7 New Kitchens With Dark and Moody Elements
See how pros play with dark finishes and features to create stylish kitchens with strokes of drama
Dark and moody interiors are on the rise, according to the latest Houzz search data. The trend is likely a reaction to whites and grays dominating interiors in recent years, prompting many homeowners to look for something different. Dark elements can add instant drama and sophistication. Here, design and remodeling pros share how they used dark features and details to create stylish kitchens with moody atmospheres.
2. Stone-Like Suaveness
Designer: Alexa Cowley of Alexa Interiors
Architect and builder: GB Design Build
Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Size: 88 square feet (8 square meters); 8 by 11 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a new build for our clients, and they wanted a clean, organic vibe with lots of texture to fit into their new rugged mountain landscape,” designer Alexa Cowley says. “To do that, we felt the elements in the kitchen needed to balance with the elements found outside, so we used materials to represent the wood and stone visible on their new Steamboat property.”
Dark and moody elements. Dark marble-look ultracompact island countertop with waterfall edge (Kelya from Dekton by Cosentino). Dark metal range hood. Black wood paneling near the ceiling. Black faucets and cabinet hardware. “We wanted the kitchen to feel crisp but not sterile,” Cowley says. “So we used Dekton to lay down a solid, dark stone feel on the island countertop and warmed it up with reclaimed-oak floors and custom walnut cabinets. The distressed white porcelain tile helped create the brighter contrast we needed in the backsplash without feeling shiny and new and offset the dark industrial-style metal hood that we had made locally.”
Cowley used Houzz ideabooks to collaborate on design ideas with her client. “We always start every project by asking our clients to hop onto Houzz and create an ideabook of any rooms they like the overall ‘feel’ of, to get their juices flowing before getting into the smaller details, which we do later on,” she says. “This is an amazing tool that cuts down on a ton of design ‘discovery time,’ as it helps us visually understand what is often hard for our clients to put into words.”
Other special features. Walnut veneer cabinets. “Notice how perfectly the grain matches — both horizontally and vertically — on all the cabinet faces and even the cabinet frames,” Cowley says. “Cutting Edge Woodworking did an amazing job with these cabinets. Also notice the soft vertical markings on the hood. We didn’t want the hood to be a solid black, which would’ve been too harsh, so the metal fabricators were able to create this washed look with a very controlled chemical treatment.”
Designer tip. “We went back and forth on how to set the backsplash tile but ultimately decided that a ‘straight set’ created the cleaner, more modern feel we wanted in the room as opposed to a brick-set/offset pattern, which often feels more rustic,” Cowley says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The walnut cabinets turned out so beautifully we didn’t want to add any hardware to them,” Cowley says. “But our client wasn’t fond of finger pulls — notches cut into the drawer or door face — so we looked and looked until we found these edge pulls by Ashley Norton. You can barely see them, but they are the small black lines on the bottom of the upper cabinets and top of the lower cabinets that basically blend in. Phew, problem solved.”
Backsplash tile: Grunge Iron, 3 by 12 inches, PetraSlate; faucets: Odin, Brizo; pendant lights: Disq large in Dark Smoke and Spun Frost shade, Hubbardton Forge; wall paint: Intense White, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Alexa Cowley of Alexa Interiors
Architect and builder: GB Design Build
Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Size: 88 square feet (8 square meters); 8 by 11 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a new build for our clients, and they wanted a clean, organic vibe with lots of texture to fit into their new rugged mountain landscape,” designer Alexa Cowley says. “To do that, we felt the elements in the kitchen needed to balance with the elements found outside, so we used materials to represent the wood and stone visible on their new Steamboat property.”
Dark and moody elements. Dark marble-look ultracompact island countertop with waterfall edge (Kelya from Dekton by Cosentino). Dark metal range hood. Black wood paneling near the ceiling. Black faucets and cabinet hardware. “We wanted the kitchen to feel crisp but not sterile,” Cowley says. “So we used Dekton to lay down a solid, dark stone feel on the island countertop and warmed it up with reclaimed-oak floors and custom walnut cabinets. The distressed white porcelain tile helped create the brighter contrast we needed in the backsplash without feeling shiny and new and offset the dark industrial-style metal hood that we had made locally.”
