While all-white kitchens continue to dominate social media and design shows, we are starting to see a move towards more dramatic and striking dark kitchens. Dark colors can make your kitchen look elegant, luxurious, and modern. This makes them a perfect pairing for European-style kitchen cabinets, which are already chic and contemporary.
How To Style Dark Kitchen With European-Style Cabinets
Read on for some tips on how to style your kitchen with dark European cabinets.
Choose the Right Style For Your European Style Kitchen Cabinets
European-style cabinets are available in a variety of colors, ranging from natural woods to painted laminate. You can opt for dark wood grain, like walnut, oak, or mahogany. These options tend to look very luxe and elegant.
A painted finish in black or dark blue will look more modern and sleek. Decide which style you want to create in your kitchen; your chosen colors will complement that.
Create a Balanced Space
If your kitchen lacks natural light, the dark colors of your cabinets could look too imposing or cramped. To break up the darkness, mix and match different colors and textures. You can also bring in lighter elements, like backsplash tiles, to offset the dark cabinets.
Another way to break up the space in your kitchen is by utilizing open shelving. You can opt for lower cabinets in a dark color with open shelves on top. This not only opens up the kitchen and creates the illusion of more space, but it also gives you an extra spot for decor. You can use the shelves to show off your dishes, colorful vases, or even a cookbook collection.
Play With Colors
Just because you’re opting for dark cabinets doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate other colors! Having two-tone cabinets is a great way to bring contrast into the space.
You can opt for a lighter shade on the upper cabinets to balance out the dark cabinets below, or you can keep the wall cabinets one color and your kitchen island cabinets another. Find a complementary color to the dark shade you’ve chosen.
For example, black and white are a classic contrasting pair, while a deep navy blue can work with a soft pastel or dove grey.
Another way to bring colors into the room is with small accent pieces. You can use your backsplash to play against the dark colors, with lighting fixtures and textiles to match. If you’d rather keep the color to a minimum, choose a few decor pieces like vases or small appliances. With bold colors like red or yellow, a little can go a long way!
Undertones Are Important
You know you want a deep, dark shade for your kitchen, but do you want warm or cool tones? The undertones of your cabinet color, especially if you are opting for a dark grey or brown, will help you style the rest of your kitchen.
A warm-toned shade with beige or yellow undertones will look better with warm colors like reds, yellows, oranges, and browns. Cool tones, on the other hand, will pair better with blues and greens.
Bring In Wooden Elements in European Style Kitchen Cabinets
Painted cabinets aren’t the only way to bring dark shades into your home. You can opt for a natural wood tone to create a simpler or Scandinavian-inspired look in your kitchen. You can also get that look by using natural wood elements that may already exist in your kitchen, like exposed beams in the ceiling or wooden floors.
Brighten With Blue
A black kitchen might feel too dramatic for everyone. Instead, you can get the dark effect with a less intimidating shade: blue. A rich, deep blue can work in many kitchen styles: coastal, French, Scandinavian, or modern. Contrast the blue cabinets with white walls to make them pop, and bring in brass hardware to complete the look.
Find the Right Hardware
Once you’ve selected the right colors for your European-style kitchen cabinets, you can bring out the best in them with your hardware. Choosing the right knobs and pulls will elevate your kitchen cabinets and make your overall look seamless.
A stainless steel or chrome finish will stand out against dark cabinet doors and create contrast, while brass or gold is a warmer option. Pulls are typically more modern, especially when they are sleek and streamlined.
However, for an ultra-modern look, you can forgo pulls altogether and opt for push-touch cabinets. This will create an ultra-sleek line in your kitchen, allowing the dark cabinets to take center stage.
Try Colors On Your Island
One way to bring dark colors into your kitchen without taking over the whole space is with a kitchen island. You can use a dark island in a lighter kitchen to create depth and dimension.
This is a great option if your kitchen doesn’t have a lot of natural light and you’re worried that the dark colors will make it look small or cramped. This way, you still have light colors on the walls to reflect the light, and your kitchen island can bring dramatic shades.
Warm Up a Dark Space With Patterns
Just because you’re opting for dark European-style kitchen cabinets doesn’t mean your home has to rely on dark solids and monochrome elements. Patterns instead of color can bring in a lot of visual interest! Try a patterned backsplash in Moroccan-inspired print or geometrical designs or tiled floors in a chevron pattern. These elements will transform your kitchen easily!
Don’t Forget Your Appliances
Appliances are a big part of your kitchen, so it’s important to factor them into your design! Instead of creating a chic space around your fridge, let your fridge be a part of the overall look.
Major appliances typically come in either white, black, or stainless steel. All three options can work in your dark kitchen.
White appliances can create a bold contrast with black cabinets and countertops for a unique look, while stainless steel can look contemporary and cool. Black appliances, particularly matte black, can make your kitchen look ultra-modern but sophisticated.
