Dark grey kitchen cabinets are neutral and timeless, yet they allow you to add a sophisticated and modern element to your kitchen design. Grey cabinets can work in any size kitchen, and depending on the other kitchen materials they can have a subtle or eye-catching effect in the space.

Both dark and light grey kitchen cabinets are a great choice when you want a timeless kitchen design, yet the contrast of dark grey cabinets makes them much more unique than basic white cabinets.

If you are thinking about introducing dark grey cabinets to your kitchen remodel, have a look at the inspiring examples in the list below. You will find inspiration on how to pair your grey cabinets with other kitchen materials to achieve a unique yet balanced look.

Floor to Ceiling grey cabinets paired with a Grey Tile Backsplash

This beautiful floor-to-ceiling kitchen with dark grey cabinets features lighter-toned herringbone flooring that provides the design with a beautiful contrast.

The grey cabinets are paired with a countertop in the same material and a beautiful grey tile backsplash in a lighter grey color complements the kitchen design perfectly. The black dining table paired with the contemporary pendant light adds darker tones to the moody setting.

via Ballingslōv

A Modest look with Bottom Cabinets only

Dark grey kitchen cabinets can add great contrast to a space, yet they can sometimes look a bit heavy, especially when you have a big kitchen.

To keep the look light and airy, you can opt for dark grey shaker cabinets just like in the example below, however, leave the upper part of the kitchen layout free of cabinets. By adding a white subway tile backsplash and open shelving to the upper section of this kitchen design, it remains light and balanced.

Instead of adding white upper cabinets, a white open shelf like in the example will keep the one-wall layout of the kitchen even lighter. The stainless steel appliances add a beautiful metallic touch to the palette, enhanced by the brass hardware on the grey kitchen cabinets.

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem

Dark Grey Kitchen Cabinets contrast with a White Marble Countertop

The minimal charcoal grey cabinets in this kitchen are paired with crisp white countertops for a beautiful contrast with a color-blocking effect that is enhanced by the white marble backsplash in between the lower and upper cabinets.

To finish this contrasting look off, a brass sink, brass faucet, and brass hardware add a beautiful metallic elegance to the kitchen design.

The natural light in this dark grey kitchen bounces off the matt finish cabinets in a very subtle way, yet it highlights the metallic reflection on the brass materials.

via Ballingslōv

Shaker Cabinets and Light Wood Floors

Light grey kitchen cabinets have a very subtle effect on a kitchen design, while dark grey cabinets will have a bold effect because of the contrast they add to a space. Go for something in the middle, like in the example below, where medium grey shaker cabinets are paired with a light wood floor and white marble countertops for an elegant effect.

The contrast between the cabinetry and the off-white wall color behind it is powerful, yet not overpowering, which results in a softer look overall. The natural elements in the decor both on the dining table and the kitchen counter complete this look perfectly.

Styled by Emma Fisher, Annica Clarmell, and Anna Granberg, photographed by Peter Pousard for Alvhem

Mix Black and Dark Grey for a Moody effect

If you want to go for a moody look, pair dark grey kitchen cabinets with black hardware, a black countertop, and grey walls. This dark tone-on-tone look creates an impressive aesthetic and looks very impressive in this space. Black countertops paired with black hardware tend to add a modern aesthetic to a kitchen design and this is no different in this stylish example.

Instead of adding wall cabinets above the counter, a black wall shelf provides storage space without making the layout too cramped.

Styled by Nouvel Interior, photographed by Alen Cordic, for sale via Entrance Makleri

Go Floor to Ceiling for an impressive effect

While you should refrain from both upper and lower cabinets in a darker color in a low-lit space, to keep the look from being too heavy, it’s a different thing when you have an abundance of daylight coming in just like in the example below.

The impressive floor-to-ceiling kitchen layout made of grey kitchen cabinets creates a full wall of grey, which reflects the daylight coming from the window beautifully.

Styled by Emma Fischer, Linnéa H. Manaberi, and Annica Clarmell, photographed by Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem

Use gold hardware to add an Elegant Touch

This kitchen with grey walls and dark grey kitchen cabinets is finished off with white quartz countertops and beautiful gold elements that add a delicate and elegant touch to the space. The gold hardware and faucet stand out against the matt grey of the kitchen cabinetry for a striking visual effect.

