8 black kitchens that will inspire you to think outside the white kitchen box

Given today's modern surfaces, finishes and lighting, the idea that dark kitchens are harder to maintain is a thing of the past. Explore these black kitchens to see how the hub of the home can have a drama all of its own

Much of the cabinetry, including the display units, interior design, lighting, black

Matt black cabinetry sets the scene for this architecture, cabinetry, countertop, kitchen, major appliance, black, white, Impact Kitchens

Blackened metal stairs, mesh screens and black kitchens interior design, living room, loft, gray

View of kitchen designed by Celia Visser of countertop, interior design, kitchen, white, black

View of open-plan kitchen and living area featuring architecture, house, interior design, real estate, gray, black

Circles and lines – concealed functionality and a interior design, black, white

Designer Damian Hannah specified black German glass doors countertop, interior design, kitchen, gray, black

1. Glamorous entertainer's kitchen

Designer Damian Hannah specified black German glass doors and matching wrap-around side panels for this impressive kitchen. The built-in recessed handle is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

2. Moody meets all mod cons

Matt black cabinetry sets the scene for this all-mod-cons kitchen by designer Rod Huizenga. The ends of the island are partly in left-over wood flooring and connect with the further use of wood in the adjacent lounge.

3. Nightclubbing

Much of the jet black cabinetry, including the display units, is internally lit or underlit with colour LEDs adding another dimension to this kitchen at night. See the original kitchen story here

4. Semi industrial feel

Blackened metal stairs, mesh screens and black kitchens create a semi-industrial feel in Scanlan Lofts apartments by Leuschke Kahn Architects. Read the townhouse story.

5. Japanese aesthetic

This kitchen by Celia Visser of Celia Visser Design features lacquered black cabinetry, a timber bar top and linen stainless steel benchtops. A shoji-style sliding door and vertical lightbox reinforce the Japanese aesthetic.

6. Artistic accent

When not in use, this kitchen is an artistic talking point. By contrast, when in use, everything is functional, well-considered and a delight to use.

7. Stone and steel workspace

This open-plan kitchen is dressed to impress with cabinetry in stainless steel and black marble cabinetry. The front and sides of the two 4.5m-long stainless steel islands in black Nero Marquina marble.