Home design magazines often feature clean, elegant spaces – showing satin cushions, white couches and spotless bedspreads that soon become the wreckage of children. How do you attain a gorgeous, minimalistic space that all the family can enjoy? These two modern apartments under 1200 square feet from Minsk, Belarus and Dnipro, Ukraine, show how colouring and neutral tones can be both harmonious and child-friendly. Using clever partitioning to divide spaces, competing colours in kids’ bedrooms can be loud – and work together. Neutral undertones and subtle texturing make features out of background tones, creating the illusion of more space. Unique elements set several spaces apart, creating harmony in the space that your family meets, greets, and eats.
Designer:VAE Design Group
Designed for a family of four, this apartment in Radischeva, Minsk, covers 107sqm in a characterful fashion. Unusual features, split-colour schemes and monochromatics blend together in space well-used, well-partitioned and well-transitioned. In the living room, alternate chequered cushions sit before a game of checkers, atop a blue sofa and afront yellow accents. The result is a space that looks effortlessly cool, calm and collected.
From behind the couch, a monochromatic panel housing TV and entertainment essentials meets the eye. Light wooden flooring, muted grey walls and a lack of clutter help it dominate the space.
Muted hues add desirability to certain spaces, with little quirks to attract the eye. Hunger-inducing beige kitchen benches remind the visitor of coffee and bagels; light-wood slatted lights offer a warmth suitable for illuminating breakfast. Charcoal cabinetry in the kitchen reduces clutter in a busy family environment.
The unique dining pendant lights used here are the Puncto 4203 by Secto Design.
The master bedroom excels in muted hues, with a colourful art contribution above the bed. Dreamy chiffon curtains let in not-too-bright light, while muted light grey, dark grey and navy colours say sleep.
The kids’ bedroom and study injects more play. Lego-esque circles feature on cupboard walls and desk chairs in mustard and teal, tones bright but reserved enough for an office. Twin inlets framed by stone allow Batman and Superman feature walls to battle it out, while cross-matching duvet covers fit rather than match. Under-bed cabinetry hides away the toys.
The family bathroom harks to the marine in an understated way. Metallic silver panelling behind the mirror extends it, reminiscent of fish scales. Electric blue tiling says swim, and textured white tiling ties it all together.
The ensuite binds bathroom duties to master bedroom colouring. Charcoal cabinetry and light wooden features are combined in multi-hued tiling. Slatted wooden ceilings and clever inlets ensure the contemporary feel is maintained.
Designer:Aleksandra Nuzhnaya & Nastya Kravchenko
Situated in Dnipro, Ukraine at 110sqm, this characterful home was designed with comfort and function in mind. Using neutral colours with a focus on being technology-friendly, it intermixes the needs of a young family with a multi-layered, contemporary look. The living room offers a glimpse into a space used for eating, watching television and socialising, mixing teal, mustard and black elements together with a hexagonal-patterned rug. A black opaque feature wall houses the television, easily hidden away for more formal occasions.
Tying in the hexagonal theme from the rug, the kitchen to living room segue uses geometrical outlines to create harmony. See-through shelving and rectangular wall art mirror each other, while neutral light-wood and plant life soften the resemblance.
The view to the kitchen offers a different perspective. Three black chairs pair with three black hanging lights, a perfect symphony for dining. Two interlocked black-and-glass tables work with new black features and previous rectangular elements. A light wooden cross-room wall and floor adds an unexpected feature.
Hued in light-wood shades, couch and table elements in the study look comfortable but practical. Wood-panelled elements and concrete tiling offer the contemporary, while side-lighting adds a modern elegance. A patterned rug and vertically-painted triptych break the beige.
Twin minimalistic backgrounds create space and interest in the bedroom. A thin, horizontal wall inlet provides the space of a bedside table without the clutter, while midnight blue covers and rich terracotta upholstery adds warmth.
The children’s room allows creativity – within good design. Midnight blue from the bedroom duvet translates to a feature chalkboard wall, for the kids to draw on.
A zen-like bathroom uses minimalist materials to create a feeling of calm for the whole family. A large round feature mirror reflects the wall behind, giving the impression of more space while adding a central focus. Beige and white elements intersect each other in the shelving underneath, and the layout of the simplistic shower.
