While you may think black kitchen cabinets seem too dark, they’re actually a perfect neutral. Black can evoke a sense of sophistication and elegance, be bold and industrial or take on a warm and cozy vibe, all depending on how it’s used. Whether you’re going for a striking statement or a subtle hint of moodiness, see how you can incorporate black cabinets into your kitchen with the following guidelines.

Pick a Hue

Not all black kitchen cabinets are created equal. Choose a black stain on wooden cabinets for a warmer, traditional feel that lets the wood grain show through. Pair black lower cabinets of any hue with white uppers for a clean look that’s also visually grounded (Plus, the two-tone style is currently on trend!). Soften your space with black distressed cabinets; this can help achieve a lived-in look, perfect for a farmhouse style. Go for a dark, lacquered cabinet to give your kitchen a sleek, minimalist vibe. Pick a matte black shaker style to bring a contemporary design to your kitchen. See how black can take on multiple personalities? Let it help yours shine through!

Play with Counters and Backsplash

In kitchens with black cabinets, you actually have a lot of room to play when it comes to countertop and backsplash designs. The neutral nature of black will help any color, or lack thereof, pop. For a clean look, pair black cabinets with white countertops or a white backsplash. The high contrast will help each element stand out and will make the space feel balanced. If you want to liven up the space, feature a fun colored or patterned backsplash that will help offset the starkness of the black. To bring a warm feel to a black kitchen, use wooden counters throughout or just as a statement on an island.

Go Bold with Hardware

One of the great things about black kitchen cabinets is that practically all finishes look great with them. Metals like brass, copper and stainless steel are sure to make a statement, but use them sparingly since they’ll definitely stand out against a black background. You can even introduce multiple metals for a bit of drama, since your cabinets are a perfect neutral to build off of. Think about coordinating your knobs and pulls with appliances to create a cohesive look.

Keep It Light

Lighting is an important element of any kitchen, but especially when black is a main design factor. When possible, make sure your kitchen is getting plenty of natural light, whether with windows or skylights. In a more enclosed space, bring in a variety of lighting options, from undercabinet lights to overhead pendants and recessed lighting. To tie everything together, extend the hardware and appliance finish into the lighting fixtures where possible.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a kitchen with black cabinets renovation or are building a designer kitchen from scratch, Houzz has 22,200 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Robyn McQuiston Design and Urbanology Designs. Look through kitchen pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a kitchen with black cabinets design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful kitchen with black cabinets photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.