Is black the new white?
Black kitchens are still the exception rather than the rule, but for some time now they have become increasingly common. The colour, or actually non-colour, black is classic and timeless and evokes a wide variety of associations. On the one hand, it fascinates with its elegance, on the other hand it is considered bold and individual. This versatility makes it one of the most popular colours in fashion.
So why not opt for black when furnishing a kitchen? But even people who love the dark colour often fear that it will make the room too cramped, oppressive and gloomy. But that doesn't have to be the case - it all depends on how a black kitchen is designed. Find out more about the dark kitchen colour trend and get ideas on how to implement it.
Kitchen planning details
Marco Singer from the Singer joinery in Speyer mentions a key aspect for the successful realisation. Based on his experience of building really eye-catching kitchens in black, he concludes: "If the room itself and the room concept are good", black kitchens look fantastic and don't look oppressive.
The second important point in the design is emphasised by interior designer Sarah Henner. She has already realised several black kitchens with the Grüner GmbH planning team. She points out that "plenty of good lighting" is a must, as dark surfaces reflect comparatively little light.
This guiding principle is reflected in the "black kitchen" that the interior designers from Grüner planned for a couple of architects. It is designed almost entirely in black. At the same time, however, it appears light and airy thanks to the lighting and well thought-out proportions.
Thanks to the relatively narrow row of wall units positioned directly under the ceiling, a generous niche is created above the worktop. It is divided by a filigree shelf and adorned by two continuous LED strips. The warm play of light on the dark surface creates a cosy atmosphere. A quiet and efficient BORA Basic cooktop extractor system blends in unobtrusively.
A floor-to-ceiling centre block with additional electrical appliances, storage space for (cooking) books and a cantilevered tabletop as a dining area rounds off the concept. It separates the kitchen from the living area while maintaining the open character of the room.
Another approach is to liven up black kitchens with wood. This material contrast can also be found in the "black kitchen" from Grüner: in the form of the reclaimed wood table top for the dining area. This adds a subtle industrial accent to the black kitchen.
Depending on taste, wood can be used more extensively, for example to design the niche between the wall units and worktop. Between the dark surfaces, the natural material unfolds its friendly radiance perfectly. In this way, it can prevent a black kitchen from looking too gloomy in a small room. Incidentally, a similar effect can be utilised when decorating a black kitchen: with plants and objects made from natural materials.
Which wall colour is used in a black kitchen also has an influence on the appearance. It is often said that pure white is too harsh - but this is not always true. This maximum contrast can skilfully emphasise an extremely minimalist look. If this contrast seems too great, old white and beige tones are suitable wall colours for a black kitchen, for example. The light, warm nuances harmonise excellently with black and take away its austerity.
For purists, even a completely black kitchen is an option. Marco Singer from the Singer joinery has already realised such an example. Here, black kitchen appliances and a BORA hob with downdraft extractor system complement the minimalist look with black kitchen furniture.
When designing the kitchen, there was also the question of how easy it would be to clean a black kitchen. This was one of the reasons why Singer opted for the innovative laminate material Fenix NTM for the surfaces. It is resistant to scratches and fingerprints. What's more, according to Singer, there is currently "nothing more matt in black".
In general, robustness plays a greater role with dark surfaces than with light-coloured ones, as scratches are more visible. This is important when deciding which worktop to choose for a black kitchen. In addition to the aforementioned Fenix NTM, black granite is an option for a monochrome design due to its hardness. Another popular option is to equip a black kitchen with a wooden worktop. Less used dark surfaces such as kitchen fronts can also be given a high-gloss finish.
Black kitchens open up a wide range of possibilities. But as different as they are, they all have one thing in common: they stand out from the mainstream of white and light-coloured units in an exciting way. With careful planning, you can create unique pieces with a spectacular look.
