Whether it is a matter of budgeting in an expensive urban market or a purposeful lifestyle choice for those minimalists who want to eliminate clutter, living in small spaces is an increasingly popular option. Just in the last few weeks, this blog has featured posts on super small homes , tiny spaces with open floor plans , and apartments measuring less than 40 square meters . Here again we go inside three urban apartments that offer all the amenities and comforts of much larger spaces. The designers featured here have been careful to choose only those elements that make the space either beautiful or functional, and in many cases, both.
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
One key tenet of small space design is the use of light colors.
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
This artist’s loft in St. Petersburg, from designer Anton Zaytsev, uses a lot of white and neutral choices to keep the space feeling open and airy.
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
The design also takes full advantage of the apartment’s 4-meter high ceilings with windows, shelving, and intricate light fixtures that give the entire space an elegant and eclectic feeling.
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
At only 70 square meters (750 square feet), what this apartment lacks in area, it makes up for in artistic flair.
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Even the bathroom has its own cheeky decor, from this saucy pinup model decal to the decadently dark claw foot tub.
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
It is interesting to note that this artist’s loft is part of a three apartment ‘set’ in a renovated building overlooking the Neva River. This is the smaller of the three “art apartments,” each of which is attached by a common corridor in the building.
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Anton Zaytsev
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
The second apartment featured is from designer Artem Yevstigneev.
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
The one-room apartment measures 54 square meters (580 square feet) and has a very distinctive nautical theme.
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
The nautical theme not only offers a space unique to the resident’s preferences, but fits perfectly with the small space. A boat can be luxurious but must use all space efficiently.
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
The home includes a bedroom, with a study that can be cordoned off by a sliding interior door.
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
Even the bathroom suits the theme with a floating pedestal sink and plenty of glass.
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
Designer:Artem Yevstigneev
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
The final home was designed by Olga Kataevskaya. Another key theory of interior design for small spaces is to keep distinct rooms separate. This 47 square meter (500 square feet) home manages to do so with both furnitures and partitions.
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
The use of a projection screen, against a stunning red accent wall, is another way to save floor space since no television stand or entertainment center is necessary.
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
A floor to ceiling shelving unit offers plenty of stylish storage space.
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
The apartment, located in Kiev, is in a renovated Stalinist building.
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
Its tropical colors that pop up throughout the space are truly transporting.
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
And the kitchen is unforgettable with an incredible tropical backsplash helping any visitor pay no mind to the area of the home and focus all attention on the bright and boisterous details.
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
The use of a glass partition between the bedroom and living area allows light and air to flow freely, but still affords privacy when required.
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
A walk in closet may seem like a luxury in a space this small, but when there is room to organize everything, everything can actually stay organized.
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
Designer:Olga Kataevskaya
While the towering buildings of the New York City skyline are constantly changing, shifting, and growing, it is rare to have any construction project overtake the most famous skyscrapers in the city. This is particularly true of apartment buildings. However, as of October 2014, when the last bit of concrete was poured, the new building at 432 Park Avenue is the tallest residential building not only in Manhattan, but in the entire western hemisphere. The building sits between 56th and 57th streets, overlooking Central Park and huge swaths of the city. In fact, some condos even have views all the way out to the Atlantic.
Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, the building measures 1396 feet (425 meters) tall, which makes it taller than both the iconic Empire State Building and the art deco-style Chrysler Building.
In fact, the massive building is even taller than the new building at One World Trade Center, if you don’t count that building’s towering spire.
Its massive height makes the building visible from every borough and even as far away as Monmouth County in neighboring New Jersey.
The building, which has currently sold about 50% of its units, includes 104 condos.
Of course, living in a massive luxury building like this one (on Park Avenue nonetheless) does not come without a price tag. The price range for the condos starts at $16.96 million and goes up from there, with the top priced unit being the sprawling penthouse suite, which listed at $95 million. Unfortunately, that one has already sold.
And the luxury does not stop with the exterior of the building. The units’ interiors were designed by Deborah Berke and include solid oak floors and Italian marble countertops, plus luxurious 12.5-foot ceilings.
Simple glassware and carafes make a statement by forgoing embellishments, with the tall wine decanter echoing the urban topology of the skyline.
But it is really the views that are worth the price. With stunning 10 foot by 10 foot windows, residents can enjoy unmatched views of the city from every room. Even from the bath. Every condo sits about 365 feet, so while a penthouse view doesn’t come with each unit, there are no sidewalk-level options, either.
The building has many amenities, too, including a restaurant on the ground level, a private gym, pool, and billiards room.
Residents are expected to be able to move in to the building starting in 2015.
But even without occupants, the skyline of the Big Apple has already been permanently altered by this impressive structure.
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
