Have grandiose plans for your interior, but not the room to house them? Never fear – interior inspiration for your small space is here. These two apartment designs, both under 60sqm, bring style to what could be boxy and boring. Using design motifs – such as hexagonal tiles, stencils and bold colouring – across multiple spaces, the rooms flow seamlessly, while keeping their own character. Open plans house kitchens, living and dining rooms, separating off spaces with jellyfish lamps, Japanese bookcases and opaque glass sliding doors. See the potential for your home or rental – in pictures and floor plans – with our house tours below.
Visualizer:Tim Gabriel
Our first small apartment is brought to life with bold accent colouring. Using colour cues in teal and terracotta, rooms speak in their own language, while more muted creams and beiges keep the background noise down. In the lounge, a chrome-polished and stone-upholstered unique floor lamp lights up a teal L-couch snuggling into the corner. Complemented by a leaning fern canvas, the space winds round to a linen TV enclave, an earthy material continuing the natural theme. As the wall extends, a working space reveals itself beside the most minimalist of unique table lamps , the IKEA Work Lamp , which lightly glows over the linen. Minor details in stencilled unique wall clocks , suede ottomans and a woven stone mat reinforce softer background palettes, while a mini tea-set complete with glass pitcher offers a view through chiffon.
Carrying on the teal theme, the kitchen marks the spot for eating with complementary wooden dining room pendant lights . Extending over a wall, table, and chair legs, wood provides a neutral surface from which to showcase the beehive-tiled floor, a 70’s dream in alternating shades of stone and cream. Tying in with the floor, three modern dining chairs from About A Chair clad their sitters in stone, while a darkened glass vase offers a segue between light and dark. A solo vased sprig, bright-yellow table edging and LED lighting add the finishing touches.
Hexagonal tiling provides a distinctive feature that doesn’t soak up space. Winding through the kitchen and down the hallway, its mottled shapes play with a modern bookcase , which opens and shuts down the sides of the walls. Opening up near the entrance to offer a coat rack, the corridor’s design affords enough room for a sitting cork stool. A simple panel mirror makes the space seem wider, as stray shoes tuck under the shelving.
Another closet beckons in our master bedroom. Faced by a smaller mirror, cream cabinetry and lightly-patterned candle holders, its stone walls and wooden floors are kept secret by reflective glass doors, maintaining privacy. Black and wooden boxes on five rows of shelving offer a great place to hide unsightly storage.
The bedroom reveals another feature colour – terracotta red. Staking out a full wall, its two canvases provide the room with colour, referenced by a small portrait on the bedside ledge. Lit by two small modern wall sconces , the ledge lifts up to engraved-look circular decals and a ring light pendant. Marking out the centre, the pendant segues the mirroring TV ledge, grey-and-white bedding and wall motifs. Beige wooden flooring, full-height curtains and stone-hued ledges soften the mood for sleeping.
Reminiscent of the kitchen’s 70’s feel, the ensuite makes the hippy modern. A rounded rectangular mirror, boxed wooden stand and hexagonal tiles create an design typical of the era. Mixed with more modern features in black-boxed soap and lotion dispensers , a teardrop toilet, chrome wall hooks and a full glass shower, the space appears fresh and distinctive. A textured shower wall adds a surprising twist.
Opening again to textured walls, the shared laundry and toilet tie in more interior themes. Using the teal from the lounge and tiles from the kitchen, its economical benches store a bathroom sink, washer and dryer, and LED-lit mirror. A bold black tap from the ensuite and chrome shower head make it easy to clean.
Take a look at our floor plan for the bigger picture.
Visualizer:K BAND
Sitting at an even smaller 55sqm, our second apartment in Kiev, Ukraine is inspired by being unique. Lifting off from a helicopter pad floor decal, the interior first presents us with a room-dividing plinth. Choosing the open-plan dining, lounge and chill area from the two, thick black stencil lines in the dining room chairs, ottoman and coffee table legs lead the way to a pastel green couch. Providing a relaxation area for music-themed home decor fans, a range of vinyls deck the wooden ledges lining the room, while a suede chaise lounge chair offers a seat to enjoy them. Looking from the ottoman, the space opens out to a kitchen in grey, a neutral-tone dining area and splashes of colour in an above-sofa artwork.
Lit by the most unique of dining room pendant lights , a linen jellyfish hovers above the dining area, an eclectic collection of black-framed chairs and glass centrepieces. Each bringing a different style, the six chairs offer six unique personalities beside the table’s matching black feet. A beautiful antique fireplace brings warmth, the mottled grey bookcase a sly peek at dinner. Decorative vases in tulip and bell-pepper shapes are referenced by black ceramics on the ledge, while a grey and black mat ties the shades in.
The kitchen breathes in similar tones to the dining room, using light wood and thick black motifs. Bordered by a white and grey bookcase and Japanese stencil windows, it retains a light and airy feel separate from adjoining spaces. Fringed kitchen bar stools offer a seat to view its LED-lit wooden panels, which sit tight within opaque grey cabinetry. Showcasing cups , wine glasses and the odd martini triangle, its open shelves display the best, while the necessities hide in closed cabinets and under-table shelving. A couple of unique kitchen pendant lights in the same hue illuminate unique planters , while a wisp of chiffon blocks the view of the bedroom.
Headed by lacquered wood and a geometric stencil, the bed appears bold amidst its grey and white surroundings. Aided by a couple of black wall sconces , its Florentine-patterned bedspread is the perfect accessory for blending a grey woollen mat and black and white stencil print.
The bathroom is the perfect synergy of all the spaces. Carrying the bedroom’s stencilling and dining room’s dark framing, its black-edged tiles look effortlessly stylish and unique. Light-wooden tones form thick panels around a bathtub, kitchen sink and mirror. A few idea bulbs dangle from the ceiling, a reminder of the apartment’s clever space-saving ideas.
Take a look at the floor plan, for a bird’s eye view.
Damascus knives are known for their beautiful flowing blade patterns thanks to a special welding process that is used in manufacturing them. Due to their showy nature they are now used extensively - from display swords to chef’s knives. Do check them out!
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
