Kitchen Makeover

A Black Kitchen Makeover With Vikki

With a penchant for dark decors, cosmetic clinician, Vikki McCallum, was instantly drawn to the sultry and sophisticated aesthetic of the Dark Drama trend. Known for its ability to create a statement look, its ethos of using texture to create a sensory space gave Vikki the confidence to design a family-friendly and fashion-forward interior. Discover how Howdens helped her adapt this expressive look to suit her home.

About Vikki

Interior enthusiast and manager of a cosmetics clinic, Vikki McCallum, has been slowly updating her Bournemouth home over the last three years to suit her personal taste. A lover of dark and moody designs, she has given her kitchen a dramatic overhaul with charcoal cupboard doors in a classic shaker style.

The transformation

Old-fashioned and outdated

Featuring a muted palette and tired furniture, Vikki’s old kitchen was a far cry from her daring style. Although the layout was large, it failed to maximise the space available. This made it difficult for Vikki to socialise with family, which she wanted to change within her renovation.

Alluring and atmospheric

Vikki has taken full advantage of her new open layout by choosing our Fairford Charcoal cupboard doors, which create a striking look without overwhelming the room. Her design now includes an island unit, which connects the kitchen to her living area to make the space more sociable.

The design details

A black backdrop

To capture the expressive essence of the Dark Drama trend, Vikki chose charcoal cabinetry, which has the intensity and depth of colour to create a bold backdrop. This striking hue helps draw in her large layout for a cosy space where she can relax after a long day. Vikki also decided to go for shaker doors, which add character and pay homage to the classic roots of this look.

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Quartz worktops

The solid stone counters in Vikki’s layout introduce a polished finish that contrasts the grained pattern of her framed cupboards, creating layers of texture that is at the heart of this dramatic design. Adding a high-end accent to the space, this material is also hardwearing as it is stain, heat, and scratch-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for a busy family home.

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Floor storage

With texture being a key way to add visual interest to a Dark Drama scheme, Vikki kept storage at floor level to showcase her stunning brick wall. She included drawers, which maximise space, and offer easy access to essentials – great for when she needs to find items in a hurry. Vikki also opted for extra-wide units to ensure there were minimal breaks to keep the design looking seamless.

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Vikki McCallum

“Creating a design that was both stylish and low-maintenance was important to me, which is why I chose quartz worktops. They have a luxe look and are hardwearing, making them a worthwhile investment.”

Working with Howdens

Finding a fitter

Vikki was recommended a specialist kitchen fitter who was professional and had lots of experience of working with Howdens. Having an expert on board gave Vikki the confidence that her new design would be installed exactly to her requirements. For help finding a trade professional, contact your local depot.

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Product choice

Vikki searched for months to find a kitchen that matched her dramatic style, so she was pleased that the wide selection at Howdens made it easy to find a darker design. She finally settled on our Fairford doors, which have a grained finish and come in a variety of shades, including graphite and charcoal.

Design service

With her mind set on an open layout, Vikki and her designer discussed several ways they could keep the space looking both stylish and clutter-free. Her designer planned in integrated cleaning devices, which add sleek functionality and ensure her dark cabinetry remains in the spotlight.

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Installation

Thanks to her local depot, which was fully stocked with all the items she needed, Vikki’s kitchen was fitted within a five-day deadline. Her trade professional's expertise meant the installation was carried out to a high standard even with limited time, leaving Vikki delighted with her new space.

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Get the look

Chrome tap

Vikki decided to choose a faucet in a bright metal, like chrome, to punctuate the dark decor and add an eye-catching contrast. The pale tone also helps prevent the scheme from looking too intense, while the swan-neck style of this fixture gives a subtle nod the heritage roots of this trend.

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Undermount sink

Vikki knew the bold palette had to be the focus of her scheme, as it would create the intimate atmosphere that Dark Drama designs are known for. She chose discreet features, like an undermount sink-bowl, which could be fitted beneath her work area to keep the attention on her charcoal doors.

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Cutlery trays

As well as suiting Vikki’s need for an organised space, the cutlery trays make her layout more practical by keeping her utensils close to hand – great when she is getting her dining area ready for entertaining. They also tie in with the functional ethos of this human-centred interior style.

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Integrated dishwasher

High-tech machines are a staple in Dark Drama schemes, so Vikki included a cleaning device in her layout. Making light work of dirty dinnerware, this equipment also has an integrated style, which can be hidden behind cupboards for a discreet look, so the bold shade remains front and centre of the design.

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Vikki McCallum

“I honestly could not have asked for more from Howdens and my designer. The local service meant they were in contact with me throughout the whole process, and they made sure everything went smoothly.”