How to decorate a kitchen with black cabinetry

Most of our clients specifically desire a white kitchen,” says Alona Gazimov, lead designer at Bedford Brooks Design. “This particular client really didn’t give us any guidelines, other than to make it beautiful.” Inspired by the chance to infiltrate an all-pale palette in the rest of the house with dashes of dramatic dark contrasts, the design duo accepted the challenge with gusto. “We thought it would be a perfect opportunity to introduce rich black cabinetry in a way that wouldn’t be overbearing,” says Peter Brooks, principal designer.

A judicious use of accents, such as brass hardware and traditional penny tiles, ensures the 180-square-foot room feels warm and welcoming. Durable quartz countertops, copious storage and the restaurant-quality, six-burner gas range add another layer of personality with a nod to the homeowner’s chef status.

The finished kitchen meets the beautiful-ness benchmark the client set, but did the designers have any second thoughts about shunning an all-white space? “That’s not what kitchens are all about!” says Alona. “They’re about experimenting with different elements, just like you would with ingredients for an amazing recipe.”