A black-and-white color scheme can create a stunning, dramatic look in a kitchen. Going from drab to fab with a monochromatic makeover requires careful planning and design. We’ll look at four inspiring black-and-white kitchen transformations. From small spaces to large, galley to open concept, these makeovers demonstrate how to use this bold two-tone palette effectively. Learn clever ways these homeowners and designers employed black and white elements without the kitchen feeling flat or boring. Discover clever ideas for countertops, cabinets, floors, backsplashes, lighting, and decor.
Why Choose a Black-and-White Kitchen?
Before delving into the makeovers, let’s look at the benefits of a black-and-white kitchen aesthetic:
- Drama and sophistication. The contrast between black and white automatically lends a dramatic flair. This two-tone scheme looks elegant and chic.
- Flexibility. Black and white act as neutrals, making it easy to switch up accent colors down the road.
- Spaciousness. Monochromatic colors can make rooms feel more open and airy.
- Clean look. With just two main colors, the look is streamlined and tidy.
- Bold statement. Black and white evokes a modern, cutting-edge vibe.
- Vintage character. A black-and-white palette also brings a retro, old-Hollywood charm.
Now let’s check out how four homeowners achieved these benefits in their amazing kitchen transformations!
Galley Kitchen Makeover
This first makeover demonstrates how even a tiny galley kitchen can be utterly transformed with black-and-white accents.
The original kitchen was closed off from the living room by a dated wall. The space featured a busy tile backsplash and country-style cabinets with visible hinges. The look was completely unremarkable.
![Before photo: small galley kitchen with tan tile, white cabinets with visible hinges, busy backsplash]
After the makeover, this compact galley kitchen is suddenly sleek and contemporary. The wall was knocked down to open the kitchen to the living area. Crisp white cabinets with recessed hardware provide a seamless look.
Black quartz countertops make a bold statement. A checkerboard tile floor furthers the black-and-white theme. The backsplash mixes white tiles with black rectangular tiles. Stainless steel appliances add brightness.
Overall, the remodeled kitchen achieves a modern black-and-white look that seems larger and airier.
![After photo: open concept kitchen/living room, white cabinets, black quartz countertops, checkerboard floor]
Tips to replicate this look:
- Knock down walls to open up the space.
- Select cabinetry with a streamlined, contemporary style.
- Use countertops in black quartz or granite for drama.
- Pick a black-and-white tile backsplash.
- Consider a checkerboard floor tile design.
- Incorporate stainless steel appliances.
With thoughtful black-and-white choices, even the tiniest kitchen can get a gorgeous, modern makeover.
Large Galley Kitchen Update
Our next makeover tackles a large galley kitchen in need of a serious style upgrade.
The original kitchen design was quite bland and dated. The cabinets had a basic style with visible hinges. Appliances were white with grubby looking handles. The counters were a lackluster light granite. The main flooring was vinyl tile.
Overall, the look lacked personality or flair. The space felt dark and closed off from the living area.
![Before photo: large galley kitchen with dated white cabinets/handles, white appliances, tan floor]
The redesign opened up and modernized this kitchen beautifully using black-and-white elements. The change is striking.
The kitchen now flows openly into the living space with an extended breakfast bar. Crisp white cabinets have invisible hardware for a seamless contemporary look.
Black granite countertops make a bold statement against the white cabinets. The backsplash combines black and white subway tiles. Black pendant lights hang above the bar.
The new black-and-white color scheme gives this previously basic kitchen loads of drama and interest.
![After photo: open concept with black granite counters, white cabinets, black/white subway tile backsplash]
Tips to replicate this look:
- Open up the kitchen to living areas.
- Select modern white cabinets with hidden hinges.
- Choose black granite countertops for contrast.
- Pick a two-tone backsplash like black-and-white subway tile.
- Use black lighting fixtures.
- Replace dated floors with engineered hardwood.
With some black-and-white accents, it’s easy to take a boring galley kitchen to spectacular.
Small Kitchen Renovation
Our third black-and-white remodel shows how this color scheme can help a cramped kitchen feel more spacious.
The original kitchen was cut off from the living space by a half wall. The laminate countertops looked worn, and the backsplash tile was a bit grimy. The cabinets had seen better days.
Overall, the kitchen felt dark, disconnected, and in need of updating.
![Before photo: small closed off kitchen with dated cabinets, laminate counters]
By opening sightlines and using light colors, the redesign made this petite kitchen appear much more open and airy.
Taking down the half wall opened up the space visually and functionally. The homeowners selected bright white cabinetry and a coordinating white quartz countertop.
Black mosaic tile laid in a geometric design modernizes the backsplash. Dark wood flooring extends from the living room to further the open flow.
Accessories like the black stools and pendant lights repeat the black-and-white theme without going overboard. This kitchen now looks fresh and contemporary.
![After photo: white cabinets/quartz counters, black mosaic tile backsplash, open to living room]
Tips to replicate this look:
- Remove walls to open the kitchen, if possible.
- Opt for light-colored cabinetry like bright white.
- Choose a crisp white countertop like quartz.
- Add a black-and-white backsplash tile.
- Repeat the color scheme with bar stools and light fixtures.
