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How to turn your home’s kitchen into your dream kitchen

Black cabinet kitchen

Dream kitchens — Sheryl and Scott Lasky’s kitchen makes the most of its 10-by-12-foot floorplan with a wall of cabinetry that holds a refrigerator, ovens, a pantry, and custom storage. Lower cabinets painted a lighter gray provide just enough visual contrast. Countertops are black pearl granite with a leathered finish. Pendant lights by Arteriors serve as mini sculptures for the room; similarly, the gooseneck faucet strikes an attractive silhouette against overscaled wall tiles.

Why we love the look
Like a little black dress, dark cabinets can be dressed up or down, says interior designer Beverly Baribault. Hardware and lighting are the jewelry and accessories that set the tone. Homeowner Sheryl Lasky has been in the fashion business for 36 years, so the kitchen matches her chic wardrobe, notes Baribault.

About this kitchen
Baribault gutted the existing kitchen in this Sandy Springs ranch and added custom cabinetry loaded with specialized storage. Differing barstools around two peninsulas contribute to the curated look. Wooden stools, leathered granite countertops, and rough-hewn ceiling beams add texture.

Baribault’s favorite blacks
Farrow and Ball “Off Black” #57; Sherwin-Williams “Caviar” #6990; and Benjamin Moore “Midnight Oil”

Matte or sheen?
“The homeowners’ lifestyles should dictate the finish,” says Baribault. “Matte is difficult to care for, and high gloss is very easy to clean and maintain. In this kitchen we glazed black over a dark gray color then used matte sealer. That’s a great way to get the look and protect the finish. I don’t think straight black paint is as effective or as special. The two-tone application makes the cabinets look warmer and adds sophistication.”

Budgeting
Custom cabinetry and high-end hardware provide a more polished look, Baribault says. But even adding high-gloss black paint to existing cabinetry creates a stylish backdrop.

Resources
Interior design: Beverly Baribault Design Group (BBDG), bbaribault.com
Cabinetry: Imperial Woodworking and Design, think-imperial.com
Cabinetry handles: Custom through BBDG
Countertops: Black pearl granite, leathered through BBDG
Backsplash: White-honed Madera, Traditions in Tile and Stone, traditionsintile.com
Sink: Blanco, blancoamerica.com
Cooktop, refrigerator, and wall ovens: GE, geappliances.com
Faucet: Danze, danze.com
Pendant lights: Arteriors, arteriorshome.com