apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I am into this. My own kitchen has matte black tiles with black grout, black appliances, etc. It makes cleaning much easier. Plus it goes with the color of my soul...I'm going to go listen to the Smiths now.



I kid! I kid! But seriously I do love the black.

I quite like the 2nd and 5th kitchens. Examining those choices, I guess I don't like "slick" black kitchens, ones that seem too contrived (almost like too much make-up, too-slick) and appear to exclude children. Quite like them when combined with other textures -- love the whole black/white/natural look -- very Scandinavian.

I like the second kitchen...the dark color (cabinets, fruit bowl, lighting) ties everything together without overpowering. The kitchen still looks light and comfortable.

the floor in the first pic looks cool, the kitchen in the last one too!

As a kitchen designer, I can tell you that black came into a strong trend in kitchens about 1, maybe 2 years ago...which worries me because trends come and go and a kitchen is a long time purchase. I think one of the least trendy of those images is the last one because it is not the cabinetry which is black, it is the wall. That is not to say that black is always trendy, it depends on how it is used, but, it's good to realize that it is a trend and to figure out how to work around it. Also, to be aware if one is desiring black because they see a lot of it and it looks new. New can often equal trendy.

dnice said her black kitchen was easy to keep clean, but I don't think the one in the photograph would be easy to keep clean. It is beautiful, but not for me---unless it came with a full-time housekeeper. I love the compass rose on the floor though.

For one-room living, a dark, matte kitchen is almost invisible: It's less like sleeping in a kitchen. If the tableware is dark, too, then kitchen mess is camoflaged. Of course, if you don't have megawatt lights, then cleaning is a challenge.

I like it. It doesn't seem overly trendy to me. The 4th one especially, seems timeless yet modern.

#1 is so sexy - with the glass countertops and mirrored backsplash and even the mirrors on the bottoms of the upper cabinets!

I agree, #1 is so sexy... Like the lady who had a nose job, boob job, tummy tuck, botox, face lift, etc etc etc, but hasn't smiled or made love in 3 years because she is afraid that her stitches will open.
Kitchens are for food. Not glamour.

The others are noice, especially #5

That first kitchen looks amazing. I love that....and that star on the floor. Very nice and sleek.

I love the first pic and if my kitchen were larger I go for it.

black ceiling is going too far for me

"Kitchens are for food. Not glamour."

Food can't be glamourous?

I love them! I agree with some of the others, the slick black kitchens are trying a little too hard. But number 2 is beautiful. I'm lucky enough to be renting an apartment where the kitchen is renovated and the cabinets are all now very dark wood (almost black) with wrought iron handles and black appliances. Sooo beautiful.

Nani is probably right about #1. The caterer is probably the only person using it. But that super glam look is fine for someone who just wants a showcase and doesn't cook.

I love #2 and #5. But I wouldn't call either of those Black Kitchens. They are kitchens that incorporate black as an accent.

Some black accents are great, but I like a mostly white kitchen for two reasons: (1) sharp knives and light-absorbing surfaces don't mix; (2) I want any bugs to appear in high contrast so I can kill them.

I don't really like cooking. I consider a chore that I have to do, so I think my kitchen should be as glamorous as possible! I consider it just another room. That said, while I love Miles Redd's kitchen (no.1), it wouldn't work in my house (sigh). But I am putting in a much needed kitchen right now and my cabinets will be an ebony stain for sure!

Oh, I just LOVE the first kitchen! Very glam indeed. This kitchen reminds me of a beautiful penthouse that appeared years ago in a magazine; the man, an attorney, had the penthouse done in a very dark navy/sapphire blue. He said he wanted that color, because he worked all day and the only time he was at home was at night and the color scheme was perfect for the city in the evening.

I can see this kitchen being used by someone who entertains a lot. I wish it were my kitchen!

I liked #4 too, but somehow that seemed less new and more "Better Homes and Gardens".

The first one is so intense, looks right out of the Addams Family’s house. (check the “Thing” portrait on the wall haha)

Seriously, black kitchens are amazing, they look good, glamourous, very chic and clean. Kind of a gothic BCBG style.

#1 is the kitchen for me, all I need is a bigger bank a/c, way bigger. Who cares if it shows finger prints, if you can afford that kitchen you can afford the cleaners to clean em'

Don't go down this road, folks; you'll regret it. Black for kitchens came in as a heavy trend a couple of years ago, and many of the top-end condos in Austin are done with black kitchens. The 360 tower, the new condos at Mueller Airport are just two complexes where the kitchens are black. They are so hot now, but in five years, these kitchens are going to look so passe. They will be indelibly linked to the time they were built.

If your cabinets are dark wood, you're not going to be able to stay with the natural wood and have them look anything but dated. If you want a fresher look, you'll have to go with paint, or rip out the cabinets and replace them. That's a shame, given the expense and the use of resources.

There are so many ways to go; don't go with something that backs you into a corner.

As the owneer of a black kitchen I'm a big fan:

http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/022009atlastevehouse/Wideshotofkitchen

These days, everything dates (except me) so just go with what you like.

Very sophisticated and "New York" (feeling). I think this style is fine for rich bachelors, fashion models, and other adults with money and no desire for a cozy family home. I like looking, but not living with...

Very cool. It is stainless steel and granite that are passe.

I don't understand the idea that some people are suggesting that kitchens shouldn't be sleek and glamorous. If the room that you poop in can be sleek and glamorous, why shouldn't the room in which you prepare food?

I think #1 is beautiful and I'm in love with the floor. We're getting married in the spring and honeymooning in Tuscany.