Deciding on the right cabinet color to pair with black stainless steel appliances can be a challenging design choice. However, with some strategic planning and an understanding of color theory, you can create a stylish and cohesive look. Here are some of the top colors to consider when choosing cabinets to complement black stainless steel appliances.
Warm Neutrals
Warm neutral tones like beige, tan, cream, and light brown make an elegant pairing with black stainless steel. The subtle warmth of these hues adds a soothing contrast against the cooler stainless finish.
Pros of Warm Neutrals
- Timeless and versatile colors that suit a range of design aesthetics from traditional to contemporary
- Soften and warm up the sleek, dark look of black stainless
- Earthy tones complement stone counters like granite and quartz
- Easy to decorate around with different color accents and materials
Tips for Pulling Off This Look
- Opt for cabinets in a matte or satin finish rather than high-gloss, which could look too stark next to black appliances
- Add textural interest with open shelving, woven baskets, and ceramic knobs and pulls
- Incorporate black or dark wood accents through open shelving, cutting boards, or bar stools
Crisp White
A classic combination, white cabinets deliver a clean, bright look against the dramatic black stainless finish. White reflects light to keep the kitchen feeling open and airy.
Benefits of White Cabinets
- Timeless color choice that always looks fresh and contemporary
- Crisp backdrop that lets the black stainless appliances pop
- Endless versatility for accent colors from bold hues to natural wood tones
- Easy to change up with new hardware and decorative accents
Design Considerations for White and Black
- Incorporate lighting elements like pendant lights and undercabinet lighting to add dimension
- Add visual interest with glass cabinet doors, open shelving, or layered white tones
- Select cabinet styles like Shaker that feel streamlined and uncluttered
- Add plenty of contrast texture through natural materials like stone, wood, and wicker
Gray
From icy gray whites to charcoal, gray makes an impactful style statement with black stainless appliances. The moody, sophisticated combination evokes modern luxury.
Why Gray Works Well
- On-trend color that feels current, sleek and upscale
- Cool undertones complement the black for a cohesive aesthetic
- Adds low-contrast interest without competing with appliances
- Pairs nicely with marble, quartz, concrete, and woods for organic texture
Designing a Gray and Black Kitchen
- Use a mix of warm and cool grays to avoid a flat, monotonous look
- Add splashes of metallic like brass hardware and light fixtures
- Incorporate black granite, slate tile, and black oak for dramatic contrast
- Use glass cabinet inserts and mirrored backsplashes to reflect light and add dimension
- Choose matte finishes for cabinets to prevent too much high-gloss
Navy Blue
From rich navy to soft powder blue, blue cabinetry makes a vibrant style choice with black stainless steel. The classic color combination feels fresh and modern.
Benefits of Blue Cabinets
- Captivating, eye-catching depth and dimensionality
- Crisp contrast against the black appliances for visual interest
- Versatile shade that works in traditional to contemporary spaces
- Layer in different blue tones through decor and accent wall colors
Design Tips for Blue and Black
- Select a muted navy for a subtle punch of color
- Add touches of golden brass hardware and lighting for warmth
- Incorporate natural textures like wood counters and stone backsplashes
- Paint or stain an accent wall in a deep navy tone to tie the look together
- Opt for white quartz countertops to keep the palette crisp and vibrant
Green
For a refreshing, nature-inspired vibe, green makes an unexpected match for sleek black stainless appliances. Cool-toned greens work best to complement the stainless finish.
Reasons to Use Green Cabinets
- Inviting, earthy appeal that feels grounding and relaxing
- Crisp, lively pairing with black that creates visual interest
- Works in modern, transitional, country, and craftsman kitchens
- Endless accent colors like warm woods, brass metallics, and creamy whites
Tips for Executing This Look
- Stick to muted, cool-toned greens like sage rather than going too bold
- Add organic texture with bamboo shoots, live plants, and woven baskets
- Use white quartz counters and creamy porcelain tile to keep things airy
- Incorporate black granite counters and butcher block islands for rich contrast
- Finish cabinets in a soft matte or rubbed stain for an antiqued look
Dark Contrasting Stains
For a bold, dramatic choice, go dark with espresso, ebony, or charcoal stained cabinets alongside the black stainless. The rich colors complement each other beautifully.
Reasons Dark Stains Work Well
- Makes a striking style statement and adds moodiness
- The low contrast creates an elegant, monochromatic look
- Warm, natural wood grain adds interest and texture
- Sleek yet warm, perfect for modern and contemporary spaces
Pulling Off the Dark Look
- Add plenty of task lighting under cabinets and above counters to combat darkness
- Use lighter tones on perimeter counters to keep things visually balanced
- Incorporate metallic finishes like bronze hardware and chandeliers
- Add pops of brightness with a backsplash tile in crisp white or bold colors
- Use lower-contrast surfaces like leathered granite and matte tile
FAQ
Should I avoid light cabinets with black stainless appliances?
Light cabinets can work well with black stainless, but very pale tones like white and light gray should be balanced out with plenty of contrast and visual interest in the space. Add warm metals, organic textures, dramatic lighting and bold accent colors.
What granite colors look good with black ice appliances?
Black, gray, brown and white granites make beautiful pairings with black ice appliances. Go for swirled looks with plenty of movement. Black galaxy, New Caledonia, and Ubatuba granites complement black stainless beautifully.
Can you put black appliances in a maple cabinet kitchen?
Definitely! The reddish-brown tones of maple cabinets pair nicely with black stainless appliances. For best results, opt for a contemporary door style like Shaker in a matte finish. Add metal accents and cool-toned granite.
Should I paint my oak cabinets if I’m getting black stainless appliances?
It depends on your style. The warm golden and reddish browns in oak cabinets complement black stainless nicely. For a more modern look, use a stain like Jacobean or ebony. White paint can also give oak cabinets a fresh update.
Is black and brown kitchen ugly?
Black and brown can make a stunning, modern kitchen when done right. Use brown wood cabinets and black countertops or tile, and add metal finishes like brass for a glamorous look. The colors bring out the richness in each other. Just be sure to include adequate lighting.
Conclusion
Black stainless steel appliances make a serious style statement. Complementing them with the right cabinet color creates a cohesive, polished look. Focus on cabinet finishes and textures along with accent colors and materials to design a stylish, functional kitchen that takes advantage of the dramatic black stainless finish. From warm neutrals to vivid blues and bold dark stains, the options are diverse. Just keep lighting and visual balance in mind. With smart planning and innovative color pairings, your kitchen can reach its full potential.