Kitchen Designs Accenting Black Appliances
Black appliances can bring a bold, modern look to any kitchen design. With sleek black finishes that make a dramatic statement, black appliances are increasingly popular in contemporary and industrial-inspired kitchens.
But using black appliances effectively goes beyond just plugging them into an existing layout. To make black appliances really stand out, the whole kitchen design should complement them. The right countertop materials, cabinet colors, backsplashes and decor elements can make black appliances the focal point of the kitchen.
Black Appliances in Modern Kitchen Design
Black kitchen appliances encompass a range of styles, from basic black finishes to black stainless steel and striking matte black. These darker options provide flexibility to design a sleek, modern kitchen aesthetic.
Contemporary Black Appliance Styles
Many major appliance brands now offer black as a standard color option alongside white and stainless steel. From refrigerators to dishwashers, black appliance suites allow for a coordinated look.
Black stainless steel models feature a muted black finish yet retain the luster and shine of stainless steel. Fingerprint resistance makes them easier to keep clean. The rich black slate finish is another sophisticated black appliance color.
Contrasting Black Appliances with Other Elements
Black easily serves as a neutral backdrop to accent other bolder kitchen elements. Contrasting black appliances with lighter cabinets, colorful tile backsplashes and warm metal or wood finishes helps highlight the appliances.
For more modern kitchens, however, a monochromatic black scheme can create a striking, dramatic aesthetic. Black countertops, cabinets and decor channel a sleek, almost futuristic vibe.
Statement-Making Use of Black Appliances
Black appliances make a definite statement, especially larger fixtures like a professional-grade range. Allowing these statement pieces to anchor the kitchen design draws attention to the appliances.
Strategically arranging other elements around black kitchen appliances, rather than hiding them, helps reinforce their visual impact. Bold black appliances command attention.
Black Stainless Steel and Matte Black Finishes
Beyond basic black, two upscale appliance finishes that work equally well in modern kitchen designs are:
- Black Stainless Steel - Sophisticated steel with a darkened finish that resists smudges.
- Matte Black - A rich, smooth, ultra-dark finish with a subtle sheen.
Both make appliances stand out and bring an elite, cutting-edge look reminiscent of luxury cars and tech products.
Choosing Black Appliances for Your Kitchen
If committing to a full suite, choose matching black appliances from the same brand and product line for visual harmony. However, mixing black finishes can also produce an eclectic, intentionally mismatched aesthetic.
Types of Black Appliances Available
Some of the most popular modern kitchen appliances are now available in black finishes:
- Refrigerators
- Ranges & Cooktops
- Wall Ovens
- Microwaves
- Dishwashers
- Range Hoods
Choosing all-black appliances makes them the intentional focus, while mixing in other finishes downplays their visual presence.
Coordinating Appliances for a Unified Look
Achieving a cohesive appearance with suites of black appliances relies on both coordinated styles and a harmonious arrangement. Brands like Cafe, Samsung, and LG offer full black collections.
Combining appliances with similar matte or black stainless finishes ties the look together. Make sure heights, depths and widths align for seamless built-in installation.
Considerations for Lighting and Cabinetry
Proper lighting prevents black appliances from getting lost visually. LED strip lighting above and below cabinets spotlights appliances nicely. Under-cabinet lighting also emphasizes the appliances' sleek silhouettes at night.
Lighter cabinet colors around black appliances create contrast and prevent a dark, cave-like feeling. White, light gray and tan cabinetry keeps things fresh and bright.
Planning Appropriate Countertop and Backsplash Pairings
Countertop and backsplash combinations require some forethought with black kitchen appliances. Black granite, soapstone or quartz countertops coordinate beautifully.
Backsplashes with black accents, dark tiles or modern textures make smart pairings. Neutral stone, marble or ceramic backsplash tiles also work nicely.
Arrangement of Black Appliances
Since black appliances make such a striking visual statement, their arrangement directly impacts the kitchen's aesthetic. Beyond just functionality, black appliances can provide an artistic focal point.
Strategic Placement for Aesthetics and Function
Arrange larger statement pieces like ranges, cooktops and refrigerators in prominent positions where their full visual impact shines. Strategically place them to highlight rather than hide them away.
Consider sight lines from adjoining rooms as well for full effect. But don't compromise workflow efficiency just for style's sake either.
Allowing Appliances to Anchor the Design
In contemporary kitchen design, black appliances often establish the color scheme and style direction for the entire space. Their bold, dramatic presence sets the tone.
Allow these dark but neutral appliances to anchor the layout. Then build upon that foundation with complementary elements in the cabinetry, counters, backsplashes and decor.
Island, Peninsula or Gallery Layouts
Freestanding island designs provide ample opportunities to highlight elegant black appliances without competing visual elements.
Likewise, a peninsula layout or kitchen "gallery wall" draws attention to black suite appliances arranged across one wall. They become the room's focal display.
Optimizing Workflow
As aesthetically appealing as a wall of sleek, built-in black appliances might seem, kitchen design also means factoring in practical workflow. Group appliances logically based on how you cook and clean up after meals.
Keep the fridge near cooking appliances; place the dishwasher near both the sink and dining ware storage for simplified cleaning. Don't let style trump functionality.
Stylistic Options with Black Appliances
While black appliances project a decidedly modern vibe, they can blend nicely with some other kitchen aesthetics as well by varying the materials and colors used.
Sleek, Modern Appearances
Glossy black appliances, especially full matching suites, channel a sleek, polished modern look. Pairing them with white quartz counters and minimalist cabinetry enhances the contemporary style.
Industrial or Urban Edge
Exposed ductwork, galvanized backsplashes, and mix-and-match appliances produce an urban, industrial feel. Black appliances complement concrete, brick, and wood elements.
Softening with Warm Metals and Wood
To relax black appliances' harsh edge in a more welcoming kitchen, incorporate bronze fixtures, antique copper backsplashes, and oak or walnut cabinetry to instill warmth.
Old World Black Accents
For a neo-traditional spin, team black appliances with classic white cabinetry and marble counters. Black acts as the perfect bridge between old world and new in this kitchen dichotomy.
Finishing Touches for Black Kitchen Appliances
It's the supporting players that can really make black appliances stand out. clever use of accent colors, fixtures and decorative flourishes spotlight them.
Hardware and Fixtures as Accents
Brushed bronze, matte black or hammered metal hardware and fixtures coordinate beautifully with black kitchen suites, as do black pendant lights and plumbing fixtures.