Trying to decide whether to go for light or dark kitchen units? Here are 7 compelling reasons to choose the latter
Dark and dramatic, or light and bright? When it comes to choosing your kitchen units, it can be hard to decide. So in the first of a two-part series to help you choose your cabinets, we look at the benefits of crossing over to the dark side.
1. Add some ambience
If you’re looking to design a kitchen that’s both contemporary and cosy, dark cabinets could be the way to go. Inky surfaces, like the ones in this elegant kitchen, help enclose the space slightly to create a snug feel.Position your lighting strategically, so it casts an atmospheric glow over the dark finishes.
If you’re looking to design a kitchen that’s both contemporary and cosy, dark cabinets could be the way to go. Inky surfaces, like the ones in this elegant kitchen, help enclose the space slightly to create a snug feel.Position your lighting strategically, so it casts an atmospheric glow over the dark finishes.
2. Style it up
For an instant shot of sophistication, you can’t beat dark cabinetry. Moody colours give a sober, grown-up feel that can make a space feel seriously chic.In this kitchen, the classic white wall tiles and pale grey flooring highlight the dark grey units and black architectural features beautifully. Brass handles, meanwhile, bring out the richness of the charcoal hue.
For an instant shot of sophistication, you can’t beat dark cabinetry. Moody colours give a sober, grown-up feel that can make a space feel seriously chic.In this kitchen, the classic white wall tiles and pale grey flooring highlight the dark grey units and black architectural features beautifully. Brass handles, meanwhile, bring out the richness of the charcoal hue.
3. Hide the knocks
All kitchens get their fair share of wear and tear, but some show it less than others. A dark kitchen is a good choice if you think your cabinets are going to need to stand up to frequent spillages and knocks.A dark surface can be more forgiving than a light one and won’t instantly show up scuffs and stains. If you’re painting your cabinets, make sure you apply a few coats, so the dark undercoats hide any scratches in the topcoat.
All kitchens get their fair share of wear and tear, but some show it less than others. A dark kitchen is a good choice if you think your cabinets are going to need to stand up to frequent spillages and knocks.A dark surface can be more forgiving than a light one and won’t instantly show up scuffs and stains. If you’re painting your cabinets, make sure you apply a few coats, so the dark undercoats hide any scratches in the topcoat.
4. Contrast with white
If you’re going for a white benchtop, contrasting it with a dark shade will have the most striking effect. Here, the gleaming marbled surface looks stunning against the deep-hued cabinets.The designers have embraced the contrast, mixing white walls with dark grey features to create a monochrome kitchen. To warm up the room, they’ve added a timber floor and some soft foliage.
If you’re going for a white benchtop, contrasting it with a dark shade will have the most striking effect. Here, the gleaming marbled surface looks stunning against the deep-hued cabinets.The designers have embraced the contrast, mixing white walls with dark grey features to create a monochrome kitchen. To warm up the room, they’ve added a timber floor and some soft foliage.
5. Highlight bold colours
Just as dark cabinets set off a white benchtop, they can also form a dramatic backdrop for other vivid colours.Take a look at this well-designed kitchen, for example. The dark grey units are neat and practical, but it’s the accents of green and red that really make the space. The cabinetry works as a moody canvas to showcase those bright bursts of colour.
Just as dark cabinets set off a white benchtop, they can also form a dramatic backdrop for other vivid colours.Take a look at this well-designed kitchen, for example. The dark grey units are neat and practical, but it’s the accents of green and red that really make the space. The cabinetry works as a moody canvas to showcase those bright bursts of colour.
6. Embrace luxury
Sombre colours look beautiful with metallic finishes, such as brass and copper, as this kitchen illustrates. The dark sage-green units complement, rather than clash with, the brass tap and splashback.The two surfaces are wonderfully balanced, giving this room a feeling of understated luxury.
Sombre colours look beautiful with metallic finishes, such as brass and copper, as this kitchen illustrates. The dark sage-green units complement, rather than clash with, the brass tap and splashback.The two surfaces are wonderfully balanced, giving this room a feeling of understated luxury.
7. Zone the space
In an open-plan scheme, it’s a good idea to use colour to zone separate areas. By using a dark shade on your cabinets, you can make your kitchen appear grounded in its spot.
Here, the dark units contrast with the white walls around them, helpfully marking out the kitchen from the rest of the room.
Article written by Amanda Pollard, 6 November 2018
Re-blogged, original posted on Houzz.