Every kitchen has a story, and this one’s started dark wood cabinets and overworked hardware, equally as dark, leaving no room for distinction and a little lack-luster. Despite being open to the living room, the kitchen felt disjointed, weighed down, and lacking in personality. Our goal was to honor its great layout while giving it a new sense of depth, style, and modern character. The result? A dramatic transformation anchored by Black Evergreen cabinets, brushed gold details, and a reimagined island that now feels like a design feature instead of an afterthought.
Here’s a picture of the kitchen before
Why We Chose Black Evergreen by Behr for the Cabinets
Addressing the cabinet color was the first place we started. Instead of defaulting to white or light tones, we chose Black Evergreen by Behr, a deep green-black that instantly elevated the space. This shade has the richness of black with gorgeous, rich green tones. Against the existing black granite countertops, the color feels intentional and striking, providing enough contrast without overwhelming the room.
Painting the island to match brought a cohesive flow across the entire kitchen, tying together what once felt like disconnected elements. The shift from dark brown wood to this bold, moody hue gave the kitchen a new identity. It now feels modern, timeless, and tailored.
Here is a swatch of Black Evergreen, which helps demonstrate its depth.
The Power of Details: Gold Hardware & Arabesque Backsplash
With these cabinets outfitted in such a rich color, we needed to account for some new details to match their depth and personality. Out went the dated hardware, and in came brushed gold pulls and knobs. The subtle gleam of gold immediately brightened the cabinets, creating warmth and sophistication.
For the backsplash, we installed a classic white arabesque tile. The shape adds movement and texture, while dark gray grout outlines each curve, ensuring the pattern holds its own against the bold cabinetry. I love how this shape and color provide balance to the kitchen design.
Together with gold hardware, this white backsplash layers depth into the design, preventing the dark counters and cabinets from overpowering the space.
Pro-Tip from the funcycled design team
Turning a Builder-Grade Island into a Design Statement
Originally, this kitchen island was purely functional. Yes, serving its purpose but lacking style and causing it to feel disjointed from the rest of the kitchen and not really even part of the adjoining living room. We reimagined it by wrapping the base in board and batten, then trimming out three sides with molding to match the design of the cabinet side. Painting the island in Black Evergreen unified it with the cabinetry, while the added millwork elevated it into a focal point.
Now, instead of blending into the background, the island anchors the kitchen and enhances the open flow into the living room. It feels custom, thoughtful, and designed to belong.
Styling That Brings Warmth & Balance
With such high contrast between the black granite and white backsplash, styling became key to softening the overall look. For the photoshoot, we layered in natural textures: vintage wood canisters, a cutting board, stacked bowls, and a candle. The warmth of the wood tones brings depth, while greenery adds life and freshness. These small, thoughtful touches bridge the gap between sleek finishes and everyday livability, ensuring the kitchen feels welcoming as well as stunning.
More Kitchen Transformation Inspiration
Here are some other great kitchen transformations from FunCycled.
Blue & Gold Kitchen with Open Shelves
Clean and Bright Kitchen Reveal
Classic & Farmhouse Feel Kitchen Makeover
Final Thoughts
I hope you have gleaned some inspiration and perhaps discovered some key takeaways for your kitchen! To see more kitchen inspiration, check out all of our KITCHEN MAKEOVERS.
Are you considering getting your kitchen cabinets painted (OR MORE!), follow these three easy steps to getting your FREE QUOTE today! If you are even remotely considering a kitchen refresh, I encourage you to CONTACT US today!
Final Thoughts
Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page.
If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations.
We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do.
Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )
Exquisite Spaces. Sustainable Designs. Brighter Futures.
Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.
