2 Super Small Apartments Under 30 Square Meters (~325 Square Feet) [includes Floor Plans]

In a tiny apartment, everything must have its place and stay there. When you’re working with just a few square meters of floor space, there is no room for a spontaneous floor lamp purchase or a flea market bean bag. From concept to design to the actual living in the apartment, you have to be meticulous. The two apartments features in this post are just that. Each item has a purpose and a place. Frivolity is not an option, but style is required.

Designer:Felipe Campolina

The first apartment, from designer Felipe Campolina of ArchViz is a masculine take on small space design. The apartment is just 29 square meters (312 square feet) but still manages to include the conveniences necessary for a modern bachelor life.

A neutral color scheme helps the space feel more open, despite the fact that a couple of small windows are the only view to the outside world. And those windows don’t even open all the way.

The use of natural wood with white and gray also means it is easy to add and subtract from the design when necessary, without overthinking it. It’s the perfect blank canvas for an intimate dinner, for instance, since it lets the colors of the meal take over instantly.

While the bedroom (such as it is) is technically part of the same space as the living room, a privacy curtain can be drawn closed if necessary, or left open to keep the space feeling full.

As far as apartment bathrooms go, this one is not too bad considering the overall area of this place. A classic white design works perfectly with the corner shower and surprisingly spacious countertop.

Designer:Art Studio Design

The second apartment lends a more feminine air to the idea of small spaces. The detailed design of this 20 square meter (322 square feet) comes from Art Studio Design as intended for a young female designer.

A purple area rug and matching living room lamp make a colourful splash.

More than simply sliding a curtain over an open doorway, this space makes more creative use of the space it does have, starting with the tall white cabinetry that lines the wall. These massive storage spaces actually become the walls, giving the apartment a modern feel while disguising this essential design element.

Mirrored wall dividers slide around easily, shutting off portions of the apartment that are not in use and giving a clean and intimate feel to those that are.

The dining room table is on casters, rolling out of the way when it isn’t needed so that the entire kitchen area can be cordoned off.

Even the bed hides away when not in use. This contemporary answer to the murphy bed is far from old fashioned.

The purple color scheme that pervades the apartment, even into the bathroom, is deep enough that it doesn’t not come off as immature or “girly,” instead giving a distinctly sophisticated but still feminine impression.

When you invite someone into your home, you want them to feel comfortable. Not “take up residence on the sofa and stay a few weeks” comfortable, more like “take off your shoes and enjoy an aperitif” comfortable. There’s a lot to be said for how interior design can make guests feel welcome. These apartments from the designers at Workshop Art all utilize modern design elements in warm and inviting tones. The resulting spaces are exactly the kind of place you would want to bring a friend or two. Have a look.

The first apartment is a perfect space for a young family.

Its warmth and natural materials, including wood and stone, reflect an idea of coziness and comfort.

The front door, set apart with its use of darker wood, melts into the wall and invites you to stay just a little longer.

A cozy dining area complete with the whitewashed brick of a Parisian bistro is just right for a casual meal.

While guests may not generally find themselves in the bedroom, it’s still important for the regular inhabitants to feel comfortable and welcome, too.

The second space is a 60 square meter (645 square feet) apartment in the Russian city of Romashkovo.

This design takes warmth to a new level with whites and creams dominating the design throughout.

An afternoon in this apartment would be akin to spending it in a soft cloud or a Martha Stewart photo shoot.

But perhaps skip the Merlot and bring a nice bottle of Chardonnay. Or even better, water.

When you use color so sparsely, those pops you do use become that much more important. In the bedroom it’s verdant green pillows and a neat, silver wall sculpture.

Lucite dining chairs are designed to disappear into the design and indeed they do. Just make sure every guest has an actual chair underneath them before they go crashing to the ground.

This 38 square meter (409 square feet) apartment in West Kuncevo adds a bit of color back in, but maintains that same warm and cozy feeling.

The space here is all about texture from the plush leather sofa to the gauzy white curtains.

And Eames dining chairs are practically required if you want to call a space modern.

In this 74 square meter (796 square feet) apartment, designers had a bit more space to work with.

A Le Corbusier style chair is a comfortable landing place in the cozy, wood paneled bedroom.

The dining area is small but open with upholstered chairs and a modern blown glass chandelier.

A second bedroom features a more feminine, beachy style with its creative fixtures and private deck.

Even its small mirror resembles a porthole.

The final space is a 45 square meter (484 square feet) apartment with even more color, starting in the living room that features stunning wildlife paintings.

A corner bedroom is a modern, relaxing retreat that features its own grown up version of a beanbag.

The dark marble bathroom with its pedestal sink certainly strays from the warm color palette but stays within the modern framework.

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