Add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen with deeper hues
S the days get shorter and the evenings get darker, it’s natural for us to want to be surrounded by deeper tones in the home to create a feeling of cosiness and warmth,” says Ruth.
“Introducing these ‘moody’ hues into your kitchen design can bring warmth and sophistication to any space, whilst maintaining an atmosphere that is easy to live with all year round. You can introduce these elements in as subtle or bold way as you like, depending on your own personal preference and how much impact you’d like to make.
Cabinetry
“Dark kitchen cabinets provide depth, warmth and personality to a space and have grown in popularity in recent years. They not only provide a great backdrop in the kitchen, but also offer practicality too, as they don’t easily show dirt and marks – making them easy to keep looking fresh and clean.
“Dark blues, greens and greys have become staple colours to create an interior scheme that embodies the ‘moody’ trend and it’s easy to see why. These hues maintain a level of softness that draws you in, working brilliantly with greys, whites, pinks and more to create countless looks and finishes.
“With such a solid base colour in place across the cabinetry, don’t be afraid to experiment and mix textures, metallics and stone through worktops, flooring, and accessories, to create something that really reflects your style. Alternatively, you could choose two complementing cabinet colours to soften the look, such as midnight blue and French white.
“If you want to continue the moody theme to the inside of your cabinets, you can now opt for a grey interior across the whole Benchmarx range at no additional cost.
Work surfaces
“Picking a darker work surface and pairing it with lighter cabinetry is a great way to bring rich-toned materials into your space. Dark stone, wood and quartz can evoke a luxurious feeling, whilst being incredibly hardwearing.
“For example, a granite work surface or compact laminate pairs beautifully with white kitchen cabinets, and flourishes when waterfalled down the side of an island.
“There are work surfaces all budgets to suit a ‘moody’ aesthetic, so don’t let the price tag of more expensive materials deter you. For example, compact laminate, which is long-lasting yet stylish, can help you achieve your desired look at a more cost-effective price than natural stones.
Lighting
“When taking your kitchen to the dark side, it’s important to consider how you’re going to complement it with your lighting.
“Start by thinking about the main lighting source in the room and how it can be maximised. If you’re opting for spotlights, consider the placement of each light to ensure they aren’t blocked by cabinets or walls. I’d also recommend installing warm lights to keep the kitchen feeling inviting, especially during the colder months. Deepcoloured pendant lighting, such as matt black or brushed brass, not only adds a point of interest to the room, but also more focused illumination suited to zones where food preparation or homework is completed.
“You may also wish to add undercupboard lighting to highlight the rich tones within your work surface or add strip lighting under your countertop to accentuate the lower cabinet doors.
Furnishings and accessories
“Not ready to fully commit to a dark colour-scheme all year round? If you just want to cosy things up for the colder months, try adding deeper hues through your furnishings and accessories.
“By swapping out cushion covers, vases and crockery, you can easily add a touch of moodiness to your space without a complete overhaul. This is a great approach for anyone who likes to change their kitchen style regularly and grows bored quickly.”
To order a brochure, book a free design consultation, or use Benchmarx’s handy kitchen visualiser tool, visit: www. benchmarxkitchens.co.uk