3 Beautiful Small Apartment Interiors [includes Layout]

Embarking upon the interior design of an extra small space can be a real challenge but sometimes it’s within strict constraints that creative teams concoct the most interesting solutions. To achieve a high level of comfort and style over a restricted floor area requires a little - or a lot - of thinking outside the box, and the shedding of preconceived ideas. This kind of free thinking is exactly what has occurred here in these three very compact homes. Tour one demonstrates clear zoning techniques in close quarters; home tour two brings new meaning to the term ‘sofa bed’; number three revolves its layout around an unusually centrally placed bathroom suite.

Visualizer:Sobo Studio

Home number one, located in Kyiv, Ukraine, contains an interior that was created for a young couple. The open space required clever and comfortable zoning; colour was used to distinguish the lounge from the bedroom by selecting a bold blue modern sofa .

A gold fruit bowl provides luxurious sheen on a small coffee table by the chaise style sofa.

Dusky blue stripes the wall in the form of a long media console unit decorated only with simple glass vases . Siena paintwork colours the ceiling, warming the look of the cool concrete, metal and ceramics.

Bifold doors reveal a walk-in closet/dressing area with generous storage space considering the limited dimensions of the apartment.

A dark grey kitchen contrasts with the natural pigment of a siena wall.

The partial room divider between the kitchen and lounge works double time as display shelves and book nooks.

Golden kitchen pendant lights glow over a breakfast bar, and underline a suspended shelf.

A trio of indoor plants mark the end of a window seat. The plant stands used here are the Wire planters by Norm architects for Menu.

Raw concrete brings an industrial vibe to the interior. Pale laminate wood flooring smooths out the scene.

The walls and ceiling around the bathroom volume are pure black to create stark contrast.

Inside the bathroom, we return to the siena colourway.

Bespoke cabinetry utilises every inch of limited space but is kept simple for a minimalist bathroom aesthetic.

Wood panels on the exterior of the walk-in closet lighten one wall of the black entry hallway.

The home plan shows how the generous closet almost equals the size of the bathroom.

Visualizer:Denis Svirid

Our second stop is at a modest unit in the historic center of Melbourne. Tucked in the South Yarra district where property prices soar, the home has a compact unit area of 25.7 metres square, and a ceiling height of just 245cm. The difficult design task of comfortably housing a young homeowner here was eased only by the presence of a large number of windows, plus one full-height window with access to a balcony.

A bespoke sofa bed design occupies one entire quarter of the square floor plan. A swing arm wall lamp marks the ‘lounge’ end of the bed…

… The bed base holds the mattress at its highest point, with a sofa fashioned upon a step leading down from the sleeping podium. There are storage areas underneath the entire volume and drawers in the end of the sofa section. In front of the ‘sofa’ there is a brass framed coffee table to help form the living room. An area rug assists in zoning the space too.

Everything was removed from the apartment before the designer began to sculpt the layout anew. The area next to the largest window was left entirely unobstructed to encourage a sense of space.

An eating area runs adjacent to the bespoke platform bed. The bench was placed at a height of 90cm like the countertop of the kitchen, so that it could also be comfortably utilised for food prep. An obscured glass wall separates the bedroom from the shower room.

Entry to the bathroom is gained through a textured glass door off the kitchen dining area.

A full height mirror flanks the end of the one wall kitchen to maximise the perception of space and bounce natural light further into the unit.

Inside the 2.6 square metre bathroom, a wall mounted toilet bowl makes floor space look increased. A vertical garden wall has been cultivated above the toilet to please the eye.

The washbasin is a semi-embedded design in a narrow vanity shelf.

On the balcony, the wall bordering the neighbors has been softened with a climbing plant. We can also see the positioning of the closets along the bed platform.

Visualizer:Roy Fredy

Our last stop is at a calming pale grey and white apartment, which has a ring layout around a centrally placed bathroom suite. The living room is a cosy yet light ensemble, with just a couple of darker notes like the black nesting coffee tables .

A modern floor lamp overlaps the view through glass patio doors that lead to a separate sitting space.

Indoor plants provide a green view at the windows.

A white and wood console unit dresses one wall of the lounge, along with large art prints.

Behind a wood slatted wall off the lounge there is a formal eating area. Globe dining room pendant lights dangle over a wooden dining table.

The shape of the orb shades is echoed by a round wall mirror.

A one wall kitchen runs straight off the dining room.

To the other end of the dining room, through more glass patio doors, lies the reading nook .

A scandi style rocking chair bathes in natural light by the windows. Books line the window ledge.

