As black continues to strike a chord in the kitchen, we’re heralding nine projects that experiment with the achromatic colour through form, function and material.
Black kitchens are never shy to make a statement. Be it their ability to inject a contemporary atmosphere into a heritage home, offer industrial-grade functionality, become a minimal backdrop, or create contrast, black kitchens guarantee weight and depth in a space. We’ve collated nine of our favourite kitchens sharing in this dramatic and defining black palette.
Produced in partnership with Fisher & Paykel
The Ridgeway House by Ha Architecture
Ridgeway by Ha Architecture
The light-laden kitchen inside Ridgeway house by Ha Architecture is defined by the sculptural black island at its centre. Designed as part of a modern family extension, the island was conceived as a curvaceous form, intuitive to the flow of movement in the space. Slick and streamlined black cabinetry borders the island that conceals the induction cooktop, integrated insert rangehood and French door refrigerator-freezer; all in direct dialogue with the black-clad exterior.
Vipp Chimney House by Studio David Thulstrup
From their signature pedal bins right through to their bathroom and kitchen modules, Danish design house Vipp create everyday pieces that last a lifetime. In their conceptual hotel space in Copenhagen, the Vipp Chimney House designed by Studio David Thulstrup, the Vipp black steel island module promotes an open-plan cooking space. Powder-coated cabinetry references the Vipp mission to bring industrial-quality design into the home by prioritising form and function.
Dutch Gable House by Austin Design Associates
As part of the reincarnation of the Dutch Gable House, Austin Design Associates made an equally dramatic and regal statement with their Titanium Granite kitchen. The granite island and splashback work in harmonious contrast with the European parquetry flooring and echo the black steel-framed openings. Polished matt Dekton cabinetry and leather Gubi Beetle Stools further elevate this grand kitchen space with butler’s pantry tucked neatly in behind.
Finger Wharf Apartment by Studio Prineas
An enduring est favourite, the Finger Wharf Apartment by Studio Prineas articulates its thematic personality through the glamorous pairing of brushed brass and all-black joinery in the kitchen. The uninterrupted ebony joinery designed to conceal the minutiae of daily life enables the space to be reconfigured as striking doorways, or readily changeable walls.
TGIPF Townhouses by Tecture
Melbourne-based architecture firm Tecture designed two Melbourne townhouses side-by-side, featuring the same striking kitchen design. The pointed Grey Aether kitchen countertop is an expressive statement that accentuates the exteriors’ contrasting pitched and flat roofs. Tecture director Ben Robertson says this monochrome kitchen design is unique for taking common joinery elements and exaggerating their scale from micro to macro.
Herne Bay House by Studio John Irving Architects
Studio John Irving Architects designed a modernist black box extension for a Victorian Villa in Herne Bay, Auckland. Echoing the contemporary black and glass pavilion, the team devised a matte-black metal modular kitchen in collaboration with local studio IMO KXN. Where functionality is key, the kitchen seamlessly integrates Fisher & Paykel appliances, including an integrated French door refrigerator freezer, contemporary oven, induction cooktop and DishDrawer™ Dishwasher, into the solid black forms.
Albert Park Residence by Golden
Interior design studio Golden were asked to give a Filigree-style Albert Park terrace a significant facelift while remaining true to its heritage. Clean lines and contemporary forms ensue in the open-plan kitchen space, part of a new elongated floor plan that required the removal of multiple walls. The application of black-veined marble marries with the home’s stately character, creating depth through dark tones.
Where Architects Live: Stephen Jolson
Architect Stephen Jolson’s family home is set inside the walls of an old confectionary factory in Prahran, Melbourne. The kitchen’s dark palette references the warehouse setting; American oak joinery with custom study nook tucked behind and smooth Black Granite kitchen island, on a bed of European oak flooring. Designed 14 years ago, this black kitchen remains just as timeless today.
Slow Beam by Hearth Studio and Lauren Bamford
Slow Beam’s charred wood exterior is a prelude for the black-wrapped interiors by Hearth Studio and Lauren Bamford. The saturating spaces provide a backdrop for bold furnishings and Mid-Century-inspired materials such as the crazy paving in the kitchen. In a bid not to interrupt the all-black scheme, the design team specified Fisher & Paykel appliances; an Integrated DishDrawer™ Dishwasher, induction cooktop and oven. There was no need for tall storage, as two Integrated CoolDrawers™ meant all appliances could be integrated under the bench.
“The kitchen and dining area is a really great space that allows you to easily be preparing food and drinks at the kitchen bench, having breakfast at a bar stool, gathering around the dining table for a meal or relaxing on the bench seat and still feel connected.”
– Keith Mason, co-owner of Slow Beam
Ya baby my kind of dark broody kitchens