Features of kitchen design in dark tones

Pros and Cons

A dark-colored kitchen with a modern design is universal. This palette is characterized by strictness and restraint, so the use of black, brown, cherry or dark blue allows you to visually rid the interior of unnecessary variegation and make it noble. Thanks to the correct arrangement of dark furniture in the kitchen, you can visually narrow the walls or reduce the height of the ceiling, thereby eliminating the imbalance.

One of the disadvantages of a dark-colored kitchen is that dirt or damage becomes especially noticeable, so the set requires careful maintenance. Another feature of this palette is that its excess makes the atmosphere too gloomy. In insufficiently lit or small rooms, it is better to minimize dull colors or use them only as accents.

Choosing a kitchen tone

When choosing a shade of a set, you should be guided by personal preferences and the features of each color. Achromatic tones are popular:

• Black. This classic color adds elegance and sophistication to the decor. Black harmonizes with any colors. With a skillful combination of such a set and its surroundings, you can create an original interior, which, if desired, can be easily changed using various decorative items.
• Dark gray. The combination of gray with other pastel and saturated shades makes it possible to create an unusual interior. To achieve expressiveness, you should avoid an excess of gray when decorating the kitchen space.

The photo shows a stylish interior of a black kitchen. The matte set creates a cozy enveloping atmosphere. White furniture and wooden decor enliven the interior.

The following dark tones are also often used when decorating a kitchen:

1. Brown. A variety of shades from dark wood to chocolate tones gives the interiors a noble look. A kitchen set with facades made of wood looks luxurious.
2. Dark blue. Sapphire or azure, blue brings freshness, adds lightness and airiness.
3. Burgundy. Luxurious shades of red are especially good when arranging a kitchen in a classic style. Burgundy goes well with natural wood, carving, gold. In modern interiors, it looks no less interesting and is revealed through the use of contrasting colors.
4. Dark green. Malachite and emerald tones, combined with silver, gold, stone and wood textures, are perfect for a kitchen set in a classic style. Modern design trends suggest combining this color with white, gray, lime or yellow.
5. Purple. This color helps to create an atmosphere of mystery. When decorating a dark kitchen, it is best to give preference to neutral or warmer shades of purple.

The photo shows an original interior with a dark blue kitchen set. The cold tone is balanced by the textures of wood, brick, and concrete. Thoughtful lighting emphasizes the combination of matte and glossy textures and the depth of shades.

How can you dilute dark tones?

You can emphasize the expressiveness of a kitchen decorated in muted colors by using light shades. White, beige, and light gray will add volume and air to the room.

Dark furniture goes well with bright colors. Juicy yellow, turquoise, green or red tones allow you to place expressive accents. Chair seats, spice containers, and a kitchen apron in rich colors help to enliven the space.

Bright colors should be used thoughtfully to avoid excessive variegation. One accent color or a couple of shades will be enough.

The photo shows the original interior of a dark kitchen with expressive color accents. Yellow, turquoise and red are used in moderation, livening up the room.

When decorating the kitchen space, it is important that the interior contains materials with different textures. A dark set countertop made of wood looks impressive; such material adds warmth to the kitchen and looks homey and cozy. A glass table, crystal chandelier or lamps with transparent shades will visually add volume and lightness.

The photo shows how the abundance of decor and play of textures contrast with the black furniture. Light colors make the interior airier and more spacious.

What nuances should be taken into account when decorating?

Wall decoration can be done using both dark and light materials. For zoning, it is best to choose wallpaper with a bright pattern or highlight one of the walls with color.

For modest-sized rooms, wallpaper in pastel colors will be indispensable. When decorating a kitchen-living room, you can delimit zones by playing on the contrast of a dark set as opposed to the rest of the space.

A white ceiling adds volume. Minimalism in the design of the ceiling frees the environment from overload.

The photo shows a strict kitchen interior. Black and gray shades go well together, and the combination of matte and glossy textures makes the decor more original.

