Whether it's dark and light, modern and classic or elegant and masculine, when you combine opposing design ideas, the results can be spectacular.
This home's kitchen combines classic and elegant tapware, and a dark but modest colour palette with light countertops and modern light fittings. Designed by Justine Hugh-Jones in Sydney, this kitchen draws on juxtaposed mastery to create a look that's welcoming and warm, and daringly dark.
Designer: Justine Hugh-Jones Design with Playoust Churcher Architects
Tapware - Perrin & Rowe - Mimas one hole sink mixer with single lever round spout and spray rinse
This stunning kitchen designed by Sarah Healy and Ben Harris for Sarah Healy Design cleverly balances daringly dark cabinetry with light stone benchtops, French oak parquetry flooring and exquisite brass tapware, handles and lighting to create a glamorous yet effortlessly chic space.
The centrepiece featuring Perrin & Rowe spray rinse tapware juxtaposes contemporary styling with the heritage look of brass, appropriate to the era of the home and the suburb.
The modern appliances are secondary to the material-rich kitchen and are subtle in aesthetic; many of them integrated, others all in black with not a hint of chrome, resulting in a kitchen of generous proportions with every bit of space utilised.
Classic stone and brass juxtaposed with dark cabinetry
IT'S IN THE DETAIL
Designer – Sarah Healy and Ben Harris for Sarah Healy Design
Builder - Hartnett Cabinets
Sink - Acquello fireclay sink
Tapware - Perrin & Rowe Orbiq kitchen tap with spray rinse in Brass
Benchtop - Smartstone Athena
Splashback - Smartstone Athena
Flooring - French oak chevron parquetry
Bulkheads - Dulux Natural White bulkheads
Lighting - Ross Gardam Ora pendants
TAKE A WALK ON THE DARK SIDE
Interested in incorporating a little darkness into your next project? Here are our tips for creating a moody yet uber-glamorous space of light and shade.
Consider your lighting
Dark toned cabinetry has everything to do with lighting, both natural and indoor lighting. The best dark spaces work well with lighting crafted into the overall design.
Accents are everything
With a dark and light contrasting palate, you have the opportunity to create interest and craft the overall feel of your space using well considered accents. Use Chrome to create a bold, contemporary feel or incorporate a brushed finish like Satin Brass for a softer, more organic look.
Materials matter
Along with your colours, accents and lighting, consider combining natural matte materials with reflective touches to work with your lighting and increase the size of the space.
Size and proportion
The balance between oppressive and dramatic is subtle so consider the size of your space when adding dark elements. Ensure they are proportionate to the lighter elements and balanced to complement each other.
More daringly dark kitchens to take your fancy: