White color, as a symbol of purity, freshness and light, has long been considered the most universal color when developing kitchen design. But choosing black can be quite a bold decision. Through the correct use of black and white, you can prove yourself to be a true connoisseur of modern design trends, since monochrome combinations are a sign of subtle taste.
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Black and white kitchens are usually chosen by supporters of laconic, but at the same time, expressive solutions. This color scheme has, on the one hand, simplicity, and on the other hand, restrained nobility. It is suitable for calm and balanced people who love order.
Pros of a black and white kitchen
- Versatility. With this design, it is difficult to make mistakes in color combinations and it is easier to avoid color errors.
- White surfaces are able to reflect light, creating a feeling of spaciousness.
- A black and white kitchen is a great place for experimentation.
But there are also some disadvantages:
- Be prepared to clean frequently, as all the stains and specks of dust are clearly visible on black, while specks, droplets and soot are visible on white.
- Black color can visually make the kitchen space smaller.
- Excess black in the interior can cause stress, bad mood and even depression.
Arrangement
The practical design of a kitchen in the color design under consideration is a rather difficult and responsible task, since the overall integrity of the stylistic image and, naturally, practical convenience in this matter depends on the layout of the object-object environment, made of components of different textures, sizes and colors.
You will need a lot of time and effort to calculate the perfect arrangement of black and white furnished equipment, since it will not be possible to identify the most successful and organic combination right away. For this reason, the following material is of particular importance and benefit to you.
What to do in black and what in white
Once you have decided that the kitchen design will include only a classic combination of two colors, the next question arises: what to do in black and what in white.
White kitchen - black countertop
When the white palette predominates, and black is used only in details, the interior becomes clearer and geometric. The black countertop marks the boundary between two parallel cabinets and outlines the work area.
This creates a feeling of deep space and makes the interior more dynamic. Black chairs, lamps, black and white prints or posters on the walls will help to enhance the accent.
White kitchen - black apron
The apron is designed to protect walls from all kinds of contamination during the cooking process. However, it can become a stylish element of kitchen decor. Emphasizes the severity and harmony of the kitchen. This is a kind of background for furniture that will look more advantageous; even simple cabinets and shelves are transformed.
White top black bottom
Perhaps this kitchen looks too formal, not homey. But still, this creative idea has gained considerable popularity, becoming a win-win option. A clear contrast delimits the space.
The upper zone of the kitchen seems airy, and the lower one becomes more weighty. The walls of the room visually move apart. And the main plus: the black color perfectly camouflages large household appliances.
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White kitchen - black floor
The black floor gives the room respectability. Regardless of how full the furniture is, the kitchen will look rich, without feeling empty. And from a psychological point of view, such a design is very comfortable for a person, as it creates a feeling of earthiness and reliability. There is no need for additional accents in the kitchen - the floor takes on this mission.
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Black table – white kitchen
A black dining table surrounded by comfortable chairs goes perfectly with a white kitchen set. It can become a bright accent in one copy, or can be supported by a small number of black objects. In addition, a table in this color provides ample opportunities to effectively complement the kitchen interior with napkins, dishes and other compositions.
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Technique
When choosing appliances for the kitchen, you should be guided by the answers to two requirements: functional and stylistic purpose and metric data of the room.
It is important to understand that equipment is purchased in addition to furniture, so their compatibility with each other and style harmony are mandatory requirements. So, if you have a white kitchen with a black apron, then you should support the accent color with large elements, such as a refrigerator or oven.
If a wooden set is placed in a small area, which visually fills more space than it actually is due to its textured massiveness, then you need to select small pieces of technical equipment with light-colored facades.
In addition, try to synchronize the stylistic parameters of the selected equipment. Select identically designed and materially unified objects so that they can be integrated into the interior and coexist in a balanced manner at a certain distance from each other, giving the kitchen a complete and expensive look.
Third color
Black and white are a fairly self-sufficient pair. But by accentuating a third color, you can give the interior a special emotion. How to turn a duet of black and white into a trio?
Red
The most effective option.
Any red detail in a black and white interior will add dynamism and slight aggression to the kitchen.
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Any shades are suitable: scarlet, raspberry, fuchsia, carmine. But it is worth remembering that red is very powerful.
It concentrates attention on itself, so it is very important to find a balance, or rather a measured amount of this color as a third.
Grey
In fact, this shade is the result of mixing black and white colors.
As an accent, it can reduce and neutralize contrast. At the same time, it does not introduce anything unnecessary.
The variety of gray palette will allow you to achieve any desired result: add restraint or add emotion, create a vintage or urban mood, make the kitchen laconic or more openwork.
Green
This is the color of life, the color of nature.
Its relaxing meditative properties are generally recognized.
Green splashes in a black and white kitchen will dilute its severity and give a spring, optimistic mood.
The shade can be anything: from delicate mint to gloomy marsh, from bright salad to rich herbaceous.
Green color will undoubtedly make the kitchen more “appetizing”, because it is the color of apples, cucumbers, avocados, olives, and spinach.
Yellow
A color that can invigorate, set you in a positive mood, stimulate activity, digestion and appetite. Yellow accents will light up in a black and white kitchen, like bright light bulbs, like sunbeams, adding the necessary energy boost and creating a feeling of warmth.
