Trend Watch: Back To Black Kitchens

We visited kitchen, bathroom and bedroom industry trade show, KBB Birmingham 2020, at the beginning of this month and were inspired by so many brilliant new ideas and trends it’s hard to choose just one to focus on! However, in the end we’ve chosen the colour black for this month’s Trend Watch inspiration …

Texture + Black + Concrete Looks

Anyone looking for surfaces for a black-themed kitchen should definitely take a look at the options from Caesarstone. This is Rugged Concrete, from the Metropolitan collection which was influenced by the authentic finishes and patinas of industrial-style materials. We’ve shown it here for your inspiration used as work surfaces and cladding for an island unit – it’s a manufactured quartz surface suitable for all types of kitchen, is non-porous, easy to keep clean, needs no further finishing. And would work rather well with our tough Concrete Grey Matt floor tiles in porcelain.

 

Beautiful in Black

It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that an all-black kitchen will look gloomy and overcast, but this is a great example of how white walls and tall windows achieve a light and spacious look despite the dark colour choice. In this image, Q-Line in the Cucina Colore Collection in Ceramic Pietra Ceramica, and Grafitte Ceramica with Graphite Painted Grip Profile & Plinth. We reckon that these are definitely the future of kitchens, and as Mark Mills, Sales and Marketing Director at Mereway Kitchens explains: “A super-low 60mm plinth lined teamed with drawer and wall units available in three widths, 1600mm, 1800mm and super-wide 2000mm, Q-Line’s sleek and handleless silhouette both masks and maximises the amazing storage space it provides”. May we suggest our Burren Black Limestone effect porcelain floor tiles as a suitable match for these stunning cabinets.

Black on Tap

Quooker taps are pretty impressive, so it was good to see that both of the tap designs, Fusion and Flex, are available in black. The Fusion tap is available in rounded and squared-off version, and the Flex version has a pull-out hose – great for rinsing and general sink cleaning. We love that the black trend can now be fully embraced – not just with tiles, paint and cabinetry, but with taps as well. If you’re on the hunt for a black sink, take a look at the Black Granite Sinks from Rangemaster both of which feature stylish and sleek designs which are ultra-hardwearing.

Surface & Hardware Options

We noted that Bushboard has updated and relaunched its popular Options Laminate post-formed work surface range. It’s good to know that there are some budget-friendly choices available to anyone considering a re-vamp of their kitchen but knowing they have to be price-conscious as well. The new ranges are Scandi Style, Free-Flowing Monochrome, Natural Elements, and Industrial Details. All bang-on-trend and all feature an anti-bacterial protective coat too. Shown here is Options Nagoshi Pine . If you’re going full-on revamp of the kitchen, to include handles, knobs and latches as well as work surfaces, than it’s imperative to take a look at the fabulous new MIX collection from Armac Martin.  Plenty of brass, bronze, gold, steel and black finishes to choose from, with both textured and smooth finishes. We love the black backplates, which would add a very clever element of black to a lighter coloured cabinet.

Tiles & Taps

Of course we are very pleased to include our very own Nature Black Slate porcelain tiles in a list of ‘must-see’ tiles for anyone planning a new black kitchen (and don’t forget – you can use our free cut sample service so you don’t even have to get dressed and leave the house to get ahead with your kitchen plans!). And, for more beautiful black taps, go for a complete inspection of the latest offerings from Abode. This is the Puria, a new aquifier water filter mixer tap. It provides crystal clear filtered drinking water through a channel that is separate from the standard hot-cold supply channel within the tap. Of course, the main advantage is that there’s no need to buy plastic bottles of water, and there’s also a service from Abode to remind users when the filter needs changing and new filters are available online too. And naturally, it’s available in Matt Black as well as Chrome and Brushed Nickel.

Stylish in Gold and Black

This black/dark grey Arcos kitchen from Schmidt in the Zonza design has a lot of hidden storage, as well as the more obvious cabinetry. The appliances are integrated, and some of the units are electronically controlled, revealing yet more storage opportunities. Perhaps this is a trend to embrace if you’re undergoing a very dramatic project… We like the way the gold trim is confined to the living/relaxation areas, and the black trim keeps the kitchen space looking seriously practical and utilitarian.

Outdoors in Style

So yes we’ve had a bit of sunshine, and hopefully it’s a sign that Spring is starting to emerge properly from the doom and gloom. Embracing the trend for black kitchens, we’ve got a little bit enthusiastic regarding black feature panels in terraces and patios. So may we suggest you consider our Concretia Black décor outdoor slabs. Rather a good idea for smaller, intimate outdoor areas. And yes, we’ll come up with some great outdoor lighting and accessory ideas in a couple of weeks’ time when Trend Watch returns.

Black (well … Grey) & Blue

The new Oxford Slate kitchen from Benchmarx is a very worthy addition to our Trend Watch feature this month. And no, it hasn’t escaped our notice that it’s teamed with that lovely Pantone 2020 Classic Blue shade as well. Light floors and walls and a white work surface means that both colours are beautifully enhanced. This Shaker-style kitchen also embraces open display shelves and brass hardware, adding even more oomph to it’s trend-worthiness! Bella Glenn, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens, says: “The Oxford slate grey finish creates a versatile look that can easily be styled into a bolder or more subtle design, depending individual style preferences and the overall look of your home. I love how the traditional shaker doors work with the contemporary slate grey to create a brilliant pairing; it really is a modern twist that will continue to look great for years to come”.

Will you be embracing your dark side when it comes to refreshing your kitchen? If so then we’d love to see pics of your completed project! As always, hit us up @TileMountainUK or tag us on Instagram !

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