A few years ago, kitchens were mostly about a minimal and modern design, with sleek and bright white kitchen units being the favourite choices. However, times have changed, and now, more designers have begun to opt for more organic-looking kitchens made with the help of earthy and dark colours, contrasting textures and natural materials. Dark kitchens and cabinets in deep shades of blue, black, green, grey and brown add an element of drama, and you will have a dramatic and moody look in your kitchen that will look fantastic. Dark kitchen spaces are beautiful, bold, caring and liberating, inviting courageous steps and inspiring us to become bolder and stronger. 

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Since the cabinets can really be the spine of a kitchen space, dark ones are the best if you want to have a unique kitchen that, even if it might look cold at first, is very welcoming and warm. 

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about dark cabinets.

The advantages of dark cabinets

Conceals scratches and stains

When you have a hectic culinary schedule, you might not always want to spend plenty of hours cleaning everything up each time you cook- as it happens with white kitchen units. Luckily, dark cabinets can come to your rescue, as they are essential to hiding scratches and stains. Although they are grand in their pose and may look hard to maintain, the reality is quite different, as they will play an essential role in making your life easier. They are the most forgiving colours to stains and scratches and don’t compare to any other shades in the spectrum. 

Busy holders must look at these cabinets, as they bring the most practical benefits and usages. 

Add a luxury feature

You can feel the opulence in your kitchen from the first moment you install dark cabinets. A dark cabinet can be elegant, sophisticated, and regal but laboriously luxurious and ruggedly opulent. Dark brown tones with a hint of black or red can make the kitchen magnetic and mystical. The good news doesn’t stop here, as you will be able to play with your imagination and introduce anything you want in a dark kitchen.

Come in a great option regarding material and colours

It is always better to have a great variety, and luckily, dark has ample of it. For example, in a brown kitchen, you can choose from champagne toast, cider brown, ginger rum, and hazelnut roast, and the list can continue. Moreover, you will be able to add sophisticated colours to your kitchen, like cherry red with a glossy finish and a deep black with a matte finish that will improve the appeal of your kitchen.

The best ways to incorporate dark cabinets in your kitchen

Consider tonal finishes

If you mix textures and finishes in the same colour you will create a tonal look that is and feels cohesive and intentional. For example, you can opt for kitchen cabinetry in a dark chocolate shade and then add charcoal grey countertops for variation while also considering aged brass accents for glimmers of light throughout your kitchen. 

Incorporate a white backsplash

If you worry that your kitchen will look too dramatic and dark with black cabinets, pair them with a white backsplash, and the situation will change instantly. In this way, you can benefit from all the advantages of the dark cabinets while not having such a dramatic space. 

Use under cabinet lighting

Installing under-cabinet lighting might be a good idea if you want enough lighting while you cook. Plus, this will be an amazing feature that will bring a bonus to the overall look of your kitchen.

Don’t forget about open shelving

You can break up your dark overall vibe with the help of open shelving, which will lighten up its look and create more space for displaying décor objects and storing everyday essentials. You can even place art, other objects and plants on the shelves to create a warmer feeling. 

Other considerations

Dark cabinets in a small kitchen

While lighter colours could make an area feel more spacious, dark cabinets do the opposite. You can use dark tones in a small kitchen, as they create drama and depth, but you need to be careful. To find a balance and not make your kitchen feel too cramped, you might need to pair the darkness of the cabinets with light-coloured backsplashes and countertops. Consider glass-fronted cabinet doors or open shelving instead of solid ones to ensure the room will not look packed. This will store your kitchen essentials and help you break up the visual overall darkness. 

Choosing the right shade for your dark cabinets

You must consider your kitchen’s overall colour scheme and style when choosing dark cabinets. For example, darker shades like charcoal grey and black will be more suitable if you have a contemporary or modern kitchen. On the other hand, if you have a rustic or traditional kitchen, warmer tones, such as espresso brown, could work better. 

Moreover, when choosing dark cabinets, remember the natural light your cooking space gets. If you have plenty of natural light and many windows, your space will not feel too gloomy or cramped. However, you might need lighter shades if you don’t benefit from plenty of natural light. 

Hardware choices

The proper hardware can enhance the beauty of dark cabinets. On the other hand, the wrong choice can clash with them, so it is very important to opt for a good option. One of the most popular alternatives is stainless steel handles or brushed nickel, providing a modern, sleek look that pairs well with darker cabinets. Matte black finishes are another popular option, adding depth while enhancing a contemporary look. 

Conclusion

As you can see, dark cabinets bring plenty of advantages to a kitchen. Still, to make a good decision, you should take into account the size of your cooking space and your preferences. However, dark cabinets are the best idea if you want to make a dramatic and moody change.