How To Choose A Sink To Match Your Black Countertops And White Cabinets

If a kitchen could put on formal wear, its version of "black tie" would be black countertops and white cabinets. Determining what sink to install in a kitchen designed with a black and white theme is like choosing the perfect bow tie. Will you opt for something with elegance that blends seamlessly with the countertops, something that merges the classic styles of black and white but doesn't take a back seat to it either, or something bold, exciting, and modern? Choosing a sink to match a dramatic kitchenscape is as much about personal style as it is art and design, and yet, you'll want to put some serious thought into it because a sink isn't one of the 11 affordable kitchen upgrades that don't need remodeling. If you aren't planning to move, you'll be living with this kitchen sink for a long time, and it isn't exactly an easy thing to swap out.

The black and white combo is classic yet has a wide latitude within which something as basic as a sink could either blend into a visually harmonious look or go wild for drama and pizzazz. You say you always match your shirt, pants, and socks? Maybe you'll want one unbroken color across the counters and sink. But if you're more adventurous and enjoyed it when HGTV's Unsellable Houses showed us how to give any kitchen a pop of color, you might not want a matchy-matchy countertop/sink combo. When you take the time to make a choice that feels right, you should be able to love your sink, along with the countertop and cabinets, for many years.

With black countertops and white cabinets, a sophisticated look is at the core of your kitchen design, so you may be seeking to continue the monochromatic scheme through to the kitchen sink. Even within the grayscale, however, you have options. Most often, designers and homeowners will use contrast rather than matching the sink to the countertops. Not everyone feels that way, however. HGTV's Jenn Todryk has opinions about why a black sink may be the better option for your kitchen, though it isn't for an aesthetic reason but a practical one: Black sinks are more forgiving when it comes to stains and upkeep.

The ultimate way to tie black countertops and white cabinets harmoniously together is with a sink that incorporates both shades, and to do that would mean installing a luxe-looking type of sink to add some pizzazz to your kitchen. That luxe sink is made of marble, a material that is often considered for countertops but rarely for sinks. If you love the look but are concerned about cost or maintenance, composite granite may be the best option. It's created using mostly crushed granite with some resin to hold it together. They're durable, heat resistant, and really beautiful. You can find standard colors at big box retailers, but if you go to specialty kitchen stores or direct manufacturers, you may have a wider variety. Blanco, for example, makes a granite composite sink in a variety of colors that cover a range of neutrals from the usual various shades of whites through the deepest black, but they also have a sparkly one they call anthracite.

Perhaps you love your black countertops and white cabinets, but you want contrast. Maybe it will be subtle yet unforgettable, or perhaps you want to be more dramatic. You need color! You did some research to figure out what the best sink colors, and now, in addition to colors of the rainbow, you're thinking about metals. For example, while stainless steel is commonplace in kitchens, you might want to jump on the unexpected kitchen sink trend that's making a vibrant comeback, as a gold sink in a black-and-white kitchen would flood the space with elegant vibes. 

Another metal –- copper — can add warmth without detracting from either the depth of the dark countertops or the brightness of the cabinets. Keep in mind, however, that copper isn't without its challenges. It is costly and will require special care and maintenance. In return, the metal will reward you: Copper naturally develops a beautiful patina over time and also has the unique benefit of being naturally antimicrobial.

But maybe the Barbie wave of 2023 has you thinking differently. Retro hues were more often found in bathrooms than kitchens. Think '50s-style hip pastels of mint green, peach, baby blue, and pink. Would they work in a kitchen? Certainly. You could style any shade from one of the pastels to a bold red against a black and white palette, but doing so would make a statement about your personal style. If you're thinking of selling anytime in the coming decade, you may want to go with a less personality-centric sink.