bold cabinet colors. They recede to keep focus on the cabinetry.
Granite
Colorful speckled granite like Uba Tuba lends movement and vibrancy. The bright, bold granite pairs perfectly with dramatic cabinet colors.
In general, aim for countertops in light, medium, or rich contrasting tones rather than matching the cabinets exactly. This helps the different elements stand out individually.
Backsplash Ideas
The kitchen backsplash presents the perfect opportunity to incorporate color and pattern. Consider these backsplash ideas with dark cabinets:
Boldly Bright
A vividly colored backsplash like cobalt blue, citron yellow, or kelly green looks striking against dark cabinetry. Go bold and playful.
Retro Checkerboard
For serious drama, try a retro checkerboard tile pattern in contrasting hues like black and white or navy and yellow.
Classic Subway Tile
A classic bright white subway tile backsplash keeps things fresh and light. The high-contrast look is simple yet stunning.
Natural Stone
Honed soapstone, travertine, or slate backsplash tiles complement darker cabinets with an earthy vibe. The soft neutral tones allow the cabinets to stand out.
Patterned Moroccan
Vibrant Moroccan-style patterned tile in zesty colors embodies eclectic, bohemian flair. It’s an adventurous accent against dark cabinets.
Feel empowered to have fun with your backsplash design. Remember, the rich cabinetry acts as a dramatic neutral backdrop to showcase any bright, bold, or colorful backsplash.
Flooring Ideas
Strategically selecting the kitchen flooring completes the moody, dramatic ambiance. Consider these flooring options:
Dark Wood Plank
The natural warmth of walnut or hickory wood flooring brings out the richness of dark cabinets. Wood also suits traditional style kitchens.
Black & White Checkerboard
Checkered or chessboard-patterned tile instantly transports the kitchen to vintage 1950s diners in the coolest way.
Gray Wood-Look Tile
Large-format faux wood plank tiles in a washed gray or weathered driftwood color feel light and airy against dark cabinetry.
Bold Patterned Tile
Colorful patterned cement tile in graphic motifs effortlessly channels boho energy. Moroccan patterns like zigzags or geometric shapes are endlessly artistic.
High-Gloss Tile
For contemporary flair, try glossy black penny tile with thin grout lines. The sleek tile reflects the kitchen lighting like a modern disco.
Kitchen flooring can subtly continue the color scheme with natural tones like walnut wood. Or make the floors more vibrant to balance the moody cabinets. The options are limitless!
Wall Color Ideas
Strategic wall color pairs can really accentuate dark kitchen cabinets or add striking contrast. Consider these color combinations:
Black Cabinets + Mustard Yellow
Bold mustard yellow walls bring serious heat against sophisticated black cabinets. It’s an unexpected, energetic color pairing.
Navy Cabinets + Robin’s Egg Blue
Playful robin’s egg blue walls give navy cabinetry a cheerful, coastal vibe. The light blue really pops against the dark navy.
Charcoal Cabinets + Sage Green
Earthy sage green walls lend a relaxing, organic contrast to smokey charcoal gray cabinets.
Espresso Cabinets + Terracotta
Vibrant terracotta or burnt orange walls mixed with deep espresso cabinets creates a daring, dramatic pairing. The colors intensify each other.
Dark Gray Cabinets + Celadon
Soft, heavenly celadon green walls provide a tranquil contrast to dark gray cabinets. The pairing feels spa-like.
Black Cabinets + Cherry Red
Make a bold, rock n’ roll statement by pairing rich black cabinets with fiery cherry or crimson walls. The clash is electrifying.
Painting one wall as an accent color and the rest neutral allows you to add in pops of brightness while maintaining balance. And don’t forget to carry accent wall colors into decor pieces like throw pillows, rugs, and window treatments. Consistent colors and textures create harmony.
Decor Ideas
Use key accent decor elements to complete the moody, rich look:
Pendant Lighting
Dramatic pendant lighting instantly energizes kitchens. Go for bold black wrought iron lanterns or brass Edison bulbs. Suspended rods also create great style.
