contemporary & ageless
As the kitchen has become a more central element of the modern home and lifestyle, it has grown to be more than just a space to cook, shut away from the rest of the home. In many homes, it is the centerpiece of interior plans. It is a place to gather, bond, prepare food, eat together, and do homework. Because of this integral role in the modern home, it is even more important that the kitchen not only impresses now, but that it holds up over time. And preferably a long time! The combination and contrast in a black and white kitchen design has enjoyed tremendous staying power through the years. And not without reason.
In the early decades of kitchen design, many of the accessories, cabinetry and utensils were only available in the basic colors of white or black. And throughout the decades - whether the bright white enamel of large kitchen sinks, or the black and white checkered floors contrasting to brightly colored appliances in a 50s kitchen - black and white kitchens have enjoyed a staying power which makes them both contemporary and ageless. Black and white kitchens fit to many tastes and settings – whether modern, Bauhaus, minimalistic or farmhouse and rustic. Some kitchen planners prefer a more subdued look, while others prefer a bolder statement. The use of the contrasting hues as a primary palette allows for the implementation of a wide variety of other colors, design elements and accessories. So, if you are thinking of incorporating this timeless design in your home, the first thing to consider is your space.
Modern kitchens have become more of a focal point in the home. They serve as a place of gathering and central part of our daily lives. The type of space in your kitchen plays a vital role in your kitchen design decisions. If you have a smaller space with which to work, then consider a primarily white kitchen with black accents. Likewise, if the kitchen space has low ceilings or less natural light, then the use of a primarily white kitchen with black accents will provide the impression of more space. Consider using white cabinets with black accents such as: handles, fixtures, appliances, etc. For a bold and more striking look, you could use a primarily white kitchen with a black countertop. If you are planning a kitchen with an island, an eye-catching option is to have a primarily white kitchen with a contrasting black island.
In many modern homes, the open plan kitchen means that the space is a connection between living space and cooking space. It means that the kitchen is not just a place to cook and eat, but to gather and to entertain. Because open spaces usually have higher ceilings and allow for more natural light, you can use darker hues in your kitchen design. In these open plans, a black kitchen with white accessories provides a bolder appearance. Using glossy black and white kitchen cabinets in an open kitchen can make for an even more modern appearance.
Before getting into some more specifics regarding floors, cabinets, countertops and walls, there are some basic design elements to consider. Black and white designs provide a fantastic opportunity for the use of various architectural and design elements. While working on your design ideas, these general rules will help to guide you:
A black and white design can serve as the perfect backdrop for splashes of bold colors. When considering your choice of paint or wallpaper, these designs are so versatile because they do not clash with other bolder hues.
For a more subtle look, you can use light gray tones on the walls to blend with the contrast of black and white. In a smaller kitchen, you can use lighter shades on the walls, while a darker gray can be used in larger and open spaces with more direct light.
Because of the stark contrast, think of using additional colors as accents to your design. The use of brighter and bolder hues will make the space appear more modern and livelier. While the use of earthy tones will give an impression of warmth, particularly if incorporated with other, more traditional design elements.
Black and white provides a great contrast to wood flooring. Particularly if you incorporate similar woods and colors in the flooring, countertops and décor, it can provide a cohesive, down to earth atmosphere. For a more modern and industrial look in your kitchen, consider using a concrete floor. The sleek gray of a polished concrete floor provides an excellent contrast to black and white kitchen cabinetry. For a bold and adventurous, yet classic look, use a black and white checkered tile floor in a predominantly white kitchen with black accents.
In a black and white kitchen, the use of a wooden countertop will provide the kitchen with a more earthy feel and will create a warmer atmosphere, while a marble or stone countertop will give the kitchen design a more elegant look. A stainless steel or metal countertop lends a more modern, colder and industrial effect. A primarily black kitchen with a white countertop will produce a more bold and often more modern effect. While a primarily white kitchen with a black countertop can provide a striking element to an otherwise more traditional look.
When considering which style of cabinets to use in your kitchen, it is useful to note that glossy cabinets work better in a modern kitchen, whereas matte finished cabinets will look better in more traditional style kitchens. While cabinets in a gloss finish provide a sleek, modern appearance, the matte finish will provide a warmer and atmosphere. It is a common conception that the black cabinetry is difficult to keep clean. However, with innovative technologies such as AntiPrint from SieMatic, even high-gloss kitchens never lose their brilliance.
Because black and white do not clash with any color, these kitchens provide a fantastic base with which to work. There are many intriguing combinations for you to consider:
Still not sure which materials to incorporate in your kitchen? Read here for some more ideas and inspiration about kitchen materials or reach out to our Kitchen Concierge for a consultation.
You can pair various accessories with your black and white kitchen for inspiring designs:
Black and white kitchens have been a standard of design through every fad and trend. They are so versatile, that they are simultaneously modern and timeless. The striking contrast provides a wonderful backdrop which can be combined with a wide variety of design elements to project class and modernity while never going out of style. The bottom line is: these adaptable designs are unlikely to look out of date at any time.
Still not convinced if it is right for you? Here are a few of the best arguments for black and white kitchens:
There are many things to consider when planning your new custom kitchen. The following questions can help provide inspiration and insights.
If you are still in the process of gathering ideas for your kitchen, get some advice from our digital kitchen consultation or contact a dealer next to you. Our friendly consultants can implement your ideas directly or discuss with you what your black and white kitchen might look like, and which materials, colors and lighting concepts would fit best.
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