Black stainless steel appliances are becoming increasingly popular in today’s kitchens. Their dark, sleek finish provides a modern and stylish look. However, pairing the right cabinetry with black stainless steel can be tricky. The color you choose for your cabinets will impact the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Here is an in-depth look at the best cabinet colors to complement black stainless steel appliances.
Introduction
When selecting cabinet colors for a kitchen with black stainless steel appliances, you want to keep things cohesive. The cabinets should not clash against the appliances. Instead, they should work together seamlessly, almost like a uniform.
The color palette you select will set the tone for the entire kitchen. Black stainless lends itself well to more monochromatic color schemes. However, there are also some vibrant cabinet colors that can pair beautifully with the appliances.
No matter what direction you decide to go, choose cabinet colors intentionally. Think about the look and feel you want to achieve. Black stainless has a modern, edgy vibe. Selecting cabinetry colors that enhance this aesthetic will result in a stylish, put-together kitchen space.
Best Cabinet Colors for Black Stainless Steel Appliances
Gray
Gray is one of the most popular kitchen cabinet colors, and for good reason. Its versatility allows it to work with just about any kitchen style. Gray cabinets are an excellent choice if you want a cohesive, monochromatic look with black stainless steel.
Shades like platinum, silver, pewter, or charcoal gray have an industrial modern vibe that coordinates seamlessly with black stainless appliances. Darker grays, like onyx or gunmetal, have a bit more contrast against the appliances while still remaining cohesive.
Gray kitchen cabinets give you plenty of flexibility in terms of counters, backsplash, and accent colors too. Pair them with warm metals like bronze or gold for a nice balance. Overall, you really can’t go wrong with gray if you have black stainless steel appliances.
White
White kitchen cabinets are another versatile option that pairs well with black stainless steel appliances. Crisp, clean white cabinetry prevents the kitchen from feeling too dark or heavy.
White provides a nice contrast against the black stainless steel, making the appliances really stand out as a focal point. At the same time, white and black is a classic color combination that always looks elegant and timeless.
There are many shades of white to choose from as well. Bright white has the most contrast, while options like antique white, alabaster, or ivory provide a softer, warmer pairing. Accent the white cabinets with light countertops and backsplash for a bright, open look.
Black
For a bold, dramatic look, choose black cabinets to match black stainless steel appliances. An all-black kitchen makes a strong style statement and has an unbeatable cohesive effect.
When pairing black cabinets with black stainless steel, pay attention to the undertones. Black stainless steel often has a gray cast. Blue-black or green-black cabinets would coordinate best. Red-black cabinets could potentially clash.
Mirrored surfaces and metallic accents add depth and dimension to the monochromatic black palette. Contrasting white or light gray countertops also keep the space from feeling too dark and enclosed.
Navy Blue
Deep navy blue cabinets are an unexpected color choice that can look fantastic with black stainless steel appliances. Navy has a similar effect as black in terms of lending a bold, dramatic flair. But it has added dimension with its rich blue undertones.
The high-contrast combination of navy blue cabinets with black stainless appliances is eye-catching. Pair the blue with brushed brass hardware and fixtures for an elegant, stylish look. Crisp white quartz countertops also complement the blue cabinets nicely.
Charcoal
For a less saturated alternative to navy, consider charcoal gray cabinets. Charcoal has blackened undertones that coordinate beautifully with black stainless steel appliances. It is not quite as stark as true black cabinets, providing a softer, more neutral pairing.
Trendy louver-style charcoal gray cabinets look especially sharp with black stainless steel appliances. Charcoal cabinets also pair well with contemporary kitchen elements like marble countertops, subway tile, and pendant lighting. Overall, it is a sophisticated color choice.
Factors to Consider
- Contrast – Determine whether you want low contrast with similar cabinet and appliance colors, or high contrast with light and dark shades. Low contrast creates flow, while high contrast adds drama.
- Undertones – Match undertones so cabinet and appliance colors complement rather than clash. Cool undertones like grays and blues are best for black stainless.
- Finishes – Matte, satin, or textured cabinet finishes prevent fingerprints and keep the look cohesive. Avoid glossy cabinets, which could clash with appliance finishes.
- Lighting – Proper lighting prevents an all-black or dark kitchen from feeling dreary. Incorporate lighting above and below cabinets for a bright, welcoming ambiance.
Pairing Cabinets with Black Stainless Steel Appliances: FAQ
Should cabinet colors match appliance finishes exactly?
Matching cabinet and appliance finishes exactly creates a streamlined, uniform look. However, it is not strictly necessary. Complementary or contrasting colors can work well too. Focus more on choosing a cohesive color scheme.
What about an accent wall with black stainless appliances?
An accent wall provides a great way to incorporate color into a kitchen with black stainless steel appliances. Try a moody navy blue, charcoal, or even vibrant red only on one wall. neutrally colored cabinets keep the look balanced.
Can you pair black stainless appliances with wood cabinets?
Absolutely! Wood cabinetry adds warmth and texture that balances the sleek black stainless steel. Opt for a richer wood stain like walnut or espresso rather than light woods. Darker finishes complement black stainless best.
Should backsplashes and countertops also coordinate with black stainless appliances?
It is not mandatory, but recommended. Having countertops, backsplash, cabinets, and appliances all coordinate contributes to a harmonious designed kitchen. Try materials like quartz, marble, or metal that suit the black stainless aesthetic.
What about floors?
Dark-stained hardwood or porcelain tiles complement black stainless appliances nicely. If floors are light, add a dark area rug to anchor the space. Avoid busy flooring patterns, which could compete visually with the appliances.
Conclusion
Black stainless steel appliances make a sophisticated, modern statement in today’s kitchens. Gray, white, black, navy and charcoal colored cabinets all pair beautifully with black stainless steel. Focus on choosing colors with similar undertones that enhance rather than compete with the appliances. Proper lighting and cohesive countertops and backsplashes complete the look seamlessly. With some strategic design choices, you can create a knockout kitchen that takes advantage of the elegant, trendy black stainless steel aesthetic.