Before and After: this dark kitchen has been transformed into a warm, light-filled space

Beautifully bold, dark kitchens know how to make a statement – and the space below is certainly no exception. While it is hard to believe that anybody may want to renovate a dark, moody kitchen, it is exactly what deVOL did in their St. John's Square showroom, where they showcase their Haberdasher kitchen.

Their creative director, Helen Parker, transformed the top floor of the kitchen label's townhouse from a sophisticated black haven to a yellow-hued space that was designed to feel like a private members club. This is a journey of opposite kitchen color ideas – and both are equally as striking. But which one do you prefer? 

Before – a moody Haberdasher kitchen

When it comes to black kitchen ideas, you could do far worse than following the example of this townhouse. While the floor was painted entirely in this bold hue, the wider room accompanied the moody scheme seamlessly through dark, olive green paint ideas. There was also a hint of white marble that made a stark contrast against the backdrop. 

Alongside the dark tones, the Haberdasher's famously 'un-kitcheny' furniture introduces the 'private members club' aesthetic that made the space feel ambient – beyond the color palette.  'A mid-century design, in the beginning, has now become a top choice for people who have multifunctional living spaces,' the team at deVOL say. 

The bold tones continued beyond the kitchen worktops to the dining area, which was previously drenched in dark tones. These daring color ideas allowed the colorful book spines to sit as mini pockets of color – along with the tainted glass accessories and minute gallery wall. 

After – a yellow-toned haven

Despite dark tones sitting at the peak of kitchen trends, deVOL transformed their walls – adding a subtle, golden paint to the space. 'It's crazy how totally different the room feels,' they say. 'An earthy, warm, yellow-toned neutral was our new choice, much lighter and brighter than before and actually quite unusual.'

The color – which stretches beyond the wall to the roof – is the perfect partner for the handcrafted oak cupboards.  It also offsets the room's cream and white accents, which previously made a juxtaposition in the space. 

And while this transformation is striking in terms of design, color psychologist Lee Chambers explains that the transformation uncovers psychological quirks, too.

'There is no doubt that the black kitchen has been a style hit, creating a modern, sophisticated edge to a room that can easily feel outdated as trends change,' he says. 'And as a color in a space, it carries a weight and intensity that can amplify feelings.' 

'But in our current dynamic and somewhat challenging world, it can feel less welcoming and doesn't provide the same mellow stability that warmer neutral tones provide. In times like these, we find grounding and expansive space when surrounded by natural materials, elements that bring a little nostalgia, and shades that bring subtle feelings of optimism.'

We're completely tied. Do you prefer the kitchen before or after?