Cowley used Houzz ideabooks to collaborate on design ideas with her client. “We always start every project by asking our clients to hop onto Houzz and create an ideabook of any rooms they like the overall ‘feel’ of, to get their juices flowing before getting into the smaller details, which we do later on,” she says. “This is an amazing tool that cuts down on a ton of design ‘discovery time,’ as it helps us visually understand what is often hard for our clients to put into words.”
Other special features. Walnut veneer cabinets. “Notice how perfectly the grain matches — both horizontally and vertically — on all the cabinet faces and even the cabinet frames,” Cowley says. “Cutting Edge Woodworking did an amazing job with these cabinets. Also notice the soft vertical markings on the hood. We didn’t want the hood to be a solid black, which would’ve been too harsh, so the metal fabricators were able to create this washed look with a very controlled chemical treatment.”
Designer tip. “We went back and forth on how to set the backsplash tile but ultimately decided that a ‘straight set’ created the cleaner, more modern feel we wanted in the room as opposed to a brick-set/offset pattern, which often feels more rustic,” Cowley says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The walnut cabinets turned out so beautifully we didn’t want to add any hardware to them,” Cowley says. “But our client wasn’t fond of finger pulls — notches cut into the drawer or door face — so we looked and looked until we found these edge pulls by Ashley Norton. You can barely see them, but they are the small black lines on the bottom of the upper cabinets and top of the lower cabinets that basically blend in. Phew, problem solved.”
Backsplash tile: Grunge Iron, 3 by 12 inches, PetraSlate; faucets: Odin, Brizo; pendant lights: Disq large in Dark Smoke and Spun Frost shade, Hubbardton Forge; wall paint: Intense White, Benjamin Moore
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3. Bold and Balanced
Designer: Michael and Vanessa Fucciani of Miva Homes
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 126 square feet (12 square meters); 9 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “We owned this property, and our plan was to sell it once the full home renovation was complete,” says Vanessa Fucciani, who designed the space with her husband, Michael. “Our vision was to have some focal points throughout the home that had a wow factor. We were fortunate to be able to play with a large area for the kitchen, which allowed us to create a large island perfect for hosting and sharing the open area that is connected to a built-in seating area with a bar.”
Dark and moody elements. Glossy black backsplash tiles. Black leathered granite countertops. Matte black cabinet hardware. Black stainless steel appliances, including refrigerator, range hood, microwave and dishwasher. “We love black stainless steel appliances, so that was our starting point,” Vanessa says. “It’s extremely important to make other material decisions that will coordinate well with appliances, and that can be challenging.”
Other special features. Custom white oak cabinetry. “The fluted rounded island is the most beautiful feature of the kitchen because of its size, functionality and overall finish,” Michael says. “We sourced white oak dowels and custom-fit them to surround the entire island. At first we were unsure if we would do the entire island fluted, so we started out with just the sides. Once we saw how beautiful it was, we knew we needed to do the entire thing.”
Designer tip. “Always match your outlets and switch covers to your backsplash, or install them under cabinets where they can go unseen if you can incorporate them in the design early on,” Michael says. “There are many brands that make different colors, so do some research before you settle on a standard white or black if that doesn’t match your tile. The last thing you want to do is disrupt your backsplash design.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had a major issue with our cabinet faces once they were installed,” Vanessa says. “The tones of the cabinets were too different, and particularly the cabinet uppers were not to our standards. Our custom cabinetmaker typically makes these offsite and brings them to install, so we don’t usually get to see the wood before it gets cut. We had to make a difficult and costly decision to redo all the faces of the upper cabinets, as the design execution was not there unless we redid them. We made a trip to our wood source, Dakota Premium Hardwoods, and personally selected the most beautiful and cohesive sheets. Once installed, the kitchen was perfect. We learned a very important lesson that all the cabinet wood should be purchased and stored in the same place to ensure that all coloring stays the same.”
Wall paint: Alabaster, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Michael and Vanessa Fucciani of Miva Homes
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 126 square feet (12 square meters); 9 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “We owned this property, and our plan was to sell it once the full home renovation was complete,” says Vanessa Fucciani, who designed the space with her husband, Michael. “Our vision was to have some focal points throughout the home that had a wow factor. We were fortunate to be able to play with a large area for the kitchen, which allowed us to create a large island perfect for hosting and sharing the open area that is connected to a built-in seating area with a bar.”
