Dark kitchens that aren’t so scary
31st October 2017
The witching hour is upon us and we start to think of all that is dark and spooky, however not all that is dark is scary. True, it can be a bit of a scary decision opting for a dark kitchen, it’s a daring choice but when you do take the risk it can really pay off.
I have long been obsessed with dark hues and moody tones, atmospheric spaces with a little drama or opulence. A couple of years ago I visited the Bloomsbury Kitchen to bring some props along to the photoshoot. It was the first time I’d seen walls and cabinets painted in the same colour and I quickly became captivated by the ambiance it created.
It’s a bold move and one that has the potential to be a little OTT, but I think the trick is to pick an interesting shade, one that is multi-dimensional or has an iridescent quality. Our deep ‘Pantry Blue’ has been a favourite of our customers ever since we introduced it into our range, a beautiful navy with soft grey undertones that changes with the light. We often see it paired with white walls and marble tops for a classic clean and crisp look but I think it works particularly well in the Petersham Kitchen. Despite covering the cupboards, walls and ceiling, the richness of the colour creates a warm and inviting space rather than a room that is intimidatingly dark.
Another trick the Petersham Kitchen does so wonderfully is mixing warm worktops with the dark cabinetry, the beautiful aged copper and Iroko wood softens the look and adds to the room’s cosy feel. It’s similar to the honed marble in the Bloomsbury Kitchen, the smooth texture and natural feel breaks up the dark grey and adds a little light in a really lovely subtle way.
Of course, marble can look incredibly luxurious too. The crazy Arabescato marble in the Peckham Rye Kitchen is such a statement and works perfectly with this unique design. Helen fondly refers to this style as ‘Eccentric English’ and I think that describes it to a T, it’s very quirky yet feels classic with our bespoke Georgian-style cupboards painted in this traditional British racing green.
So, what about black? There is something so fabulously dramatic about black cabinetry, especially when it’s mixed with bold San Simone quartzite and aged copper worktops like in the Millhouse Kitchen. The design is simple, which is important with such a striking colour and busy materials. A glazed wall cupboard and painted canopy bring the room together without being overpowering, whilst opting for a warm grey over pure white walls makes this kitchen feel timeless rather than ultra-modern.
If you’re still a little apprehensive about embracing a totally dark colour palette, mixing in a dark colour or two can really elevate your design. Whether you want to make a bold and stylish statement with a dark central island like in the Coach House Kitchen or are dreaming of the cool eclectic style of the Frome Kitchen, a few dark pieces can add real depth.
We have so many inspirational projects in our brochures with lots of ideas about how to work dark cabinetry into your design. You can order your copy or view the digital versions online here.