On the backside of the grey kitchen island, gold frames have been added to the open compartments to finish off the look perfectly.

via Ballingslōv

A dark Grey Kitchen Island for a loft aesthetic

Strong vertical lines accentuate the high ceilings of this loft apartment and the grey kitchen cabinets blend in seamlessly with the grey walls of this unique space.

The stainless steel backsplash and countertop materials complement the dark grey of the flat panel cabinets perfectly and provide the design with a modern industrial look that fits the loft aesthetic of the apartment very well.

via NY VY

Achieve a Tone-on-tone look with grey paint on the walls

The simple lines and uncluttered feel in this kitchen give it a simple and minimalistic appearance. The dark grey flat panel cabinets blend in with the dark grey walls behind them, making the white marble countertops stand out powerfully.

The stainless steel appliances add a cool finish and the entire kitchen layout seems to just pop out of the light wood floor underneath it.

via Behrer

Balance the Look with Soft Wood tones

The contrast between the grey kitchen cabinets and the white tile backsplash in this kitchen is softened out by the use of natural wood tones in the herringbone flooring and the dining chairs.

The walls are painted a few shades lighter than the kitchen cabinets and the grey pendant lights above the dining table blend in with the grey cabinets in the background.

via Brspec

Grey kitchen cabinets paired with a grey marble backsplash and countertop

The dark grey cabinets in this modern kitchen have subtle blue undertones, providing them with a cool look. The kitchen is finished off with a grey marble backsplash and countertop that complement the grey of the cabinets perfectly.

The stove hood is built-in in a white cabinet that blends in with the white wall color. As the finishing touch, the soft wood tones in the accessories add a natural element to the kitchen design.

via Historiska Hem

A beautiful contrast between grey cabinets and white countertops

White countertops and the white backsplash create a strong contrast with the simple dark grey cabinetry in this corner layout kitchen. Upper cabinets are applied to one of the kitchen walls, while the area on top of the sink holds two beautiful white and gold pendant lights.

The white walls, white tile backsplash, and white-soaped hardwood flooring turn this kitchen into a white and grey-toned space with a striking contrast. White countertops create a clean aesthetic that is even more apparent when paired with a darker cabinet color.

via Stadshem

Use Contrast to accentuate an Assymetric Layout

Rather than trying to hide an uncommon layout, you can accentuate it to make the space unique. The dark grey shaker cabinets in this kitchen with an assymetric floor plan are finished off with cabinet molding below the ceiling, highlighting the contrast against the white walls.

The light hardwood flooring and the lighter countertops make the darker grey shaker-style doors stand out powerfully. The grey shaker cabinets are finished off with black and chrome hardware, which pairs wonderfully with the stainless steel appliances in the kitchen design.

via Entrance Makleri

Metallic Accents for a Modern Industrial Touch

If you want to provide your kitchen remodel with a modern industrial appearance, pair your dark grey cabinets with stainless steel appliances and hardware. The exposed wood beams in this kitchen design soften the modern look and they add a beautiful warmth to the space.

The exposed wood beams are such a focal point in this kitchen. The monotone color palette of the flooring, cabinets, and appliances is made to blend in with each other, highlighting the beams even better.

via Wrede

Dark grey cabinets paired with stainless steel for a modern look

This minimal kitchen with dark grey cabinets doesn’t have any knobs or pulls, highlighting the clean and minimal aesthetic of the kitchen design.

The stainless steel countertop and backsplash add a reflective quality to this modern kitchen with flat panel cabinets. The kitchen goes over into a home office spot on the right side, which is a nice and functional addition.

Styled by Annaleena and photographed by Jesper Florbrant for ESNY

Whether you’ve just bought a new home or are looking to remodel your current one, updating the kitchen is typically one of the top priorities. And for good reason. We tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, between cooking our own meals and entertaining guests, so why not create a space that shows off your style and personality?

That’s why so many homeowners are embracing the trendy, yet timeless, choice of painting their cabinets navy blue. This popular kitchen cabinet color is a timeless cabinet color choice for your kitchen, yet it also adds a bit of contrast to make your design pop.

