Art has always been a part of beautiful home interiors throughout the ages, but much of the hand crafted works we used to embrace in decor has been replaced with displays of digital prints, abundant photos, and motivational quotes. Ornamental sculptures have fallen by the wayside with the influx of scented candles and simple modern accessories. However, art is a fundamental part of human nature, and should be embraced to enrich and enliven our homes. Art can inspire decor colour palettes and shape themes. The art of using art should not be lost, so we’ve put together three home interiors that prominently feature art, and do it well.
Photographer:Sergey Krasyuk
Launching our gallery of art infused homes, this all white living room is invigorated with a colourful piece of wall art that brings in rich hues of red, blue and yellow ochre.
Sculptural art sits atop a set of nesting coffee tables in the centre of the modern white lounge design, casually clustered with books and a floral arrangement.
A larger collection of well read books have been made at home on bespoke bookcases, which are built into the alcoves on either side of a chimney breast.
The colourful wall art breathes life right through the lounge and into an adjacent dining room. A decorative bowl brings an artistic touch to the round dining table .
A darker piece of wall art makes striking contrast with the stark white wall of the dining room.
More art clusters with the dining room sideboard to make an attractive vista.
Large wall sconces shed light of the artwork when the sun goes down.
Mirrored panels behind each wall sconce boosts the light source, bouncing more illumination back into the room.
Moving past the formal dining room we find ourselves in a kitchen with a breakfast bar. An ornate fruit bowl displays three layers of berries and citrus fruits, as though it were the subject of a still life painting. Fine china splashes pretty pastel shades of blue, yellow and light red across the table–the same colours found in the first painting back in the lounge.
A unique chandelier, a chic glass table, and an eye-catching bowl come together as one complete and exquisite artistic installation in the home entryway.
The floor has been edged in golden tones to match the gold frames of the wall art along the hallway.
More of the golden yellow tone makes an appearance over two accent chairs too, sitting either side of a gold finished hallway table topped with a sleek animal sculpture . A piece of abstract art is mounted between two gilded wall sconces.
Inside the master bedroom there is a lavish collection of upscale accessories and luxury furniture.
Bedside cabinets are detailed with gold motifs. Bedroom pendant lights hang as gleaming silver vessels.
Each small detail is a skillfully crafted piece.
A glass vase sits at each side of the bathroom vanity, framing an artfully decorated mirror.
Photographer:Sergey Krasyuk
The gallery walls are darkened down in home number two, where grey decor forms the backdrop of Penthouse TriBeCa.
A vibrant painting of a Galago has inspired a quirky colour palette of bright blues, orange and yellow in the furniture and home accents. The grey walls soften the barrage of colour in the blue couch living room .
Classical greek sculptures are displayed on a glass coffee table in the middle of the lounge arrangement.
Blue grey tones strike through the floor rug, as though it were an artist’s impression of the marble kitchen island standing nearby.
An Eames style lounge chair reclines beneath art mounted on a grey panel wall.
Golden legs and a black marble top build an impressive side table beneath an exhibit.
A unique staircase design climbs the space above a resplendent kitchen.
Gold edging on the staircase matches with gold etching on the kitchen cabinets.
Glass balustrades let the metallic zigzag of the treads and risers shine through.
The midas touch carries on through the apartment, detailing every available accent and accessory.
The private master suite follows a more shadowy theme, with black painted walls. A light figurine stands out against the pitch panels.
A bright teal headboard contrast with the rest of the black bedroom . An easel displays a humorous painting in a traditional frame to add to the offbeat personality of the room.
Gold accessories dress the bedside.
Visualizer:Viktoriya Petrukhina
Our last tour around an art inspired home starts in a modest open plan living room. A swing arm wall lamp sheds light onto a modern sofa that cuts the open floor plan in half. A kitchen diner resides in the background, along with a modern take on Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’.
The hand detail from Michelangelo’s ‘The Creation Of Adam’ reaches across a set of tv cabinet doors–the fingers poised to come together when the doors are closed.
A round coffee table set adds shape in the centre of the lounge.
Peach dining chairs add colour into the gold and grey kitchen.
A modern chandelier descends in two pieces over the dining set, one vertical pendant crossing the horizontal line of the other.
A stunning ring pendant lights the adjacent kitchen island .
In the hallway, red artwork ribbons down a contrasting blue wall.
Sculptural pendant lights hover closely over a plinth placed smack at the core of the home entryway. An artistic floor design exaggerates the centre placed feature, with rings radiating outward in the terrazzo.
