Measuring just under 45 square metres (500 square feet), these three modern homes exhibit elegant design with astute spatial awareness. Aside from beautiful built-in storage solutions, these layouts demonstrate how to instill a feeling of airy spaciousness into homes that are built on a compact footprint. Home number one is a black and white minimalist design that reads much larger than its realistic proportions. Home interior number two is a two bed student rental with a peacefully refreshing minty blue colour palette, warmed through with wooden accents. Lastly, tour number three shows us a red interior design with a space-sharing glass wall bedroom design. Which one will be your design favourite?
Visualizer:Alina Litva
Our first small home tour is a 42 square metre design in Kamianske, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine. A large plain rug carpets the lounge area of an open plan minimalist living room , creating a soft bed for the sofa.
The pale modern sofa backs directly onto the dining table, with a one wall minimalist kitchen unfolding behind it.
An L-shape arrangement of dark panelwork and coordinating cabinet fronts wrap two walls of the lounge, building sharp contrast with the lighter elements. A floor lamp shines from the corner of a long hearth across the media wall.
contradict the pale rectangle dining table .
White cabinets stow away media items at the end of the dark wood panelled TV wall.
Black dining room pendant lights complement the dark colourway of the modern dining chairs.
Modern fruit bowls and a decorative vase make up a stylish table centrepiece. See more ideas for decorative vases here.
Kitchen wall cabinets meld with the pale concrete wall treatment. A black faucet stands out against the white countertop and matching base cabinets.
Floor plan.
Visualizer:JD Architects
This 43 square metre interior design project is a 2 room student rental apartment located in Fyrtel Wilda, Poznan, Poland. The client requested a cosy interior with a light and welcoming colour palette. A blue rug brings contemporary geometric pattern to the lounge, whilst a subtle grey wall mural adds interest to a home workspace.
Black accents drop definition into the breezy lounge decor scheme. A rounded rectangle coffee table stands on black metal framework, a black floor lamp makes a stark silhouette against white window drapes, and an oversized black pendant light boldly caps the layout.
Light oak elements enrich the scheme with a natural aesthetic.
Picture shelves balance out each side of the room, packed tightly with an abundance of black and white art and keepsakes.
The wood TV stand is complemented by a small wooden plant stand by the window. The plant partially screens off a vertical radiator, softening its presence on the focal wall.
Out in the hallway, the same peaceful blue accent paint continues up to the entryway. A volume of wooden closets stow away outdoor clothing and bulky household items. A small entryway seat is built conveniently into the hallway storage arrangement.
The L-shaped kitchen is another calming blue scene, with a baby blue pendant light to match.
A small dining set nestles into a tight spot between the kitchen base cabinets and a SMEG fridge freezer. Light colours keep the tight layout feeling pleasantly open.
A wood countertop, coordinating cutting board and indoor plants instill the natural element.
Oak accents warm through the white bedroom scheme.
A modern bedside table aligns with the bed base to create a flowing line. At the other side of the bed, the desk merges with a bookcase in the side of a bespoke wardrobe.
Misty grey curtains frame the large bedroom window. A grey runner and accent pillow draw the darker accent to the bed.
Monochrome floor tiles add beautiful pattern to the floor of the hallway. Decorative blue wall hooks dot the side of the hallway closet.
An entryway shelf & mirror combo makes use of wall space between interior doors.
Square rattan laundry basket s utilise disused space beneath a floating vanity unit in the bathroom.
The same monochrome floor tiles continue into the bathroom, giving the small space plenty of character.
Perimeter LEDs highlight blue bathroom tiles inside the walk-in shower enclosure.
Black fixtures and fittings balance out the light bathroom decor.
Interior design mood board, exploring blue and grey colour play alongside natural elements.
Apartment floor plan.
Visualizer:Andriushchenko Alina
Our last small interior is a 44.2 square metre apartment, designed for a young woman. A chaise sofa and a wraparound side table precisely fit the narrow lounge space.
A glass partition divides the living room from the bedroom without cutting off the feeling of space or hindering the flow of natural light.
Sheer white voiles can be drawn across the glass wall bedroom when entertaining company in the living room.
Textured panels build a red bedroom feature wall.
The red element is expanded through the dining area of the home too, in the shape of four modern red dining chairs. The chairs encircle a contrasting black dining table .
A one wall kitchen lines the hallway toward the home entry.
Built-in closets keep the bedroom looking streamlined.
The grey kitchen is visible from the grey bedstead, and so the same colourway is useful in establishing a feeling of smooth cohesivity.