Let’s take a look below at the most inspiring kitchens with navy blue kitchen cabinets to help you kick-start your kitchen remodel.

Make a Statement With Deep Navy Blue Cabinets

If you’re looking for maximum impact, a deep shade of navy that borders on black is the way to go. The high contrast between the pure white walls and dark blue kitchen cabinets is perfectly balanced by the dark wood flooring and marble backsplash, preventing any one element from becoming overwhelming. Pair with black hardware and appliances to complete the look.

via Alvhem

Pair Your Blue Cabinets With a Blue Tile Floor and Gold Fixtures

For a more unique take on navy kitchen cabinets, pair them with a light blue floor and bronze-gold hardware. The herringbone patterned tile here adds another dimension to the room, breaking up the smooth tones of the walls and cabinets.

To make the kitchen stand out, feature statement pieces in gold tones such as pendant lights.

via File Under Pop

Embrace a Minimalist Style and a Splash of Fun With Slate Blue Cabinets

For fans of a more sleek, minimalist look, a simple two-toned blue kitchen with a blue island may be the answer. This design leans into contrast between the bottom and top halves of the room. By keeping the top half of the room a stark white, the bottom half truly pops, letting the stunning dark shade of the cabinetry stand front and center.

A subtle light wood floor balances everything quite well, helping to prevent the bottom half of the kitchen from feeling too heavy.

via Nordiska Kök

Complement Dark Fixtures and Appliances With Light Countertops and Navy Cabinets

Anyone with existing dark appliances and marble countertops looking to freshen up the space can take advantage of the easy transformation navy kitchen cabinets bring.

This is a quick and cost-effective way to breathe life into a current kitchen design that needs more personality. Change out the cabinet hardware with gold or bronze replacements and keep your neutral walls to bring everything together.

photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

White Tile, Tan Wood, and Blue Kitchen Cabinets: a Timeless Blend

This navy and white kitchen features dark blue bottom cabinets with an impressive white tile backsplash and countertop. Instead of upper cabinets, open shelving in a soft wood tone fills the upper part of the layout, creating a light and airy look and feel.

The stainless steel appliances and hardware provide the kitchen design with a modern aesthetic that goes well with the blue tone of the cabinets.

Styled by Lingsell, photographed by Florbrant for Historiska Hem

Navy Kitchen Cabinets to Intensify Your Natural Tones

Navy blue kitchen cabinets can work incredibly well in an otherwise wood and earth-toned kitchen. It’s no secret that warm tones and blue items complement each other nicely, creating an interesting contrast.

By pairing the natural wood and orange hue of the window frame with a matte navy blue, the strengths of each color are accentuated, resulting in a kitchen space that is both minimal in design and bold in coloring.

via Nordiska Kök

Balance Bright Natural Light With Navy Cabinetry

When faced with abundant natural light, a kitchen with white cabinets can quickly become overwhelming. However, the effect can be dramatically reduced through the addition of blue kitchen cabinets.

This deep navy allows the light-colored walls, white trim, and white subway tiles to exist without becoming blinding during certain times of the day.

via Sjöman Frisk

Add Flare to Your Small Space With Marble Countertops and Blue Cabinets

Living with a small kitchen doesn’t mean that you can’t design a fun space. In fact, many navy kitchen ideas designed with large kitchens in mind can work best in a small kitchen. For instance, having a few kitchen cabinets to work with can be freeing when using an intense, dark shade because you can avoid the dilemma of not having enough natural light to neutralize it. Combined with countertops that have a low backsplash, you can even create the illusion of space.

Styled by Emma Fisher, photographed by Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem

Create an Inviting Space With Earthy Tones and Navy Cabinets

Opt for a more inviting kitchen with a cool color palette by adding muted navy cabinets to an otherwise earthy, true-neutral room. This hue of navy in particular lets the cabinetry serve as a focal point without minimizing the overall cool, calming tone of the kitchen. There’s also a certain flare of bohemian in this kitchen that’s the perfect way to express personality.

via Picky Living

Combine Subtle Modern Style With Farmhouse Elements

This kitchen with subtle farmhouse elements takes it a step further with a much more subtle touch of modernity. The updated appliances and fixtures serve to keep it from looking outdated, while the upper and lower portions of the room provide an eye-catching contrast.

