Once considered a daring choice, black kitchens are now a luxury design of style and sophistication. Little Greene has carefully curated a palette of black paints, not all equal, as there is no such thing as “just black”. They have taken on the concept of black and put together four collections to show how black can shift dramatically in a room through the light and undertone of the colour.
To create a cosy kitchen, choose a warm black with either a red, brown or yellow undertone. Choosing a black requires a little thought and consideration, so we have put this blog together to help you select the best one for your space. We have a couple of examples of how the colours look on our handmade furniture.
A Little History on Little Greene
Little Greene is a British paint and wallpaper manufacturer with a rich heritage dating back to 1773. Based near Manchester, Little Greene has long been associated with the historic textile and dyeing industries. They often collaborate with English Heritage to revive historic styles from different eras, Georgian, Regency, Victorian and 20th-century.
Warm Red-Based Blacks
Warm red-based blacks pair beautifully with soft, warm hues. Many of them balance with neutral stone tones to enhance and harmonise any space.
Pompeian Ash
Pompeian Ash is a rich, dark grey with subtle green undertones, originally discovered in the remarkable interiors of Ickworth House in Suffolk. This unique National Trust property showcases the colour of Pompeian Ash to bring depth and drama to Little Greene’s black colour collection.
Córdoba
Córdoba has been influenced by travels to the Middle East and Asia, bringing a colour that has gained popularity through its stylish undertone. It looks good paired with cork wall tiles to reflect the era’s design trends.
Vulcan
Vulcan shares its name with the Roman God of Fire, executing a bold shade that represents strength and character. The deep charcoal colour within carries a subtle warmth, making it both commanding and inviting.
Cool Blue-Based Blacks
Cool-toned blacks are a stylish alternative to traditional jet black. The contrasting accent found in their hue offers a more contemporary edge.
Lamp Black
Lamp Black is a gentler alternative to the deeper ‘Jack Black’, and offers a softer, off-black hue, bringing greater versatility to any design. The beautiful tone is easier on the eye, especially when used within layered, tonal colour schemes.
‘Lamp Black’ Home Bar – Hitchin
Moody and understated sophistication is how this home bar has been created with Lamp Black by Little Greene. The soft, chalky finish creates an intimate, atmospheric setting for after dark. The depth within the colour makes it a perfect contrast to the metallic accents, glassware and rich wood finishes.
Jack Black
Jack Black is a pigment made from the collection of soot from burning oil. This true, deep black paint colour serves as the quintessential true black in the paint palette and can create striking contrasts.
‘Jack Black’ Kitchen – Hitchin
Suiting the space and offering a focal point is the kitchen island and chimney breast, soaked in Jack Black by Little Greene. The rich, intense black anchors the kitchen with dramatic flair, offering a striking contrast to the lighter surfaces.
Basalt
Basalt is a classic blue-black shade and appears black in dim light, which is softer on the eyes. This deep colour is a favourite on architectural centrepieces, where natural light highlights its captivating blue undertones.
Green-Based Blacks
Green-based black paints are often used alongside alternative hues, creating beautifully balanced interior schemes. With a deep depth, contrast and richness is brought to the palette to ground the space.
Obsidian Green
Obsidian Green is a timeless off-black paint colour. This rich, deep green was frequently used in the 1970s to create a striking contrast against natural wood furniture and khaki tones.
Invisible Green
Invisible Green is a deep green paint colour popularised by landscape gardener Humphry Repton. Originating in the Georgian era, Invisible Green continues as a versatile choice for both interior and exterior use in modern homes.
Dark Brunswick Green
Dark Brunswick Green is a sophisticated and bold shade that was widely used during the Victorian era. It works well for both interior and exterior woodwork.
Warm Blacks With a Hint of Brown
Warm blacks with a hint of brown are a warmer variation that offers softness. Some of these colours may read as black at first glance, but as you get to know the hue, they reveal a subtle warmth.
Elysian Ground
Elysian Ground evokes a nurturing and calming atmosphere within the properties in Stowe, Buckinghamshire. A special garden room was made by architect William Ken and decorated by Italian painter Francesco Sleter.
Purple Brown
Purple Brown is a deep, lightfast colour widely used outdoors and on window sashes. To create a rich, immersive interior, apply this luxurious shade throughout the entire space.
Chocolate Colour
Chocolate Colour is one of the darkest colours, offering a warmer alternative to black, charcoal, or deep blue. It’s the epitome of an edible shade.
Continued reading:
Creating a Georgian Design with Little Greene
With Little Greene’s palette of warm, cool, and characterful blacks, your kitchen doesn’t have to feel daunting. The richness of these colours evolves beautifully with changing light. Amongst the collection, there is a Little Greene black to suit your vision, and we are here to help with that.