Doormats are an often-underappreciated part of a tidy household – but they’re a necessity, so why not have some fun with them? We’ve collected 30 of our favorite humorous doormats to brighten the mood at your entryway. Mats like these are always a great conversation starter if you need a housewarming gift or birthday present for that friend who loves to laugh. While almost all of these models are durable and suited to outdoor use, others would look just as nice at an indoor threshold or inside of a dorm room or RV. Create the ultimate entryway by checking out our list of inspiring front door designs too.
Welcome-Go Away Ambigram Door Mat
This doormat welcomes guests as they enter, and shoos them away as they leave. Or if you’re feeling particularly unsociable, you could always flip the mat around and let the world know how you feel.
Here’s another doormat for those who don’t appreciate unexpected visitors. Maybe next time that door-to-door solicitor will think twice before knocking.
Everybody has a friend that could use one of these. The seller also offers custom options in case you want to switch out Ryan Gosling with another celebrity… but who on Earth would want to do that?
Ward off would-be thieves with this humorous mat – just maybe don’t let your neighbors see what you’re up to. The reviews state that this is a very thin mat so it’s better for a rarely used side or back door.
This is definitely the perfect doormat for somebody who has a “way with words”. Consider giving this as a gag gift for somebody who has a darker sense of humor.
If you know anybody who would actually fall for this trick, the rug becomes ten times better. But even as it stands, it will definitely bring smiles from passerby – it’s family friendly and innocently funny.
Hello From The Other Side Doormat
Adele fans will definitely get the reference and everyone else can at least appreciate its literal interpretation. These mats are painted by hand in Westminster, California.
Hi, I’m Mat Doormat
Proper introductions are just good manners, and this mat sets a good example. Your neighbors might even wonder why their own doormats aren’t more polite.
Warrant Doormat
The ideal gift for the anti-authoritarian friend.
No Soliciting Sign Doormat
This sign has everything! It wards away the most common door-to-door nuisances but makes sure to let the Scouts know their wares are always more than welcome.
Dog Can’t Hold Its Licker Doormat
Although perhaps not as frightening as a general “Beware of Dog” sign, this doormat does a good job of letting guests know that they might get greeted with big slobbery kisses from your four-legged housemate.
Wipe Your Paws Doormat
If only dogs could read… this doormat is still a great gift for people who love their canine companions, or for parents who feel like their kids muddy the house like a pack of wild animals.
Remove Your Shoes Doormat
This mat humorously urges visitors to slip off those dirty sneakers while doubling as a reminder to keep those sneakers where the pups can’t get to them. This one might make a nice gift to a friend with cutely mischievous pets.
Not A Joke Doormat
No pooch could be happier than if a guest actually heeded this ransom note. The good news is that most of us are lucky enough to own dogs that wouldn’t trade us for even the most prime of cuts.
Whom The Dog Barks Doormat
Hemingway fans and literature buffs will dig the reference, and guests will appreciate the humor as your built-in security alarms raise their voices at the first knock.
Friendly Warning Doormat
One more doormat for the dog fans out there – this one is way too relatable for anyone whose best buddies are overly friendly with the guests.
Sad Dinosaur Doormat
Poor t-rex can never join in on the fun and games. This would make a cool gift for a friend who has one of those inflatable t-rex costumes currently making the rounds on social media.
I Will Not Be A Doormat
Sometimes it feels like this is how all of those inspirational daily affirmations end up working out, but at least this doormat has come to a place of acceptance. Hopefully guests won’t feel too bad for the rug.
Bring In The Booze Door Mat
This mat says what every host is really thinking. This would be a great gift for a housewarming or bachelor/bachelorette party.
House WAS Clean Doormat
We all know the feeling. Consider this mat as a gift for busy parents – or even new parents, since they’re bound to face the struggle eventually.
Retro Cassette Doormat
Fans of the 70s hit song by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young won’t be able to help but burst out into song when they check out your rad new doormat. It also has that cool throwback aesthetic that even non-fans can appreciate.
The Local Host Doormat
Are you looking for a gift for the hardworking IT technician at the office? This is a must-have for anybody who appreciates a little nerdy humor and knows his or her way around a home network.
Moustache Door Mat
When you simply “moustache” somebody to wipe those feet before entering, this clever doormat is the way to get the point across. It’s a nice compact doormat so you can infuse some big personality into a smaller space.
False Weighing Scale Doormat
Some guests might be alarmed at the thought that this doormat might reveal their weight to everybody nearby. Thankfully, it’s just an image.
Retro 8-Bit Controllers Doormat
Microsoft and Sony fans need not apply – use this doormat to show the world that yours is a Nintendo household at heart.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
