Dark Kitchen Cabinet Ideas: Styling Tips That Work
Image credit: Little Greene - kitchen painted in Hicks Blue
There’s definitely been a shift recently away from neutral and white kitchens towards darker cabinetry – and I’m seeing more and more clients drawn to a moodier, more dramatic look. But as much as they love the idea when they see it in magazines or online, they’re often a bit nervous when it comes to choosing it for their own home. “Won’t it make the kitchen feel smaller?” or “Will it feel too dark?” are questions that come up a lot.
If you’re tempted to go dark but feeling unsure, it’s all about finding the right balance of colour, light and materials to make it work in your space. In this post, I’m sharing the same tips I use with clients – from colour choices and layout ideas to ways of softening the look – to help you create a dark kitchen that feels welcoming and full of character.
Pair with white or light worktops
Image credit: GoodHome - Tydeman Blackberry Kitchen
Dark kitchen cabinets are brilliant for creating a striking, moody backdrop – but nobody wants to cook in a cave. To stop them feeling too heavy, I often pair them with light or white countertops to add contrast and balance. It helps define the different elements in the kitchen and makes the cabinetry stand out in a soft, subtle way.
Light-coloured worktops also reflect both natural and artificial light, which helps to brighten the space and stops it from feeling too enclosed.
White quartz or marble surfaces work particularly well - their polished finish bounces light around beautifully. For something more industrial or modern, a pale concrete or concrete-effect laminate can work brilliantly.
Add Brass or Gold Accents
Image credit: Naked Kitchens - Ladbroke kitchen
As an interior designer, I almost always add a bit of gold to a room – it instantly lifts the space and adds a sense of warmth. The kitchen is no exception. One of the easiest ways to elevate dark cabinetry is by choosing warm metallic hardware, like brass or brushed gold.
Copper can work too, but I find gold tones tend to have the biggest impact – so even if I use a bit of copper, I’ll often bring in some gold as well. It pops beautifully against rich colours – whether it’s navy, deep forest green or classic black – and brings a lovely bit of contrast and character to the space.
My kitchen, painted in Little Greene’s Scree with antique brass handles. Also note the stainless steel sink and nickel tap. Don’t be scared to mix your metals!
Whereas chrome or stainless steel on their own can sometimes feel a bit harsh, especially when paired with shades from the cooler side of the colour wheel, the warmth of gold tones softens the overall look and adds a lovely richness.
You don’t need to go overboard though - a few well-chosen pieces, such as cabinet handles, light fittings, a splashback or a statement tap, can make a big impact. With handles, just make sure you choose a style that works with your kitchen. For example, mushroom knobs and cup handles are perfect for classic kitchen styles, while skyscraper handles or hexagonal knobs work better with a modern kitchen design.
Break It Up with Open Shelving or Glazed Units
Image credit: Little Greene - kitchen painted in Muscovado
I’m not a massive fan of wall units at the best of times and when dark cabinets are used wall-to-wall, especially across more than one wall, they can make a space feel a bit heavy or enclosed. One of the easiest ways to avoid that is by breaking things up with open shelving or glazed units. They help to lighten the overall look and stop the space from feeling too boxed in.
Open shelving adds visual breathing space and gives you the chance to display decorative items like ceramics, glassware, cookbooks or plants, which soften the look and add personality. It also creates a more relaxed, informal feel and helps the space feel lighter. I usually keep only items I don’t use much on open shelves to prevent them from looking cluttered - especially important if, like me, you’ve got three lads living in the house.
Image credit: Wood Works Brighton - EMBU bespoke kitchen with fluted glass doors
Another option is glazed cabinets. They give you all the storage and structure of traditional cabinetry, but the glass fronts add transparency and depth, breaking up those blocks of dark colour. If you’re not naturally tidy, I’d recommend reeded or fluted glass instead of clear - it adds lovely texture and a bit of privacy too.
Layer in natural materials
Image credit: Little Greene - rustic style cabinets painted in Lamp Black with the wall above in Confetti
Dark kitchen cabinets definitely add wow factor, but they can sometimes feel a bit stark or heavy. One of the best ways to soften the look and introduce warmth is by layering in natural materials like wood, stone, rattan, jute, linen, and even clay or earthenware finishes. These organic textures bring depth and help balance the intensity of dark cabinetry.
Wooden elements work especially well. Just like with gold, I always try to introduce some wood into a room - whether it’s timber floors, butcher block worktops, oak open shelves, or warm walnut bar stools. Even small touches, like wooden chopping boards or utensils, add natural character.
