New This Week: 5 Knockout Kitchens With Dark Cabinets
Tired of white? Consider these dark kitchen cabinet colors to bring drama and contrast
While white continues to be the most desired kitchen cabinet color, you shouldn’t let a popularity contest dictate your own kitchen design. After all, the following five kitchens, with their stylishly dark kitchen cabinets, might persuade you that deep grays, moody charcoals and near-black tones are the way to go.
2. Gauntlet Gray
Designers: Liz Merry of Willow Home and Amy Dirkes (architect) of Nor-Son Custom Builders
Location: Orono, Minnesota
Size: 200 square feet (19 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. A clean, streamlined kitchen that would minimize counter clutter so the space would function well for entertaining and daily life for a family with young kids.
Cabinet color. Gauntlet Gray in a low-luster enamel finish by Sherwin-Williams. “The client wanted to bring in some of the gray tones found in the marble countertops to be a contrast to the enameled trims and lighter walls,” architect Amy Dirkes says. “They also wanted to make a subtle statement, and the soft gray was a perfect match to the marble veining — a great complement to the surrounding spaces.”
Other special features. Lincoln Gold Vein marble in honed finish for the island countertop and slab backsplash. Engineered-stone perimeter countertops. Rustic-grade walnut floors in custom stain.
Designer tip. “We wanted to find a fun way to integrate the entrances to the pantry with the kitchen cabinets, so we encased the openings in materials supplied by our cabinet installer to match finish, color and detail,” Dirkes says. “Each opening contains a hidden pocket door to allow the homeowner to close off the pantry space from the kitchen while entertaining, yet maintain easy access for food and drink delivery.”
Pendant lights: Thomas O’Brien Goodman medium hanging light, Visual Comfort
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Designers: Liz Merry of Willow Home and Amy Dirkes (architect) of Nor-Son Custom Builders
Location: Orono, Minnesota
Size: 200 square feet (19 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. A clean, streamlined kitchen that would minimize counter clutter so the space would function well for entertaining and daily life for a family with young kids.
Cabinet color. Gauntlet Gray in a low-luster enamel finish by Sherwin-Williams. “The client wanted to bring in some of the gray tones found in the marble countertops to be a contrast to the enameled trims and lighter walls,” architect Amy Dirkes says. “They also wanted to make a subtle statement, and the soft gray was a perfect match to the marble veining — a great complement to the surrounding spaces.”
Other special features. Lincoln Gold Vein marble in honed finish for the island countertop and slab backsplash. Engineered-stone perimeter countertops. Rustic-grade walnut floors in custom stain.
Designer tip. “We wanted to find a fun way to integrate the entrances to the pantry with the kitchen cabinets, so we encased the openings in materials supplied by our cabinet installer to match finish, color and detail,” Dirkes says. “Each opening contains a hidden pocket door to allow the homeowner to close off the pantry space from the kitchen while entertaining, yet maintain easy access for food and drink delivery.”
Pendant lights: Thomas O’Brien Goodman medium hanging light, Visual Comfort
Shop for kitchen island lighting
3. Flint
Designers: Jamie Daugaard of Centre Sky Architecture (architect) and Derek Best of Best Custom Homes (builder)
Location: Evergreen, Colorado
Homeowners’ request. Bring the outside in with expansive windows, natural light and a solid connection of spaces through open traffic areas. (The homeowners and architect collaborated using this ideabook of Houzz images for inspiration.)
Cabinet color. Flint by Benjamin Moore.
Other special features. Dark wood island. Vintage wood wall and beams. Steel beam. Elevated walnut bar top. Quartz countertop and backsplash in concrete finish. Bifold windows connecting the kitchen to an outdoor countertop and barbecue area. Reclaimed-oak floors.
Designer tip. “I think the thing that makes this kitchen stand out is the harmonious blend of rustic and modern style,” builder Derek Best says. “The space maintains the clean and open characteristics of contemporary design, while bringing in the substance and warmth of wood.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Venting the kitchen hood was probably the biggest challenge due to its location,” Best says. “We were able to modify the cabinets so that the range hood vented out of a perpendicular side wall.”