- Use the same flooring to connect the kitchen and living space.
With smart black-and-white design choices, small rooms can take on an open, airy aesthetic.
Large Kitchen Remodel
For our final black-and-white transformation, we’ll look at totally revamping a large, open kitchen.
The original kitchen was quite dated with rustic wood cabinets and a busy tile countertop. The floor was a lackluster linoleum, and the appliances were on their last legs.
Overall, the space felt dark and disconnected from the living areas. The layout needed improvement as well.
![Before photo: outdated open kitchen with rustic wood cabinets, busy granite counters]
This stunning remodel gave the large space a completely fresh, contemporary vibe using black-and-white with wood accents.
The new kitchen features crisp white cabinets with modern, handle-free drawers and doors. The cabinetry forms an L-shape with a large island for improved flow.
Dramatic black granite tops the counters and island. The tile backsplash incorporates black, white, and gray for subtle variation.
Charcoal engineered hardwood flooring replaces the worn linoleum and extends into the dining room and hallway to connect the spaces.
Crisp white ceilings keep the space feeling fresh, while pendant lights over the island repeat the black color. The warmth of the wood stools and accent wall prevents the palette from feeling too stark.
![After photo: L-shaped kitchen with white cabinets, black granite counters, gray/white/black backsplash tile]
Tips to replicate this look:
- Select crisp white modern cabinets.
- Use black granite countertops for bold contrast.
- Include various shades like gray in the backsplash.
- Extend the hardwood flooring beyond the kitchen.
- Add warmth with wood accents and open shelving.
- Use black or metal light fixtures.
The result is a welcoming yet dramatic kitchen with plenty of character.
Design Considerations for Black-and-White Kitchens
If you’re tempted to give your kitchen an elegant black-and-white makeover, keep these design tips in mind:
Mix up textures
While limiting the color scheme, vary the textures for visual interest. Consider a wood accent wall or open shelving, frosted glass cabinets, marble backsplash, granite counters, etc.
Add metals
Stainless steel, chrome, or nickel light fixtures, appliances, and hardware will add sheen. Brass or gold finishes can also warm up the look.
Don’t forget the ceiling
Painting the ceiling crisp white keeps the space looking open.
Use accessories wisely
Pops of color in accessories like flowers, fruit bowls, tea towels, or stand mixers provide lively contrast.
Consider open shelving
Displaying favorite dishware in open shelves makes the kitchen feel fun and lived-in.
Upgrade lighting
Task lighting, pendants, and accent lighting all contribute to ambiance.
Keep it connected
Use the same flooring throughout main living areas for a seamless flow.
Inspiring Black-and-White Kitchen Ideas
Need more ideas for applying a black-and-white palette to your kitchen remodel or redecoration? Here are some stunning ways to use this striking color scheme:
- Black stained cabinets with white quartz countertops
- White cabinets with black soapstone counters
- Black island paired with white perimeter cabinets
- Checkerboard floor with black and white tiles
- White cabinets with black hardware
- White herringbone backsplash tiles outlined in black
- Black open shelving on a white wall
- Black farmhouse sink in a white apron front sink base
- Glass front cabinets with black interiors
- White cabinets with black countertops/backsplash and a black exposed brick wall
- White shaker style cabinets with black marble slab backsplash
- White modern cabinets with black engineered wood flooring
- White cabinets and island with black granite counters and a black runner rug
The possibilities are endless for crafting a dramatic, elegant black-and-white kitchen design!
FAQs about Black-and-White Kitchens
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about creating a black-and-white kitchen:
Is a black and white kitchen outdated?
Black-and-white kitchens are classic and timeless. Using modern styles and finishes like contemporary cabinetry, marble, stainless steel, and chrome keeps this palette feeling fresh and current.
What color hardware goes with a black and white kitchen?
Brushed nickel or chrome hardware fits best with a black-and-white color scheme. Stainless steel also pairs nicely. Choose hardware with clean lines rather than ornate detailing.
What kind of flooring works best with a black and white kitchen?
Monochromatic flooring options like black or white tile, white washed wood, bleached wood, and light engineered hardwood keep the palette cohesive.
What color cabinets go with a black and white kitchen?
White cabinets pair beautifully with black countertops, backsplashes, and accents. Choose a crisp white with a sleek modern style. Off-white kitchen cabinets also coordinate well.
What kind of countertops look best with white cabinets and black accents?
Black granite, black soapstone, and black quartz counters contrast elegantly with bright white cabinets. Butcher block offers a warm accent.
Should I paint my upper cabinets black and leave lowers white?
This two-tone look is a nice way to break up an expanse of cabinets. Make sure to use the same style cabinets in both colors. Add hardware that coordinates with both colors.
Conclusion
A black-and-white kitchen offers drama, elegance, and versatility. As these inspiring makeovers demonstrate, this bold color scheme adapts well to galley kitchens and open concepts, small spaces to large.
Keep the look sophisticated by using sleek modern styles and finishes. Vary textures and incorporate warmth with wood accents. Include pops of shine with metals. Focusing on smart black-and-white design choices will result in a kitchen that’s both stylish and timeless.
