• Red accessories add drama to the kitchen.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  A white, red and black kitchen design creates a bold, high-contrast statement in your home. Whether you are starting from scratch or incorporating color into your existing kitchen design, you can add elements that transform a standard kitchen into a dramatic, modern space. As you plan a design, look for ways to use color that will complement the rest of your home for a continuous feeling.
  
  

Black-and-White Patterns

• To combine black and white in your kitchen and create a contemporary feeling, use black-and-white patterns. You can choose a bold striped backsplash, for example, or find floral-printed curtains for the window. Look for printed plates, decorative panels, or insert a few bold tiles into your backsplash for an unexpected touch. With black and white, a little goes a long way; even a small amount of patterned space can make a large design impact.
  
  

Red Cabinets

• For a bold way to incorporate red into your kitchen design, paint your cabinets a deep crimson color. If you have wooden cabinets, use a primer to prepare the surface for the paint; you can also install red metal cabinets for a contemporary look. For a less dramatic look, add inserts into the cabinets for a splash of color without the commitment; mount fabric panels on the center of each cabinet that can be removed when you want to change the design. If you want bold expanses of red without overwhelming the space, paint your bottom cabinets so that the color rests below the line of sight.
  
  

Accents

• If you want to incorporate red and black into the kitchen without making a dramatic statement, use accents. Start with a white base, and add red and black for contrast. You might buy colored appliances, for example, or add color in the hand towels. Look for pot holders, chargers, place mats, lamp shades, utensil holders or tablecloths in red and black. Vases, stemware, cookie jars or candle elements are also ways to add color without spending a great deal of money.
  
  

Checkerboard Floor

• A black-and-white checkerboard floor is a way to add a retro feeling to your kitchen. Look for tiles that will retain their depth of color over the years. One-foot tiles will make a strong impression without overwhelming the room. A checkerboard floor is particularly effective in a small kitchen, where you do not have a lot of room to work in design elements.