The light-colored elements on the top half of the kitchen create a greater sense of space in an otherwise limited kitchen.

via Cupboards and Goods

Keep Your Cabinets the Center of Attention With White Walls and Stainless Steel Appliances

For an airy feel that keeps a space feeling light, embrace an overall white kitchen with a splash of color. As mentioned previously, dark-colored paint can quickly be overpowering without the proper counterbalance.

By allowing for the navy kitchen cabinets and some accessories to be the only source of color in the kitchen, you automatically transform the cabinets into a statement piece without compromising the rest of the room.

via DeVol Kitchens

Create a Unique Mid-Century Modern Navy Blue Kitchen

You can easily create a look that’s all your own by taking standard mid-century modern interior design and adding high-impact cabinets. This style embraces navy blue kitchen cabinets in a unique way by making them the dominant feature in the room. Matching upper and lower cabinets and a slightly glossy finish add another layer of character.

via Ballingslōv

Make the Most of Your Open Plan Space With a Navy Kitchen

This kitchen has it all. Herringbone patterned flooring, white tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and light wood accents all come together to create a modern, airy look that perfectly complements a large, open room.

The upper cabinets blend into a small open shelf right next to the window, which adds a playful touch to the kitchen design.

Photography by Andres Bergstedt for Entrance Makleri

Olive green cabinets are a timeless color choice that works both in modern as well as in classic kitchen designs. This natural yet sophisticated color can be paired with a wide variety of materials and colors in your kitchen.

You can opt for light olive tones for a subtle effect, or go for dark green kitchen cabinets to add a dramatic touch to the space. White countertops will add a more minimal appearance, while wood tones will add a rustic touch.

In the list below, I have gathered my favorite kitchen ideas with olive green kitchen cabinets for you to take inspiration from for your next remodel.

Match your wall color to your green kitchen cabinets for a tone-on-tone look

The olive green cabinets in this gorgeous farmhouse kitchen are matched by the paint color used on the walls. Even the ceilings are painted in the same olive green color, resulting in an impressive and inviting space.

From the backdrop of the olive green, the white marble countertop, marble sink, and marble backsplash pop out powerfully. Lastly, the black and white checkerboard marble flooring finishes off the look nicely.

via DeVol Kitchens

Add a modern touch of glam with brass fixtures and hardware

The dark olive green kitchen cabinets in this impressive corner kitchen layout pair nicely with the hardwood flooring in this kitchen. The olive tone on the cabinets is paired with a beige limestone countertop and backsplash. As the cherry on top, the kitchen design is finished with brass hardware and a brass faucet for a subtle glam effect that adds depth. The brass also comes back on the trim underneath the cabinets.

via Picky Living

Go floor-to-ceiling for an impressive and space-saving effect

The olive green shaker cabinets in this studio home are built floor-to-ceiling for an impressive effect in the space and lots of storage opportunities. The matte finish on the green cabinetry is paired with a delicate beige limestone countertop. Finally, the chrome hardware adds a modern element to the kitchen cabinetry.

via Entrance Makleri

Balance olive green cabinets with white upper glass cabinets

This two-tone kitchen features subtle olive cabinetry on the bottom finished off with a grey limestone countertop. The upper cabinets are white to provide the kitchen with an overall lighter appearance.

The natural elements in the kitchen accessories and the cabinet inlay balance out this white, grey, and olive green color palette.

via Nordiska Kök

Stainless steel appliances add a modern metallic touch

The pale olive green cabinets in this farmhouse kitchen design are balanced out by the stainless steel countertop and the white subway tile backsplash, which provide a subtle industrial touch to the beautiful setting.

This perfect shade stands out against all the white surfaces in the space. Meanwhile, the stainless steel appliances add a modern element.

Photographed by Lisa Wikstrand, styled by Helen Sturesson for Kulladal

Pair a pale shade of olive green with contrasting black countertops

This modern farmhouse kitchen gets a lot of natural light through the large window, which is reflected beautifully onto the pale olive green cabinets with a warm undertone.

