New white kitchen is black
Print- •
-
Share
- Share this item
-
Grab the link
Copy and paste the link:
- Blog about it
- Close
- •
-
Post a Comment
- •
Favorite- •
A few weeks ago I wrote about using black colored furnishings and paint in your house in my feng shui newsletter.
It got a big response and lots of chattering ensued on my Facebook page where I shared photos of my house and my black living room bookshelves, black exterior doors, and black painted furniture.
And all that talk led me to my confession that I love the color black and I especially love black cabinets in kitchens.
Kitchens are awash in white paint. They're also very woody. Few, if any, are bold and black.
Black is a gorgeous color that makes whatever is put against it pop out in contrast. But far from being dark and ominous, black can be warm, comforting and sexy. When it's paired with the right surroundings, black becomes luminous and bold and far from receding into the unnoticeable background.
White kitchens have been favored for a long time, and for good reason. White kitchens go with everything and are always pretty. The problem is that the white kitchen is, so, well, vanilla. But, if you have a little daring and a really good painter, a black kitchen could save your home from the ivory blandness.
More than contemporary
So often black is considered a contemporary color. But it's not. The Victorians used copious amounts of ebony stains and paints, and they certainly wore a lot of it.
Black can be used in traditional settings and when it is, the look is very fresh and dramatic. Of course, what I'm talking about is more than the typical sprinkle of black, such as on an island or a stove surround. When you really want to venture into a new look for your kitchen, make over all the cabinets in bright, shiny black.
Find the right black
A luminous black that you would get from a high gloss oil paint is the kind of black that has depth, richness and can really lift a kitchen. But, you need a very high-quality paint and a skilled painter so that the effect is created well and that the brush marks and streaks don't show.
Another option is to create a country style paint effect by using a semi-gloss paint and then distressing the edges.
Of course, there is always the low-gloss or matte look of contemporary that paired with long brushed-nickel drawer pulls would put any chef into a Zen mood.
Pairing black with today's stainless steel appliances turns your dishwasher and refrigerator into kitchen jewelry because stainless looks positively stunning next to black.
Have some more daring? Why not try a metal ceiling (copper would be fabulous) to go with your black kitchen?
Counter ideas
When it comes to pairing counters with black cabinets, keep in mind that black counters, such as solid black granite will make the cabinets and counters look like a piece of furniture and feel very unified.
A country black cabinet with distressed doors and edges would look fabulous with an old fashioned soda fountain white marble. Or, you could use butcher block.
Wood counters - and floors for that matter - look magnificent against black. Another good all-around color choice is granite with some flecks or streaks of black.
Hint
If you're a fan of Perrier or club soda, you can create your own sparkling water or carbonated drinks with Soda Stream carbonators. These nifty machines will let you create sparkling water from tap water or make your own flavored sodas. You can add as much carbonation or sweetness that you like. It's a great idea for parents or anyone who wants carbonation without the health risks, expense or harmful plastic bottles. Go to www.sodastream.com to learn more.
Last note.I recently received a letter that was badly mangled. If you wrote to me and didn't receive an answer, please write or e-mail again. The postal gremlins ate your letter.
Kathryn Weber is a home and decorating columnist and publishes the Red Lotus Letter feng shui ezine. For more information or questions, email katie@redlotusletter.com or write to her at P.O. Box 531, Cuero, Texas 77954. Please include your e-mail address or a SASE for a reply.
