Choosing the right paint colors for a black and white kitchen can be tricky. Black and white are bold, dramatic colors that look elegant together. But adding a third color into the mix requires some thought to keep the space looking cohesive. The key is finding the right accent color that complements the black and white without clashing or looking out of place. This article will discuss different color options for a black and white kitchen, considerations when selecting an accent color, and provide specific paint recommendations to help you choose a color scheme.
Neutral Accent Colors
Sticking with neutral accent colors is a safe bet for black and white kitchens. Soft beiges, warm grays, and taupe shades pair nicely without overwhelming the space. Here are some top neutral paint color options to consider:
| Neutral Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Beige | A soft beige with yellow undertones can brighten up a black and white kitchen. Look for light beiges like Crème Brulee or Classic Linen. |
| Warm Gray | Try a warm gray with a subtle taupe undertone like Gray Owl or Sea Salt. These grays have enough depth to contrast with black and white. |
| Taupe | Earthy taupe shades like Desert Twilight or Weathered Oar add a subtle splash of color. Avoid pink or purple undertones. |
| Greige | A popular “greige” paint color with both gray and beige properties can provide a nice neutral. Egyptian Ivory is a great greige for black and white kitchens. |
These muted neutral tones allow the black and white features to take center stage, while adding a slight color dimension that enhances the kitchen. They can be applied to accent walls or used on cabinetry for an understated pop of color.
Bold Accent Colors
While neutral colors play it safe, you can make a bold style statement by selecting a richer accent color for your black and white kitchen. Deep blues, emerald greens, and even blackened reds can work if applied thoughtfully. Consider these dramatic color options:
| Bold Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Navy Blue | From soft powder blues to dramatic navy hues, blue can be striking against black and white. Hale Navy is a classic navy for kitchen walls. |
| Forest Green | Deep green shades like English Forest or Black Magic add a rich, earthy feel. Use green appliances or an accent wall. |
| Charcoal | Different shades of charcoal gray can provide contrast against bright white. Try Pewter Tankard or Blackened for a bold charcoal look. |
| Deep Red | Deep reds with brown undertones like Spiced Apple or Blackened Burgundy can complement a black and white color scheme. |
The key is selecting rich shades that have enough complexity to stand up to stark black and white. Always test your color choice on a wall before committing to be sure you like the effect.
Metallic Accents
For contemporary style black and white kitchens, metallic paints and finishes can add eye-catching flair. Here are some striking metallic color ideas:
| Metallic Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Gold | Warm antique gold or brass paint brings a glam touch. Try Metallic Gold Leaf or Polished Brass. |
| Silver | Cool silver finishes read modern against black and white. Look for Metallic Silver Paint or Chrome Silver. |
| Copper | With a retro vibe, copper makes a cheerful metallic accent. Penny Bronze or Rustic Copper offer copper paint options. |
Use metallic paints sparingly on an accent wall, the back of cabinetry, or kitchen islands for a splash of glamour. They pair nicely with stainless steel appliances.
Vibrant Accent Colors
For a fun, lively accent color choice, vivid hues can enliven a black and white kitchen. Pops of lemon yellow, cherry red, or azure blue inject energy and color. Some vivid paint colors to consider include:
| Vibrant Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Yellow | Cheerful shades of yellow like Sunflower or Canary Yellow make upbeat accents against black and white. |
| Electric Blue | From bright sky blue to vivid sapphire, blue shades like Neon Blue and Electric Blue infuse color. |
| Fire Engine Red | If you’re feeling daring, a bright cherry red like Race Car Red or Fire Engine Red adds serious drama. |
Use vibrant accent colors sparingly in small kitchens, like on one wall or island. In larger kitchens, vivid colors can cover multiple walls or cabinetry for a colorful statement.
Factors to Consider
When selecting an accent color for your black and white kitchen, keep these factors in mind:
- Lighting – Consider how natural and artificial lighting affects the kitchen’s color tones throughout the day.
- Mood – Cool tones like blue and green can have a calming effect, while warm reds and yellows are energetic.
- Size – Bold colors make more of an impact in smaller kitchens, while larger rooms can handle brighter accents.
