It is a universal aesthetic norm: black and white is a perfect and elegant color combination, which is why it is one of the most convincing when it comes to decorating. This classic, which has never completely disappeared, gained strength again with the rise of the decoration of Nordic style, where he is the protagonist. A good example are the black and white kitchens, like the ones we show you in this article.
Among other things, we are going to see how you can create a luminous white space with black highlights in which both colors are combined and help each other to stand out. So opposite and at the same time, so complementary, like a perfect marriage.
Why do black and white go together so well? If we pay attention to the psychology of color, we discover that black has a series of innate qualities such as elegance, sophistication and sobriety. Of course, as it is also the darkest color in the spectrum, it is advisable not to abuse it. It should be used sparingly and always in combination with other tones that provide some light.
This is where white comes into play, blending perfectly with black, providing contrast and luminosity. It is the balance of the chessboard, how well it works when creating serene and pleasant spaces.
Beyond the most elementary chromatic theory, it is also true that in a black and white kitchen the effect of contrast is further enhanced if we add natural elements, such as wood or plants, and introduce different textures This will also contribute to giving a greater warmth to the room. We will see it more clearly in the examples that we present in this post.
A question that we often ask ourselves when dealing with this type of binary decorations is this: do you have to apply both colors at 50% or is there one that should predominate over the other? Everything is relative and depends on many factors, including our own taste. We analyze these and other cases in the following sections:
with a predominance of white
If we are not totally convinced of the aesthetic benefits of the combinations of black and white in a kitchen, it is always more prudent to bet on the most conservative option. That is, more white than black. Or if we put it another way: decorate a kitchen in white by adding a series of details in black.
Placing white in the center of the spotlights, in the role of the great protagonist of our kitchen, is a resource that will always work well. This color matches perfectly with minimalist and contemporary designs, highlighting the neatness and purity of the lines, although it is also magnificent in a classic kitchen.
Let's look at the example above: unquestionably, white is the predominant color, which is always a good idea in any room that we want to be bright. It is the color that fills the walls (in this case with an interesting geometric design of the tiles), the ceiling and the kitchen furniture. For its part, black is reserved for the countertop, the extractor hood, the stools and the door and drawer handles. The result is round.
Obviously, there are many other ways to combine both colors. There are as many black and white kitchen designs as there are ideas in our heads. It is simply a matter of choosing the most appropriate distribution according to our tastes and preferences and, of course, according to the limits and possibilities that each kitchen offers.
predominantly black
This is a slightly more risky bet, but one that offers even more spectacular results than those of the previous case. Turning black into the main color of our kitchen we will achieve a unique visual impact. We see it on these lines: black quartz in the kitchen furniture, in the island panels, in the ceiling lamp and even in the chair cushions. Sobriety and elegance that are further reinforced by the presence of a porcelain floor, also in black.
White plays a secondary role here, discreet but essential, providing the necessary balance. He is present in the chairs, on the surface of the island, as well as on the ceiling and walls. It is the perfect antidote to avoid an excess of black that can completely ruin the atmosphere of our kitchen.
It is also possible to put the black tone on the walls. White furniture and black walls with blackboard or normal paint. The slate It is a very versatile and current element where we can leave messages and change the decoration every day.
One detail to take into account in these designs is that if we choose completely black furniture for a kitchen, stains and marks will be much more noticeable. That is why it is best to bet on good materials, so that they do not look too worn as time goes by.
Play with a third color
There is yet another way to achieve a beautiful black and white kitchen with a balanced environment. The idea is to introduce a third neutral color that "mediates" between the two shades in their struggle to impose one over the other. The most effective solutions will be provided by gold, silver and wood.
The proper way to apply this third color will depend on many factors, but in general we can state that gold and silver can be very effective on lamps and drawer and cabinet handles, while wood is more versatile: it can be present anywhere in the kitchen, as it will always add something positive to the whole.
In the image above we see a small summary of all this. The gold tone adorns the small ceiling lamp and makes the structure of the legs of the stools that surround the counter shine. We also see it in the traditional-style sink faucet.
As for wood, in this case it is limited to the floor. In the case of a kitchen, it must necessarily be imitation wood, that is, a waterproof or water-repellent floor. In any case, with the warm and elegant look that is required.
If the combination of black and white is nice in a kitchen, it is also nice in any other room in the house. The same decorative aesthetic principles can be applied to a living room or a bedroom, for example. It will always be pleasing to the eye and, in a very subtle way, it will also bring serenity to the inhabitants of the house.