Eye-Catching Islands: 8 That Are Elegant in Black
Pack a dramatic punch with a black island in the kitchen
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Black is such a fun color to decorate with, but a little bit definitely goes a long way. Too much of it, especially in a small or poorly lit space, can make a room feel dark, gloomy and cavelike. But it can be the perfect accent color on a kitchen island.
Black is such a fun color to decorate with, but a little bit definitely goes a long way. Too much of it, especially in a small or poorly lit space, can make a room feel dark, gloomy and cavelike. But it can be the perfect accent color on a kitchen island.
Warm metal accents are another way to add some zing to a black island. Polished metals especially will add a nice sparkling element to the room. And, speaking of sparkle, it’s also important to consider your options for the finish sheen. A glossy black finish, as on this island, will reflect light, whereas a matte black finish will absorb light, making the island feel heavier and denser.
A black island looks stunning in any style of kitchen. In this charming modern-rustic hybrid, it serves as a visual anchor, but your eye can’t help but move around to take in the other interesting surface materials in the room.
Here’s a decidedly more traditional kitchen — and that black island is right at home in it. If you want a softer effect for your black island, try using a black stain or glaze rather than opaque paint.
A black island is a terrific way to add interesting contrast to an otherwise all-white kitchen. It’s dramatic for sure, and helps to break up the monotony of an otherwise singe-hued space.
Most of the kitchens featured thus far have been black and white, with perhaps some wood elements thrown in. But black is a neutral hue, which means you can pair with any other color you like. I love the black island in contrast to the blue-green backsplash here. The only colors I would suggest avoiding with black are bright yellow or orange in large amounts, as the former brings to mind certain stinging insects and the latter can feel Halloween-themed.
This kitchen features a few orange accents, but because they are fairly small, it doesn’t feel Halloween-like. It’s all about paying attention to the proportion of color. Here we have a nice mix of black and white with small bold accent hues that add visual rhythm.
What a fantastic family kitchen. This is a very large island, but because the top is a contrasting light hue and there are stools aplenty with light seats in front of the island, the dark hue is broken up nicely.
Your turn: Do you have a dramatic black kitchen island? Please share a photo in the Comments section below.
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Your turn: Do you have a dramatic black kitchen island? Please share a photo in the Comments section below.
See more colored islands: Blue | Green
More
How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
The Best of My Houzz: 20 Creative Kitchen Islands
One suggestion for working in a black island is to pair it with lighter and brighter elements, as well as warm colors or materials — such as wood. These contrasting hues will serve as a nice foil to the dark island, allowing it to stand out. And this move will keep the overall palette from being too dark and oppressive.