Remodel Your Kitchen with Gorgeous Black Stainless Steel
Black stainless steel appliances have become the hottest trend in kitchen design over the past few years, and for good reason. With their gorgeous, sleek finish and fingerprint-resistant surfaces, black stainless steel appliances can elevate the look of any kitchen while providing the durability and functionality homeowners need.
If you're considering remodeling your dated or lackluster kitchen, installing black stainless steel appliances is a foolproof way to achieve a modern, elegant look. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the benefits of black stainless steel to designing your dream kitchen. Let's explore how to remodel your kitchen and make it stunning with these on-trend black stainless steel appliances.
Black Stainless Steel Appliance Benefits
Sleek, Modern Aesthetic
Black stainless steel appliances offer an undeniably contemporary and sophisticated look that immediately draws the eye. The deep, dark finish has a premium, elegant aesthetic that is sure to upgrade any kitchen's style. Compared to traditional stainless steel, black stainless steel has a more luxe, modern vibe.
The color palette of black stainless steel allows it to pair beautifully with both light and dark cabinetry and any kitchen layout. Whether your kitchen is rustic chic with wood cabinetry or sleek and modern with lacquered finishes, black stainless steel offers versatile aesthetics.
Durability and Low Maintenance
In addition to style, black stainless steel delivers in terms of durability and functionality. The matte surface is specially engineered to resist fingerprints and watermarks, making appliances much easier to keep looking pristine compared to traditional stainless steel.
Black stainless steel maintains its vibrant, deep black shade for years to come. You won't have to worry about discoloration or scratches marring the look, as the material is designed to be extremely resilient. This makes it perfect for busy kitchens with lots of use.
Design Flexibility
A major benefit of black stainless steel is that it complements both warm, traditional kitchen materials like wood cabinets as well as sleek, modern painted finishes. The muted black shade serves as a neutral backdrop that allows cabinetry and accent colors to really stand out.
Black stainless steel looks equally stunning in modern and contemporary kitchens as it does in cozy cottage or industrial chic designs. No matter your personal style, black stainless steel appliances give you design flexibility.
Choosing Black Stainless Appliances
Types of Appliances Available
Nearly every type of kitchen appliance, from ranges to refrigerators to microwaves, is now available with a black stainless steel finish. Examples include:
- Refrigerators: French door, bottom freezer, side-by-side, undercounter
- Ranges and Cooktops: slide-in, freestanding, induction
- Wall Ovens: single, double, microwave combos
- Microwaves: built-in, over-range, countertop
- Dishwashers: built-in, portable
Popular Brands
Many high-end appliance brands now offer black stainless steel product suites so you can outfit your entire kitchen for a cohesive look. Some popular options include:
- LG
- Samsung
- Bosch
- Fisher & Paykel
- Thermador
- GE
- KitchenAid
Cost Considerations
In general, expect black stainless steel appliances to cost 10-20% more than traditional stainless steel finishes. However, prices continue to become more competitive as the finish gains popularity. If you're operating on a tight budget, consider mixing black and traditional stainless appliances to save on costs. Focus splurge pieces like the range on black stainless, and do the refrigerator in classic stainless steel.
How to Select the Finish
Not all black stainless steel has the same aesthetic. Look for appliances with a matte finish rather than a glossy look for maximum fingerprint resistance. Be sure all finishes match across appliances for a cohesive look. Keep in mind that darker finishes like black show less visible fingerprints and water spots than lighter stainless steel.
Designing a Black Stainless Kitchen
Cabinet and Color Pairings
One of the most exciting aspects of designing a kitchen with black stainless steel appliances is selecting complementary colors. For cabinetry, black stainless suits both light and dark wood stains equally. Gray-stained oak or walnut cabinets will have a modern feel, while deeper espresso cabinets create a dramatic contrast.
For painted cabinets, black stainless pops against lighter neutrals like cloud white and pairs well with deeper shades like navy for contrast. Granite and quartz countertops in white, gray, or black nicely complement the appliances.
Styles that Complement Black Stainless
While versatile enough for any kitchen, black stainless feels right at home in contemporary spaces with glossy cabinetry and hard, angular lines. The rich color and matte finish also complements industrial design with exposed ductwork. For traditional kitchens, black stainless offers just the right punch of modern contrast against classic design elements like subway tile and coffered ceilings.
Incorporating Other Materials
To make black stainless the star, opt for matching black or black stainless steel on other kitchen features like the range hood, sink, and faucet. Gold or unlacquered brass accents and hardware will pop beautifully against the black appliances. For the backsplash, opt for dramatic dark colors like navy blue or emerald green, or white/gray marbles for contrast.
The Remodel Process
Should You Keep Existing Appliances?
When planning your remodel, assess whether it makes sense to keep any of your existing stainless steel appliances or purchase all new coordinating black stainless options. Keep appliances that are less than 5-7 years old and still functioning properly. Use black stainless on focal points like the range.
If your current appliances are older, a mix of black and traditional stainless can work beautifully. Just be sure to distribute them thoughtfully; for example, do black on the top row and stainless on the bottom row. This prevents the contrast from looking disjointed.
Appliance Configuration Tips
When installing your beautiful new black stainless appliances, think about positioning and appliance types to show them off. Frame the range with matching cabinetry or tile. Floating shelves above the cooktop can display decorative items against the black backdrop.
For the refrigerator, integrated models with exterior cabinetry panels allow appliances to fade into the cabinetry. Standard refrigerators let the black stainless finish make a statement. Ensure adequate ventilation around cooktops to prevent smoke stains.
Work With Professionals
To ensure your appliances are thoughtfully incorporated into the design, work with kitchen professionals. Experienced kitchen designers can help you select complementary finishes. Installers who are familiar with high-end appliances will ensure seamless integration.
With their sleek, modern aesthetic that suits any style, black stainless steel appliances are guaranteed to take your kitchen to the next level. Follow this guide to thoughtfully incorporate black stainless into your kitchen remodel. Focus on contrasting finishes and accessories to make the appliances shine.
We hope this comprehensive walkthrough gets you excited to upgrade your kitchen with on-trend black stainless steel. You'll love entertaining guests in your elegant new space. With a bit of planning, you can design a kitchen that perfectly blends form and function.