A kitchen is a workspace--above all. It's not a fashion statement. You need strong, diffuse light to see your work clearly. Dark backsplashes and black/charcoal walls work against that.

It's your house; do what you want. But you're putting form and fashion before function--a bad idea in a workspace.

If aesthetics weren’t important, Houzz would cease to exist. 80% of questions on here pertain to aesthetics. If could insert an eye roll here I would.

Back to the question. I don’t know I’d paint the wall, but the pantry seems like an afterthought or like it’s not built in. Maybe tape up some black poster board on it to see what a darker presence would feel like in the room?

I think your kitchen would look fantastic painted black. I would also paint the pantry black. I suggest picking a color as close to the black in your backsplash as possible.

It’s a really nice kitchen by the way! I love the wood tones mixed with the moodier colors, yet it still looks fresh and modern (and different!)

I agree that dark walls in a kitchen can be totally functional. I don’t even understand why they wouldn’t be. My kitchen counters are Black Galaxy and my backsplash is a relatively rich blue and my cabinets are wood and my hood and sink are copper. I mention all of this because there is no white in my kitchen and even my elderly eyes have no problems working in the space. :-) What is true is that you need good lighting bit that is true in any well designed kitchen space. I have canned lighting, task lighting under the cabinets and up-lights highlighting my copper tile ceiling.

In terms of aesthetics, I would use some kind of App to see if you like the look. There are some talented and generous souls on the forum who have done photoshops for others. I know some of the paint companies seem to have the ability to upload your rooms and then play with paint colors.

FWIW I have been the recipient of Tatt’s drive by comments so ignore as most people do. Lol

Love your kitchen! It looks like it gets a lot of light, so would probably look great painted black. I’d go for it!

Black is the hardest color to keep clean, so -- no -- I wouldn't do it. I also don't particularly like the look.

Consider, too, that if you want to change it later, black is difficult to cover up.

My two best suggestions:

- Get a couple rolls of solid black wrapping paper and "fake black walls" for a couple weeks. If you like the look, you'll go into it with open eyes.

- Watch The Handmaid's Tale and ask yourself if you'd be happy cooking in that kitchen. The windows are huge and gorgeous, but all the black is VERY taste specific.

Thank you for your initial thoughts, all. For clarification, the pantry cabinet is an heirloom that we had "built in" to this kitchen. I agree that it being white is part off the problem.

I also agree that the panel looks choppy the way it was done; it didn't turn out quite like I had imagined but overall it's not terrible. Maybe it should have been cut off just below the top shelf. I think the sliver of wall between the panel and the adjacent hallway also creates a problem. That is the main reason I was thinking about painting the wall color to match, and I'm glad to hear others have the same thought.

NYCish, I love your idea to try out the black with poster board on the cabinet first, great suggestion.

I picked a color in your backsplash, which appears dark grey.

Black would be equally as stunning.

Just to add, I have a black wall in my kitchen. It is no harder to keep clean than any other color. As for painting over it after you are done, just use a primer and you will be fine.

Fab kitchen!

I'd do all the tile work first,then decide on the wall colour and the pantry. I would not want the walls and pantry to match in shade, "matching" in depth would be perfect. Like a charcoal wall and a deep olive or mauve pantry. Or just about any shade, because the white pantry just does not work for me.

Go slow adding much black. As is, your black wall is above/around your stove area is a dramatic accent wall.

Would not want much black above the countertop level to darken the room and/or de-emphasize that accent wall.

If you want more black, consider painting the ends of the island and base cabinets first.

You might also consider painting your island pendant lights black.

You could also add a black decoration atop the white cabinet -- a cookie jar or candy dish or art sculpture OR a black pressed metal art piece above your windows.

https://www.touchofclass.com/rhythm-metal-wall-sculpture/p/Y647-001/?code=TMF03&color=&size=&tid=TMFPLA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoOHVhbnl5AIVhJ6fCh3pQgXhEAkYAiABEgJUv_D_BwE

In an adjoining room -- ?dining area? -- you might consider this:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/649440792/metal-world-map-wall-art-mountain-metal?gpla=1&gao=1&utm_campaign=shopping_us_Dekadron_sfc_osa&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_custom1=0&utm_content=16562340&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoOHVhbnl5AIVhJ6fCh3pQgXhEAkYICABEgKV8_D_BwE

for me stunning, but - a little over powering

I painted my white cabinet kitchen the equivalent of Farrow and Ball "Downpipe", which is a dark charcoal that can read greenish. It was alright, but ultimately not best for my smaller kitchen. I think it could work on your walls, but you need the strong contrast with wood tones, metals, etc. I'd leave the pantry white until you see if it all works. Attaching a couple of inspiration photos I'd gathered, can't find any of mine.

It looks like you have pretty views, I'd do something like a simple wood or roman shade on the window.

Love your kitchen, it is so unlike mine and my personal style, but yours is great! If you get plenty of light then yes, I would paint that wall charcoal or black. I don't know what to suggest about your pantry, but it definitely is sticking out with it being white. I'm sure some of the color gurus on here can suggest something that will work in your space.

Add about 3K for new wiring for more lights, and go for it. The room is already underlamped, and that needs to happen no matter what.

Just adding that I think the white works on that pantry cabinet next to the desk. That wall seems to be more of a discrete design element and the white blends with the white of wall - the window and the light wood millwork.

