Looking for something high contrast and eternally classic for your kitchen décor?

Beyond the ever-changing trends of open shelving, farmhouse decor, and bright kitchen appliances, some features of interior design remain timeless. Shaker cabinets, for example, have stood the test of time, while kitchens in warm earth tones are considered the best of all colour trends. However, if you want to guarantee that your kitchen will outshine all trends while still being interesting, the best approach is to design it in black and white. This is a classic combination of tones for the kitchen, where the black can hide what’s not to be seen while the white shades can effortlessly brighten up the space.

A black and white kitchen can be both traditional and modern with the perfect furniture, decorations, and layout. Here are some tips on creating the perfect B&W blend for the kitchen.

Colour blocking

The colour-blocking technique pairs opposite colours on the colour wheel for stability and innovation. While pairing black and white may not seem revolutionary, there’s a certain way to do it in interior design.

Black kitchens might be too dark for some, which is why adding white, in contrast, provides an interesting visual. For example, an entire black wall next to an entire white wall creates depth without straining the eye and provides a certain level of warmth. You could choose to have the backsplash and the sink area all black while the pantry zone remains white.

Don’t ignore other colours for design

A black and white kitchen is not all about these tones. Therefore, a splash of pink or red placed in the right place can do wonders. Bubble-gum pink, for example, looks fantastic in the middle of a black kitchen area, so such a dining table would complement the design beautifully.

A monotone palette with a few red decorations is also impactful, so don’t be afraid to add a little bit of colour if you’re fond of certain decorative pieces. While black and white dominate the kitchen, colourful shades here and there bring more personality to the table. You could choose these colours as the room’s centrepiece, such as a custom hood, a unique island or a set of appliances.

Try an industrial look

A black-and-white kitchen doesn’t have to look a certain way, so you can introduce different styles into it. For instance, an industrial B&W kitchen could make the black elements less harsh and the white ones cooler.

Industrial kitchens are all about unfinished looks and raw aesthetics. Therefore, try to incorporate character in your black-and-white kitchens, from white-textured walls to black, imperfect furniture pieces. Metal accents and fixtures complement the final design without having to try too much.

Approach minimalism

If you find industrial kitchens too cold, you may want a B&W minimalistic kitchen. This concept allows you to simplify the room design while redecorating it on a budget. Moreover, black-and-white appliances, furniture, and decorations are easier to find and incorporate into the kitchen.

Minimalism is all about few belongings and easy-to-maintain countertops, so introducing it could be easier if you’re also a minimalist. This means you truly value every object in the kitchen and designate spaces for every different item. Moreover, since the design is focused on black and white, you’ll be able to downsize the number of additional purchases.

Consider patterns

Black-and-white patterns are allowed in the kitchen, and they can add the excitement you need. Artwork, painted walls, or customised cabinets in B&W motifs can make the kitchen more welcoming and fun.

You could also play with tile patterns on the backsplash or the floor. The timeless black and white tile floor looks amazing outside the bathroom as well, so you can introduce it in the kitchen as checkerboard patterns or floral, depending on what’s available on the market. Basic rugs are great additions to the chic tile flooring.

Choose your boldness preferences

A B&W kitchen is not that easy to design. The endless shades and tones of black and white can make a huge difference in the final design, as some can make the kitchen bolder while others will add more warmth.

You could approach a white kitchen with black accents if you want to play it safe. On the other hand, a kitchen with primarily black designs and appliances that have only a few white accents is undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted. The first option is easier to work around, but the latter is made for those who might love maximalism and design that speaks for itself.

What to introduce in B&W kitchens

While most of these kitchens focus on the two shades, there are no strict rules as to what other elements to introduce. However, there are safe colours and motifs to play with in such a kitchen, such as:

• Earthy elements, such as wooden countertops, plants and wooden floors, can make the kitchen feel less intimidating;
• Stone and marble countertops are the greatest finish for high-quality kitchens, and they’re also long-lasting materials;
• Brass and copper fixtures can also shift the kitchen’s mood from cold and unwelcoming to classy;

When it comes to other colours, you can introduce them as long as they don’t shift the focus from B&W because then the mix-match might not work anymore. That’s why having such a kitchen is a huge commitment―its minimalistic tone can become boring in no time. It is also why redesigning the kitchen to black-and-white designs requires a lot of time for research and finding the right appliances and furniture.

What do you think about a black-and-white kitchen?

If you’re unsure about your preferences for your kitchen, black-and-white designs will surely provide a timeless space. With the correct design and planning, white and black walls, appliances in the same colour, and dark furniture can blend beautifully. At the same time, elements like earthy materials, plants, and bolder colours are accepted as long as they integrate in a balanced manner.