So Cozy for Fall: Two Dark and Dreamy KitchensCountry Living

Last month we devoted a lot of space to bringing color into the kitchen. But we'll admit that browns, grays, and black remain some of our favorite colors for home decor—yes, even in the kitchen. (Remember this brown kitchen? So lovely.) This time of year, we'd love to be cooking in either of these warm, enveloping spaces.

It depends on your taste, of course, but we think dark colors can work well in small and large kitchens. In a little space, a chocolate brown or navy blue can make the room feel so intimate and cozy (nice for a kitchen, right?). In a big kitchen, it can be a really beautiful, dramatic statement.

These two kitchens are opposites of each other, design-wise. One has dark walls and light cabinets and countertops; the other has the darker color on the cabinets, which we think makes them a focal point and sets off the white dishes.

We're partial to the one on the left—the chocolate brown is a really delicious color, the walls won't show splatters and stains, and it still looks really fresh and bright because of the white cabinets. (Also, it's in the home of a buyer for Jayson Home & Garden, a great, stylish store.)

But what's your preference? How do you feel about dark colors in a kitchen?

See the full home tours at Country Living:
• Inside a Country Cottage
• Adirondack Style

(Images: Roger Davies and Aimée Herring/Country Living)

i love the grey kitchen with the white cabs and marble countertop. i think these work because they have lots of natural light. wouldn't work in my kitchen which is located in the center of the house and supports the weight of the house. ugh.

posted by sabjimata on November 18th 2009 at 6:33am
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Maybe there's something I don't get. The second kitchen in fact is dark. Dark wood compared with yellow and some more warm colours definitely is too much for me.

Whereas the first one's overall impact is bright, regardless the dark brown walls. I would not call the first kitchen dark. And that's why I like it.

posted by MollyHeyer on November 18th 2009 at 7:07am
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