Today we’re going to tour three interiors that illustrate how to use lighting and textures to add extra interest to dark decor. Dark decor can be bold, dramatic and seductive, but it can also fall flat and be downright depressing if you don’t get it right. The trick is to send a little current of excitement though it, which can be achieved by pulling texture out of those walls, and lighting them up oh-so perfectly. There are countless ways you can do this, and this little trio of tours has a good handful to show us. Check out smart black slatted panels, stunning stone feature walls, and some drop dead gorgeous lighting installations.
Visualizer:Stephen Tsimbalyuk
With an area of 65 square metres, our first home was designed for a young couple located in Reykjavik, Iceland. The interior speaks of cool professionalism, wrapped up in a dapper grey package. Grey slats cut down the living room wall like a pinstripe suit.
The slatted wall is lit at one end to exaggerate the abrupt change between a smooth plaster wall and the textured section. A sleek black square coffee table is set down on a heavily textured rug.
Opposite the sofa, a rugged stone feature wall undulates the length of the living room, climbing toward a mountain range outside of the windows. A flat screen TV floats in front of the rock face.
A unique dining table hangs from the ceiling of a small dark kitchen diner, surrounded by four black dining chairs in the shadows.
In place of candles, a tiny fireplace burns openly in the centre of the fascinating dining table set .
The burning hoop of a modern dining pendant light adds to the glow in the grey dining room.
A grey L-shaped kitchen wraps around the dining area.
Recessed lighting diffuses over the adjacent rock feature wall.
Slatted cabinet doors line the longest wall of the kitchen, throwing a mysterious shuttered effect over the kitchen paraphernalia within.
The mountainous feature wall treatment is repeated inside a dramatic grey bedroom design, lit from the top and the baseline by recessed LED strip lights. The warm white glow accentuates every peak, pit and roll of the rock face.
A bedside lamp adds to the illumination of the impressive bedroom accent wall , as does a beautiful bedroom pendant light by an ensuite bathtub.
The bespoke black headboard design runs the full width of the bedroom and ensuite bathing area, where it becomes a shelf for fresh towels.
On the opposite side of the room to the black bath, there stands a unique black pedestal basin, and a shower enclosure behind tinted glass.
The floor of the wet area is tiled in large format grey slabs.
A rustic side table is cut from a rough tree log.
Entry to a backlit walk-in wardrobe is made via the washbasin area.
A double workspace features a desk that is in the same vein as the dining room table.
The workstation is suspended from the ceiling, which keeps the floor space looking incredibly open.
The floor plan reveals the location of the separate WC just off the bedroom.
Visualizer:Stephen Tsimbalyuk
We take a trip to Paris for our next apartment tour, where we find grey living room decor spliced with wood effect wall panels.
The small lounge leads straight onto a formal dining room, where the walls are mostly overtaken by windows. Heavy grey drapes gather at the edges of the glass, brushing at the wood laminate floors with their hem.
A grey kitchen peers through an opening on the other side of the room. The walls around the wide doorway have been painted in a matching shade to create one solid cohesive volume.
Three lamps burn brightly along the black dining pendant light . Behind, a wood panelled wall is lit from one side to accentuate a clean transition from grey paintwork.
Handle-free units keep the small kitchen looking sleek and streamlined. Soft lighting gives it a welcoming vibe.
Flooring changes from wood to tile in the hallway.
Recessed spotlights illuminate the walkway.
In the master bedroom, a headboard feature has been created with a high panel and some recessed LED strip lights.
A glass closet opens up on the opposite side of the room to the window, reflecting the light and the view.
Custom fit closet systems flank the walls of the walk-in wardrobe.
The sliding glass doors allow the daylight to enter the closet, but ceiling spotlights brighten the clothing selection process.
In the shade of a grey bathroom, a tiny niche burns brightly.
Anthracite towel rungs hide out in a shadowy corner.
A backlit panel supports a wall hung toilet.
Towels and a rattan laundry basket jostle beneath a made-to-measure vanity.
Visualizer:Hi Light
High contrast monochrome decor fills our last home tour, which is enlivened with lush green plants. The indoor greenery is a reflection of the homes special location amongst the trees. Glossy black walls reflect daylight from the windows and the forest panorama.
Stunning wirework pendant lights cluster over the white sofa, creating a light canopy.
Lantern pendant lights emit a soft diffused light in the dining room, above a glossy white dining set.
More plants give their texture to a minimalist white galley kitchen design, where their leaves and tendrils overspill from a bespoke built-in planter along the ice white countertop.
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
