We’re sure you already know all about the benefits of stainless steel. It looks sleek, is durable, and can withstand both high and low temperatures. No wonder so many homeowners choose stainless steel sinks for their kitchens, and complement this with a variety of stainless steel appliances.
Of late, though, there’s a cool new trend of using black stainless steel. You can get fridges, ovens, microwaves and even cutlery in this material. What is black stainless steel, though? It is created from the same composition of iron, chromium, silicon, nickel, and carbon that goes into traditional stainless steel. The difference is that it has a protective outer layer of black polymer.
Black stainless steel appliances make your kitchen look stylish and contemporary. The colour black also lends itself to a variety of complementary shades on your kitchen cabinets. You have a wide choice. You can choose bold contrasts, neutrals, or complementary tones. Let’s explore some of these.
1. Black
An obvious first choice is to opt for black cabinets. This will make your kitchen dramatic and unforgettable. You can also use lighting and small accents to add sophistication. Many also choose black countertops and sinks to complete the picture.
2. Deep Brown
Cabinets in rich, wooden hues will add refinement to any kitchen with black appliances. Black and brown is a pairing that evokes elegance and warmth. You can go for cabinets that are already fashioned with dark wood, or opt for laminates and stains to create the same effect.
3. White
Black and white go together like toast and butter. In other words, it’s a classic combination. White cabinets will add a lovely contrast to your black stainless steel appliances. You can also add small touches such as black cabinet handles to create an even more seamless effect.
4. Grey
If you’re unsure about pairing black stainless steel appliances with black cabinets, you can always choose an appealing shade of grey instead. Charcoal grey, for example, will create a remarkable pairing. A lighter shade of grey will add a soothing contrast. It can make kitchens appear more open and spacious.
5. Light Blue
With light blue cabinets, you can create a streamlined look. The overall effect will be bright and fresh. Light blue and black combine to give you a timeless atmosphere. With this blend of professional and easy-going, you can be sure your kitchen will stand out.
6. Yellow
Cheerful yellow cabinets will add instant eye-catching appeal to any kitchen with black appliances. The effect is bubbly and sunny. You can pick a bright yellow to enhance this effect, or other shades such as mustard for a more refined appearance. Either way, yellow and black will add a dash of personality and vigour.
7. Green
Cabinets painted in green will create an effect of natural sophistication in any kitchen with black stainless steel appliances. As with yellow and blue, you can choose a bright shade for a dramatic effect, or a pastel hue for a more calming atmosphere. Whatever shade you use, a kitchen in green and black will definitely look appealing.
8. Red
Red kitchen cabinets are an unafraid and bold stance that confidently announces your sense of style. When matched with black appliances, the effect is unforgettable. Many people also add white countertops and walls to the red and black. This trio of colours will make any kitchen look uber-chic.
Some Colours to Avoid With Black Stainless Steel Appliances
As you’ve seen, almost every colour on your cabinets will match black stainless steel appliances. You can hardly ever go wrong.
However, you should keep in mind that some colour choices are better than others. For example, muted and earthy tones may clash with black appliances. The overall effect could be subdued and bland.
That apart, designers have often noted that mid-range colours also do not show black appliances at their best. These are shades in the middle of the spectrum. They are neither too neutral nor too bright. They may not be best suited to the lustre and vibrancy of black stainless steel.
Caring for Black Stainless Steel Appliances
Now that you know which kitchen cabinet colours go best with black stainless steel appliances, we’re going to leave you with some final tips. These pointers are to make sure that your black appliances will look as good as new for years.
Scratches on black stainless steel appliances can be much more visible than on other steel surfaces. The material is very durable, but you should take care nevertheless. If scratches occur, you can hide minor ones by using a black marker. For deeper scratches, check with the manufacturer if they can supply touch-up paint.
Before choosing a black stainless steel appliance, find out if it has a special coating to prevent fingerprints and greasy smudges. Many such appliances have a matte finish, but there are some that are lustrous. These can be kept clean by buffing with a soft cloth.
At HomeLane, we have a lot more information about black stainless steel appliances and the do’s and don’ts of stainless steel kitchens in general. Head over to HomeLane’s Design Journal to discover more useful tips and techniques.
