Dark kitchen cabinets are having a major moment right now. More and more homeowners are embracing the dramatic, moody look of dark cabinetry to create stunning kitchen designs. From rich espresso to inky navy blue, dark cabinet colors add elegance and sophistication to any kitchen aesthetic.
If you’re considering taking the dark side plunge for your own kitchen revamp, look no further for inspiration. Here we showcase five knockout kitchens graced with gorgeous dark cabinets. Let these stunning spaces motivate you to go for the dramatic with your own kitchen cabinets!
Timeless Elegance with Espresso Cabinets
Rich, warm espresso cabinetry never goes out of style. This gorgeous kitchen revels in the timeless elegance of full espresso stained cabinets paired with lighter counters and backsplash. The deep chocolate cabinets ground the space while lighter elements keep it airy and bright.
Features that make this kitchen shine:
- Full espresso stained cabinets create cohesion and flow. The uniform cabinet color allows the eye to move smoothly around the space.
- White quartz countertops pop against the espresso cabinets, keeping the space feeling fresh and contemporary.
- Square white subway backsplash tiles reflect light and prevent the dark cabinet color from feeling too heavy.
- The island is topped with the same white quartz, tying it seamlessly into the overall design.
- Brushed brass hardware and light fixtures feel modern and upscale. Their sheen plays beautifully against the matte espresso cabinets.
This kitchen nails the balance between timeless and contemporary with its classic espresso cabinets and clean, modern finishes. The look is elegant, sophisticated and endlessly stylish.
Moodiness with Navy Blue Cabinets
Navy blue kitchen cabinets make a bold, dramatic statement. This kitchen fully commits to the moody navy look, using it on both the base and upper cabinets for a saturated, enveloping aesthetic.
Design elements that make this kitchen unforgettable:
- Navy blue stained cabinets on both upper and lower levels create an immersive, moody environment.
- The island base opts for a lighter blue for contrast. This adds lightness and dimension while keeping the overall blue scheme cohesive.
- White countertops and backsplash prevent the space from feeling too dark and heavy.
- Gold hardware pairs perfectly with the navy blue, providing a sophisticated pop of metallic shine.
- Open shelving gives the eye a break from the dark navy cabinets. The floating shelves provide breezy display space.
- The geometric print rug anchors the space and enhances the contemporary edge.
With its bold use of color and modern details, this navy kitchen makes a wildly stylish statement.
Classic Shaker Style Meets Dark Drama
This kitchen combines classic shaker style cabinets with an on-trend dark green color for the best of both worlds. The clean shaker look keeps the kitchen feeling uncluttered, while the deep green shade brings drama and sophistication.
Winning elements of this kitchen:
- Dark forest green shaker cabinets make a bold statement while keeping the space feeling airy and fresh.
- Contrasting light countertops and backsplash prevent the green color from feeling too overwhelming.
- Exposed brick backsplash adds organic texture and earthy contrast to the muted green cabinets.
- The mix of cabinet colors (green on bottom, white on top) helps ground the space and break up the dark color.
- Matte black hardware plays up the moody vibe without going overboard.
- Open shelving provides lightness while displaying pretty kitchenware.
This kitchen skillfully combines classic style with just the right amount of sophisticated drama through color, texture and light. The look is bold yet fresh.
Sophisticated and Luxe with Black Cabinets
Black kitchen cabinets make an ultra-sophisticated statement, as demonstrated flawlessly in this luxury kitchen. The inky black cabinets provide a luxe, enveloping backdrop that feels glamorous and elevating.
Reasons this black kitchen is a stunning success:
- Matte black cabinets make the grandest of statements, creating an ambiance of luxury and sophistication.
- The black color palette extends to the kitchen island for a totally immersive vibe.
- Gold hardware and light fixtures provide the perfect elegant accent, playing beautifully off the rich black.
- White herringbone backsplash and Calacatta gold countertops elevate the glam factor even more.
- Open shelves provide a nice counterbalance to the dark cabinets, offering breezy display space.
- The embossed black tile flooring is the finishing moody touch.
This kitchen makes zero apologies for its dramatic, luxurious black palette. It’s a space fit for royalty and bold design lovers.
Moroccan Flair with Charcoal Gray Cabinets
For a global flair, consider charcoal gray cabinets combined with Moroccan-inspired backsplashes. The gray provides a hip, modern base while the patterned tiles add eclectic personality.
Design highlights of this worldly kitchen:
- Matte charcoal gray cabinets offer a chic, contemporary color choice for the base cabinetry.
- The patterned blue, gray and white backsplash ties in Moroccan style with its intricate tile work.
- Warm wood countertops ground the space and provide natural contrast to the cool gray tones.
- Open shelves provide breezy display space that contrasts the solid gray cabinetry.
- Pops of woven textiles and ceramic accents enhance the global vibe.
- The geometric pendant light feels modern yet echoes the Moroccan patterns.
This kitchen successfully fuses contemporary, global and vintage elements for a completely unique and noteworthy look. The gray cabinetry provides the perfect muted backdrop for the exotic tile patterns to shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color paint goes well with dark cabinets?
Lighter paint colors tend to pair best with dark cabinets to prevent the space from feeling too dark and enclosed. Popular paint colors include soft white, light gray, warm tan, light blue and light green.
Should you put dark cabinets in a small kitchen?
Dark cabinets can work beautifully in small kitchens as long as you incorporate enough contrasting light elements like countertops, backsplash, flooring and lighting. The key is balancing the dark cabinets with lighter surrounding details.
Do dark cabinets make a room look smaller?
Dark cabinets can potentially make a room feel smaller if the surrounding elements like walls, countertops and flooring are also dark. To keep the space feeling open, incorporate plenty of light through countertops, backsplash, paint color and lighting fixtures.
Are dark cabinets still in style for 2023?
Yes, dark cabinets are still very on-trend for 2023! Deep, dramatic kitchen cabinet colors like black, navy, green and charcoal gray are sophisticated options that add elegance to any kitchen.
What kitchen cabinet colors are in for 2023?
Popular kitchen cabinet color trends for 2023 include darker hues like navy blue, forest green, charcoal gray and black. Warm wood tones and classic white are still staples. Two-toned cabinets mixing stains and paints are also growing in popularity.
Conclusion
Dark and moody kitchen cabinets provide the ultimate dramatic impact, transforming kitchens into sophisticated spaces full of depth and character. From the timeless elegance of espresso to the exotic flair of Moroccan tiles paired with charcoal gray, today’s stunning kitchens are embracing dark dramatics.
If you’re seeking to revamp your kitchen with relevance and style, be inspired by the knockout dark cabinet looks in these innovative kitchens. Any of these rich, dimensional color choices will lend sophistication and individuality to your home. Choose a look that reflects your own design sensibilities and allow your magnificent dark cabinets to become the heart of your breathtaking new modern kitchen.
