Cream and black kitchen ideas

The great thing about cream and black kitchens , is their versatility: it’s all about the shades you choose. Large kitchens can go all out with ebony and ink blacks; but if space is at a premium, you might opt for a coal or onyx shade instead – they’re still black, but don’t have as much depth. 

When it comes to cream, if you prefer a cool look, then choose a white cream. However, if you want to warm the space up, then opt for shades with yellow undertones such as buttercream or bisque.

Two-tone cabinets have been on-trend for a few years now, and they show no signs of slowing down! Cream and black are two ideal choices for this, as they provide a perfect contrast. 

If your kitchen is naturally dark or on the smaller side, cream cabinets on top will draw the eyes upwards to create the feeling of light. However, if your kitchen is naturally airy and spacious, you can reverse these colours, with dramatic black cabinets on top, and soft cream cabinets on the bottom.

The 60-30-10 rule shows how you can incorporate your dominant, secondary and accent colours. For your cream and black kitchen, pretty much any accent colour goes (except navy!). However, pastels can add a pretty pop, and help soften the room. 

Whether you opt for a mint green, baby blue, lemon yellow or pale pink; incorporate these shades on your tea towels, table runner, blinds, and any other accessories such as vases and candleholders, to create a chic and stylish kitchen. 

Minimalism, clean lines, and functional design are all aspects of Scandi décor, and our black and cream kitchen ideas fit this trend perfectly. Opt for hidden storage to clear away clutter, and handleless cabinets for a sleek look. 

Scandi interiors are all about letting nature in– so pair your colour scheme with light wooden worktops, and carefully strewn plants in windowsills and on shelving. Your favourite scented candle be the finishing touch, to keep your kitchen warm and cosy.

Don’t want to lean full Scandi? How about Japandi? Blending Japan’s ‘wabi-sabi’ way of life, valuing slow living; and Scandinavia’s cosy ‘hygge’, a black and cream kitchen is the perfect colour scheme for this look. 

Consider olive green, greige or taupe as an accent colour, and incorporate natural textures and materials into your kitchen wherever possible, such as oak and quartz. Finally, some open shelving will showcase your favourite accessories – just make sure you follow the ‘less is more’ rule. 

Black and cream kitchens are striking in their own right, but an accent wall can add even more drama. You have a choice here: experiment with colour, or materials. 

Choose colour, and opt for pretty pastels or bold primary colours. However, contrasting materials can add extra intrigue. A black and grey terrazzo splashback is easy to clean and hardwearing, or you could opt for wood panelling or marble instead. 

Alternatively, as a nod to the Med, opt for sunny shaded tiles on one of your walls.

Open shelving is a great way to inject some personality into your home, and our black and cream kitchen design ideas should show you how. 

Black metallic lend itself to a modern and contemporary look, or you could opt for wooden shelving, painted in a soft pastel colour for a farmhouse feel. Whether you choose to fill your open shelving with pots, pans, and dishes; or opt for chic simplicity with a carefully placed vase and a couple of candles, is entirely your choice. 

Cream and black kitchen designs lend themselves well to the industrial look, which embodies a stripped-back, simplistic feel. Mix and match black gloss and matte to create a layered look; and accessorise with metals and wooden furniture. 

If your kitchen is large enough, adding an island in the centre of the room will add a focal point, whilst providing clever extra storage space. Finish the industrial look with integrated appliances, hidden behind cupboard doors.

Whether or not you choose to lean into the industrial look, or entirely the other way with rustic chic, wooden accents can get you there. Opt for wood panelling on the walls, painted in cream, black, or another pop of colour. 

Wooden countertops in a pale oak or beech will stand out against dramatic black cabinets; and if you have a kitchen diner, then a dining table in the same wood as your countertops will complete the look, and tie the room together. 

Finally, don’t forget your flooring! For a European vibe, consider black and cream marble tiles placed in a checkerboard design, or for a pop of colour, opt for Portuguese-inspired tiles in your favourite shade.  

Alternatively, if you’ve chosen all-cream cabinets, you could pair them with sleek black tiling, which would look especially nice in galley and one-wall kitchens; or lean into the farmhouse look with wooden flooring. We said black and cream kitchens are versatile, and this proves it!

Have we inspired you to transform your kitchen into a monochrome paradise? We hope so! To start the journey towards getting your dream kitchen, book an appointment to visit your nearest Wren showroom, where you’ll get to meet our expert designers. 

Alternatively, if you’d like more colour scheme advice, take a look at our other two-tone guides, including our tips on styling the perfect grey and black kitchen; or have a look at our range of grey kitchens . They’re similar to black styles, but they’ll soften your room.