However, it should be borne in mind that with prolonged exposure, the abundance of yellow paints begins to tire and even irritate. Therefore, it is important not to overdo it.
Bright elements will help avoid facelessness in the interior and dilute its excessive severity and coldness.
Using paints, you can highlight small household appliances, lamps, chairs, curtains, vases, ceramic figurines, etc.
But it is worth observing moderation, since many unnecessary details can fragment the interior, depriving it of unity.
Textile
Textile design in these circumstances is extremely simple. It is noteworthy that the following simple recommendations can be followed for any budget.
Firstly, textiles can be decoratively accentuated, then their quality and style should be approached especially carefully, since, attracting the main primary attention, they will lay the foundation for the overall impression of the design.
Secondly, if it has a functional purpose, then it is worth taking the choice of material quite responsibly. For example, choose thick curtains, wear-resistant coverings for the seats of chairs or sofas and, of course, such textiles must be resistant to chemical treatment.
If you are an aesthetically sensitive person, then try to select different textures and unusual shapes for standard textile design elements to achieve a stylistically perfect result.
What style is suitable for a kitchen in black and white?
A black and white kitchen is simply ideal for those who are not afraid to bring the most fantastic ideas to life.
Almost everything goes with these colors. To be sure, it is enough to draw a parallel with clothing. Therefore, it is not surprising that the combination of black and white can be implemented in literally any style.
Classic style
It is characterized by symmetry and strict geometric shapes.
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Both in furniture and decoration, natural or decorated materials, carved wooden elements and fittings of traditional shapes are used.
The flooring should also be wooden.
The furniture chosen is comfortable, but practical, with smooth, elegant outlines.
Chandeliers are always openwork and decorated.
High tech
This is a strict design, clear lines and smooth facades.
Style loves gloss and shine.
Plastic, leather and metal are appropriate here. They will make a black and white kitchen more modern, especially in combination with steel, glass, silver and chrome items.
A good solution would be spot lighting in different places.
Minimalism
Everything is subordinated to functionality and avoidance of excesses. This style categorically rejects useless decorations and other decorative elements that do not carry a logical load.
A set with straight lines and smooth doors, no open shelves or small objects in sight.
Appliances are usually built-in, lamps and furniture are undecorated.
But there are also softened versions of the minimalist style, for example, Scandinavian, when bright details are allowed: one or two paintings, a chandelier, curtains, serving napkins.
Retro
It’s difficult to come up with the best color combination for this style. It will fill the kitchen space with a vintage spirit, as if taking us back to the era of black and white cinema. The emphasis is on the play of light by combining glossy and matte surfaces.
The apron can be made with a stylized pattern. And creative accessories in the hand-made style, demonstrating the extraordinary taste of the owner of the kitchen, will help to add a unique edge to the interior.
Loft
This avant-garde style is very popular among residents of modern cities.
There is always a lot of metal in the loft; the decoration is dominated by brick, concrete, rough pipes and aged wood. But its main feature is the maximum open space. That’s why the loft appealed to city dwellers who were tired of cramped spaces.
A black and white kitchen can fit very harmoniously into this style; exposed brickwork will be an excellent backdrop for it.
Provence
The most cozy and truly homely atmosphere is created by a black and white kitchen, decorated in a romantic Provence style. This is a paradise for lovers of decorative dishes and cute trinkets.
Bright curtains, patterned wallpaper and naive floral decor would be quite appropriate. Numerous open shelves where jars, plates, and spices will be placed are welcome.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper for such a kitchen in most cases should be selected in a discreet and monochromatic manner, since the interior itself already has a fairly solid and complete appearance with its decor and accents. The main task of wallpaper is to consolidate the existing result, as in the case of creating a cut for a precious stone.
It is noteworthy that the texture of the wallpaper depends on the style of the interior design and the metric features of the room. For example, black and white glossy kitchens need to smooth out their striking design with matte and smooth wall coverings.
At the same time, kitchens with a non-standard layout, located in a small area, should be decorated with wallpaper with a mirror surface for an illusory continuation of the room.
However, not a single most detailed example can accurately describe the specifics of your kitchen, so in any case you will need the advice of a competent specialist who will help complete the interior to perfection using the most unobvious methods for a non-specialist.
Which people suit a black and white kitchen?
The opinion that black and white interior is boring, mediocre and suitable only for offices has long lost its relevance. This range is moderately solemn, restrained and neutral at the same time.
It is of great importance for people who prefer noble shades. Black color, especially in combination with gloss and glass, gives a feeling of depth and infinity. White gives airiness and lightness.
Black and white kitchen suits people who:
- value style;
- want to always stay in trend;
- find a compromise between elegance and practicality;
- do not like halftones;
- are not afraid of non-trivial solutions;
- strive for absolute harmony.
Black and white kitchens look quite extravagant in homes where it is customary to show them off rather than hide them. And what could be more advantageous than a stylish monochrome design.
Flaws
- White furniture in the kitchen will get dirty very easily and, if not properly maintained, will noticeably spoil the overall impression of the kitchen style.
- Coloring mistakes can narrow the room, darken it or make it look ridiculous, so hire only experienced specialists for the work.
- Highly recommended glossy surfaces are excellent at accumulating dust and sebum, and the slightest stains are clearly visible on them if they are not washed well.
