For many years white cabinetry has dominated the scene when it comes to kitchen cabinet finishes. While white cabinetry continues to be popular in design, the exact opposite has been slowly creeping into the limelight, bringing with it a new, fresh look to the traditional black and white design spectrum. The stark contrast of the past has evolved to include a softness added by using warm wood tones with black painted finishes. 

Black cabinets were once considered only for contemporary designs with sleek, high gloss acrylics. Now we’re seeing black in both transitional and traditional designs, and we’re loving the sophistication and edge it brings to the overall look and feel of a room. Below are some gorgeous kitchen designs that may inspire you to consider using black cabinetry in your next project.

A typical contemporary design for this loft kitchen used our Chroma slab door style with black paint for the kitchen island cabinets and Moda door style in Quarter-Sawn Oak on the perimeter cabinets. The mix of wood tones with the black finish gives a cool coziness to the space

This traditional, white painted inset cabinet design uses a furniture-style kitchen island in a black heritage paint finish for a soft, worn, antique look.

A luxurious kitchen with a black furniture styled kitchen island an L-shaped kitchen island and white painted cabinetry.

Designed by Dillman & Upton | Rochester, MI

This kitchen features black painted wall cabinets mixed with the warm brown tones of stained Cherry cabinets for the base cabinetry and wood hood. The contrast between the two finishes is subtle yet striking.

Black and Rich Cherry Wood Create a Romantic Kitchen Design in this newly remodeled kitchen in Virginia. Looking for something different than the white cabinets? Try black painted cabinets!

Design by Bath Plus Kitchen | Alexandria, VA

This bright and airy kitchen incorporates black painted base cabinets. The custom Walnut wood hood and kitchen island back panel add beautiful focal points and contrast while large windows brighten the space and bring the outdoors inside.

A black and white kitchen design with vaulted ceilings and black windows and doors.

Designed by Brookwood Cabinet Makers | Fort Wayne, IN

A black kitchen with bright white walls and lots of natural light.

Designed by Brookwood Cabinet Makers | Fort Wayne, IN

This transitional kitchen design features our Chroma door style with black paint on a back wall of tall cabinets. It mixes beautifully with the Dempsey door style in white paint, blending traditional with contemporary in both finish and style.

A black and white kitchen with a sleek transitional style.

Designed by Melissa Musgjerd of Studio M Interiors | Plymouth, MN

This kitchen features traditional-style inset cabinet doors strikingly contrasted with black paint. This is a great way to show a new take on a traditionally-styled room with a modern feel.

A traditional styled kitchen design with all black cabinets and furniture style kitchen island.

Design by Russell Fogle of 1st Choice Cabinetry, Inc | Boise, ID

Photographed by Greg Scott Photography

Black painted base cabinets mixed with white tall cabinets and warm wood floors work beautifully in this design. Floating shelves help to keep the room open and light.

Designed by Homestead Kitchens | Littleton, MA

This contemporary loft mixes black painted cabinetry with wood toned industrial shelving that shows off the brick walls of this transformed warehouse.

An upscale mudroom uses black laminate cabinetry with drawer storage and open shelves to keep everything within reach. The beautiful wood floors add to the overall modern look and feel while creating a warm contrast.

Design by Studio M Kitchen and Bath | Plymouth, MN

Photo by Chelsie Lopez Production

Finally, this spacious and bright kitchen below features black painted Red Oak cabinets for the center island and white cabinets for the perimeter. The graining of the Oak reflects the lighting in the room and helps soften the contrast the two colors create.

Designed by Kitchen Design Partners | Northbrook, IL

Photographed by Dennis Jourdan Photo and Video, Inc.

Stacey Lindstrom is the National Training Manager for Dura Supreme Cabinetry.  Stacey has a degree in interior design and over 25 years in the kitchen and Bath industry.  She has worked in all kinds of business platforms, from small dealers to online design and sales, and has worked with 20.20 Design software since 1997.  Her first venture working with Dura Supreme Cabinets was way back in 1995, creating hand drawings for a dealer showroom. In the last 10 years, she has had her work showcased on episodes of Kitchen Crashers and Bath Crashers, as well as season 15 of Big Brother.  As much as she loves designing spaces for clients, Stacey enjoys training and educating on product and design as well, and draws from her own expertise as well us blunders over the years to help Dura Supreme and its dealers.

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