Call it what you will – titanium, gunmetal, graphite, soft black. It is a softer yet deeper and richer alternative to matte black, which we’ve been seeing quite a lot of in the past couple of years. I especially love the titanium mixed with tanned leather-wrapped appliance hardware from the Monogram Designer Collection, shown above right. What better way to add deeper, darker tones into the kitchen? I would use the blackened steel panels, above right, as cabinet fronts, They have a slightly worn, vintage look to them which again, is a much softer and sophisticated look than a matte black.