When you want a kitchen that looks perfectly sleek, it’s hard to beat a neutral color palette. But that doesn’t necessarily mean going for tried-and-true white cabinets. In fact, black kitchen cabinets might be the striking option you’ve been overlooking.

“They’re not for the client who’s looking for a crisp, clean, perennial kitchen,” says California-based interior designer Anne Sage. “Black kitchen cabinets are a statement and a showstopper.” She’s particularly fond of BOXI’s Peppercorn Edge cabinets, which feature a subtle, pencil-thin molding—a hair more contemporary than Shaker cabinets, and slightly more dynamic than pared-back slab cabinet fronts. 

That’s not to say that they’re not versatile, though. Although their molded edge gives them a modern look, you can bring in a contrast with rounded hardware or elevate their naturally sleek look with straight cabinet pulls that seem to blend into the cabinet fronts. Black cabinets also look great with a wide range of backsplash and countertop options. You can keep things totally simple with white counters and subway tile, or you can create a beautiful cohesive look with marble countertops that feature black veining, Sage suggests. 

If you’re not quite sold on all-over black cabinets, you can also use them as accent elements in your BOXI  kitchen. Sage is particularly fond of black kitchen islands that create a nice contrast in mostly white kitchens.

These six kitchens show just how lovely BOXI’s black Peppercorn Edge cabinets look in different spaces. And as a bonus, they’re sustainably made with 25 recycled water bottles per medium door, and easy to clean—just run a damp cloth with a mild soap solution inside any crevices to keep them looking their best.

Bold and Balanced

Here’s proof that black cabinets can play perfectly nice with warmer-toned wooden floors. This design by Margot Flynn Chavez strikes a balance between drama and simplicity: A black marble island is the focal point of the room, and tall white cabinets provide storage without creating any excess visual clutter. A few wooden accents—bar stools and cooking utensils—pull the space together.

Earthy Elegance

The grey Freclay tiles in this kitchen by Sage almost read as green when paired with black. A mix of textures —glossy tiles, a natural wood shelf, and smooth black marble with brown accents—make perfect harmony with the simple Peppercorn Edge cabinets. The key here is to not overdo things—hence brass cabinet pulls that are placed right in line with the cabinets’ pencil reed detail.

Tuxedo Chic

What’s black and white and cool all over? This kitchen from Chicago-based designer Tracy Cimba brings together show-stopping black-veined marble with BOXI’s Peppercorn Edge ccabinets. The beauty here is in the details: streamlined brass hardware brings some light to the dark cabinets, and a black-and-gold kitchen faucet pulls it all together.

True Monochrome

An all-black outfit always looks effortlessly chic—and the same is true for an all-black kitchen. Take this space, home to celebrity phographer Sebastian Kim, for instance. The peppercorn edge on the cabinets adds some much-needed texture, preventing the space from looking too one-dimensional. A grey marble island also works to make the space feel more dynamic.

Sleek and Bright

A black kitchen might sound like a design risk, especially when you’re working in a small space, but this galley-style kitchen by Albie K. Buabeng proves that it can have serious payoff. Brown leather pulls on the Peppercorn Edge cabinets make a playful contrast, and lend some warmth to the space. The glossy black tile backsplash makes the cabinets look cohesive, but a massive window and some white space up top keep it looking bright and open.

True Neutrals

What takes this kitchen to the next level is the vertically stacked glossy grey tile backsplash, which plays off the concrete flooring with its slightly warm-toned grout. As a result, this neutral space looks anything but cold.