The photo on the right shows an example of a dark kitchen in a classic style. Wooden floors and warm-colored decor make it cozier.

A dark wooden floor with a texture and shade different from the kitchen set is an excellent solution for spacious kitchens. When decorating the floor, it is better to give preference to warm tones. Black or graphite shades should be used with caution, as they deprive the environment of liveliness.

Particular attention should be paid to the finishing of the apron, for which various materials can be used. One of the best options is ceramic tiles – a rich color palette, a variety of textures and installation methods that allows you to create interesting and original design solutions.

Choosing the right furniture and appliances

It is important to decide which textures to give preference to. Matte and glossy materials of kitchen furniture and appliances are revealed in the interior in completely different ways. The room seems duller if it uses too many matte surfaces, so the best solution when choosing furniture materials is a combination of matte and glossy surfaces.

The dining room furniture can match the color and style of the kitchen set, giving the interior integrity and severity. The dining table and chairs can also be light or made of wood – a play on contrasts will add zest to the room.

The photo shows a chocolate-colored kitchen set. Wooden furniture enlivens the interior, filling it with warmth and creating a cozy atmosphere.

The photo on the right shows a contrasting kitchen in Scandinavian style. The massive black set is successfully balanced by the white dining table and chairs.

A win-win option would be to choose household appliances to match the set. Built-in household appliances allow you to achieve the effect of a monochrome surface. The combination of a matte set and glossy appliances looks expressive.

To ensure that the rigor and integrity of the decor is not violated, household appliances should match each other in color and style, this is typical for both black and chrome appliances. Light appliances should be used with caution, since such an accent may become unnecessary. Bright appliances can become a real decoration of a kitchen in a dark range, attracting attention.

The photo shows an original solution for choosing appliances. Red household appliances act as an accent and create a special mood.

Organizing competent lighting

A kitchen with dark facades looks advantageous with good lighting. It is important not to overload the window so that there is as much natural light as possible. Additional lighting of the kitchen work area and dining area lighting create a warm, homely atmosphere, while the glare from light sources on the surfaces advantageously emphasizes the textures used in the interior design.

The photo shows how spotlights on the ceiling create a soft fill light. Pendants above the dining table and work surface lighting provide comfortable lighting in these areas.

Choosing curtains

Depending on the style of the kitchen in dark colors, roller and Roman blinds, tulle or curtains will be appropriate. For spacious rooms, you can choose massive, muted curtains with simple lines and shapes, and for small kitchens, light curtains made of flowing fabrics will be indispensable.

Curtain ties, layering and complex draperies will add softness to the atmosphere, but you should know when to stop and not overload the window. If the cooking area is located in close proximity to the window opening, it is necessary to pay attention to curtains that are easy to care for.

The photo shows a good example of kitchen window decoration. The color scheme of the curtains echoes the decor items, and the simple shapes of the curtains emphasize the severity of the kitchen.

Life hacks for a small kitchen

It is traditional to use dark kitchen furniture when decorating spacious rooms. However, a thoughtful design in such a color scheme will be appropriate even in tight spaces. In order for a dark-colored kitchen to look harmonious in the interior, it is recommended to consider the following features.

1. Maintaining proportions. The smaller the room, the more you need to dilute it with light and bright details.
2. Competent placement of accents. The wall with the kitchen set can be decorated mainly in dark shades, and the rest of the space can be filled with light as much as possible, focusing attention only on individual elements using a dark palette.
3. Play on contrasts. A light apron and countertop will balance the dark facades of the set.
4. Transparent furniture. A glass table and transparent chairs bring lightness and weightlessness, so this design of the dining group does not attract unnecessary attention.
5. Light floor. For the most cramped kitchens, this solution gives a feeling of spaciousness.
6. Minimum decor. Accessories and fixtures hidden in cabinets, maximally free walls visually add volume.
7. More gloss. Due to their ability to reflect light, such surfaces visually expand the space of a small kitchen.