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Dramatic and stylish, an all-black kitchen can be a look for the long-haul, especially when teamed with a crisp white backdrop – perhaps with a subtle hint of pattern – and expanses of warming timber.
As the colour scheme does the talking, few extra embellishments are needed, although you can't go wrong with accents of sleek chrome and soft touches of greenery.
This kitchen, created by Alice and Caleb of Pearson + Projects, was the last remaining element of their ninth full house renovation. The pair turned to Kaboodle's 3D design kitchen planner for help. “It's such a cool way to design. It's really great for planning your layout and for colour choices too,” says Alice.
The couple picked Kaboodle cabinetry in Black Olive, teamed with black mushroom knobs, black appliances that blend almost seamlessly with the cabinetry, and a black sink, for a high-impact, monochrome zone.
To make a single-colour scheme work, it's important to add texture and interest – here, this is achieved with Kaboodle's “Alpine” profile cabinetry, with the panelled doors lending character.
A crisp contrast is provided by the backdrop: white for the walls, panelled ceiling and shutters, and a splashback of simple white tiles.
The swan neck chrome tap has a quiet, sculptural elegance, while the gleaming finish picks up and reflects the colour scheme.
Timber is a boon when used in a monochrome scheme – it adds warmth to black or white and prevents the look from becoming too stark, or overpowering.
In this kitchen, a light-hued laminate vinyl was used for the flooring. “The kitchen itself is quite striking, so we didn't add much in terms of dressing it,” says Alice.
The couple also chose a Kaboodle bamboo benchtop, with open shelves crafted using offcuts from the same benchtop material opening up a head-height area in the corner. The shelving provides a little visual breathing space among the wall cabinetry, and delivers a neat display zone for a small collection of ceramics and some greenery.
Plants work well in just about any space but look particularly good against a very light or very dark backdrop, which allows the foliage to pop.
Introduce a black-and-white colour scheme for a similar, yet softer look. Take a look at our how-to on mastering a monochrome kitchen.
Photo credit: Tim Williams and James Moffatt
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
