Chinese design firm Love Design offers modern designs with a nostalgic twist. With plenty of clean lines, warm tones, and luxurious materials, there’s something both new and familiar about the way they approach interiors. We’re taking a look inside three different apartments, each with its own style, but still the same vintage-inspired feel that runs throughout. Totally memorable, we couldn’t help but connect each of these three apartments to Mad Men.
Our first tour takes us into what we’d imagine as a suite fit for the ambitious and creative Peggy. This space, at first glance, may appear more masculine, but upon closer inspection, it’s easy to see why one like Peggy might easily fall in love. Open and bright, this apartment has a feel of length and continuity - there’s infinite possibility as clean lines play with soft curves. What really sold us on this space for Peggy were the luxe quilted details on the dining and living area upholstery, as well as the brushed metallics.
With a combined living and dining area, this space is ideal for entertaining. Luxurious marble along the wall and floor plays with open shelving of rich but natural woods. Like Peggy’s copy ideas, her furnishings would be carefully curated and collected - each considered in detail for quality as well as beauty and function.
While there isn’t prominent artwork on the walls, the space still feels very cozy and warm. Strategic lighting and the use of ambient light from the windows keeps this space from feeling sleepy. There is, however, a very striking sense of calm.
Everything about the common living areas is straightforward and direct, like Peggy, but still with a sense of grace and softness.
Distinctly feminine, the first bedroom is one we think Peggy would enjoy. Curved end tables sit on both sides of the upholstered bed. No doubt, exquisite textiles in a nice plum shade provide comfort. It’s the textured wall behind the bed that is the real stunner, though.
The second bedroom reminds us of Peggy’s desire for travel and exploration, as this room is all about utility. While beautiful and modern, it’s kept to the essentials and looks similar to a luxe hotel suite. Ideal for guests, it offers ample comfort with a media center, comfortable bed, and writing desk.
The third bedroom is an unexpected departure from the rest of the house. It is sensual and exotic, with design elements pulled from multiple cultures and influences. It is a true escape and treat - and it captures perfectly Peggy’s own desire for the new and the unexplored. A master suite we know she would adore.
Finally, the fourth bedroom is light, airy, and modern with plenty of clean lines and brightness. We could see Peggy using this space for guests or as her own office or reading nook. Imagine copy drafts across the desk or storyboards laid across the bed. This is where Peggy could let her imagination run wild, but in comfort.
The living area offers ample seating for entertaining and it’s easy to imagine Roger hosting cocktails here before taking a few steps over to the dining area, which showcases a stunning lighting fixture. Along the walls, there’s plenty of space for housing treasured items. We know Roger would likely have a mix of past and present - and most assuredly, a few copies of his memoirs, “Sterling’s Gold”.
Light spills into the living and dining area from ample windows. And we all know how much Roger enjoys a good view.
The kitchen area is light and open, with clean white title and a minimalist design. The foyer showcases a stunning set of double doors. Very bold and impressionable. It’s easy to see why Roger might choose an apartment with an open floor plan, sumptuous details, and a bold - but elegant - first impression.
The dining area is open, with a full view of the kitchen and living room. It’s a great space for parties. One could imagine a bar station off the kitchen buffet, records playing, and laughs being shared.
The dining area is open, with a full view of the kitchen and living room. It’s a great space for parties. One could imagine a bar station off the kitchen buffet, records playing, and laughs being shared.
A private room for rest and relaxation is also included in the space, complete with massage table.
The first bedroom is ideal for guests, showcasing a large and comfortable bed, recessed lighting, large vanity and desk, and media station.
The second bedroom showcases a TV built into a textured wall opposite the bed, modern (but mid-century inspired) furnishings, and high ceilings - perfect for one’s soaring aspirations, like Roger’s.
The main living and dining area, while less spacious as the previous two apartments, is cozy and welcoming. One could imagine Don sitting on the sofa, looking over copy drafts. This isn’t a space for parties and entertaining, but for relaxation and reflection. And we all know that Don isn’t the most social of characters. The warm wood along the walls makes the space feel welcoming and serene. Over the dining table, a modern light fixture acts as a focal point in the room. The furnishings take on a mid-century feel with a bit of updating, like the natural wood lamp in the corner and the contemporary dining chairs.
From the kitchen, you can look out into the rest of the space and across to the large bank of windows. The kitchen is efficient and smartly designed. While it’s a smaller dwelling, it never feels cramped. Instead, it feels carefully curated, each decorative item or furnishing placed precisely to ensure the maximum amount of utility. It’s a perfect balance of form and function.
Along the back wall of the living area, an open shelf houses a few treasures.
The similarly toned woods throughout the walls and floors make the space feel larger and more open. In the hall, a natural wood bench is built into the wall, perfect for resting pairs of shoes, or perhaps Don’s briefcase.
An architecturally intriguing wall of wood panels and stone act as a separator between the main living areas and the rest of the house. Storage is ample yet one could imagine that Don would never use all of it. Instead, this place offers a bit of respite for his restlessness. It is welcoming. It feels like home, but also caters to Don’s desire for solitude.
The floor plan clearly shows the smart usage of space between two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and common living space. Yes, we think Don would be a fan of this bachelor pad.
As we have seen time and time again on this site, a lofted design is a great way to use all the vertical space in a home. Lofts are not only modern, but inherently interesting and leave many options open for a creative designer. In this post, we’re featuring three different loft designs that latch onto the idea of luxury and do not let go. From creative light fixtures to supple textures and sleek, modern furniture, these lofts are truly the height of luxury.
Designer:Plasterlina
The first space comes from the design team at Plasterlina. The dark, cool color story is a bit of a departure from many modern spaces with similar styles, which often focus instead on whites and muted grays. Here, deep chocolate and olive colors pack an autumnal punch. Lighter colors are used on the upper level, which serves as a way to divide the main living area from the upstairs loft as well.
The main living area features a full range of clean lines, from the overhead lighting and mid-century inspired dining chairs to the Pacman style fireplace. The tile work is also particularly interesting, with geometric tiles arranged in a pattern that looks nearly random but is clearly meticulous.
Rather than have a bedroom overlook a downstairs living room, this particular design actually features a private wine cellar flipped on its head. The cellar is upstairs while the entertaining area is below. Of course, the casual pillows and tables provide a cozy place to sample a vintage right from the shelf to the wine decanter .
Designer:Ivan Guillen
The second loft space, from design Ivan Guillen, is somewhat different from the first representation, reminding us much more of what a ’typical’ loft style might be. Warm industrial elements pervade the space from steel and able railings to soft lighting fixtures that look suspiciously DIY.
The surface materials throughout stand out as particularly stunning, from the hardwood flooring upstairs to the marble tile downstairs and of course the paneled accent wall that spans the space of both levels.
Visualizer:Julian Sadokha
The final loft is a visualization from Julian Sadokha and goes even further towards the industrial luxury style. As we pointed out earlier, this is a loft that takes the white and gray style to heart, with white walls and ceilings making the vaulted ceilings feel even taller. Wide open spaces have an artistic bent and encourage creativity and camaraderie.
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