I think expanding the black wall would definitely work but agree that you need more lights. My kitchen is tiny as compared to yours and has more can lights as well as a hood/vent light and under cabinet lights.

I recently had an additional can added in my office area and the cost was pretty minimal so I would think adding additional cans would not be that expensive since you already have the basic wiring in there. It was very quick and easy and looks no different than the cans that had been installed originally.

Minority opinion. I like the black wall with shelves as it is. You have a linear area of black under your island and a corresponding linear area of black behind the shelves. I'd paint the wall behind the white pantry something non black and non white like the cobalt glass on the window sill or light bright green or even a silver.

Pippa painted the pantry cabinet lilac; I was thinking turquoise would be great.

My husband says “ combo fashion & function ... kitchens bring families together . When reselling a home a little fashion helps ! “

The kitchen is gorgeous as is. The view into the next room is not. Carry your design into there and it won’t look off anymore.

@ mercurygirl we are also looking for F&an paint .. where did you purchase yours?

Did you find a Dupe?

Count me in the minority as well. I think that wall is perfect as is. I'd add a touch more black to the pantry wall with a decorative element next to the pantry. Perhaps a plant in a glazed black pot. The white pantry looks fab in my books. I agree the open pantry distracts a bit. Fabulous kitchen!

I also like it as is. I like the black backsplash better than the full black wall. I do think your pantry needs something, even if it’s just new hardware. A charcoal color or muted dark green maybe?

Thanks all - there is no open pantry. The opening is 4' wide and leads to an open mudroom, laundry room, and guest bedroom plus entrance from the garage. A door would not be appropriate there given the way the home is laid out.

The lighting is far brighter than apparent. We nearly always have the lights dimmed a bit when working in the kitchen after dark because it's too bright otherwise.

It's hard to tell some of these things in pictures I suppose! I really appreciate the color input and comments from you all.

Yes yes yes, the dark wall will look awesome! It looks a little choppy now and the dark wall will help calm the space. I’d do the pantry cabinet (which is beautiful btw) in a charcoal, just a step or two lighter than the wall color. I’m planning on a dark charcoal wall myself for my walnut and beige kitchen. Best of luck with your project

Bsquared,

Here is a resource, but I think my local home & garden chain actually matched the F&B color. GL!

https://laurelberninteriors.com/old-farrow-and-ball-chart-from-2015/

@mercurygirl , how did the dupe work for you ?

Was trying to edit my post, but it died. I recall that I ordered a sample pot on the F&B website first, and I guess they may have retail locations on it also. If you don't want to splurge on the pricey paint, I imagine the BM will work well. The paint that was matched for me was fine, although I'm sure the F&B is better quality.

No to the black wall I like it how it is, those shelves and backsplash are a great statement! I would paint the white pantry black for sure.

I love the back wall and the pantry in minty green that ilkefriday mocked! Really adds a playful elements and highlights your special cabinet. Agree about under shelf lighting! Is there a way to "build in" the spare fridge in the mudroom space? You have a pretty art piece and the nice floor plant, but the fridge looks a little less finished. Cool flooring BTW.

I love your kitchen, very Scandinavian. I would leave the paint as is, and in stead add oversized hardware on the white cabinet, add texture and pattern on top of it with a couple of baskets, and put a modern planter with houseplants on the counter in front of that nice window.

My kitchen walls are currently a light creme and I love it. However, I also love this kitchen that is on display at IKEA in Burbank, California. The light-colored backsplash, countertop and farm sink help keep light where it is needed. I'd definitely not make it so cluttered.

Lovely kitchen!

I would paint the wall a dark charcoal and would not add a backsplash to the counter to the right. I personally like the white cabinet since it coordinates nicely with your countertop. I wouldn't paint it an accent color as suggested above. Leave it and continue to play with the neutral and natural color palette by adding accessories to the top that will unify it with the rest of the space.

Do you need window coverings for light management or privacy? If no, then I would leave them uncovered. If you need window coverings for function I think a discreet light filtering roll up shade would look nice:

What a lovely space! If I were you, I would paint the pantry black and leave everything else as is.

I’m changing my vote to Glo European Windows & Doors post just below mine. I like the charcoal gray on the whole all and white on the wall with the pantry and desk. I would also not paint the pantry - I like it white - and I would not cover the windows unless you need the privacy.

I live in an old Tudor-style house and this kitchen is not my normal style at all, but I absolutely love it and could live there happily. Really beautifully done.

Do it! We did, and couldn't be happier! Still have some finish work left to do, but we love it!

Wow, your black kitchen is beautiful Adam!

The mock-ups provided by many of you were more than helpful. I am leaning towards doing the wall charcoal, leaving the pantry white for now, and mocking up a dark tile back splash along the desk wall. I will be adding some plants/baskets atop the pantry (decorative but minimal). This will probably be a winter project. I'll try to post an after picture when it's done.

Nothing like a mock-up or two to help visualize an idea. Since I'm among the few who voted for leaving the wall as is, I'll echo @jemimabean and suggest you tip toe through your changes since your kitchen already looks fabulous. It's just slightly off balance because it needs a touch of black on the window wall. The dark tile backsplash will give you that but do you really need one there? Maybe I'm lazy but I'd start with a low effort change like decor before painting or tiling that area. In any case, I hope you love your changes and I look forward to the 'after' pictures.