Special section: Dive into color
Make a splash — inside and out
Guru of hue
Brighten your image
Pigmented clay plaster
Desert bloom
Bold and beautiful cottage

The little black dress is forever in fashion because it’s elegant and practical, making accessories and other colors pop. That’s the rationale behind the choice of materials here — a good example of the trend toward darker accent colors in kitchens. The simple geometry of the island and cabinet wall is set off by pale green paint for the computer niche and natural maple for the island base, keeping the composition warm and fresh while creating a link to the outdoors.

Paint: A pale green desk area brightens the space and echoes the color of the acrylic-plastic cabinet front.

Cabinetry: Ebony-stained maple cabinets combine with the counter to define the kitchen’s main prep and storage zones.

Trim: The black anodized aluminum doorframe matches the cabinet fronts and counter for a unified appearance.

Countertop: Honed black granite creates a clean look that highlights stainless steel and other accents.

DESIGN: Lane Williams Architects, Seattle (206/284-8355)