Cabinets: white oak painted in Flint by Benjamin Moore, Davis Mill & Cabinet; wall paint: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore
Designers: Jamie Daugaard of Centre Sky Architecture (architect) and Derek Best of Best Custom Homes (builder)
Location: Evergreen, Colorado
Homeowners’ request. Bring the outside in with expansive windows, natural light and a solid connection of spaces through open traffic areas. (The homeowners and architect collaborated using this ideabook of Houzz images for inspiration.)
Cabinet color. Flint by Benjamin Moore.
Other special features. Dark wood island. Vintage wood wall and beams. Steel beam. Elevated walnut bar top. Quartz countertop and backsplash in concrete finish. Bifold windows connecting the kitchen to an outdoor countertop and barbecue area. Reclaimed-oak floors.
Designer tip. “I think the thing that makes this kitchen stand out is the harmonious blend of rustic and modern style,” builder Derek Best says. “The space maintains the clean and open characteristics of contemporary design, while bringing in the substance and warmth of wood.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Venting the kitchen hood was probably the biggest challenge due to its location,” Best says. “We were able to modify the cabinets so that the range hood vented out of a perpendicular side wall.”
Cabinets: white oak painted in Flint by Benjamin Moore, Davis Mill & Cabinet; wall paint: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore
4. Soot
Designers: Lea Legg of Red Acorn Studio and Angela Bobanovic of Angela Bobanovic Design
Location: London, Ontario
Size: About 400 square feet (37 square meters); 20 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. This was a spec home built by Millstone Homes, who wanted to appeal to a broad range of people looking for a family home.
Cabinet color. The dark cabinet color is Soot by Benjamin Moore. “We knew we did not want to go with a white kitchen here,” designer Lea Legg says. “We wanted to do something different. White kitchens are lovely and always classic, but we wanted to show how a dark color can really make a space feel inviting.”
Other special features. Sliding barn door-style upper cabinets with tiled wall behind. Paneled fridge and freezer columns. Wood-veneer base cabinets and oversize island. Veined-quartz countertops.
Designer tip. “Taking the backsplash all the way to the ceiling and in between the shelves in the upper cabinets was really a unique feature that gives impact,” Legg says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had ordered all Miele appliances that were barely going to make our deadline,” Legg says. “We got them installed and one of the people working at the house accidentally shattered the glass on the front of the range. We made a call and got one express-shipped just in time before opening day.”
Cabinetry fabrication and installation: Elite Kitchen Designs; wall paint: Intense White, Benjamin Moore
How to Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets
Designers: Lea Legg of Red Acorn Studio and Angela Bobanovic of Angela Bobanovic Design
Location: London, Ontario
Size: About 400 square feet (37 square meters); 20 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. This was a spec home built by Millstone Homes, who wanted to appeal to a broad range of people looking for a family home.
Cabinet color. The dark cabinet color is Soot by Benjamin Moore. “We knew we did not want to go with a white kitchen here,” designer Lea Legg says. “We wanted to do something different. White kitchens are lovely and always classic, but we wanted to show how a dark color can really make a space feel inviting.”
Other special features. Sliding barn door-style upper cabinets with tiled wall behind. Paneled fridge and freezer columns. Wood-veneer base cabinets and oversize island. Veined-quartz countertops.
Designer tip. “Taking the backsplash all the way to the ceiling and in between the shelves in the upper cabinets was really a unique feature that gives impact,” Legg says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had ordered all Miele appliances that were barely going to make our deadline,” Legg says. “We got them installed and one of the people working at the house accidentally shattered the glass on the front of the range. We made a call and got one express-shipped just in time before opening day.”
Cabinetry fabrication and installation: Elite Kitchen Designs; wall paint: Intense White, Benjamin Moore
How to Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets
5. Carbon Grey
Designer: Sharlyn Evette Miraflores-Ebuna of Appliance Haus
Location: Markham, Ontario
Size: 130 square feet (12 square meters); 13 by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. A sleek, modern kitchen that would incorporate contrast and warmth.