The one wall kitchen ends at a structural support column. On the other side of the narrow wall there is a home study area that is part of the bedroom.

White doors cover a wall of closets.

Grey and pink bed linen make up a relaxing nest.

This birdseye view shows the bathroom at the core of the ring layout.

A rich and exquisite interior awaits us inside this modern rustic luxury home tour, visualised by Buro511 . Dark wood tone covers the walls of a massive open plan living space, coupled with a raw concrete fireplace towering to the rafters. Clerestory windows and double height panes create high views up into the trees that grow around the grounds of the home, and which provide inspiration for the natural palette used within. Sumptuous furnishings make the home a welcoming and seductive place that one might never wish to leave. A roaring open fireplace and beautiful modern lighting schemes glow in the deep decor scheme, highlighting rough textures and throwing sheen over smooth finishes.

The open plan living room towers at twice an average room height, yet the depth of colour, boldness of furniture scale and the sumptuous fabrics make the room feel fully utilised and lived in.

The rustic living room colour palette has been drawn from the mature trees growing on the surrounding land. Their branches can be seen peeping through clerestory windows over the kitchen diner installation, where green dining chairs match their emerald leaves.

A stone grey sectional sofa creates a three sided cosy lounge space. The sofas are bathed in natural light form enormous dual height windows that look out to the gardens. Massive curtain lengths pool at the floor.

Rustic wooden coffee tables serve the centre of the lounge area.

The green luxury dining chairs line up along two sides of a chunky wood slab dining table that is combined with the kitchen island.

More luscious green garden views colour the dining area.

A huge wall mounted wine rack pushes up alongside an enormous bespoke shelving installation, which stores a modest library of books and small keepsakes.

hang like jewels over the eating area.

Small herb planters punctuate the end of the kitchen island before it descends into the lower level dining room table. The herbs provide a flash of green accent colour that ties the kitchen prep island to the dining set.

The flooring changes from a rich red hued wood stain to a dramatic black treatment in the kitchen area.

One wall of black kitchen cabinets line the back wall of the room, with a black backsplash and matching countertop at their centre.

Further kitchen cabinet space is hidden around the corner.

RIch wood tone and textured concrete reappear in the luxury bedroom decor, where moody lighting adds drama to the look.

Two modern wall sconces shine down over wooden bedside units.

A second luxury bedroom is partially shielded from a garden during daylight hours by a wood slat wall design in front of the glass. The slats stretch the entire height of the lofty room height. Concrete panels provide texture across the headboard wall.

A buddha statue brings a zen feel to the room.

Wood slats shade the light from the windows around the foot of the bed.

Red wood tone brings heat to each space, including a corridor toward the walk-in closet.

Inside the walk-in wardrobe, bespoke garment shelves and rails have been fitted in the same red tone wood effect.

LED strip lights illuminate the made-to-measure closet system.

The full vertical proportion of the space has been utilised, with high shelves providing a perfect for storage opportunity for extra bed sheets, seldom used special occasion items or out of season garments.

This luxury bathroom is home to a concrete bathtub and a matching concrete vanity unit.

Concrete flooring stops at the wet zone, where wood slat flooring takes over beneath the tub and the shower enclosure.

A large illuminated vanity mirror brightens up the sink area.

The bath even has a garden view. You can find more beautiful bathrooms with bathtubs here.

A wooden bath shelf provides a place to perch toiletries or a good magazine.

The black square toilet is matched by a twin bidet.

Shelves by the basin hold soap dispensers and all the essentials.

Closet space is not traditional in the guest room, instead a ceiling mounted hanging rail holds garments neat and tidy.

An indoor plant brings the garden to the inside of the glass.

The luxury shower room follows the wood and concrete trend found in the previous bathroom, though this time with a much smaller concrete vanity and no separate bidet or bathtub present.

A black towel heater fills one wall by the door.

Inside the shower enclosure, a shallow black shelf holds all the usual lotions and potions close at hand.

The unique bathroom sink has been teamed with a black faucet.

The faucet is a freestanding design, which creates a hyped look of luxury and unique style.

Black bathroom accessories and a back flush plate above the black toilet all match with the freestanding basin tap.

Concrete planks floor the hallway to the bedrooms and bathrooms. Rich wood effect panels cover all the walls between the windows.

Through the window glass, pops of green enter the decor from the garden.

A small sitting area resides at the entryway, where mirrored glass panels reflect the garden scene through the doors opposite.

A black finish works to visually lower the ceiling height here, making the space feel more compact and cosy. Wooden storage drawers hide beneath a seat topped with streaked stone. A red accent chair complements the tone of the wooden furniture and display shelves.

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