To add a bit of contrast, the olive green tone is paired with black countertops for a contrasting effect. Lastly, the soft wood tones in the dining table and chairs provide a warm glow to the olive color of the cabinets.

via Stadshem

Pick an olive green with blue undertones for a cooler effect in the room

The cabinets in this room are painted in a shade of green-grey with blue undertones, resulting in a cooler aesthetic. The green cabinetry is paired with subtle chrome hardware, a farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, and chrome hardware.

To finish the upper part of the layout, a vintage white glass cabinet is added, resulting in a light and unique look.

via Picky Living

Use olive green to add depth to a minimal kitchen design

White kitchen cabinets are often preferred in a minimal and modern kitchen. If you are looking to add a bit more depth, olive green cabinets are a great option to fit within a minimal aesthetic.

In the example below the olive green tone of the cabinetry pops out of the white walls and hardwood flooring, while ensuring the clean look remains. To finish the room off, the black pendant lights above the counter add an elegant contrast.

via Reform CPH

Dark green kitchen cabinets in a two-tone look pairs the best of both worlds

The olive green on the bottom cabinets is complemented by a beige terrazzo countertop and white and wood cabinets on the upper part of the layout.

The upper cabinets rest on top of the lower cabinets directly and the ribbed glass of the cabinet doors adds a lovely texture to the white frames.

via Himlekök

Go for olive green to add a modern touch to a farmhouse kitchen

A classic kitchen design can be made to appear more modern by selecting a fresh color palette. The green tone on these classic shaker cabinets provides a subtle modern look to this classic setting.

The white backsplash with shiplap panelling accentuates the impressive height of the kitchen, while also allowing the olive green kitchen cabinets and dark elements to stand out.

via Kitchens and Beyond

Complement dark olive tones with warm elements

You can find complementary colors in the countertop materials and the leather details throughout the olive kitchen in the example below. The leather details on the rail and bench seat cushion, paired with the beige limestone countertop provide a warm aesthetic to this space.

Instead of leather, you can also work with copper hardware to add a warm tone to your olive-green cabinets.

via Ballingslōv

Apply the olive green palette to your kitchen island as well

The olive green cabinets in this kitchen are paired with an olive green kitchen island. Both kitchen modules are fitted with white marble countertops, which softens the transition between the dark olive color of the cabinets and the light grey kitchen wall color.

Styled by Linnéa H. Manaberi and Emma Fischer, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem

Olive green as a complementary element in a family room

The olive green kitchen module stands out against the light grey walls of this living kitchen, without overpowering the look of the space. The white marble countertops and the white subway tiles on the backsplash lighten the dark tones of the green cabinetry.

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson, for sale via Alvhem

Pair your olive green cabinets with dark wood countertops

The olive green cabinets on this corner layout kitchen are paired with dark butcher block countertops for a subtly rustic effect. Both the wood tones and the olive green pop out against the backdrop created by the white hardwood flooring and the white shiplap backsplash.

To finish things off, a white dining table and chairs are placed in front of the kitchen window. The dining set blends in with the walls and flooring and doesn’t take any attention away from the olive green in the background.

Styled by Linnéa H. Manaberi, photographed by Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem

Add a playful element to bring the olive green cabinets to life

This kitchen design pairs olive green cabinets with an elaborate hexagon tile backsplash and leather cabinet pulls for a unique and modern aesthetic in the space. The grown-up color choice of the cabinets is paired with a playful element in the tiles, which results in a striking balance.

via Historiska Hem

Pair Olive Green with a Warm Wall Color

When you love green but are afraid it won’t have a warm effect in your space, pair it with a warm wall color like warm beige or soft pink just like in the example below. The white wall lamps and the white crown moldings are accentuated by using this striking combination of warm walls with green cabinetry.

via Fantastic Frank

A contrasting kitchen island is the best way to make your kitchen design stand out. A kitchen island in a different color or material can create the focal point that takes your kitchen design from regular to stylish.

You can go for complementary colors to create a bold look, or work with a difference in materials to add texture and make your kitchen island stand out against the rest of your kitchen cabinets.