- Features – Coordinate accent colors with existing fixtures like flooring, countertops, and backsplashes.
- Style – Traditional kitchens look best with neutral accents, while contemporary spaces handle bold or metallic colors.
Always view color swatches at different times of day before painting. Make sure to choose a matte or eggshell paint finish, which withstands cleaning better than glossy paint. Consider pulling an accent color from existing patterns or textures in the kitchen, like veining in a granite counter or tones in a tile backsplash. This helps the new color feel integrated rather than random.
Paint Color Recommendations
Here are some specific paint brand and color recommendations to consider for accenting a black and white kitchen:
Neutral Paint Colors
- Behr Crème Brulee – Soft warm beige
- Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige – Light tan beige
- Benjamin Moore Classic Linen – Warm ivory neutral
- Behr Gray Owl – Light warm gray
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – Popular greige with beige/gray tones
Bold Paint Colors
- Sherwin-Williams Naval – Deep green-tinted navy
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green – Rich forest green
- Behr Blueprint – Navy blue with green undertones
- Benjamin Moore Spiced Apple – Deep red-brown
Metallic Paint Colors
- Rust-Oleum Metallic Gold – Warm antique gold
- Valspar Silver Shadow – Cool silver gray
- Krylon Looking Glass – Reflective silver finish
- Modern Masters Copper Metallic – Vibrant copper tone
Vibrant Paint Colors
- Behr Electric Lime – Vibrant chartreuse green
- Sherwin-Williams Soaring – Bold sky blue
- Rust-Oleum Safety Red – True fire engine red
- Benjamin Moore Mellow Yellow – Soft sunshine yellow
Browse paint brand websites for more color selections. Be sure to order samples to view colors in your space before committing to a particular accent color.
Incorporating Multiple Accent Colors
One accent color can look stunning against a black and white background. But you can also incorporate multiple accent colors for added interest and dimension. Here are some tips if using more than one accent color:
– Stick with a color scheme, like complementary blue and orange shades or analogous red, purple and pink tones. Using colors next to each other on the color wheel creates a cohesive effect.
– Anchor one bolder accent color, then add splashes of a second accent in accessories or tiles. For example, navy blue walls with pops of orange in decor items.
– Use different accent colors in distinct zones, like blue cabinetry, yellow island, and green accent wall. Repeat accents throughout the space.
– Incorporate three accent colors for triadic harmony, like red walls, yellow backsplash, and blue pendant lights. Allow black and white to dominate.
– Alternate accent colors by tone, like light green walls with deep emerald cabinets or soft sky blue with navy window trim. Contrasting tones adds visual interest.
The key is ensuring multiple accent colors relate through tone, scheme, or placement. Start with 1 larger accent area then layer in splashes of a second or third color for a pulled together look.
Creating a Color Scheme
Once you’ve selected your black, white, and accent colors, pull together a cohesive color scheme:
- Use black on bolder architectural elements like cabinetry or an accent wall.
- Use white on lighter elements like walls, trim, countertops.
- Incorporate the accent color strategically on an island, backsplash, or accent wall/cabinets.
- Repeat accent colors in small doses throughout the kitchen, in window treatments, appliances, decor items, etc.
- Choose stainless steel, chrome, or black metal finishes for a clean contrast against colors.
- Use an accent color on nearby dining room walls or furniture to tie spaces together.
Aim for a 60-30-10 ratio of white, black, and accent color respectively. The accent color should complement, not overwhelm the space.
Conclusion
The ideal accent paint color for a black and white kitchen depends on your style, taste and the room’s specifics. Neutral beiges and warm grays are always classic. Navy, emerald and charcoal make dramatic accent choices. Or go contemporary with metallic gold, silver and copper finishes. For a fun pop of color, bright yellow, red and blue liven up the look. Consider lighting, mood and size when selecting an accent color. Pull inspiration from existing kitchen finishes and patterns. Be sure to order color samples and view in your space before painting. Follow color schemes to create a harmonious look. With the right accent color, your black and white kitchen can look tailored, vibrant and complete.
