Written by
23 July 2024
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6 min read
If you're thinking about creating a black and white kitchen for your home, a great place to start researching is with local projects that have successfully pulled off the same. This curated list showcases some of the finest examples you'll find and the varied approaches they've taken to stunning effect. The use of colour, style, material, texture, product and expertise will hopefully leave you inspired to do the very same on your quest to achieve the black and white kitchen of your dreams.
This chic kitchen in Devonport by Neo Design uses a bold black and white palette, reflecting the juxtaposition between the villa's traditional characteristics and its contemporary design. Framed in white and basking in natural light, the presence of dark-stained timber, blackwashed panels and titanium granite benchtops is striking, and brimming with nuance and texture. Among the many stand-out features, you'll find shaker-style drawers and door panels, modern kitchen hardware solutions and a Hafele Blanco sink.
Another stunning villa renovation, this time in Ponsonby, featuring the 'Lightbox' extension by Crosson Architects. An immaculately redeveloped back extension, the 'Lightbox' gets its name from its intention to create a warm and light kitchen and living space in contrast to the cooler interior of the original villa. The design achieves this goal with aplomb thanks to its open-plan, chef's galley-style kitchen form. Within this, the bold black cabinetry dramatically plays against the white exposed rafters bringing a real sense of dimension to the space. The large moving wall that opens out to the courtyard is also a superb feat of engineering, style and design.
This Mission Bay Kitchen by Kitchens by Design, was part of a full refurbishment of a small apartment, designed to be compact, well-functioning, and beautiful, with a light and fresh feel. In this kitchen, white is the prominent colour with black accents employed via black-stained oak cabinet handles and shelving. It is also used as a feature through the slatted, black-stained timber screen that draws the eye while providing soft kitchen screening from the living area.
See more photos of the Mission Bay Kitchen by Kitchens by Design
This Lincoln Kitchen by Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery was designed to be luxurious, elegant and functional as the social hub of the house. Joined to a large open-plan living area, the space seamlessly leads onto a north-west facing patio and covered deck for year-round entertaining. Stylistically, the black overhead cabinetry matches the kitchen island back panel below, creating a cohesive look. In between, the delicate veining of the engineered stone splashback ties the whole room together, unifying the cabinetry with the white sophisticated elements that surround it.
See more photos of the Lincoln Kitchen by Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery
The award-winning kitchen in Fendalton by Ingrid Geldof Design showcases a beautifully detailed black-stained solid oak kitchen island with a Frosty Carina Caesar stone bench. This eye-catching feature creates a striking contrast against the balanced off-white lacquer joinery on the back wall. Additionally, the well-connected walk-in pantry provides ample storage for less attractive kitchen items, while the built-in white kitchen appliances also help achieve a seamless look. It's the epitome of class and elegance and shows how a black and white kitchen can excel in a more traditional setting.
See more photos of the Fendalton Kitchen by Ingrid Geldof Design
This industrial style kitchen by Noel Jessop Architecture follows the theme of the rest of the home with its black and white colour scheme. As well as its bold palette, a strong sense of texture also comes through in the kitchen design. The cabinet lighting on the white walls of brick, the fine grain of the blackened timber panels, and the sheen of the stainless steel appliances and surfaces — all work together to create depth, bringing different qualities to the eye.
See more photos of the Waikato Kitchen by Noel Jessop Architecture
This compact Mount Maunganui Studio Kitchen by Vekart Ltd is a great example of a funky black and white kitchen that maximises style and space. The black-stained floors are balanced by the white walls and cupboards while the black cabinets with mesh and LED lighting help enhance the illusion of space. The magnetic blackboard is a fun touch that draws the eye while providing a dynamic contrast against the stone textured splashback. The use of black and white accents can also be seen in the black kitchen tapware and white floor rug for added visual interest.
See more photos of the Mount Maunganui Studio Kitchen by Vekart Ltd
This stylish kitchen in St Heliers by Celia Visser Design is the perfect illustration of a black and white kitchen, incorporating the theme in numerous ways. The checkerboard flooring sets the scene with large format floor tiles that accentuate the sense of spaciousness. Black decor highlights are then used to punctuate the white space at every opportunity, through the use of black bar stools, the oven and rangehood, small appliances and wall art. Like many of these other exquisite projects, a stone benchtop with rich grey veining brings balance and harmony to the space.
See more photos of the St Heliers Kitchen by Celia Visser Design
As you can see, there are some amazing black and white kitchens that have been beautifully conceived and executed in homes across New Zealand. Hopefully, you've seen some great ideas and been inspired for your own project to help you achieve a kitchen that will look, feel and function in every way you want it to and more.
Related article: Building wonders — Exquisite new build homes in New Zealand