Dark and moody elements. Glossy black backsplash tiles. Black leathered granite countertops. Matte black cabinet hardware. Black stainless steel appliances, including refrigerator, range hood, microwave and dishwasher. “We love black stainless steel appliances, so that was our starting point,” Vanessa says. “It’s extremely important to make other material decisions that will coordinate well with appliances, and that can be challenging.”
Other special features. Custom white oak cabinetry. “The fluted rounded island is the most beautiful feature of the kitchen because of its size, functionality and overall finish,” Michael says. “We sourced white oak dowels and custom-fit them to surround the entire island. At first we were unsure if we would do the entire island fluted, so we started out with just the sides. Once we saw how beautiful it was, we knew we needed to do the entire thing.”
Designer tip. “Always match your outlets and switch covers to your backsplash, or install them under cabinets where they can go unseen if you can incorporate them in the design early on,” Michael says. “There are many brands that make different colors, so do some research before you settle on a standard white or black if that doesn’t match your tile. The last thing you want to do is disrupt your backsplash design.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had a major issue with our cabinet faces once they were installed,” Vanessa says. “The tones of the cabinets were too different, and particularly the cabinet uppers were not to our standards. Our custom cabinetmaker typically makes these offsite and brings them to install, so we don’t usually get to see the wood before it gets cut. We had to make a difficult and costly decision to redo all the faces of the upper cabinets, as the design execution was not there unless we redid them. We made a trip to our wood source, Dakota Premium Hardwoods, and personally selected the most beautiful and cohesive sheets. Once installed, the kitchen was perfect. We learned a very important lesson that all the cabinet wood should be purchased and stored in the same place to ensure that all coloring stays the same.”
Wall paint: Alabaster, Sherwin-Williams
7 Home Design Trends Emerging Now
4. Moody Marble
Designer: Ricardo Guisse of Studio Guisse
Location: Washington, D.C.
Size: 183 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “They were not keen on having a large kitchen and instead focused on efficiency,” designer Ricardo Guisse says. “Using the principles of modern architecture such as Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House or Eero Saarinen’s Miller House, the order of activities within the kitchen — such as storage, washing, cooking, baking and refrigerating — were proportionally distanced. The design resulted in an island with a sink in the middle, across from the stove-top, with counter space left and right, with the fridge and the ovens located at the edges and storage surrounding the appliances as a cohesive unit. The homeowners loved this design for its compact and simple organization. Additionally, the counter extended into the dining room, thus creating a wet bar with additional storage.”
Dark and moody elements. Matte black cabinets. Polished black Marquina marble-look porcelain countertops and backsplash. Brushed dark stainless steel appliances. “The homeowners always wanted a monochromatic aesthetic for their kitchen, but we worried that having it all black would end up looking too monolithic against the white-painted walls,” Guisse says. “But as we selected finishes, we came up with an all-black palette that consisted of three elements: matte cabinets, shiny countertops and brushed metals and appliances. Given the large surface area of the cabinets, it became obvious that their matte finish will allow for the veined black marble countertops and backsplash to dazzle. The brushed dark stainless steel appliances and fixtures complemented it all together.”
Other special features. “The stairs located directly across the kitchen were treated with a walnut screen, and we used the same species for the front of the island and for the seats,” Guisse says. “The wet bar extension into the dining room was also treated with the same cabinets and countertops. As a last touch, brushed brass accents were used for the bar and kitchen faucets.”
Designer tip. “Something I tell my clients, colleagues and friends is to learn from precedents and not rely on trends,” Guisse says. “Designs are crafted ideas and trends are quick ideas. I’m not saying one is better than the other — in fact, both can work in harmony with each other. I think it’s nice when each element complements the other. If everything stands out, nothing will.”
Countertops and backsplash: Marmi Slim Black Marquina porcelain slab, 60 by 120 inches, TileBar
10 Dramatic Kitchen Island Countertop Ideas
Designer: Ricardo Guisse of Studio Guisse
Location: Washington, D.C.
Size: 183 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “They were not keen on having a large kitchen and instead focused on efficiency,” designer Ricardo Guisse says. “Using the principles of modern architecture such as Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House or Eero Saarinen’s Miller House, the order of activities within the kitchen — such as storage, washing, cooking, baking and refrigerating — were proportionally distanced. The design resulted in an island with a sink in the middle, across from the stove-top, with counter space left and right, with the fridge and the ovens located at the edges and storage surrounding the appliances as a cohesive unit. The homeowners loved this design for its compact and simple organization. Additionally, the counter extended into the dining room, thus creating a wet bar with additional storage.”
