For years now, this viral kitchen designed by Athena Calderone (Eyeswoon) for her former Brooklyn kitchen has only picked up momentum on my channels. So it’s no surprise that the appetite for black kitchen designs is at an all-time high. Let’s look at a collection of pretty examples. I’ll supply the paint color for cabinets if it is known, and I’ll offer suggestions where it isn’t.
Black Kitchens & Paint Colors to Try
Try Farrow & Ball RAILINGS 31
Here’s the exact paint color for that unforgettable earthy modern urban kitchen that broke the internet:
It provides a stunning contrast to a sea of white and all that delectable calacatta marble.
A Railings Hollywood Regency style kitchen blast from the past:
While I’m unsure which color was used on cabinetry in this kitchen staged by Myra Hoefer Design, it strikes me as quite similar to Railings.
Farrow & Ball Off Black
Farrow and Ball says this soft black is one of their original colors – an uncomplicated name for a well loved classic. In this breathtaking kitchen by M+M Interior Design, notice how well black works with Jitney.
Bear in mind that this La Jolla, California kitchen is located in the center of the home. The way you’ll perceive a black color or any color is dependent upon the amount of natural light and artificial light the space receives.
Off-Black is thought to be more flattering to adjacent colors than stronger blacks since it feels milder in tone, with less of the underlying cool blue of Railings or Black Blue.
I sense the “mildness” Farrow & Ball refers to in how this color doesn’t look too austere with the surrounding natural pale stone.
Black Country Kitchen Inspiration
Many homeowners decide to reserve black exclusively for the kitchen island and accents. While I don’t know if Nora chose Off-Black for her floors and island here, it has a softness to it.
There are so many noteworthy details to admire in Nora Murphy’s former kitchen (above) with its black checkered pattern on hardwood floor, black stools, black island, and rustic aged accents.
While deVOL formulates their own paint finishes for their “furniture,” this luxurious island has a soft black that feels close to Off Black. It feels so balanced with the black range and windows. All of the warm stone keeps the whole design from feeling chilly.
Benjamin Moore MIDNIGHT OIL 1631
Of Midnight Oil, BM says it will bring a bold edge of saturation to any space with its dark, enveloping hue.
With its light reflectance value (LRV) of 7.67, it sure ain’t reflecting much light back into the room, but it sure feels chic.
Here’s a kitchen where the paint color is unknown yet reminiscent of Midnight Oil:
Benjamin Moore VAN BUREN BROWN
What if you’re seeking a deep brown that leans toward black? Maybe this color is calling. Lone Fox used it in a gorgeous renovated kitchen with Old World charm:
With a light reflectance value (LRV) of 9.52, it is definitely deep and moody. Benjamin Moore calls it a deep, dignified brown that leans towards black. Here’s a fantasy kitchen with that same spirit of dignified brown-black:
Farrow & Ball PITCH BLACK 256
Pitch Black is said to be strong, uncomplicated, and as pure a black as you can get. Named for the dark sticky residue of coal tar (used in roofing), this true black has an unsurpassable depth and almost velvet quality. You can definitely sense its strength in this design by Bailey McCarthy:
Farrow & Ball call PITCH BLACK indispensable for ironwork, woodwork or even walls.
When You’re After a True Cool Deep Black
While we don’t know the exact black used in the following kitchens, they are in keeping with a true and very strong color like Pitch Black:
I wonder if the black here is even paint!
Lest we forget a glossy black door can have phenomenal presence:
Strong Black for Windows & Trim
When black accents contrast with a sea of white, the effect is stunning. Remember this beauty in MILIEU a few years back?
The strong iron color on windows in this kitchen also makes a statement:
I’m reminded how a strong black paint color truly can feel steely even when applied to wood. Just imagine if the window here in this guest suite kitchen below blended in with the surrounding white.
Stay tuned for more ideas for a smart black kitchen.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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