Just don’t overdo it, and make sure to mix up your wood tones for a layered, thoughtful look. For example, if you have light oak flooring, I wouldn’t pair it with a worktop and shelving in the exact same light oak. Instead, try mixing in a different material like quartz worktops or choose shelving in a darker wood tone, such as walnut.
Image credit: Little Greene - cabinets painted in Cordoba with walls in Windmill Lane
Stone adds a tactile, grounded feel - textured stoneware accessories or stone-paved flooring are perfect ways to introduce stone into a rustic kitchen. Meanwhile, woven textures like rattan pendant lights, jute rugs, or linen curtains bring softness and create a lovely laid-back, lived-in feel.
Try Two-Tone Cabinets for Contrast
If you’re keen on keeping the wall units, two-tone cabinetry is a fantastic way to prevent the space from feeling too heavy, while also introducing contrast and balance. Mixing different cabinet colours adds depth and interest, and helps define the layout of your kitchen. There are two main ways to achieve this look:
Use darker cabinets for the base unit and kitchen island, and go lighter on the upper cabinets. This prevents the space from feeling top-heavy and creates a more open, airy feel. Choose wall units in a soft neutral or muted colour in a slightly darker or lighter shade than the walls - it helps them almost disappear, keeping the focus on the lower half of the room.
The kitchen at my North Wales Coastal Home project with base units in Hicks Blue and wall units in French Grey, both by Little Greene
Another popular approach is to use lighter base units around the perimeter of the kitchen and introduce a darker colour on a central island for striking contrast. This creates a strong focal point that visually grounds the space without overwhelming it. The island becomes a bold statement, while the lighter units help keep the overall feel airy - especially when paired with light-coloured walls.
Image credit: Benjamin Moore - kitchen painted in White Heron and Oxford Gray
Maximise Natural and Artificial Lighting
Image credit: Little Greene - kitchen cabinets painted in Tea with Florence
Lighting is really important when working with dark kitchen cabinets to keep the space feeling welcoming. Make the most of natural light by avoiding placing units in front of windows, and opt for blinds or voile curtains instead of heavy drapes. Glossy surfaces—like polished stone or glazed tiles—help bounce light around and I’m a big fan of positioning a mirror opposite a window to brighten the room by reflecting natural light.
For artificial lighting, layer different types for a balanced effect. Use task lighting (like under-cabinet lighting strips or pendants over worktops) for practicality. Add ambient lighting with downlights to create overall warmth, and think about accent lighting to highlight features and add atmosphere - a cute table lamp on a worktop works beautifully.
Keep Walls Light for Contrast and Brightness
Image credit: Little Greene - kitchen painted in Woad
Pairing dark kitchen cabinets with neutral or white walls creates a lovely contrast that makes the cabinetry pop while keeping the space feeling bright and airy. Whites, soft warm greys, or pale stones are great options but make sure you choose the right shade depending on the orientation of your kitchen. For help with choosing colours for tricky north facing spaces, take a look at my blog post here.
Colour Drench Walls to Match Cabinets for a Moody Look
Image credit: Benjamin Moore - kitchen colour drenched in Regent Green
For a bold, moody kitchen vibe, paint the walls the same dark colour as your cabinets. This creates a seamless, enveloping feel - perfect for an intimate, cosy atmosphere or for zoning an area in a large open-plan kitchen. To stop it feeling too heavy, balance it out with plenty of texture, metallic accents, and lots of light sources.
Bear in mind that cool colours like navy or deep green recede visually, making walls and cabinets feel further away - ideal for small kitchens that need to feel more spacious. Warm colours, such as rich brown or burgundy, tend to advance, creating a welcoming and snug atmosphere.
Add personality and pattern with wallpaper
Image credit: Little Greene - cabinets painted in Chocolate Colour with Ditsy Block - Bombolone wallpaper
Image credit: Little Greene - cabinets painted in Hopper with Spring Flowers - Garden wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way of adding warmth and character to a dark kitchen - especially in more traditional spaces. I usually recommend using it on open wall areas, like above panelling, around windows, or behind open shelves. Just bear in mind that busy patterns tend to advance visually, which can make a space feel smaller and cozier. Make sure you choose a design that picks up the colours in your cabinetry and opt for a wipeable finish that’s suitable for kitchen use.
There you have it - some of my favourite dark kitchen cabinet ideas to help you create a space that’s both stylish and welcoming. Dark cabinets don’t have to feel heavy or overwhelming if you get the balance right with colour, materials, and lighting. Whether you’re planning a sleek modern kitchen or leaning towards a more classic vibe, these tips will help you pull it all together. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
