There's something about the handles on these kitchen cabinets that makes us think "1970s cabin in the Adirondacks." But then paired with the sexy black lacquer, they start to seem fresh. We're torn. Is this look cool? Or weird? (p.s. We're not torn about the breakfast nook, which is 100 percent fabulous. Take a look, below.)
Gorgeous, right?
This kitchen is in a downtown Manhattan apartment that is traditional in a lot of ways—classic lighting, comfy, upholstered furniture in neutral tones, and a mix of antique and contemporary accessories. So when we clicked over to the kitchen, we were totally surprised. Classic, traditional homes usually have classic, traditional kitchens. We were expecting white marble countertops and subway tiles.
What gives? Well, this kitchen was renovated by the previous owners, and the current ones didn't change it. It was in perfect condition, and we think it works. Definitely unique, but as we've mentioned before, we like dark colors in the kitchen. And the lacquer makes it feel lively rather than closed-in. We actually applaud them for not going minimalist white during the renovation.
• See the whole house at Lonny.
We've decided that the chunky wood handles (and those retro-looking countertops) keep this room from feeling too sleek and unapproachable. They make it look like a workhorse kitchen.
What do you think?
Related: Frugal Inspiration: The Plywood Kitchen
(Images: Patrick Cline)
How to Cook Rice on the Stove
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Floral Drink Dispen...
Small Cool Lessons: Discovering Small Space Design Ideas That Really Work
Beatriz's Fun & Functional Workspace
Gorgeous. No doubt.
Weird. In a bad way. I'm usually down with the unusual or off trend but this is just ugly. At least change the handles. The glossy black and awful oaky stain should be left in the past.
I love it! If you have a big enough kitchen so that the darkness doesnt make it look like a tiny pocket, it's great!
I like. It's sort of like the kitchen Tom Ford would have when he was awesome and not the type of kitchen he would have now that he is insufferable.
The black has a bad 80s Wall Street look to me. Maybe b/c from farther away the wood kind of looks like brass? I like light to be let in; this is like the absence of light.
Not good. Looks really late 70's 80's to me. My parents had to rip a bunch of black cabinets out of their kitchen when they moved in and I always thought they were hideous.
I like it. It's very sophisticated, but I see it being one of those things that, in a few years, will be outdated and an eye-sore.
Big fan! Finally found a good scheme that is not the same ol', same ol'. Too many kitchens are white or some light pastel, this at least has some character.
I think it's ugly. I like the breakfast nook though.
Tell me if I'm wrong, but the counters and trim are finished oak, which I think looks kind of nice with the dark cabinets (and I'm usually not a fan of dark cabinets). However, the handles look like unfinished oak. I've seen handles like that and they tend to look cheap. They also tend to show stains, like from the natural oils on your hands. I'm not keen on this look - as though there wasn't enough budget left over from buying the cabinets and counters, so el cheapo handles were used.
UGLY! So ugly!
I like the breakfast nook, but working in that kitchen must feel like being in a cave.
I love it. Love. It.
I think it's the handles that make this kitchen icky. With different handles, I think it would be as stunning as the breakfast nook, but as is, those handles are just ugly and they detract from the beauty of the kitchen. Kind of like really gaudy earrings on a beautiful woman. Doesn't matter how gorgeous she is, all you see are those ugly earrings.
The nook *is* fabulous.
The kitchen on the other hand...
I should preface this by saying that one of the very first magazine cuttings I made was of a Snaidero kitchen c. 1980. It was black lacquer with natural wood trim. So, I actually like the look -- but this version is awful. First off, those are truly ugly handles -- cheap hardware store handles, very clunky and chunky. The doors look like spray painted IKEA doors. And the wood detailing on the front sides of the cabinets... just ugly and awkward.
Wish I could find an electronic version of that Snaidero kitchen; it could be so beautiful if done right!
I love it! It's definitely different, but in a sophisticated, eclectic way.
But if you're on the fence, why spend the money / trash the existing materials to renovate it? (If you find later that you despise it, then go for change it, but otherwise it'd just be expensive and wasteful.)
I'm all about a fresh, white kitchen that conveys brightness, happiness and good cheer. Gathered galleries of crisp white kitchens for MONTHS before finally duplicating the best features of all. I love my white kitchen.
That being said - this kitchen is sexy. Not like anything I've seen before - and not like anything that would have seemed attractive to me - ever. If the breakfast nook is on the opposite end (seems like it would be) with those big windows with black trim, white walls and tan accents I think it would serve to temper the black in the kitchen and provide some much needed light. This kitchen is mega!
Not a fan of the wooden handles. At least not that style...maybe something less chunky? Or some nice small black lacquer handles that wouldn't be so distracting.
To me the handles clash with the overall feel. They are heavy and awkward. I would opt for something sleek and metallic (not necessarily shiny) that exudes the sophistication of the breakfast nook.
The nook is incredible! I agree with happy camper, the kitchen is sexy! For me, the wooden handles are distracting. I personally think black ones would be sleeker, but I doubt that's what they were going for...Hot.
Kitchen is hideous, absolutely hate. Nook is fabulous and fresh. They don't look like they belong in the same house together.
I like everything but the handles on the cabinetry...ruins it.
Definitely not my style but I can appreciate the look. The only thing that stands out as ugly are the handles. Chunky, oak-look wood? Reminds me of bad 80's design...
I would love to have that kitchen. And the nook! The handles are a bit of a distraction, but overall it's a win.
I like this a lot - but would LOVE it if the handles were taken off or replaced with something black so that it blended with the doors.
The nook is to die for!
I've looked at this post 3 times and it still hasn't grown on me...I don't know what so many people love about it....this is pretty bad.
Ick. The handles are not good.
I never would've selected those handles but I love their outsized character -- like tortoise shell glasses, bakelite pulls, wooden handles on a retro handbag. At first glance, they look like copper or brass. Lots of character and against that black lacquer? oooh, a touch of Paris (imho!).
Well I agree I applaud them for not going with the melamine cabinetry. I have it - I hate it. It's disgusting. White flat cupboards are the worst thing ever. ANYTHING is better than that! I'd say this kitchen is unique and very chic.