Kitchen Design Goes Dark for Drama and Style

Ebony, espresso, mocha, charcoal. Think drama. Think bold elegance. Think kitchen design.

It may not be a look everyone can embrace, but dark finishes continue to gain ground in kitchen remodels. Coming into 2011, dark natural finishes were favored by just over 50% of designers in an industry survey. That’s nearly a 10% increase over the previous survey period.

And while the trend to dark appears to go along with growing popularity of the transitional kitchen style, it’s not a one-note look by any means. In a sense, dark kitchen cabinetry is the “little black dress” of room design. It can go formal; it can present a thoroughly modern face, or it can exude a warm, casual air. It just depends on how you choose to accessorize your look.

When you twin black or dark cabinetry with gleaming stainless, the result is cool modern classic. Blend black with lighter woods and warm lighting, and you’ll produce a room with a more intimate feeling. You can also alter the look you create by selecting a flat or shiny finish. Matte will give off a very different vibe than glossy black.

You may think that a dark look won’t work in a small kitchen, but it can be very effective as long as you pay attention to the dynamics involved. In a galley kitchen, for example, light will make the difference between a dramatic effect and a cave-like feeling. If you don’t have natural light, plan a mix of task and room lighting. White or light countertops, a bright backsplash and/or light flooring can also brighten the room. In a larger space, it can be easy to overwhelm the room with dark cabinetry as far as the eye can see. Make sure you have contrast and balance in tone and texture.

The main thing to remember when you want to add drama and interest to a kitchen remodel is: Don’t be afraid of the dark.