skip to main content

don't want to dark of a kitchen

12 years ago

Considering chocolate brown cabinets, really like a more modern granite (considering black galaxy or something dark). We have a slate tile floor. Any suggestions to keep it from getting too dark? Would consider other countertop colors, but looking for something modern. Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

poohpup
12 years ago
Go for a light splash and good lighting in the kitchen. Check out pictures on houzz.com to get ideas. :)
biochem101
12 years ago
Modern can have white counters.
Especially with dark cabinets and floors.

Often quartz is used in these type of designs.
Related Discussions
I don't know what color to paint my small dark kitchen.
Q
Comments (10)
I love your color paint. I really do. It looks like a paint color called Sangria by Benjamin Moore. A favorite of mine But... Your space is crying out for more lighting and someting to lift it from the heaviness of the cabinetry. You can transform this space with a new paint color. You are blessed with a light counter and this means you can do anything you want. Your kitchen What is your favorite color? What colors make you happy? Not sure, look in your closet? What color do you see lots of? What makes your heart smile when you put it on? Sunshine colors like this are always light. This can warm the room but not turn it to fire. PaleDaffodil by Benjamin Moore a super soft yellow that is creamy when it goes up and if you don't have a lot of undercab lighting can brighten the space. Sassy Blue Sherwin Williams is a soft blue that gives off lightness but will make your cabinets really rock. In a gloss finish this can bounce light around the room to reflect. Cooking Apple by Farrow and Ball paints. This is a great color with dark woods. Here is an example of a medium paint with white trim. Lenox Tan BM with white trim makes the dark cabinet in the room really stand out and give the space a lighter feel. Not oppressive. From a Gardenwebber. Yes, this kitchen has large windows which bring in the light, but notice the painted ceiling and the bright choice of color with dark cabinets. It helps to give this space a freshness. And this person kept a little red around the windows as clearly they love red. Don't rule out red accents for your space like your pretty picture on the backsplash. Use that as your guide. Lastly paint the ceiling if you can. White or one shade lighter than the wall paint. It really is the 5th wall in a room . Some other colors that I would love to put on your wall.... Pear Green by Benjamin Moore Chiffon Blue by Benjamin Moore. This is a great color with chocolate cabinets.
...See More
Paint color suggestions for Adel Beech and Quartz counters
Q
Comments (3)
With my adel beach from IKEA, I tried several colors. The finalists for my open to the dining room kitchen were BM Revere pewter and BM Coastal Path (AF 380) from the Affinity collection. I get a ton of light. In the morning, the color reads tan; in the afternoon it looks like wet sand. Works--but I have soapstone counters and slate backsplash with large east facing window exposure. The revere Pewter was not warm enough in early evening light (although it works fine upstairs where the hall gets wester exposure early evening light. Hush is a good one with Beech, too.
...See More
best white color for spanish interior. Don't want something too dark
Q
Comments (7)
You have to test white paints in your house because the light is different in each space, even from one room to another. Buy small samples in a few colors and paint up pieces of poster board (I use 14 x 22 from walmart) and compare the colors in your rooms. Also compare to your furniture to see if they look right. Benjamin Moore Wicker White and Feather Down are reputed to be non-yellow off whites. You probably don’t want a stark white.
...See More
How many bulbs is good for kitchen candelabra chandelier?
Q
Comments (3)
Thanks Beverly. I'm not a fan of the wagon wheel style but I do love the middle 2 - my only concern is once again being the only light having a down light would not be good. Wouldn't the top shade cut down on the light coming fully into the room? I thought I would need multi-directional light - which I why didn't pick that style which I like. The top is too industrial. I've found a couple more simple styles chandeliers w less 'swoops'. It's an eat-in kitchen and the table goes right in the middle of room under the centered light. We're just going to be fancy farmers LOL! this is sort of the vibe. old style kitchen this layout w table in middle. But they added can lights. wow some interesting mix of styles!
...See More
joaniepoanie
12 years ago
Dark brown cabinets, black granite, slate floor.....too dark and heavy and no contrast....something's got to give....I think you have to either go with a light cabinet if you want dark counters or vice versa...If you want dark cabs keep counter and splash light...IMHO...
boxerpups
12 years ago
Here are some pictures of dark chocolate cabs and
slate floors. Notice the ideas in different countertops.
When I think of slate I think of rustic not always modern.
It can be done as you can see below but notice the more
country, warm and traditional spaces with slate and dark cabs.
A lighter counter does help create a contrast. I think
anything can be done but perhaps these ideas
can help you decide what would work for you.
~boxerpups

not modern but you can see the floors with the wood

Here is a pretty kitchen with lighter floors
adel97
12 years ago
I love dark cabinets too! But it does sound like your choices all together could look dungeony as a whole. Note that the pictures that boxer posted are lit very, very well. If you go with all dark finishes, pay extra attention to your lighting plan. Will you have natural light as well in your kitchen?

Also, consider a solid engineered quartz like the Caesarstone or Cambria brand if you really want a modern look. Most granites don't look modern to me (except maybe the true solids, such as "absolute black").

This is my contemporary-modern kitchen with dark cabs. My house didn't lend itself to real "modern" style. I went with white quartz counters and marble backsplash to lighten it up, and also have tons of natural light. I also LOVE the kitchen that biochem posted. That's a beauty.
User
12 years ago
The secret to any kitchen not being too dark is good lighting--and reflective surfaces. Add enough light, and even a black on black kitchen can be bright. You need a lighting expert and a really good electrician to make this happen though. And a really good lighting budget.

Related Stories

Come On Over To The Dark Side - Tips On Dark Kitchen Cabinetry!

KITCHEN DESIGN Cabinet Colors for Dark Appliances

By Lisa Frederick

See how to make your black kitchen appliances blend in and look great

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: A Dark Kitchen Brightens Up

By Mary Jo Bowling

A cooking space honors the past while embracing the present

KITCHEN DESIGN Are You Ready for a Dark and Sophisticated Kitchen?

By Scheer & Co. Interior Design

Black kitchen cabinets have a rich, timeless look. Get ideas for your next cabs — and how to paint the ones you have

KITCHEN DESIGN Dark Kitchen Gets a Bright New Look

By Cathy Rebecca

When a graphic designer and an architect put their heads together on a kitchen redesign, the result is a stylishly simple space

BLACK Guest Picks: Dining in the Dark

By Kristin Guy | Dine X Design

Give your kitchen and dining room a hit of sophistication with serving pieces, cookware and kitchen tools in moody black

KITCHEN DESIGN 3 Dark Kitchens, 6 Affordable Updates

By Jennifer Ott Design

Color advice: Three Houzzers get budget-friendly ideas to spruce up their kitchens with new paint, backsplashes and countertops

BEFORE AND AFTERS Reader Project: California Kitchen Joins the Dark Side

By Mitchell Parker

Dark cabinets and countertops replace peeling and cracking all-white versions in this sleek update

SMALL SPACES 10 Tiny Kitchens Whose Usefulness You Won't Believe

By Vanessa Brunner

Ingenious solutions from simple tricks to high design make this roundup of small kitchens an inspiring sight to see

SMALL KITCHENS 10 Things You Didn't Think Would Fit in a Small Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Don't assume you have to do without those windows, that island, a home office space, your prized collections or an eat-in nook

Sponsored

M&Z Home Services LLC

1 Review

Franklin County's Established Home Remodeling Expert Since 2012

More Discussions

Does anyone have Medallion cabinets in Maple Biscotti?

7

Thoughts on making galley kitchen more open?

31

kitchen countertops

2

Kith cabinets? They look great and well made?

4

Two tier drawer in 3 stack

11