Like an exclamation mark on a well-crafted sentence, the color black is finding its way into the kitchen story. From fixtures to hardware to cabinetry and beyond, this inky shade is writing its way into kitchen designs in various ways. While black fixtures and finishes have been used in kitchens for nearly a decade, this color is still surging in popularity and finding new creative expressions.
To uncover different ways to incorporate this subdued hue into your kitchen design, New Jersey Lifestyle interviewed Erin Sykes, owner of SYKES Properties, an innovative real estate firm specializing in managing multifaceted transactions for clients in locations across the Golden Triangle, optimizing results, and creating synergy across their real estate investments.
Is using black in kitchen design trendy or timeless?
Design is all about nuance. There are certainly aesthetics that will prove timeless with a black kitchen, and others that will have a short lifespan. For me, when focused on a minimalistic color palette, texture becomes increasingly important. I love natural materials, smooth stones, and rich, textured woods mixed with high-gloss lacquers, and I believe that the right distribution of each is what drives a luxe feel.
What are some different ways to add black to your kitchen?
Accessories are the easiest and least expensive way to add black to your kitchen, from tabletop items like dark marble serving trays to small appliances like toasters, stand mixers, and more. My favorite way to add dark features is with a statement marble countertop (or quartzite for durability).
Are there any dos and don’ts when it comes to using black in kitchen designs?
Don’t use the same finish for all of your dark design pieces. Mix up smooth, glossy, and textured finishes.
Don’t forget about the lighting. Recessed lighting under high and low cabinets can help brighten a dark space, to allow for functionality, while still allowing for the moody vibe.
Do have fun with trying dark tones.
Do you have a favorite way to use black in the kitchen?
I adore dark stone features; my favorite sources are ARCA Stone and Opustone. A showroom visit is an incredibly inspirational experience.
Do you have any final tips?
This is one of the more accessible style elements to test out. If you’re drawn to this hue, try experimenting with dark countertop accessories and build from there.
About Erin:
Specializing in helping clients year-round in Palm Beach, The Hamptons, New York City, and the New Jersey coast, Erin utilizes her combined background in finance and construction to take an analytical and qualitative approach to amplifying clients’ return on investment.
With a background in commercial and luxury residential construction at her family’s 120+ year-old firm and certification as a LEED AP — New Construction, Erin understands how to optimize new development and intricate renovation using sustainable and architecturally appropriate materials and methodology.
As a business news contributor, Erin is responsible for developing and translating real estate trend data into consumer and industry insights. She reports on monthly housing starts, new developments, rate changes, and general industry trends for all major news outlets.
Erin is often interviewed by Fox Business News, CNBC, TODAY, CNN, NBC Nightly News, The Real Deal, Bloomberg, Mansion Global, Forbes, TechCrunch, and Inc. She holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor in Finance and International Business from Villanova University.
Contact:
Office: (561) 437-3373
Mobile: (609) 517-3071
Erin@SykesProperties.com
Palm Beach | Miami | The Hamptons | NYC | Jersey Coast
