Are Dark Kitchens Still in Style in 2025?…How to Make the Look Work for You
Dark kitchens once stole the spotlight with their bold, dramatic looks. From deep navy blues and rich forest greens to charcoal blacks and graphite greys, this bold look became a must-have for homeowners seeking something a little more dramatic. But what about now? Are dark kitchens still in style in 2025, or has their moment passed?
The short answer is that yes, dark kitchens are still very much on-trend. The difference is in the way they’re styled. The overly glossy, high-contrast looks of a few years ago have softened into something more refined, layered, and considered. If you’re thinking about choosing a dark kitchen, or updating one that already exists, there are plenty of ways to make it look timeless and elegant without it feeling gloomy or overpowering.
Here, we take a closer look at what’s driving the ongoing popularity of dark kitchens, the most popular finishes in 2025, and how to style them so they remain a stunning choice for years to come.
Why Are Dark Kitchens Still So Popular?
Dark kitchens are striking, sophisticated, and surprisingly versatile. They work well in both modern and traditional homes and can suit a wide range of interiors. Whether you’re designing a sleek urban space or a more characterful family kitchen, a dark kitchen colour palette can provide the perfect backdrop.
One of the main reasons dark kitchens continue to appeal in 2025 is their ability to create a cosy, atmospheric space. With the right lighting and materials, a dark kitchen can feel both luxurious and comforting—a place where you actually want to spend time.
They’re also practical. Darker finishes tend to hide minor smudges and fingerprints better than lighter surfaces. This makes them a popular choice for busy households or open-plan living spaces where kitchens need to work hard and look good.
The Most Popular Finishes for Dark Kitchens in 2025
If you’re considering a dark kitchen, it’s important to understand your options when it comes to kitchen finishes. The materials you choose will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space.
1. Matt Kitchen Doors and Finishes
Matt kitchen finishes remain a firm favourite in 2025. Their soft, non-reflective surface creates a smooth, understated effect that pairs beautifully with rich, deep colours. Matt kitchens from brands like Nobilia, Bauformat, and Brigitte offer a wide range of dark shades, including graphite, black, and deep blue, all available in durable, easy-to-clean materials.
2. Dark Wood and Wood-Effect Kitchen Textures
Dark wood veneers and wood-effect laminates are another popular choice. They bring depth, warmth, and texture to darker kitchens, especially when balanced with clean lines and minimalist accessories. Brands like Ballerina and Ashley Ann offer stylish options in walnut, dark oak, and stained ash that add richness without overwhelming the space.
3. Stone and Concrete Kitchen Looks
Textured stone and concrete-effect finishes are becoming increasingly popular in darker kitchens. These add an industrial edge that works well in contemporary settings. Bauformat and Brigitte both offer stunning dark ceramic and concrete-inspired doors that combine visual impact with practicality.
How to Style a Dark Kitchen in 2025
Dark kitchens can look timeless and stylish but need to be carefully balanced. Here are some of the key elements to think about when designing or refreshing a darker scheme.
1. Light the Space Properly
Lighting is everything in a dark kitchen. Without it, the space can feel oppressive. Combine ambient, task and accent lighting to brighten work surfaces and create a welcoming atmosphere. Under-cabinet lights, pendants over kitchen islands, and LED strips inside cupboards can all help. If your kitchen has limited natural light, use soft warm-white bulbs to offset the deeper tones of your cabinets.
2. Pair Dark Kitchens with Lighter Worktops or Splashbacks
Dark kitchens benefit from contrast. Pairing dark kitchen cabinets with light worktops or splashbacks can lift the entire space and keep it feeling balanced. White quartz, marble-effect laminates, or light-toned wood all work well. Brands like Omega and JJO offer a range of kitchen colours that pair beautifully with contrasting surfaces, helping you achieve that harmonious balance.
3. Mix Materials
Layering different textures and finishes can make dark kitchens feel inviting and considered. Combine dark matt kitchen cabinetry with wooden shelves, metallic handles, or ceramic tiles. These details break up darker blocks of colour and add interest. Open shelving in natural wood or brushed brass accessories can introduce visual variety and a more lived-in look.
4. Add a Pop of Colour or Pattern
Dark kitchens don’t have to be entirely monochrome. A colourful tiled splashback, patterned floor, or even a painted feature wall can add energy without compromising the overall palette. Navy kitchens, for example, pair beautifully with soft blush tones, terracotta, or mustard accents.
5. Use Integrated Kitchen Appliances and Minimalist Handles
For a sleek and timeless effect, choose integrated kitchen appliances and handleless or slim-profile handle designs. Modern kitchen brands like Nobilia and Brigitte offer kitchens with built-in appliances and push-to-open doors that help maintain clean lines.
6. Embrace the Drama in the Right Way
If your kitchen space is large or an open plan layout, you can afford to go all-in with darker kitchen cabinetry. But even in smaller kitchens, a dark kitchen island or base cabinets paired with lighter wall units can create impact without feeling too heavy.
Are Dark Kitchens Just a Passing Trend?
Dark kitchens have been around for longer than you might think, and in 2025 they’re still a confident choice. What’s changed is the approach. There’s a move towards subtler, more textured designs that feel calm, inviting, and practical.
Rather than going for ultra-high-gloss or stark black and white contrasts, homeowners now favour layered schemes with a mix of natural textures, muted tones, and understated elegance. Think charcoal paired with pale wood, or deep navy balanced by warm white surfaces. Brands like Alku, Omega, and Ballerina continue to offer design-led ranges in darker colourways that allow you to create a kitchen that’s bold, modern, and suited to everyday life.
Is a Dark Kitchen Right for You?
Dark kitchen designs aren’t for everyone. It’s important to consider your space, the amount of natural light, and your own personal style. But if you love the look of darker kitchen cabinetry and you’re willing to think carefully about lighting, layout, and finishes, it’s a rewarding and enduring choice.
You don’t have to go all-out black, either. Deep greys, navy, green, and even dark taupe can give you that bold look without being too extreme. Many well-known kitchen companies now offer custom kitchen colour options or flexible modular designs that let you introduce dark kitchen finishes in a more subtle or graduated way.
Final Thoughts: Designing Dark Kitchens That Last
Dark kitchens in 2025 are more refined and personal than ever before. With the right choices, they can be calming, sophisticated, and incredibly stylish. Whether you’re drawn to the matt elegance of a Nobilia kitchen, the textured warmth of a Ballerina wood veneer, or the practical dark finishes from brands like Omega and JJO, there’s a dark kitchen to suit almost every home.
As with any kitchen project, it pays to work with a professional kitchen designer who can help you get the balance right and many showrooms offer free design consultations, giving you the chance to explore different options and visualise how darker finishes might look in your space.
So, if you’re still wondering whether dark kitchens are a good idea in 2025, the answer is yes. Done well, they’re a timeless choice that adds sophistication, depth, and character to any home.
For help in planning your dream dark kitchen, download our brochure for further inspiration or contact your local Kitchen Specialists today.
