The Minimalist Kitchen Cabinet Color That Has Become A Mistake

When it comes to kitchen design, cabinetry contributes so much to how the final result will look and feel. In addition to choosing the best type of wood for kitchen cabinets, it's equally important to pick the right color and finish. Trending colors have pivoted from neutral all-white to oceanic hues like blue and green. Homeowners have even favored unique black cabinets to add dramatic flair that was sure to turn heads. But the once-popular shade of noir is now considered far too overpowering when paired with an eye-catching glossy finish.

A high-gloss finish is a reflective coating that gives paint an extra layer of dimension so it can really pop. Its sheen establishes a visual contrast when paired with dark black paint, potentially creating a cabinet design that will quickly make your kitchen feel outdated. The influx of shine runs the risk of making the kitchen space look gaudy rather than welcoming. This is because when put together, black and gloss finishes can cancel out each other's beauty. Both elements are bold and demand attention, meaning that they can steal the spotlight from each other and look jarring together with their competing visuals. This is why it's important to consider how your color of cabinetry will look when combined with decorative finishes, as it could result in an undesired effect where future renovations will be needed to make the space feel balanced.

Black cabinets and a high-gloss finish do not make the perfect partnership, as together they create disadvantages that homeowners may not realize. First, a high-gloss finish can be more expensive than a standard finish, and replacing or updating it once you realize it's not very practical to live with will be even more costly. If you're DIYing a gloss finish, applying it evenly can be a challenge. When it comes to cleaning, a glossy finish on black cabinets can also be a headache to maintain. Smudges and fingerprints are hard to hide on the high-gloss shine, so the surface will need to be wiped down regularly. Exposure to natural light could weaken the shine of a glossy finish, and discoloration will be more noticeable against a dark paint color, such as black. Not to mention, light reflected on the glossy finish is more likely to create a harsh glare. 

There are many downsides you should know about glossy black vanities and kitchen cabinets. This type of design is very modern, so it will feel out of place in a more classic and timeless kitchen atmosphere. Instead of high gloss, consider a matte finish over a shade of charcoal to look beautiful and crisp. Remember that painting over glossy black cabinets is far more difficult than painting over matte ones, so the process of updating this cabinetry in the future could be increasingly time-consuming and strenuous.