Features of a kitchen with a dark countertop
Color scheme plays an important role in the kitchen interior, for example, light colors make it light and add more space. A monochromatic kitchen looks unattractive, so there are always two additional shades harmoniously next to the main tone, which complement the main color in contrast. One of such accents can be a dark work surface made of different materials.
Advantages of a kitchen with a dark work surface:
- Stains and knife marks are less noticeable on a dark countertop.
- A dark work surface creates a contrast against light kitchen furniture. Looks especially stylish against the background of beige, white and pastel furniture.
- The variety of materials expands the choice (the dark color can be diluted with streaks, inclusions, crumbs and gradients).
The photo shows a free-form furniture set with a black tabletop with imitation stone. Film coating on MDF panels allows you to choose any design.
The disadvantages include the following:
- white crumbs are visible on a dark countertop;
- fingerprints become visible if it is a glossy surface;
- if you choose a dark set and a dark countertop, a small kitchen risks looking boring and even gloomy.
The listed disadvantages can be easily avoided if you regularly maintain the cleanliness of the work surface and follow rules such as:
- Wipe off any stains immediately.
- Use cutting boards and trivets for hot dishes.
- Do not use cleaning agents that contain abrasive particles and acid.
- In order not to contribute to accumulation of dust, you cannot use furniture polishes with wax additives.
Variety of materials: from wood to acrylic
The kitchen countertop must meet the requirements of the kitchen environment, so it must have a presentable appearance, not be sensitive to temperature changes, withstand impacts and possible mechanical damage, and be environmentally friendly for health.
- A dark solid wood countertop is pleasant to the touch, suits both classic and modern styles. Wood is easy to restore (grinding, painting, varnishing), environmentally friendly and warm. The work surface can be made of solid wood or consist of different slats. It is important to remember that wood should not be overheated or saturated with moisture, so it is worth additionally protecting the wood with iron strips.
The photo shows an example of a classic white kitchen with a wooden work surface. Such a countertop requires special care, but its appearance is worth it.
- A laminated dark countertop is an MDF or chipboard panel covered with plastic. When choosing such a work surface, it is worth paying attention to the base, since the MDF board is more stable than chipboard, as well as the tightness of the seams. The plastic coating can be matte or glossy, with or without a pattern.
The photo shows an example of how a glossy work surface harmoniously combines with a matte classic facade.
- A kitchen with a countertop made of MDF board is harmless, heat-resistant and moisture-resistant. Such a work surface will resist abrasion and scratches, but it still needs to be protected from moisture at the joints and strong mechanical impacts. This is a budget option for a countertop, which can be diversified by the pattern on the top coating (for example, it can be the texture of a wood cut).
The photo shows an example of a modern kitchen set with a countertop made of MDF panel, which, despite its economy, looks stylish.
- A kitchen with a countertop made of natural stone looks decent in any style. This is the best material, which has high strength indicators. It is also the most expensive type of material, bringing an atmosphere of luxury. The stone is presented in a wide range of dark colors. Marble and granite are best suited. Also, the dark stone worktop has a lot of weight.
The photo shows a wooden set with a brown-green stone countertop, which found a response in the design of the apron.
- A kitchen countertop made of artificial stone is much cheaper, durable and has an attractive appearance. It is made of mineral chips, so it weighs much less than a countertop made of natural stone.
The photo shows a work surface made of artificial stone (mineral chips), which looks presentable and not inferior in its aesthetics to natural stone.
- The acrylic countertop has a solid structure, therefore it is moisture-resistant and heat-resistant. If scratches appear, they can be easily cleaned and polished. Acrylic is not afraid of interaction with chemicals, does not require special care and is not afraid of impacts. On acrylic, you can imitate the pattern of stone and combine different shades without visible transitions at the seams.
The photo shows an example of how an acrylic countertop harmoniously combines with glossy mosaic tiles. This combination is suitable for creating a modern kitchen in the style of high-tech or minimalism.
Options for combining the color of the kitchen unit with a dark work surface
A dark countertop will look good with any facade of the kitchen unit, but there are still the most successful color combinations.
A light kitchen and a dark countertop are a perfect match. For example, a white kitchen with a dark countertop will emphasize the balance between the cabinets and the symmetry of the lines.
A dark countertop will dilute the neutral beige, cream and milky color of the kitchen facade, adding more depth and interest to the interior design.
Light gray kitchen with a dark countertop looks harmonious, as these colors complement each other.
The dark surface will also suit colored kitchen facades, for example, a green and burgundy set looks beautiful together with a black countertop.
A dark kitchen with a wooden countertop and a kitchen with a dark brown countertop look stylish and do not look sad if the room is well-lit and has a lot of light decorative elements.
Choosing an apron to match the color of the work surface
When choosing a material for decorating the work area, you need to start from practicality, for example, tiles, glass, brick, stone, plastic panels will do. The apron can match the color of the kitchen set, the countertop, or be a contrasting accent of the kitchen.
A glossy apron will look good with matte facades and vice versa.
If the apron is going to be a bright accent, then it can be supported by another decorative element, for example, curtains or a rug.
A win-win option is to make the apron under the light of the walls, ceiling or floor, thus you can create the effect of the integrity of the coating.
If the apron is made of the same material as the work surface, then this duet does not need to be supplemented with anything else.
Style solution
The dark color sets off the light interior, this technique is used by designers when creating a classic kitchen. A noble set of pastel and light shades is complemented by a dark stone countertop.
The photo shows an example of a classic interior with a countertop made of artificial stone, where the dining room and kitchen areas are separated by the arrangement of furniture.
Modern styles tend to use glossy and matte surfaces of different materials.
The photo shows a modern version of the kitchen design, where the work and dining areas are divided using contrasting primary colors. The black countertop and the same set are diluted with a white dining group.
Country and Provence styles are distinguished by their natural focus, where the kitchen is made of wood, and the work surface is made of stone, solid wood or chipped tiles.
The photo shows a country style kitchen, which successfully combines stone table top and rough wooden furniture.
Features of choosing the shape of the kitchen set
When choosing the layout of kitchen furniture, you need to consider the size of the room, the number of family members and the purpose of the kitchen (for example, it can be a place for cooking and eating + an additional place to relax).
- A linear kitchen is suitable for both narrow and wide rooms. The dining table can be folding or stationary, located opposite the kitchen set.
- A corner or L-shaped kitchen is convenient in small rooms where the sink or stove takes up a corner place, and a corner cabinet and tall unit can accommodate 2 times more dishes due to ergonomics. The corner can be made using a bar counter, which can be extended with a side table.
- A U-shaped kitchen is suitable for square and rectangular rooms with a window at the top of the letter “U”. Here, all the space is used, and the window sill can become a work surface.
- The kitchen island is suitable for a spacious room in a country house, where one of the work areas is located in the middle of the kitchen, separate from the kitchen furniture. This can be a cutting table, a dining area and a storage area for dishes.
So, it is important to choose a practical material for the future countertop so that it looks harmonious with the kitchen design, matches the texture and does not stand out from the overall concept. The modern market offers a wide choice, and designers bring different ideas to life and fit a dark work surface into any style.