The rules of interior design have changed dramatically over the years, which makes decorating your home even more of an adventure. When it comes to kitchen design, there is a school of thought that says your kitchen should always follow certain design rules. An example of these rules is that you should match cabinet hardware and light fixtures. Another suggests that small kitchens and dark cabinets don’t mix. However, just because there is a rule doesn’t mean you have to follow it. When it comes to cabinets, Joseph Kitchen and Bath believes there are ways to break the rules while still creating an aesthetically pleasing space.
Why Dark Colors & Small Spaces Don’t Mix
Dark colors can have a negative effect on small spaces, especially where there is poor lighting in the area. Despite the effect dark colors have on small kitchens, there are plenty of ways to incorporate black cabinets or dark colors into the design of a room. One way to open up the space without sacrificing dark colors is by adding more light in the room. You could increase the number of windows in the kitchen or even add more artificial lighting to make the kitchen appear larger.
Glass Door Inserts
Instead of using wood inserts for your dark-colored kitchen cabinets, opt for glass inserts instead. Glass inserts give the appearance of enjoying more space since you can see all the way through to the back of each cabinet. If you are shy about showing off what you have behind your cabinet doors, you can always opt for frosted glass. This will provide the light that your kitchen needs while still maintaining some privacy.
Black Contrasting Kitchen Island
Island counters are a great way to add more storage space to a small kitchen. Another advantage of an island in your kitchen is that you can use dark materials and ultimately make your space look larger. Adding a dark kitchen island to the kitchen can help the island fade to the background. If painted in a brighter color, it would instead catch your eye and potentially make the space feel smaller. When you pair your island counter with glass cabinets, you’ll have a visually pleasing addition to your space.
Lighter Transitions
Bright features can help make a confined space seem larger. Even if you love the look of dark cabinets, you can still use light colors in other areas to brighten the space. Consider pairing your dark cabinets with brightly colored countertops and a lit backsplash. This adds brightness without having to sacrifice on your love of dark colors.
Open Shelving
For those who love dark cabinets or a dark kitchen aesthetic, open shelving can make a space feel larger. Open shelving makes a room feels larger because of the lack of large cabinet boxes obscuring your view. Consider adding light-colored accents and bright contrasting backsplashes to really dress up your small space.
How We Can Help
Your home should represent your personality, even if that means you have to break a few design rules. While dark colors may make a room look smaller, creative accents and lighting can make the overall look bring and aesthetically pleasing. Joseph Kitchen and Bath is here to help you design your dream kitchen renovation. We’ll make sure you get the dark cabinets you love without making the space feel smaller. Give us a call at (905) 707-7756 to find out more about our services or to set up a consultation today!