Fresh Greenery
Lively potted herb gardens or hanging ivy inject freshness into dark spaces. Greenery in the kitchen infuses life and texture.
Vintage Rugs
Incorporate vintage tribal rugs or ornate Persian rugs to underline the kitchen’s exotic flair. Ancient patterns look so artistic against dark cabinets.
Textured Ceramics
Handmade stoneware, glossy ceramics, or textured pottery introduce more visual interest to open shelves. Display your favorites.
Window Treatments
Don’t forget the windows! Framing them with velvet curtains or linen roman shades enhances the kitchen’s coziness and softens harsh light.
Have fun seeking unique flea market finds to showcase or implementing creative DIY projects. The rich cabinetry acts as a dramatic, moody foundation for all your stylish visions!
Avoiding a Cave-Like Effect
With full dark cabinetry, the kitchen could veer into feeling too dark and cave-like if not balanced properly. Avoid this through strategic use of:
- White subway tile backsplash
- Light granite or quartz countertops
- Pops of colors like yellow walls
- Bright white open shelving and trim
- Abundant lighting – chandeliers, sconces, and recessed lighting
- Mirror backsplashes to reflect light
- Sheer window treatments to maximize sunlight
The goal is to offset and illuminate the dark cabinetry, keeping things from feeling gloomy or dingy. Light prevents a cave-like effect.
Envisioning Your Dream Dark Kitchen
Dark, dramatic kitchen cabinets make an undeniable statement and instantly transform the vibe of the entire space. Take time to thoughtfully envision the atmosphere you want to achieve. Mood boards help visualize different color palettes, materials, and style elements.
Analyze what excites you most – modern and edgy? Retro and eclectic? Cozy and relaxed? This informs the colors, textures, lighting, and decor to harmoniously bring your vision to life.
Dark kitchen cabinets lend endless depth, intrigue and personality. Make the most of this rich, customizable canvas to create your dream dramatic kitchen sanctuary. With the right accent colors and decorative flourishes, the moody possibilities are truly endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors go well with dark kitchen cabinets?
Light, bright accent colors like white, yellow, robin’s egg blue, and emerald green go beautifully with dark kitchen cabinets. Metallic accents in brass, gold, and silver also pop. For a more neutral palette, pair deep wood cabinet tones with cream, taupe, or black and white.
What backsplash looks best with dark cabinets?
A classic white subway tile backsplash adds clean contrast against dark cabinets. Natural stone like marble, travertine or slate also complements them elegantly. For more drama, opt for a bold patterned tile backsplash in contrasting colors.
What flooring works with dark kitchen cabinets?
Rich wood flooring made from mahogany, walnut or hickory harmonizes with deep cabinetry. Wood-look luxury vinyl plank is an affordable alternative. For more visual contrast, install checkered tile or colorfully patterned cement tile floors.
Should I avoid dark cabinets in a small kitchen?
Contrary to popular belief, dark cabinets can actually make a small kitchen feel cozier and more intimate. Just be sure to incorporate plenty of task lighting, mirrors and lighter wall/floor colors to keep things feeling bright and open. Dark cabinets work wonderfully even in tiny kitchen spaces.
What paint sheen is best for dark kitchen cabinets?
Dark cabinets should be painted in a semi-gloss or high gloss sheen. Glossy finishes reflect the most light, while semi-gloss offers a nice compromise between durability and luster. Eggshell and matte paints won’t showcase the beautiful rich tones of dark cabinets nearly as well.
Conclusion
Dark, dramatic kitchen cabinets make a striking design statement and provide a moody, sophisticated backdrop. Take your time considering the perfect dark shade to meet your aesthetic vision. Strategically incorporate accent colors, patterns, textures and decor to keep the space feeling bright and lively rather than gloomy.
With careful planning and creative ideas, your new dark kitchen will soon be a favorite stylish gathering spot for family and friends. Don’t be afraid to go boldly dark – your dreamy kitchen makeover awaits!