In the list below, you will find my favorite ideas for creating a kitchen design with a contrasting kitchen island. The inspirations range from bold color combinations to modest pairings of materials for a more subdued look.

Work with complementary colors to achieve a playful contemporary space

Let’s start with the boldest one of the contrasting kitchen island ideas on the list, shall we? The large kitchen island in the middle of the space is picked out in a beautiful pink color, that stands out against the sky-blue kitchen cabinets against the wall.

Not only are the colors of the cabinets different, but the countertops are also selected in different materials, setting the two modules apart even more.

The pink kitchen island has a wood countertop, while the light blue kitchen cabinets are finished with a white marble countertop. The gold hardware unites the two different kitchen modules.

via Cupboard and Goods

Create a tone-on-tone backdrop to make your island stand out

The distinctive paint color of the contrasting kitchen island pops out powerfully against the subdued background of the sage-green farmhouse-style kitchen. The shiplap kitchen backsplash is painted in the same color as the kitchen cabinets, resulting in a tone-on-tone setting from which the contrasting kitchen island pops out even more.

via Cupboard and Goods

Create a white island with the same countertop as your main kitchen module

The marble countertops in this kitchen with dark wood cabinets are also used on the backsplash and on the statement island which is the kitchen’s focal point. The marble back panel on the kitchen island makes it look like a solid block, which gives it an even more impressive presence in the space.

via Nordiska Kök

Go for a contrasting kitchen with a dark-tone island

The off-white cabinetry with glass front cabinets in this gorgeous farmhouse kitchen with kitchen wallpaper is finished off with a classic wood island and bar stools made out of the same material.

The dark wood tone and grey limestone countertop on the kitchen island stand out against the light-soaped hardwood flooring of the room.

via Nordiska Kök

Add a pop of color to a white kitchen

The white cabinets in this minimal kitchen design blend into the white walls of the space. The green kitchen island pops out of this white backdrop, transforms the white kitchen design, and provides it with a unique appearance.

via Reform CPH

Play with natural materials for a contrast that blends in with its surroundings

In this white kitchen, the dark wood island paired with rattan bar stools and a white quartz countertop stands out in an understated yet impactful way. The white cabinets of the main kitchen module blend in with the white walls, while the kitchen island in the middle of the space blends in with the wood finish of the flooring.

via Himlekök

A contrast of materials in a playful contemporary kitchen

In the kitchen below, the stunning island made out of stainless steel contrasts with the pink kitchen cabinets that are finished off with terrazzo countertops.

The kitchen island not only stands out because it’s made out of a different material but its round shape and organic appearance are very distinct from the clean lines of the rest of the kitchen design.

via Himlekök

White cabinets paired with a black marble island in the middle

The oversized island in this space is made out of black marble, paired with black pendant lights and black chairs for an overall black-and-white kitchen color palette.

Statement kitchen islands like this one tend to work well in a minimal space, as they grab all the attention. In this example, the black island is paired with subdued white cabinets that blend in with the white wall color.

The black shape of the kitchen island comes back with the black-stained mirror on the wall for an interesting effect in the space.

via Ballingslōv

Go a few shades darker with your kitchen island for a tonal effect

The teal blue kitchen island is painted a few shades darker than the cabinets and the walls in this spacious historic kitchen space. This way, the kitchen island stands out in the room, yet in a subtle way that allows for a classy and tranquil aesthetic and a balanced look.

via Kitchen and Beyond

Pair different styles together for a classy kitchen design

In this spacious beige shaker kitchen, the classic wood island stands center stage and introduces a historic element into the room. The white countertop contrasts nicely with the dark wood tone on the kitchen island, finished off with subtle brass hardware.

Even though the white countertop of the kitchen island has a classic look, it has a modern induction cooktop seamlessly integrated into the stone countertop.

via Artilleriet kitchen studio

Pair your stainless steel appliances with a stainless steel island

The dark wood cabinets and white oak wood flooring in this modern kitchen are paired with an impressive steel kitchen island with lots of storage space.