Cabinet color. The dark cabinets are Carbon Grey in a matte finish from the Bondi-C line by Leicht. The lighter cabinets are Stone Oak from the Orlando-C line. “Dark cabinets have the risk of closing up the space,” designer Sharlyn Evette Miraflores-Ebuna says. “However, the natural lighting allowed the space to feel open.”
Other special features. Glossy white rectangular tile backsplash in stacked pattern with white grout. White quartz countertops. Wood floors in a walnut finish.
Designer tip. “Vertical lines make the space feel taller, while horizontal lines make the space feel longer,” Miraflores-Ebuna says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The kitchen has bulkheads and columns,” Miraflores-Ebuna says. “They can always be a bit of a challenge on how to address them, due to size and color. I suggested to use the same material as we were using for the kitchen cabinetry.”
More on Houzz
What to Know About Working With a Custom Cabinetmaker
Cabinets 101: How to Choose Construction, Materials and Style
Get kitchen design ideas
Find a kitchen designer near you
Shop for kitchen products
Designer: Sharlyn Evette Miraflores-Ebuna of Appliance Haus
Location: Markham, Ontario
Size: 130 square feet (12 square meters); 13 by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. A sleek, modern kitchen that would incorporate contrast and warmth.
Cabinet color. The dark cabinets are Carbon Grey in a matte finish from the Bondi-C line by Leicht. The lighter cabinets are Stone Oak from the Orlando-C line. “Dark cabinets have the risk of closing up the space,” designer Sharlyn Evette Miraflores-Ebuna says. “However, the natural lighting allowed the space to feel open.”
Other special features. Glossy white rectangular tile backsplash in stacked pattern with white grout. White quartz countertops. Wood floors in a walnut finish.
Designer tip. “Vertical lines make the space feel taller, while horizontal lines make the space feel longer,” Miraflores-Ebuna says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The kitchen has bulkheads and columns,” Miraflores-Ebuna says. “They can always be a bit of a challenge on how to address them, due to size and color. I suggested to use the same material as we were using for the kitchen cabinetry.”
More on Houzz
What to Know About Working With a Custom Cabinetmaker
Cabinets 101: How to Choose Construction, Materials and Style
Get kitchen design ideas
Find a kitchen designer near you
Shop for kitchen products
Designer: Christina Wilcocks with design assistant Elena Liz, both of Normandy Homes
Location: Frisco, Texas
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters); 25 by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. This was a model home in a community with multiple competing builders, each with their own model. “As such, we needed a home that would stand out among the competition and be memorable,” designer Christina Wilcocks says. “The overall theme for this home was transitional with class, an overall classic styling in look and finishes while incorporating both traditional and contemporary elements to make it cozy yet fresh.”
Cabinet color. Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams. “As popular as bright, white kitchens are — and we love them — we were looking for something that would be a more dramatic statement against the dolomite countertops and marble backsplash,” Wilcocks says. “We fell in love with the warm dark charcoal color of Iron Ore and used it on the kitchen cabinets as well as all interior doors and other accent areas within the home.”
Other special features. Natural dolomite countertops. Calacatta marble tile backsplash in brick pattern. Oversize black shade pendants. Custom vent hood. Glass-paneled tower cabinets on the countertop.
Designer tip. “The cost of the finishes in this kitchen added up very quickly, as they do in all projects,” Wilcocks says. “We wanted our statement wall, which is the cooktop wall, to be light and bright and marble. We were able to use the marble backsplash in the open area around the cooktop and cabinet hood, and then painted the interior of the glass-front cabinets Extra White by Sherwin Williams to match the wall color and blend in with the marble backsplash, to keep the eye moving and not give a visual ‘hard stop’ to the marble.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We got pretty worried when we first saw the backsplash installed,” Wilcocks says. “The sample we chose from didn’t show as much variation and gold veining as when it was installed. We held our breath and waited for the cabinets to be painted — they were raw poplar when the backsplash was installed — and for the other elements of the kitchen to be completed, hoping the yellow and gold in the backsplash would die down and magically blend in beautifully. And thank goodness it did.”
Custom cabinets: Chandler Cabinets
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