One of the most popular trends for contemporary kitchen designs is the use of black. Often called “black steel”, this material offers the same strength and durability of stainless steel while providing a more minimalist, high-end look.
Choosing Black Stainless Steel Appliances
More and more leading appliance brands such as Samsung, LG, and Bosch now offer black stainless steel as an alternative finish option across a wide range of kitchen appliances. These typically include:
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Ranges and cooktops
- Wall ovens and microwave drawers
- Range hoods and ventilation
While structurally almost identical to brushed regular stainless steel, black stainless goes through an additional chemical finishing process to turn the surface an even dark gray tone. The matte finish hides fingerprints and watermarks better than shiny steel. And small scratches don’t stand out visually. Black stainless is also more budget-friendly than premium finishes like graphite glass.
Key Considerations When Selecting
When choosing black stainless appliances, decide based on performance, dimensions, smart capabilities, budget and aesthetic cohesion. Try viewing multiple brands in person. Pay attention to handles and trim accents which may contain metallic finishes. Look for cohesive suites with matching UI. Think about how the black steel complements your overall kitchen vision.
Complementary Design Elements
While black stainless steel serves as an elegant neutral in any kitchen, certain colors and materials make especially attractive pairings. Here are some of our top choices:
Warm Wood Cabinets
The rich contrast between inky black appliances and cabinets in oak, walnut or maple creates a striking, upscale look. For a lighter wood tone, try an airy whitewash finish. The key is balancing warm and cool elements.
Crisp White and Gray Color Schemes
From bright contemporary white to weathered charcoal gray, light neutral cabinetry allows your sleek black stainless appliances to take center stage. Accentuate with black hardware and modern light fixtures.
Dramatic Dark Colors
For serious drama, pair bold black stainless with deep espresso or black stained cabinetry and leathered granite. Stainless range hoods echo the industrial edge. Contrast with pops of color.
Quartz and Marble Countertops
For countertops, durable maintenance-friendly quartz in muted solid colors works beautifully. Marble’s elegance also complements black stainless’s high-end aesthetic. Avoid busy granite patterns.
Metallic and Brick-look Backsplashes
From stainless steel and copper to bronze and pewter, metallic backsplash tiles catch and reflect light dynamically. For texture, try dimensional ceramic tiles resembling weathered brick stacked in a running bond pattern.
Designing Your Black Stainless Kitchen
Once you’ve selected complementary elements like cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes, it’s time to think about kitchen layout to seamlessly incorporate your mix of finishes and materials.
Open Concept Kitchens
The sleek simplicity of black stainless feels right at home in wide open floor plans. Visually anchor appliances to cabinetry through alignment. Repeat horizontal lines with wall ovens and ventilation hoods. Maintain sightlines through glass doors.
Galley and L-Shaped Kitchens
In galley and L-shaped kitchens, sharply contrasting black stainless appliances make compact spaces feel crisp and modern rather than closed-in. Place refrigerators, microwaves and high-use appliances in the main thoroughfare for easy workflow.
Transitional Spaces With Mixed Finishes
Want to strike a balance between traditional and contemporary? Try pairing black stainless with lighter cabinetry on upper levels while grounding the space with dark lower cabinetry. Repeat a third finish like wood, brick or tile judiciously as an accent.
Caring for Black Stainless Steel
While durable, black stainless steel does require some special care and maintenance to prevent damage over years of use:
Gentle Daily Cleaning
Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently dust black stainless appliances. Then wipe with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap as needed, rinsing thoroughly. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
Preventing Water Marks and Stains
Dry black stainless thoroughly with a clean soft cloth after cleaning to minimize water spots which show more clearly on the dark finish compared to regular steel. Rinse any spills immediately as well.
Smart Fridge Magnet Positioning
To avoid scratches, place flexible magnetic strips rather than individual magnets on black stainless fridges. Or invest in specialty flat magnets. Be extremely careful when re-positioning magnets of any kind.
Protective Polish and Sealant
Using polish formulated specifically for black stainless steel every few months will maintain the luxurious factory sheen. Some also advise applying a protective clear ceramic sealant when appliances are brand new.
Cost Analysis: Black Stainless vs Standard Stainless
Here’s how black stainless steel compares cost-wise to regular stainless steel:
Initial Price Difference
Currently most brands charge a 10-20% upcharge for black stainless steel over their standard stainless steel offerings for similar models and features. However in many cases you can find sales and bundles bringing the price difference down to approximately 5-15%.
Long Term Cost Factors
Over years of use, black stainless resists scratches and scuffs better than brushed stainless, potentially saving on repairs. Its darker color also hides accumulated grime longer between deep cleanings. Most brands offer similar warranties for both stainless colors.
Future Resale Value
If replacing your black stainless appliances after 5-10 years of use, you may recoup a higher resale value compared to standard stainless due to black stainless’s ongoing popularity.
When Does the Upgrade Make Sense?
Ultimately the additional cost of black stainless stainless likely makes the most financial sense if you’re undertaking a full kitchen remodel rather than just replacing one or two appliances. The cohesive beauty of a totally integrated black stainless kitchen can help boost long term property value beyond the initial splurge.
Achieving Your Dream Black Stainless Kitchen
By thoughtfully bringing together all the elements we’ve covered from appliances to finishes and layouts, you can create a spectacular kitchen showcase perfect for entertaining with black stainless steel as the crown jewel. Here are a few final tips as you embark on your exciting design journey:
Envision Your Ideal Completed Space
Before meeting with designers, collect inspiration images, sketch plans and make decor wish lists. Determine must-have features along with those you’re willing to compromise on. Refer frequently to your vision for guidance throughout the process..
Work With the Right Pros
An experienced kitchen designer or contractor well-versed in the latest trends like black stainless steel can prove invaluable bringing your project to fruition. Ask to see relevant past work and read testimonials before signing any contracts.
While sticking to a total renovation budget matters, allocating more funds to foundational permanent elements like cabinetry, appliances and surfaces goes further than splurging on changeable decor. Future-proof with durable black stainless!
With proper planning and following the guidance in this article, you’ll be well on your way to a showstopping yet utterly functional kitchen anchored by sleek blackstainless steel appliances set against creative backdrop of wood, marble, metal and more. We hope you’ve found this information helpful for envisioning the contemporary kitchen of your dreams. Feel free to refer back as your design takes shape. Happy planning!