Dark and moody elements. Matte black cabinets. Polished black Marquina marble-look porcelain countertops and backsplash. Brushed dark stainless steel appliances. “The homeowners always wanted a monochromatic aesthetic for their kitchen, but we worried that having it all black would end up looking too monolithic against the white-painted walls,” Guisse says. “But as we selected finishes, we came up with an all-black palette that consisted of three elements: matte cabinets, shiny countertops and brushed metals and appliances. Given the large surface area of the cabinets, it became obvious that their matte finish will allow for the veined black marble countertops and backsplash to dazzle. The brushed dark stainless steel appliances and fixtures complemented it all together.”
Other special features. “The stairs located directly across the kitchen were treated with a walnut screen, and we used the same species for the front of the island and for the seats,” Guisse says. “The wet bar extension into the dining room was also treated with the same cabinets and countertops. As a last touch, brushed brass accents were used for the bar and kitchen faucets.”
Designer tip. “Something I tell my clients, colleagues and friends is to learn from precedents and not rely on trends,” Guisse says. “Designs are crafted ideas and trends are quick ideas. I’m not saying one is better than the other — in fact, both can work in harmony with each other. I think it’s nice when each element complements the other. If everything stands out, nothing will.”
Countertops and backsplash: Marmi Slim Black Marquina porcelain slab, 60 by 120 inches, TileBar
10 Dramatic Kitchen Island Countertop Ideas
5. Rich and Refined
Designers: Joel Robert Linn and Todd Rollin Mercer of Forest Kitchen Design
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The home is an original midcentury modern home designed by noted Greenville, South Carolina, architect Kirk Craig in 1969,” designer Joel Robert Linn says. “The kitchen was closed up, not open to living space, and it was very nonfunctional for serious cooks and entertainers.” The owners wanted to open up the layout, improve flow and create better connection with the outdoors.
Dark and moody elements. Black leathered granite countertops. Black stained oak cabinets. High-gloss black acrylic cabinetry, including paneled fridge and freezer. Black range and hood. Rich walnut island bar counter. “The room is flooded with natural light throughout the day, so we chose to keep the majority of the color palette dark,” Linn says.
Other special features. Calacatta Borghini marble slab backsplash. Unlacquered brass faucets. Original cypress molding and trim.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We did not realize that the only viable way for the HVAC system to intake air would be for it to be directly beneath the kitchen, and we had tight limitations on placement,” Linn says. “We integrated intake grates horizontally along the toe kick space of the island, as well as directly underneath the upper tier of the island countertop overhang. These two locations provided perfect intake volume, and we concealed them with black wooden grates.”
12 Clever Kitchen Cabinet Storage Ideas
Designers: Joel Robert Linn and Todd Rollin Mercer of Forest Kitchen Design
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The home is an original midcentury modern home designed by noted Greenville, South Carolina, architect Kirk Craig in 1969,” designer Joel Robert Linn says. “The kitchen was closed up, not open to living space, and it was very nonfunctional for serious cooks and entertainers.” The owners wanted to open up the layout, improve flow and create better connection with the outdoors.
Dark and moody elements. Black leathered granite countertops. Black stained oak cabinets. High-gloss black acrylic cabinetry, including paneled fridge and freezer. Black range and hood. Rich walnut island bar counter. “The room is flooded with natural light throughout the day, so we chose to keep the majority of the color palette dark,” Linn says.
Other special features. Calacatta Borghini marble slab backsplash. Unlacquered brass faucets. Original cypress molding and trim.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We did not realize that the only viable way for the HVAC system to intake air would be for it to be directly beneath the kitchen, and we had tight limitations on placement,” Linn says. “We integrated intake grates horizontally along the toe kick space of the island, as well as directly underneath the upper tier of the island countertop overhang. These two locations provided perfect intake volume, and we concealed them with black wooden grates.”
