Can a small kitchen look good with black cabinets? Will the dark colors make the space feel cramped? These are valid concerns for homeowners with compact kitchens. When paired with good lighting and thoughtful placement, dark cabinets can make small spaces feel sophisticated and elegant. The key is to creatively balance out the dark colors with other kitchen elements to prevent it from being too overpowering. We’ve created a list of tips to keep in mind to help you avoid any problems when designing your space!
Use Glass Inserts on Cabinet Doors
Using glass inserts will help add some visual depth, making the room feel bigger. By being able to see through the doors to the back of the cabinets, it will create the illusion of additional space. In addition to using glass inserts, you can use dark shades only on the lower cabinets. By using glass or light colors on the eye-level cabinets, your eye will naturally draw to the lighter space making the room feel more expansive.
You Can’t Go Wrong With a Black Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are incredibly versatile and functional. They provide extra storage, seating, counter space, and room for appliances. If you have a smaller kitchen, this will help solve many of your storage and seating problems. Having a black kitchen island will help it blend in to the surroundings and works very well with dark flooring. As mentioned earlier, you can use glass inserts on the cabinet doors to create the visual illusion of extra open space.
Use Open Shelving
As you may have noticed, open shelving is trending! They’re easier to clean and maintain and provide quick access to dishes and appliances. Open shelving will create depth and make the room feel more spacious and airy. While this does reduce crowding, it won’t work if your shelves are jam-packed. Cluttered shelves will reverse the effect you’re trying to achieve and make the room feel even smaller!
Use Contrasting Colors
Light-colored countertops or glass tiles will reflect light and create a stunning contrasting design. Light colors on the walls, ceiling, and countertops will help soften the sharp contrast of black cabinetry. Light-colored and reflective metal appliances will help with this as well. As an additional tip, you can create the illusion of a high ceiling by using tall, narrow vertical upper cabinets.
Brighten up the Room
As you may be able to tell, we’re all about subtle optical illusions that make the room appear more spacious. Overhead and under-cabinet lighting is a great way to achieve this if your kitchen doesn’t get much natural light. Using mirrors, glass, and a light-colored backsplash will reflect light and brighten up the room. It will also create a striking visual contrast that makes your black cabinets pop!
Choose Noma Design & Build
When painting your kitchen, not all small spaces have to be confined to the light color pallet! There are many creative tricks that will allow you to balance out dark cabinets. Black colors can create a luxurious and elegant feel that many homeowners want their home to achieve. We hope our blog helped answer the question, “can a small kitchen look good with black cabinets?” When it comes to planning, design, and renovation, you can trust us! We’ll work together to create a space you love. To get started, you can give us a call at (858) 373-9902 or sign up for a free consultation on our website.