The minimalist one wall kitchen is atmospherically lit with LED under-cabinet lighting and recessed spotlights.
Apartment perspective drawing.
Floor plan.
Created by architect firm HGAA , the Green Curtain House has a revitalising spirit, which puts the elderly homeowners close with nature. The serene residence offers the couple a simple and quiet life in Mao Khe, an urban growth area of Quang Ninh province. Vietnam. Life in this home revolves around the garden setting, where a fishpond provides a place for calm reflection under a curtain of green hanging plants. Vegetation surrounds all aspects of the house, forming a peaceful cocoon. The house’s red brickwork and raw concrete structure contrasts with nature’s greenery, whilst building a rustic living vibe. Local materials communicate a simplicity and emotion that unifies humans and habitat.
The picturesque garden is a layered architectural space with built up red brickwork walls and a tall canopy of trailing vegetation.
The plethora of hanging plants suspend a green curtain over the front entrance of the house, whilst two raised beds of dense tropical plants flank the cool stone pathway.
Smooth pathways encircle the green space, laying down an easy pathway for its elderly owners to comfortably enjoy the garden.
The homeowners beloved koi fish pond has built up sides to meet the height of the raised planters. Green foliage frames the calm water’s edge.
The tiled pathway into the home crosses over the pond, which constructs a wonderful entanglement of land and water elements.
Just one step outdoors puts the homeowners at the edge of the fishpond. The couple’s children love to come to this home on weekends to either enjoy or disrupt the serenity!
The main living spaces radiate from the central patio, which gives it a peacefully introverted separation from the outside world.
Brick flower beds fill the borders of the garden.
The same exposed raw red brickwork becomes rustic decor inside the open plan mid century modern living room . Concrete ceilings run an industrial vibe all the way through.
The triangle mid century modern coffee table is a Noguchi style table . Its glass top delicately reflects the green garden view.
A long dining table gives the couple a place to dine with all of their visiting family. Patio doors open up the dining area to the central garden and to the green borders that surround the home. Multi-aspect doors and windows create cool cross ventilation, and it is also this constant connection with nature that gives the house its blissful energy.
The garden’s enveloping presence establishes deep connection with nature and also towards each other.
A wooden linear suspension light coordinates with the warming wood of the rectangle dining table .
Trees, plants and water fill every view from the house, where wide windows and open doors let in the air, light, and gentle sounds of nature. One entire wall of the kitchen opens up to a relaxing sun deck–a perfect spot for taking morning tea. The kitchen design itself is of timber construction, which melds warmly with the red brick interior. A black fridge freezer and a central grey kitchen island add some darker notes to the scheme, which complement the black window and door frames around the room.
Mature trees grow through the decks of the scenic courtyard design .
Long vines softly filter the strong sunlight.
The pond is thoughtfully designed with a close wraparound effect that cleverly amalgamates it with the house.
At night, the garden is a magical place, full of atmospheric light and shadows.
Underwater lights illuminate the pond. Wall lamps flood down the red brick perimeter.
This simple exposed brick wall bedroom is the master suite, which has its own ensuite bathroom.
A floor to ceiling window provides all of the decoration that the room needs, with a stunning vista of the garden and koi fish pond. The stylish lounge chair positioned by the glass is the Wegner Circle chair .
The second bedroom is equal in size to the master. The green views around this bedroom are provided by the border that lines the back and side of the property. A piece of made-to-measure furniture doubles as a home workspace and a dressing table.
Upstairs, there is a prayer room, a laundry, another guest room and a separate bathroom. The Noguchi style mid century modern coffee table, two lounge chairs and a jute rug make the long landing area into a restful reading space.
A long skylight brightens the full length of the reading room, whilst low windows look out onto rooftop vegetation.
Out on the upstairs terrace, the green-fingered homeowners cultivate their own vegetable patches.
The red brick house looks unassuming from the outside.
Layers of green trees and vines cape the house.
The living green cover helps keep out dust from the street and reduces passing traffic noise.
The thick greenery emerges over the top of the high walls, intriguing passers by.
The first floor plan shows the layout of the two bedrooms and bathrooms in relation to the main living space. We can see that the kitchen acts as a connecting space between the living room and the private quarters.
The second floor plan demonstrates the central positioning of the light filled reading space, with two upstairs rooms flanking either side. We can also observe how the second floor vegetable patches are split into two separate roof gardens, accessible via doorways in each end of the reading room.
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
