Dark cabinets have precipitatedmany a kitchen remodel, but after years of white or neutral tones, and the emergence—though on a limited basis—of brightly colored cabinets, dark finishes appear to be making a come back with home buyers.
The question is, why? Winchester, Va.–based Timberlake Cabinetry, which recently introduced its dark Cognac finish, has a theory.
“Today’s home buyers are looking for cabinetry to accompany the furniture in living areas and family rooms, not stand out as a separate entity,” says Connie Edwards, director of design for the company, in a release announcing the introduction. “With its deep, furniture-brown color, Timberlake’s Cognac finish echoes the trend for darker maple and allows kitchen design to complement the home’s overall interior design.”
Indeed, the popularity of open plan living might be responsible. No longer separated from other living areas by walls, the kitchen is constantly on display to adjacent spaces such as the family room or dining room. In the old configuration, cabinet colors didn’t have to match, but home buyers looking for a seamless transition between spaces might be inclined to use cabinets that complement other home furnishings.
Another reason dark colors are on the rise may have something to do with the upscale look they convey. For some buyers, white cabinets suggest entry-level melamine kitchens or those found in multifamily rental apartments, while darker finishes project luxury. At the International Builders’ Show last February, Quality Cabinets in Adrian, Mich., introduced an espresso finish that embodies this concept. The new finish “will let homeowners and builders create truly stunning room designs,” says Paul Radoy, manager of design services for the company. “These alluring finishes offer the latest style trends with a custom-cabinet look on a stock cabinet budget.”
Of course, builders must exercise caution when they are using dark cabinets. The color is cool and can convey a certain level of hipness, but it can also create a cave-like effect in a kitchen. Open plan designs help, but good lighting—natural and artificial—is not only recommended but also strongly advised.