Kitchens are most often associated with a bright, airy ambiance: clean white tiles, cream linens, and perhaps some floral accents. However, these traditional kitchens have met their match with moody, dark paints and marble countertops, which are trending for 2024 (Google Trends has reported a 5,000% increase over the past year for the search term 'Black Kitchen). And, of course, Jessica Simpson is ahead of the trend.
The singer is the latest ambassador of the dark kitchen aesthetic, and we must say that we are fans. She recently posted a photo of her greenish-black marble kitchen island and charcoal-painted walls on her Instagram page, which contrast extremely well against her silver appliances.
Incorporating dark hues into the kitchen might seem intimidating or conjure a sense of moodiness. Depending on how dark colors are styled, however, can determine the resulting ambiance.
'Dark colors are bold and dramatic,' says Caesarstone’s Head of Design, Mor Krisher. 'They can have within them so many different nuances, tones, and tactilities that give them different characters. They can be basic or sophisticated, daring or elegant, industrial or classic, traditional or modern.'
According to interior design experts, painted walls are just the beginning of dark incorporations.
'Black worksurfaces and splashbacks will be paired with other black elements, such as stained or painted cabinetry or lighting for a wow factor and opulent result,' says Laminam’s R&D Director, Claudio Corniola. 'This statement look will come in many forms, including porcelain surfaces, which are easy to clean and care for and won’t lose their lustrous sheen.'
Leaning into black is a big jump, especially for those used to lighter hues. As such, we appreciate darker colors that are infused with shades of blue and green, such as Jessica's walls and countertops. Grayish tones such as slate are also excellent picks for mixing with metallics.
Below, find some of our picks to create a bold and chic kitchen in dark, sleek hues.
From $5.99/sample at Benjamin Moore
The perfect shade of navy to darken up a space while remaining versatile.
