Montacute Down Traditional Kitchen, London

6. The Modern VictorianAn addition off the back of this traditional Victorian home in England has a boxy, modern look but respects the original architecture. Black walls, cabinets and open shelves lend a contemporary look while the range mantel and backsplash nod to the original style of the home. The large island adds contrast and traditional style. Another thing to note about making black work in the kitchen is lighting. A glass wall and skylight bring plenty of natural light into this room. Explore more of this home

Photos by Siobhán Doran Houzz at a GlanceWho lives here: An advertising strategist; her husband, director of an online travel agency; and their two children, 7 and 9Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent, EnglandSize: Five bedrooms, three bathrooms Designer: Jennifer Hamilton of The Vawdrey HouseThe kitchen originally sat in a chilly lean-to in the back of the house. Now it’s a sociable open-plan space, thanks to a new rear addition complete with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and a skylight.Dark walls combine with pale cabinets and flooring to create a dramatic look. Open shelving keeps the space from feeling crowded and “adds a more contemporary feel than wall units,” Hamilton says. The black-blue paint also turns a simple display of white ceramics into a standout feature.Meanwhile, the huge island is packed with storage. Half-moon handles help sustain a traditional feel.Paint on walls: Black Blue, Farrow & Ball

6. Disappearing ShelvesIn this English kitchen, black-painted floating shelves against a black-painted wall make the shelves virtually disappear, while white dishes seem to float. It’s a great design approach for compact layouts because it can give the appearance of more space and set off statement elements like a large island.See more of this house

drawers in island and seating to one side

tiles behind aga and dark on wall

Love the back splash and black paint