Light versus dark – it’s not just a heroic struggle between good and evil, but also a really tough choice to make when designing your dream kitchen. As any interior designer will tell you, light – artificial and natural – is a complex tricky element that requires careful management. You might be surprised at what a dramatic effect light alone can have on a room! So, exactly how can light and dark colour schemes affect the look and atmosphere of your kitchen?
A lighter colour palette is a key ingredient in almost any contemporary design, and it’s easy to see why. It lends the room a clean, bright aesthetic which reflects and enhances colours and natural light alike. It also has a great talent for making rooms feel more expansive, making it a great option if you have a smaller kitchen that you want to gift with a more contemporary feel. A lighter colour scheme can also pave the way for other innovative design choices – white or cream walls provide a neutral backdrop that can be beautifully complemented with bolder statement colours or a vibrant splashback. For example, appliances are often fantastic vehicles for these sorts of striking shades – a light kitchen can be vividly accented with oven in a deep, sumptuous red for that extra dash of eye-catching colour.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that lighter colour palettes are not without their weaknesses. They will show dirt and smudges more starkly, especially from spilled food – likewise for cracks or discolouration. For these reasons, it’s wise to carefully consider your decision if you have small children or pets in the house, especially if the kitchen is going to be a high-traffic area.
On the other hand, darker colour palettes give your kitchen a completely separate but equally distinctive atmosphere. Shades of grey can give your kitchen a formal, sophisticated look, whereas the darkest tones of black make it feel rich and luxurious; at once cosy and elegant.
As long as it’s handled properly, both types of light – both natural and artificial – can be in your favour on this one. Natural light can make the deeper shades feel warm and inviting, whereas the natural elegance can be even further enhanced with artificial lighting, provided it’s of a suitably warm shade.
Warmth is an overarching theme of a darker colour scheme. In fact, it’s one of its primary strengths, and one of the things that make the overall look so perfect for traditional design schemes. That warmth and traditional feel can be further enhanced by various wood species – for example in your cabinets or flooring – that naturally and effortlessly complement the look of the room.
As ever, though, light is a crucial component. Mismanaged or poor lighting can make darker colours in a small kitchen look heavy and claustrophobic, and bright artificial lights can make them look ugly or dull.
Of course, there’s no reason to go all one way or all the other. It’s your kitchen, after all, and there are some fantastic designs out there that strike a masterful balance between light and darker tones, to create a stunning final impression. Feel free to take a look at some of our most beautiful finished examples or book a free design visit to get started on building your own dream kitchen!
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TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY IN OUR LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM
In our Liverpool showroom, we’ve masterfully blended the best of traditional and modern design elements to create a unique, timeless kitchen display. This space is a perfect mix of classic elegance with contemporary functionality, and the focal point is the stunning L-shaped island, which serves as both a practical workspace and a social hub. Its clever design seamlessly links into a media wall and presentation area, incorporating the essence of modern open-plan living.
The colour scheme is a sophisticated mix of Concept130 Roma Graphite shaker cabinets paired with Montreal light fine oak handleless units and taupe trim handles. This combination offers a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, perfect if you appreciate the classics but want something a little more updated.
Standout appliances:
Neff 30cm Wine Fridge
Neff 80cm Induction Hob
Neff Single Oven
Neff Tall Integrated Fridge
Neff Dishwasher
MODERN MINIMALISM AT ITS FINEST IN OUR URMSTON SHOWROOM
Our Urmston showroom display showcases a bold, modern kitchen design that effortlessly blends both form and function. The handleless units create a streamlined, uninterrupted flow throughout the space, perfectly complemented by the ultra-matt black finish on the worktops. This pairs beautifully with the elegant black ribbed-veneered door for the focal wall.
This minimalist design approach offers a chic, contemporary vibe, ideal if you love the clean, clutter-free aesthetic. To enhance this look, we’ve used warm accent colours that break up the monochrome palette, adding a sense of inviting depth and warmth to the overall space. The subtle, extravagant marble panels add a touch of quiet luxury, their natural veining providing visual interest and texture against the sleek black surfaces, especially when lit by warm LED lighting. This fusion of modern materials and timeless elements, such as marble, creates a display that is both stylish and practical!
Standout appliances:
Neff N90 Ovens with premium 6.8” touch screen display and Twist Pad Flex control
Neff Flex Induction Hob
Silgranit Blanco Sink
Quooker Tap
THE BARROWFORD SHOWROOM’S HARMONIOUS AND ELEGANT DISPLAY
In Barrowford, we’ve embraced a calming, earthy palette that combines functionality with elegance. The display features Hampton Ash wood doors painted in a Natural Umber shade, mixed with Scala Olive green flat doors, and completed with a mix of antique brass handles. The warm, neutral tones of the Natural Umber give this kitchen a wonderfully cosy feel, making it a welcoming space for both cooking and entertaining.
One of the key features of this display is the 30mm Vanilla Noir quartz worktop, which stands out with its dark, characterful design. The designer bench seating includes pullout storage to maximise space without sacrificing style. The bifold worktop unit and sliding doors on the island showcase smart storage solutions. Finally, the open shelves add a touch of rustic charm!
Standout appliances:
Neff Collection Oven
Neff XL Fridge Freezer
Quooker Classic Fusion Tap
Double Bowl Tartufo Sink
THE BLACKBURN SHOWROOM’S SLEEK AND MODERN MASTERPIECE
Our new Blackburn display is a testament to a modern, streamlined design. It features a bold black and oak colour scheme, seamlessly blending practicality and contemporary aesthetics. The tall units are clad in a Black Velvet Oak, adding depth and contrast to the sleek black wall units. The Toronto base units and matching worktops are finished in Natural Vintage Oak for a beautiful and cohesive end result.
One of the standout elements of this display is the quirky curved breakfast bar, a unique feature that blends functionality with style. Raised planters behind the bar add a touch of greenery; perfect if you love bringing natural elements into your kitchen.
Standout appliances:
Neff 60cm CombiZone Black Induction Hob
Integrated Design Hood
Neff Fully-integrated dishwasher
Neff Integrated Frost Free Under Counter Freezer
More from the team’s annual trip to Germany to the headquarters of Hacker Rodinghausen showroom.
Staff from all of our showrooms attended to view the new exciting ranges of kitchens and colours that are available from now. They were given a full factory tour & took part in product workshops. It was an intensive 2 x day trip however they had a fabulous time.
Head to our stories for more details or head over to our website to book your free design appointment
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