Design a Contemporary Black and Red Kitchen That Wows

Black and red are a match made in design heaven. This high-contrast color pairing packs a dramatic punch, creating kitchens with serious wow-factor. From sleek industrial lofts to cozy urban cottages, black and red infuse any space with bold, contemporary style.

With the right balance, black and red make a sophisticated statement. Paint the cabinets crimson for a pop of color against inky backsplashes and hardware. Or go for classic black cabinets paired with a retro red tile floor. Whether you opt for an eclectic mix of patterns and textures or a sleek minimalist look, black and red kitchens turn heads.

Determine Your Style Inspiration

Nailing down an overall aesthetic is key to pulling off a cohesive black and red kitchen. From mid-century modern to industrial and contemporary, each design direction lends itself to different ways of working the colors into your space. Consider what feeling you want to evoke, then envision how to get there using red and black accents.

Mid-Century Modern

The retro vibe of mid-century style finds perfect expression in a black and red color palette. Diamond, zig-zag and chevron tile patterns in bold reds or blacks make a big visual impact. Pair with graphite-colored cabinetry and plenty of wooden accents for warmth. A red kitchen island contrasts nicely with black perimeter cabinetry and open shelves to display your vibrant dishes.

Keep the look fresh and light with pops of white and natural wood accents. Round pendant lamps and decorative ceramics pay homage to '50s and '60s atomic chic.

Industrial

Exposed ductwork and an urban edge make industrial kitchens ideal backdrops to layer on black and red. Paint concrete floors or accent walls crimson for an eye-catching contrast against black cabinetry. Introduce metal finishes like stainless steel appliances or a zinc-topped island for an edgy vibe.

Red bar stools lined up at the counter evoke a diner aesthetic, while black hardware on cabinets and drawers keeps things sleek. Finish off with Edison bulb pendants dangling over a reclaimed wood dining table.

Contemporary

For a minimalist look with maximum impact, a black and red contemporary kitchen hits the mark. Opt for a bold red statement island or accent wall to anchor the space. Pair it with matte black lower cabinets and shiny black uppers for stunning contrast. Continue the color scheme with a red glass mosaic or geometric black and white tile backsplash.

Focus on sleek lines and high-end finishes like quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Add in the occasional dash of red via barstools, kitchen utensils or a stand mixer.

Select Impactful Visual Elements

Beyond just slapping red and black paint on the walls, thoughtfully incorporating both colors throughout kitchen elements creates a polished, curated look. From lighting to tile, counters and more, keep these guidelines in mind when planning your design details.

Paint

Nothing makes a statement quite like painting your cabinets or an accent wall black or red. For cabinets, opt for a deep red or true black gloss finish paired with black hardware. Paint inside cabinet doors black for a striking reveal when opened. Or go for classic black perimeter cabinets with a bold red island.

For accent walls, choose a matte or eggshell red or black in a shade that complements your cabinets and counters. Be sure there’s plenty of contrast for your wall color to really pop. Accent your wall with floating black shelves, red art or black open shelving to set off a stunning backsplash.

Tile

From retro checkerboard patterns to sleek mosaics, tile offers endless options for working red and black into your design. Paint your cabinets black, then install a red glass subway backsplash and continue the tile into the open shelving. Or lay a bold geometric floor tile in crimson and black.

Hexagons, chevrons, and diamonds create visual interest and work well with the mid-century modern aesthetic. For contemporary kitchens, opt for solid red or black subway tile or mosaic sheets. Carry your backsplash color onto the wall behind the stove for added drama.

Lighting

Red pendant lamps add a pop of color while black hardware and fixtures lend an industrial edge. Position 3-4 black bell jar pendant lights over an island and pair with red stools for retro diner appeal. Or install track lighting and point black sconces down to spotlight crimson countertops.

For a glam look, try a black chandelier with crystal accents over a red kitchen table. Or go ultra-modern with red and black LED cabinet lighting. Any route you take, unique lighting illuminates your black and red palette.

Hardware

Matte black hardware gives kitchens a decidedly contemporary, sophisticated look. Swap out standard silver knobs and pulls for matching black ones. Coordinate with black faucets, handles and fixtures for a streamlined vibe.

Opt for stainless, black or red appliances and shelving. Try open shelves painted black to contrast with red walls, or red shelves on black walls. Keep accessories like kitchen timers and utensil holders in the color mix.

Countertops

Counters tie everything together, so opt for materials that complement your cabinet and wall colors. Pair red cabinets or paint with classic black granite, marble or soapstone. The natural stone textures temper the brightness. Or opt for black quartz counters with a red glass tile backsplash.

With black cabinets, choose a bold red quartz counter to contrast nicely. Or continue the black to the counters with red accents via a backsplash, island or bar stools. There are no rules – just strike the right balance for your desired look!

Pull Together a Cohesive Design

A unified black and red kitchen comes down to balancing and blending the elements seamlessly. Keep scale and visual weight in mind as you arrange the layout. Anchor the design with bolder features like an accent wall or statement island, then incorporate supporting details.

Cabinets and Countertops

Do red cabinets call for black counters or vice versa? The answer comes down to personal preference. Red cabinets paired with black granite countertops makes a bold statement. Carry the drama to open shelving and hardware. The dark counters temper the red for just the right contrast.

For a darker but still sleek look, opt for matte black cabinets with red granite or quartz counters and backsplash tile. Use stainless steel, cool gray and white as neutral accents to keep the palette from feeling too heavy.

Backsplash and Flooring

Bring either red or black tile to the backsplash, then carry it over to the flooring. Match the cabinets – for example, red cabinets could get a red backsplash and floor tile. But mixing it up works too. Try red cabinets with a geometric black and white backsplash tile, paired with a black floor.

Keep additional wall colors neutral to let the dramatic tiles take center stage. For open shelving, paint the wall behind the same color as the backsplash tile so they blend seamlessly.

Accessories and Decor

Personalize with accessories and decor in black, white and red. Choose dishware like red plates paired with black matte flatware and napkins. Try framed black-and-white art prints to echo the color palette. A cowhide rug adds texture while keeping the floor neutral.

Incorporate black and red into seating – whether bold red barstools lined up at the island or black dining chairs around a wooden table. Floating shelves are ideal for displaying vibrant kitchenware. The right details complete the look.

A contemporary black and red kitchen makes a confident style statement. Keep the look cohesive and polished by choosing a defined aesthetic like mid-century or industrial. Focus on big impact features like walls, cabinetry and tile paired with black hardware and lighting. Accessories and decor provide finishing pops of color. The result: a bold, head-turning kitchen space with serious wow-factor.