The contrasting kitchen island made out of steel matches the impressive range hood in the same material. The modern brushed steel surface pairs well with the natural texture in the different wood tones for an interesting pairing of materials.

via Nordiska Kök

Create a subtle yet contrasting island in the countertop material

In this two-tone kitchen, the beige stone countertop used on the main kitchen module and backsplash also come back in the waterfall kitchen island in the middle of the space.

The waterfall effect makes the beautiful texture of the stone countertop stand out and it unites the look of the entire kitchen.

via Nordiska Kök

Differentiate with the wood tone and unite with the countertop material

Imagine this gorgeous kitchen space with a blue island and it wouldn’t have such a unique appearance, wouldn’t it? The natural oak kitchen island is surrounded by blue-stained wood kitchen cabinets in this big space with an abundance of natural light.

The color palette is finished off with brass hardware on the blue kitchen cabinets and a white marble countertop that unites the kitchen island visually with the rest of the kitchen layout.

via Historiska Hem

Pair natural stone with a full-wood kitchen

The dark wood kitchen cabinets in this modern space are paired with a wooden countertop for a dark and moody appearance that contrasts against the white oak wood flooring.

In front of the dark wood elements, a large island with quartz sides and a quartz countertop makes for an extraordinary eye-catcher. The stacked stone island has a clean and minimal look, that pairs well with the natural texture of the dark wood cabinetry and the herringbone flooring.

via Norm Architects

Create a beautiful contrast with your kitchen flooring

While the terrazzo kitchen island doesn’t stand out that much against the white cabinetry, it does pop out against the black and white checkerboard kitchen flooring. The tick, clean lines of the island pair well with the classic white cabinetry against the walls.

Inside the kitchen island, wood finish shelves allow more room for the storage of herbs and spices, making the kitchen island both functional and elegant.

via Ferm Living 

Black kitchen cabinets are a surefire way of adding a powerful contrast and sophisticated feel to your kitchen design. Black cabinets can be paired with a variety of different materials, however, if you truly want to create a powerful contrast, you can opt for white countertops.

The white countertops will lighten your palette and will make the transition from the dark cabinets to a lighter wall color smooth and gradual.

In the comprehensive list below, you can find my favorite kitchens with black cabinets paired with white countertops. And if you are looking for a lighter effect with a similar strong contrast, you can always have a look at these inspiring kitchens with white cabinets and black countertops.

Minimal black cabinetry and a kitchen island in a turn-of-the-century home

The modern black cabinets add a bold statement and a contemporary aesthetic to this apartment with historical details and warm hardwood floors.

The black bar stools and black appliances blend in with the black kitchen cabinets. The white marble countertops make the transition between the dark lower cabinets and the light grey wall color more gradual.

Styled by Linnéa H. Manaberi and Emma Fischer, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

Black upper and lower cabinets paired with a pop of color

Black shaker cabinets contrast against the white walls and light-soaped hardwood flooring in this kitchen space. The white countertops and small backsplash blend in with the wall color, making the black kitchen cabinets stand out even more.

The other elements in this kitchen add a variety of colors to the palette, which stands out against the black-and-white kitchen.

Photographed by Ozolappa, styled by Yngfalk for Historiska Hem

Add to the contrast with white tiles and black grout on the wall

This black kitchen with integrated handles in the cabinet doors is paired with a black hood and a white countertop. The white tile backsplash is finished with black grout and black wall lamps, which complement the white and black surfaces in the kitchen.

via Historiska Hem

A modern black wood kitchen with a visible grain

Modern kitchens often use contrasting materials for an impressive effect. The matte finishes on the cabinets and countertops in this modern space allow the wood grain to shine through on the cabinet doors.

The soft wood details on the dining table and the staircase balance out the contrasting black and white kitchen.

Styled by Laura Seppanen, photographed by Mikael Pettersson for Hevi Kivitalot

Black wood kitchen cabinets and a subtle white subway tile backsplash

The lower black cabinets with visible wood grain in this kitchen are paired with a white countertop, a subtle white subway tile backsplash, and a greige paint color on the wall.

The chrome hardware and the impressive row of wall lamps below the ceiling add a modern touch to the kitchen. The white cabinets above the backsplash blend into the wall and wrap around the hood.

