Introduce other colors or elements into your black and white kitchen for a dramatic effect.
Design and decorate your kitchen with a black and white color palette for a dramatic kitchen that can be dressed up, or down, with the simple use of accessories. Plan out each detail of your kitchen to fit into the black and white theme you're trying to achieve. Your black and white kitchen can work for an ultra-modern style or a simple country style, depending on the accessories you decide to use.
Instructions
1. Select the base elements of your kitchen including the floor, cabinets and appliances. For a true black and white kitchen, choose black, white or black and white flooring. This could include an inlaid pattern, a checkered pattern or any pattern you want whether you're installing tile, marble, vinyl or bamboo wood floors. The cabinets should be white because black cabinets will make the kitchen appear smaller, darker and gloomier. Black, white or stainless steel appliances will work.
2. Choose a countertop that complements and floor choices. Or, if you know the counters you want, choose the cabinets and flooring to match the counter. Common choices for a black and white color scheme are white cabinets with black counters made of granite, marble or other shiny surfaces. Bring in a country feel with natural wood counters, or an ultra modern feel with sleek stainless steel counters.
3. Paint the walls or install tiles to serve as a backsplash between the counters and cabinets. If your cabinets are white and the counters are black, a steel, black or white backsplash would work. Or, get creative and display a bold border through the use of colorful tiles. A white background with a black pattern, design or border would also continue the color scheme.
4. Install hardware on the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, if you wish to use hardware. Paint the knobs white to blend in with the cabinets, black to contrast against the white or use silver or steel for a modern look. Knobs can act as accessories that allow you to bring color and dimension to your kitchen, such as using bright pink flower-shaped knobs. Hardware is also easy to update if you change your mind about your decor.
5. Add accessories to your kitchen to pull your design together. James Mahoney of Kitchen Designer's Ideas suggests following a 60-30-10 rule when it comes to the colors in your kitchen. The primary color, which is most likely white, should cover 60 percent of your kitchen. The secondary color, likely black, should cover 30 percent, and the remaining 10 percent should include a third color. If red is your third color, place red canisters or small appliances on your counters. Frame a black and white picture with a red frame for a wall in your kitchen. Place a small red bud vase on your windowsill or centered on your island. Display red plates or glasses on top of your cabinets, if there's extra space.
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