Black cabinetry makes a comeback

Looking to make a bold statement in your kitchen? Experts say that black is back and better than ever.

"Black offers a real sense of back to basics," said John Troxell, director of design for Wood-Mode, a leading manufacturer of fine custom cabinetry. "It's the color most associated with stability. And with today's economy, there's a real lack of stability in people's minds right now. So people are looking at their homes to counterbalance what's happening in society. It's sort of a reverse psychology in the way they decorate."

In fact, the black color scheme is showing up in interior design magazines and was all over the European kitchen show this year - a good indication of up-and-coming trends. "Many people associate black with a contemporary design, especially when it is used in high contrast with white throughout the room," he said.

Take Wood-Mode's Classic Simplicity kitchen. It highlights the ageless appeal of black and white for a truly sophisticated, yet understated, look. Dark flooring further enhances the room's contrasting palette, while accent pieces give the room bursts of color.

"But what's gaining more popularity today is using black as a sophisticated neutral in all types of design themes," Troxell said.

Used as a neutral backdrop for splashes of bold color, black makes reds, blues and even grays really "pop." This can be seen in Wood-Mode's Southampton show kitchen where gray walls set the tone for an elegant, Georgian-style room. The kitchen features almost black floors and a Black Forest hood that creates a strong contrast to the white cabinetry and architectural details. In the European country kitchen, muted beige walls get a splash of color in the form of a red sideboard with a pale green interior.

"One of the best features of using black as a background is that it is so quick and simple to alter the color scheme in a room," he said. "Black sets the stage but you can shift the mood and feel quite easily without having to replace large items."

Dishware, vases, flowers, and decorations are interchangeable and just by switching the color of these pieces, you can completely transform the tone and feel of the kitchen.

Imagine a cozy breakfast table set with a red-and-white checkered cloth that creates a lively eating area. Or, splashes of lemon yellow can add energy and exuberance to the kitchen without being overpowering.

Another new twist on basic black is the cottage or distressed heirloom finishes which creates a worn patina. Basically, these finishes make the cabinets look like they've been around for a long time. A glaze and physical distressing are used to achieve this aged effect.

According to Troxell, this type of finish is popular because it connotes a historic feel that's well worn and comfortable. It gives the kitchen a sense of lived-in charm.

"As you can see, today black plays strongly in a broad range of looks," he said. "It works equally well in a country or modern look, traditional or transitional, pristine or muted with wear and tear."

For information on how black is making a comeback in kitchen designs, or for more cabinet ideas visit www.Wood-Mode.com.