12 Clever Kitchen Cabinet Storage Ideas
6. Granite Sophistication
Designer: Adam Hunter
Architect: Ben Ballentine of Ballentine Architects Studio
General contractor: Elite Remodeling and Construction
Location: West Hollywood, California
Homeowners’ request. “The goal for this kitchen was to design a sophisticated, modern space that would serve as the centerpiece of the home,” architect Ben Ballentine says. “Our objective was to move away from the outdated look of the previous kitchen and adopt a luxurious design, striking a balance between beauty and functionality. The space was in need of a complete transformation, including upgrading materials, finishes and layout. The introduction of a darker and richer color palette brought the desired level of sophistication and depth to the room.”
Dark and moody elements. Dark granite countertops. Bronze metal backsplash. Charcoal gray cabinetry. “A key decision was to select Magma Gold for the island granite,” Ballentine says. “It’s a captivating centerpiece with its deep black base and striking veining. It’s a very beautiful and unique stone. To introduce warmth and opulence, we incorporated luxurious bronze finishes. The bronze fixtures and hardware perfectly contrast the dark elements.”
Designer tip. “One design trick I recommend to homeowners is using layered textures to add depth and interest to their spaces,” Ballentine says. “By incorporating a mix of materials such as fabrics, woods, metals and stones, you can create a rich, multidimensional look that makes a room feel warm and inviting.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When working on condo remodeling and reconfiguration projects, it’s common to encounter existing infrastructure that services multiple units above and below,” Ballentine says. “This includes gas lines and water lines, which can be difficult to work around, especially when dealing with drain lines. In this specific project, the plumbing lines were running through the middle of the intended open-kitchen concept and island. Since it was impossible to remove or relocate them, we had to get creative. As a solution, we decided to incorporate the plumbing chase as a design feature by cladding it and integrating it into the kitchen design.”
Woven artwork: Moontide X, commission, Dougall Paulson; project photos: Stephen Busken
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designer: Adam Hunter
Architect: Ben Ballentine of Ballentine Architects Studio
General contractor: Elite Remodeling and Construction
Location: West Hollywood, California
Homeowners’ request. “The goal for this kitchen was to design a sophisticated, modern space that would serve as the centerpiece of the home,” architect Ben Ballentine says. “Our objective was to move away from the outdated look of the previous kitchen and adopt a luxurious design, striking a balance between beauty and functionality. The space was in need of a complete transformation, including upgrading materials, finishes and layout. The introduction of a darker and richer color palette brought the desired level of sophistication and depth to the room.”
Dark and moody elements. Dark granite countertops. Bronze metal backsplash. Charcoal gray cabinetry. “A key decision was to select Magma Gold for the island granite,” Ballentine says. “It’s a captivating centerpiece with its deep black base and striking veining. It’s a very beautiful and unique stone. To introduce warmth and opulence, we incorporated luxurious bronze finishes. The bronze fixtures and hardware perfectly contrast the dark elements.”
Designer tip. “One design trick I recommend to homeowners is using layered textures to add depth and interest to their spaces,” Ballentine says. “By incorporating a mix of materials such as fabrics, woods, metals and stones, you can create a rich, multidimensional look that makes a room feel warm and inviting.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When working on condo remodeling and reconfiguration projects, it’s common to encounter existing infrastructure that services multiple units above and below,” Ballentine says. “This includes gas lines and water lines, which can be difficult to work around, especially when dealing with drain lines. In this specific project, the plumbing lines were running through the middle of the intended open-kitchen concept and island. Since it was impossible to remove or relocate them, we had to get creative. As a solution, we decided to incorporate the plumbing chase as a design feature by cladding it and integrating it into the kitchen design.”
Woven artwork: Moontide X, commission, Dougall Paulson; project photos: Stephen Busken
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
7. Forest Green
Designer: Rachel Farrington
Builder: Younger Homes
Location: Jonestown, Texas
Homeowners’ request. A custom home with abundant light that doesn’t shy away from color and texture. “Perched on a deeply sloping, rugged Hill Country site, this midcentury-inspired lake house draws its sense of place from Austin’s unique heritage of individualist and eclectic design finishes,” designer Rachel Farrington says. “A variety of mixed materials on the exterior in stone, stucco and metal accents create movement, while large picture windows capitalize on the site’s offerings. The interior is dominated by the clients’ desire for originality with pops of design drama, while striking a balance with the natural environment.”