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

A black kitchen with a black metal frame window

The lighter colors on the floor and walls in this kitchen are paired with an impressive black kitchen with tall upper cabinets and a black metal frame window that looks out onto the other room.

Black kitchens tend to look heavier in a space, yet by keeping the rest of the interior in lighter colors, you can balance the look.

via Skandia Maklarna

Black cabinets paired with a white fridge

The lower cabinets in this corner kitchen layout have a contrasting black finish, which is balanced out with white countertops, a white fridge, and a white wall color.

The stainless steel appliances and chrome hardware give the kitchen a modern look and feel.

Styled by Emma Fisher, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

Black leather pulls on matt black kitchen cabinets

This impressive corner kitchen layout features shaker cabinets with black leather pulls for a tone-on-tone look that is contrasted with a tick white marble countertop. Inside the open cabinets, you can find white porcelain pieces that pop out against the darker colors.

Styled by team Sarah Widman for Alvhem

Black shaker cabinets and white hood

The black shaker kitchen pops out against the white walls in this light-flooded kitchen space. The white hood blends in with the white walls above the kitchen counter and the open shelving finishes off the area above the sink in a nice way.

To contribute to the contrast, a white round dining table is paired with black bentwood chairs right next to the kitchen.

via Magnusson Makleri

Minimal black cabinets paired with white quartz countertops and a brass peg rail

In this modern kitchen, the matte black cabinets are paired with white quartz countertops, subtle stainless steel appliances, and an eye-catching brass peg rail above the counter. The glossy surfaces of the metal pair wonderfully with the matte finish on the black kitchen cabinets.

via Fantastic Frank

A classic black and white kitchen with impressive marble countertops

The impressive veining in the tick marble countertops in this corner kitchen layout is a focal point. I assume the kitchen renovation was based on the black window framing, which matches the black finish on the cabinetry.

A floating kitchen shelf allows for a more airy feel and it’s a great spot for potted plants in the kitchen.

via DeVol Kitchens

A matt black kitchen with a bright white backsplash and warm wood tones

This black and white kitchen doesn’t have any upper cabinets for a lighter look in the space. The impressive tile backsplash continues up to the ceiling and forms the perfect backdrop for the black fridge and black cabinets.

The wood accents in the chairs and wood flooring balance the contrast, while the brass faucet and shelf brackets add an elegant touch.

via Picky Living

Black base cabinets in white surroundings

The lower black cabinets stand out powerfully against the white wall paint that reflects the natural light in such a beautiful way.

A few subtle decorative items in neutral colors decorate the white countertops for a clean and minimal effect in the space.

Kitchen from Ask Og Eng in the home of Elisabeth Heier

A black kitchen with black hardware and a white backsplash

A matt finish gives black and white kitchens a more subtle look, especially when combined with a limewash treatment just like in the example below. The black cabinets are finished with black hardware that blends in with the background.

The white backsplash matches the white countertops and fits exactly underneath the sloped ceiling in the kitchen.

Photographed by Axelsson for Historiska Hem

Black kitchen cabinets paired with white marble, brass, and stainless steel appliances

The stainless steel appliances stand out in this matt black shaker kitchen with white countertops and beautiful brass hardware.

The stove and range hood separate the kitchen cabinets from each other and the neutral tones in the wall color and accessories soften out the contrast between the kitchen cabinets and the countertop material.

via Historiska Hem

Black and white create contrast and beige walls balance the kitchen look

The combination of the black cabinets with the white countertops in this spacious kitchen with a black island provides a lot of contrast in the space. The strong contrast is balanced out by the beige limewash walls behind the upper cabinets.

The glass front cabinets and open shelves make the upper layout a lot lighter while offering storage space for glasses, ceramics, and dinnerware.

Styling by Grey Deco, photographed by Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem – see the full home tour here

A classic black shaker kitchen finished with a gorgeous white marble

The beige-painted walls and ceiling form a soft backdrop for the strong black shaker kitchen that matches the dark color of the wood flooring in the space. The white marble sink and countertop stand out brightly in this setting. As the finishing touch, brass hardware, and brass glass cabinets complete the look.

via DeVol Kitchens