The Complete Guide to Remodeling with On-Trend Black Appliances
Black appliances are having a major moment in kitchen design. What was once a niche look is now becoming mainstream as homeowners seek to create kitchen spaces that feel sleek, modern and sophisticated. The versatility of black appliances also makes them perfect for contemporary, industrial and traditional design schemes alike.
Read on for tips to help you elevate your cooking space with this dramatic, on-trend look.
Black Appliance Finishes to Consider
One of the great things about today's black appliances is that you have options when it comes to the specific finish. Depending on the look you're going for, you may want to explore black stainless steel, matte black or black slate.
Black Stainless Steel
Black stainless steel has many of the same beloved properties of regular stainless steel -- it's smudge and fingerprint resistant for easy cleaning. But with its deep, dark color it also delivers high-end style. Black stainless works well in both modern and more traditional kitchen settings.
Leading brands like Samsung, LG, and Cafe all offer black stainless collections with everything from refrigerators to dishwashers. You'll get that coordination of sophisticated black hue along with advanced features and technology.
Matte Black
Nothing makes a statement quite like matte black appliances. With its soft, velvety finish, matte black brings a hushed elegance to the kitchen. It's a great match for contemporary spaces and minimalist designs.
Matte black requires a bit more care and cleaning than its stainless steel counterparts to avoid fingerprints and scratches. Use a soft microfiber cloth and mild detergent and be sure to read the manufacturer's care instructions.
Matte black has grown beyond ovens and ranges to include refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers and more. Brands like GE Cafe, Thermador and JennAir offer luxury matte options.
Black Slate
Black slate finishes have an earthy, stone-like look that can lend a wonderful texture and warmth to the kitchen. This versatile finish pairs well with many design aesthetics from modern farmhouse to industrial.
Black slate is offered on appliances ranging from budget-friendly options by brands like Frigidaire to high-end Bertazzoni and Viking pro-style ranges.
Design Tips for Black Appliance Kitchens
When working with black appliances, you'll want to pay special attention to complementary elements like cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes. Follow these tips to create a cohesive look.
Complementing Style and Materials
Think about how your black appliances can work seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen design. Matching countertop materials like black quartz or granite can give you a streamlined, monochromatic look. Or go for contrast with light countertops to make the black appliances pop.
For cabinets, choose between sophisticated black stained wood or bright white for contrast. Matte black hardware is a nice way to incorporate another hit of black. Dark wood or black floors will ground the space beautifully with black appliances.
Incorporating Pops of Color
While black appliances provide that essential neutral foundation, you can liven up the look with strategic punches of color. For example, a vibrant tile backsplash is an easy way to add color without overpowering the black finishes.
Colorful accessories like turquoise bar stools or a red kitchenaid mixer will also introduce brightness against the dark backdrop. Glass cabinet accents, fresh flowers and herbs add nice pops of green.
Achieving Overall Harmony
Stick with one black finish throughout for the most cohesive look. Mixing black stainless and black slate, for example, can make the space look disjointed. Repeat your black appliances in additional elements like faucets, lighting and hardware for a pulled-together style.
In a small kitchen, limit the amount of black to avoid looking too dark and crowded. Just choose one or two statement black pieces, like a refrigerator or range.
Spotlight: Must-Have Black Appliances
Now let's spotlight some top-rated black appliance models in must-have categories.
Stylish and Functional Refrigeration
The refrigerator is arguably the most prominent appliance in the kitchen. Black refrigerators are available in popular configurations like French door and side-by-side.
Top-rated french door models include the sleek Samsung 4-Door Flex and the LG Door-in-Door refrigerator which puts frequently accessed items at eye level. For built-in look, Wolf's integrated black glass door refrigerator blends seamlessly.
Sleek Ovens and Ranges
Serious home chefs will appreciate the beauty and performance of pro-style ranges like the Falmec Mosaic Matte Black. And for an integrated look, the matte black Miele wall oven disappears into cabinetry when not in use.
High-end brands like La Cornue offer custom color ranges in a variety of matte black hues. And WiFi connected options from Cafe and Samsung allow remote monitoring.
Streamlined Dishwashers
Bosch's black stainless dishwasher provides near silent operation at just 40 decibels. For a paneled look, Thermador offers customizability with concealed control options. And black stainless models from KitchenAid offer innovative features like a third rack.
Bringing It All Together: Full Kitchen Remodels
Ready to see some stunning full black appliance kitchens? Let's look at some inspiring designs.
Contemporary Black and White
A classic black and white kitchen lets the bold black appliances take center stage. The dark finishes pair dramatically with bright white cabinetry and marble countertops. Pops of green from the backsplash and plants provide livening contrast.
Using the kitchen island for the primary black element creates impact while keeping the look light and open. Open shelves maintain the airy vibe.
Modern Industrial Chic
The industrial design palette of woods, brick and metals plays perfectly with black appliances. Here, the black range and stainless refrigerator provide modern edge against vertical wood plank walls and concrete floors.
The brick backsplash ties in beautifully with the black cabinet hardware and stainless vent hood. Exposed bulb pendants round out the urban loft vibe.
Traditional Elegance
For a fresh take on classic style, black finishes give new energy. Black quartz countertops coordinate seamlessly with black appliances. Contrasting brass hardware and lighting keep the look refined.
The dramatic marble subway backsplash complements the black touches. Warm wood flooring and antique-style rug soften the space for the best of old and new.
Black appliances offer versatility whether you prefer modern, rustic or traditional design. From black stainless to matte and slate finishes, the options let you tailor to your perfect style.
Focus on creating a harmonious look with countertops, cabinetry, floors and tile. And don't be afraid to incorporate colorful backsplashes and accessories to brighten these dark stunners.
With black pieces from top brands, you can elevate your kitchen. Use this guide to confidently remodel with on-trend black appliances that are sure to impress.