Bringing the Heat: Styling Formica Sahara Noir for a Cozy Winter Kitchen
Discover how the dramatic Formica Sahara Noir can turn up the heat in your kitchen design this winter.
The Winter Sanctuary
The temperature is dropping and the sun is setting earlier every day. Instead of fighting the dark evenings, we are choosing to lean into them. There is something incredibly comforting about a space that feels enclosed and safe from the wind and snow. This month, our mood board is all about "bringing the heat" indoors. We want to show you that a dark countertop doesn't have to feel cold. In fact, with the right styling, it can be the warmest element in the room.
Meet Sahara Noir
The star of this design is undoubtedly Formica Sahara Noir. It is part of the premium 180fx series, which uses high-resolution scanning technology to replicate the true scale of natural stone. This isn't the laminate you might remember from decades ago. It features a deep, inky black background that feels sophisticated immediately. But the real magic happens in the veining. It has striking copper and golden streaks running through it. Those warm metallic tones are exactly what we need to break up the darkness and add that cozy factor we are looking for this season.
Building the Look
To make this look work, we need to balance that intense black surface. We paired the countertop with Prestolam's "K13RO" cabinet finish. It is a rustic light wood that brings an organic, earthy feel to the layout and keeps the room from feeling too heavy or cave-like.
For the backsplash, we turned to Lighthouse Tile. We chose the "Costa Nova" collection in the color "Terra." This terracotta orange picks up the copper veins in the countertop perfectly. It adds a pop of heat that creates an instant focal point against the darker elements.
To tie everything together, we selected warm brass hardware and the "Leyton" blind in "Nightfall" from Blinds To Go. For the walls and accents, we looked to Sherwin-Williams for a palette that bridges the gap between deep moody tones and soft neutrals:
- Copper Harbor (SW 6634)
- Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
- Homburg Gray (SW 7622)
- Porpoise (SW 7047)
- Unfussy Beige (SW 6043)
Why This Look Works
This aesthetic works because it embraces the season rather than ignoring it. It is moody, sure, but it is also a warm sanctuary. It proves that you can use bold, dark surfaces like Sahara Noir without sacrificing that welcoming feeling you want in a home.
Ready to transform your space? Come visit our showroom at 71 Ilsley Ave to see these samples in person and start planning your renovation.
