Ink

The color

Ink is a true black with a slight cool lean. The paint is opaque, so the maple reads as one continuous tone rather than as wood.

In north light, common in brownstone rear kitchens, it settles into a soft charcoal-black and shows the most depth. In south light it deepens, and the satin sheen catches along edges and moldings. Under warm LEDs around 2700K, the edges warm slightly while the flat planes stay black.

What to pair it with

Honed white marble or soapstone counters soften the contrast. Walnut butcher block on an island adds warmth.

Unlacquered brass and aged bronze hardware will patina against the black. Polished nickel gives a cooler, sharper line.

Wide-plank white oak or pale limestone tile keeps the room from feeling heavy. Be cautious with very dark floors unless the kitchen gets real daylight.

Where it suits

In Manhattan, it works in prewar co-op kitchens with generous ceiling height, and in lofts, where the slab doors Perry Metal and Bleecker keep the lines clean. Clinton (shaker) suits brownstone and townhouse floors. Gramercy Bevel and Sutton (applied-molding) add detail to apartment kitchens.

On Long Island, Astor (raised-panel) fits traditional colonials. Newer open-plan houses can take a full run of black. In a small galley, limit it to the lower cabinets or a single wall.

Browse the TKG Inset collection or compare door styles.

Care and durability

Wipe with a soft damp cloth and mild soap, then dry. Skip abrasive pads and harsh cleaners. Satin hides fingerprints better than gloss, but black shows dust, so a microfiber cloth helps.

Painted maple moves slightly with seasonal humidity, and a hairline at a joint can appear after the heating season. Touch-ups are straightforward. See other finishes or contact us.