How To Design A Cohesive Kitchen Around Black Marble Countertops

What's more luxurious than black marble? Not much, and if you are investing in this touch of luxury in your kitchen, you want to be absolutely sure you are getting the rest of your design elements right. While there are many common mistakes to avoid when selecting marble countertops, one of your main challenges with black marble will be ensuring the entire look is cohesive.

While black marble looks sleek and modern, it can be a good fit for many different kitchen styles as long as you get the details right. "I've seen that the styles that typically use black countertops are contemporary and traditional. While mid-century modern can incorporate a black countertop, it works best with minimal or no veining to maintain the clean aesthetic of the style," Laura Koshel, owner of LK Design, explains exclusively to House Digest.

She adds, "It can be used in many styles as long as the edge finish corresponds to the overall design style." From ultra modern to cottagecore, no matter the style of your kitchen, you will likely be able to incorporate a black marble countertop into it. To really pull it off, though, you will want to keep a few more tips in mind.

No matter what kitchen countertop color you choose, you will need to consider how to pair them with your cabinets. That's especially true when working with a dramatic option like black marble. What cabinet color you select will ultimately depend on the overall look and feel that you are going for. And if you need some help deciding, check out these kitchen cabinet color trends.

Speaking exclusively to House Digest, designer Laura Koshel says, "If you want a stark look, use bright white cabinets. This combination will give you a contemporary look. If you want to create a moody atmosphere, pair it with black cabinets." Depending on your overall aesthetic, you can consider other moody colors as well. A dark, mossy green could enhance a cottagecore aesthetic, while natural wood tones could give you a modern, organic feel. But there is more to a kitchen than cabinets and countertops, and the details matter when it comes to getting your space just right. Koshel has some tips to ensure you nail it.

You've chosen your black marble countertops and picked out the perfect cabinet color to complement them. There is still more to think about, though — namely lighting, color continuation, and finishes. "Consider the light temperature you are using in your light fixtures. Black cabinets with black marble could use a warm light for a nice evening glow feel," Laura Koshel exclusively explained to House Digest. Whether its overhead or under the cabinets, kitchen lighting mistakes can really impact not only how much you like your kitchen but how you use it. So it is worth giving major consideration to this aspect of your design.

Additionally, when you're choosing a powerful color like black for your countertops, it's important to remember to incorporate it elsewhere to keep the entire design cohesive. "Black is the boss in the space. And it needs to have company around," says Koshel. "This is to say that the black color will need to be repeated elsewhere in the space."

Beyond lighting and color continuity, consider your finishes as well. "Cooler metal tones will work great with black marble countertops," says Koshel. Whether it is in your fixtures, cabinet hardware, your appliances, or your flooring, think about finding ways to make your countertops sing in harmony with the rest of the kitchen rather than acting as a diva during a solo. For more advice, check out these rules to follow when designing a new kitchen.