Dark and moody elements. Dark green cabinets (Lafayette Green by Benjamin Moore). Emerald green quartzite countertops and backsplash. Magenta range. Dark bronze windows.
Other special features. Wood island base. Champagne bronze hardware. 28 feet of perimeter windows. Wall-mounted adjustable-arm lighting.
Designer tip. “When designing a custom home, do not be afraid to let your personality shine, and not just the furnishings, but in the fixtures and finishes,” says Danielle Younger of Younger Homes. “To do that, search for an architect, designer and builder who will enhance your aesthetic and create a space that personifies you and the land you get to build upon. Your design style is the ultimate timeless design, because it is what brings you joy.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The original design plan was for all of the kitchen cabinetry to be wood-stained,” Younger says. “After seeing this in place, and the beautiful green cabinetry in the pantry, the clients decided to bring the green pantry cabinetry color into the perimeter of the kitchen. In the end, the clients were so happy with how the perimeter green cabinetry brought to life the kitchen, even creating more of a focal point for the wood-stained cabinets on the island in the heart of the kitchen.”
Wall lighting: Salem, Visual Comfort; windows: RAM Windows
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen design stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
Shop for your kitchen
Designer: Rachel Farrington
Builder: Younger Homes
Location: Jonestown, Texas
Homeowners’ request. A custom home with abundant light that doesn’t shy away from color and texture. “Perched on a deeply sloping, rugged Hill Country site, this midcentury-inspired lake house draws its sense of place from Austin’s unique heritage of individualist and eclectic design finishes,” designer Rachel Farrington says. “A variety of mixed materials on the exterior in stone, stucco and metal accents create movement, while large picture windows capitalize on the site’s offerings. The interior is dominated by the clients’ desire for originality with pops of design drama, while striking a balance with the natural environment.”
Dark and moody elements. Dark green cabinets (Lafayette Green by Benjamin Moore). Emerald green quartzite countertops and backsplash. Magenta range. Dark bronze windows.
Other special features. Wood island base. Champagne bronze hardware. 28 feet of perimeter windows. Wall-mounted adjustable-arm lighting.
Designer tip. “When designing a custom home, do not be afraid to let your personality shine, and not just the furnishings, but in the fixtures and finishes,” says Danielle Younger of Younger Homes. “To do that, search for an architect, designer and builder who will enhance your aesthetic and create a space that personifies you and the land you get to build upon. Your design style is the ultimate timeless design, because it is what brings you joy.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The original design plan was for all of the kitchen cabinetry to be wood-stained,” Younger says. “After seeing this in place, and the beautiful green cabinetry in the pantry, the clients decided to bring the green pantry cabinetry color into the perimeter of the kitchen. In the end, the clients were so happy with how the perimeter green cabinetry brought to life the kitchen, even creating more of a focal point for the wood-stained cabinets on the island in the heart of the kitchen.”
Wall lighting: Salem, Visual Comfort; windows: RAM Windows
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen design stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
Shop for your kitchen
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Designer: Troy Moore of Madi Mali Homes
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Size: 336 square feet (31 square meters); 16 by 21 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This newly constructed, inspirational home sits high on a hill in Kansas City’s eclectic Westside, offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline,” says designer Troy Moore, owner of Madi Mali Homes. “The homeowners aimed to create a spacious kitchen, dining and living area that is both comfortable for everyday living and ideal for entertaining. Given the constraints of a small urban lot, we designed an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space on the main floor while building four stories vertically for the remainder of the home. This vertical dimension not only gives each level a unique function and feel, but also provides exceptional multilevel city views.”
Dark and moody elements. Custom cabinets in espresso/black oak veneer. Dark perimeter countertops. Glossy and textured black backsplash tile on the induction cooktop wall. Black-and-gold Art Deco-inspired backsplash tile on the sink wall.
Other special features. Marble-look quartz island countertop with waterfall ends (Brittanicca Gold by Cambria). Engineered white oak flooring in aged and natural tones. 60-inch workstation sink with two faucets.
Designer tip. “Considering the dominant dark tones within the space, it became essential to ensure abundant natural light flooded in from every direction during the day,” Moore says. “At night, the vibe was intentionally moody. By incorporating unique lighting, with dimmers on everything, we were able to purposefully decide how dark we wanted things to go.”
Custom cabinets: Gillpatrick Woodworks; workstation sink: Elkay; faucets: Brizo