(NC)—If those kitchen toasters and blenders in upbeat reds, cheery yellows and bright greens are starting to make your kitchen look more like your kid's playroom than a room worthy of serious cooking and adult social gatherings, you might want to consider adding black to bring back some elegance and maturity into your favourite room.

"Black is one of the most versatile colours to work with in décor," says Alexandra Marshall of Blanco Canada. "It can do just about anything you want it to, depending on how you use it and how much of it you use."

The fashion world has shown us that black can create instant elegance, as in the little black dress, but also that it can reflect a dark and edgy mood. Too much black can look harsh if not balanced with other softer or brighter colours. Shown in stark contrast with white, the combination creates a dramatic and contemporary look.

In the kitchen, black appliances were once popular but less so since the introduction of stainless steel fridges and stoves, and more recently, appliance manufacturers have brought back upbeat colours and vintage brights. That's understandable since large, major appliances in black can create a heavy look especially for small kitchens. So how else can we take advantage of versatile black in the kitchen?

One way is through the use of black accessories and accents. Whether light fixtures, paint trim or just a sink or faucet, black will catch the eye and sharpen any decorating scheme.

"Our most popular granite sink colour for the kitchen is anthracite," says Ms. Marshall. "Silgranit sinks come in a wide range of colours, but black is a strong favourite and using black for the sink is an ideal way to add it as an accent without overwhelming the room." Silgranit sinks are made up of a composite material that includes 80 percent natural granite that is virtually scratch- and stain-proof. "The durability, natural beauty and colour range of Silgranit stone has made it the most popular choice of coloured sink in Canada," adds Ms. Marshall. For more information, visit www.silgranit.ca.

Another option is to pair a stainless steel sink with a black faucet. Blanco has introduced a new line of coloured faucets to match their Silgranit sinks, however these faucets are also stunning when matched to the countertop, backsplash, cabinetry or cabinet hardware, or any other accents in the room.

Whether you choose to go black all the way or just use it as an accent, you can't go wrong with black to create an elegant, sophisticated look. If you've gone too far, just add back that bright yellow toaster or red blender for an instant cheery lift.

- News Canada