Erin Napier celebrated the 100th episode of Home Town with this visually deep and 'eye-catching' cabinet color

Nothing is more divisive than black cabinets. Some designers say they are timeless and chic, while others claim they can date your space. However, Erin Napier has chosen her side, and she's proudly rooting for dark kitchens. The designer shared an Instagram post of the 100th space she designed for her HGTV show Home Town, and it offers much to be celebrated, but nothing stands out quite as much as her cabinet hue. 

The photos of Erin's 100th space show a black kitchen cabinet color with gold hardware against a white tile backsplash. The open-concept space has natural hardwood floors and neutral furniture under a stylish and unique chandelier.

Though Erin's kitchen cabinet hue is controversial, experts say there are important benefits to the look. 

'Black kitchen cabinets, especially in an open-concept space, offer a bold and sophisticated look. They serve as an anchor within the room, drawing the eye and making a statement while also providing a neutral backdrop that can be paired with a variety of other colors and textures,' comments designer Courtney Cole.

Courtney Cole

As an interior designer at TileCloud, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the world of home renovation. With a Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration and a passion for creating stunning interiors, she is dedicated to helping people on their journey to transform their homes. 

NYC-based interior designer Artem Kropovinsky adds: 'Black cabinets bring a modern and sophisticated look to an open concept space that adds an eye-catching feature that can help to break up a large open space.'

Artem Kropovinsky

Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, has a decade of extensive and considerable global design experience. Prioritizing minimalism, sustainability, and authenticity, Artem, alongside his team of professionals, works on projects in the US and worldwide.

This cabinet trend works especially well when decorating with gold hardware. 'The use of gold pulls with black cabinets is a design choice that brings a touch of luxury and warmth to the kitchen,' Courtney explains.

'Gold accents stand out against the black, offering a classic contrast that is both elegant and timeless. These details catch the light and add a layer of refinement and detail to the design: the gold pulls echo the delicate golden hues of the pendant light fixtures and the faucet, creating a cohesive metallic theme that weaves throughout the space.' And her thoughts are replicated by Artem. 

'The contrast between the dark cabinets and bright gold hardware helps to bring visual interest to Erin's contemporary space,' he adds.

'The natural wood flooring and hardwood sofa combined with black adds dimension to the space Erin designed. Courtney says, 'The combination of black cabinets with natural wood elements brings a balance to the space. The richness of black cabinets is softened by the warmth and organic texture of wood, creating a space that feels both modern and inviting. This blend of materials can make a kitchen feel grounded and connected to nature while still maintaining a sleek and contemporary edge.'

Shop the Edit

With Erin Napier standing by the style, we predict that black cabinets will be more of a trend in the coming year.