Minimalist and monochrome are buzz words of the home design industry – but how do they work in a space, together? These three living spaces across Europe show how to blend the two themes to sleek and sensual effect. Keeping it minimal, hard materials and furniture are shaped long and lean. Textured background materials such as marble and granite keep simple interesting, while drawing the eye to luxury. Unique pieces and unusual framing create a home with character, while industrial or even zen-like elements create a calm backdrop with presence. All create homes that look liveable and functional, without the slightest hint of clutter – homes both minimalist and monochromatic.
Visualizer:KDVA Architects
This single-family residence in Greece, measuring 320sqm, shows how minimalism and monochrome detailing can exude simplicity. Exhibiting a sea view, low-lying Roman steps fold down to an inset lounge area, where white couches and black slingback chairs shine. A hatched window panel takes centre stage while referring to the slingbacks.
The dining room mixes monochrome tones more explicitly. A black slate bench dominates a white backdrop, while black-and-white padded chairs frame the black dining table . Black window framing and dark wooden cabinetry add context.
High granite walls introduce the industrial, with light, natural patterns filling the space. Simple office fixtures and a black-and-white dividing wall calm the mind, while high wooden cabinetry creates storage space.
Monochromatic tones result in a Japanese-style minimalism, with a low-lying, futon-style bedroom. Chaise lounges lie close to the floor in black frames, while oblong cabinetry sidles along white walls, gently illuminated.
Smaller spaces work even better. A walk-in wardrobe lined with black shelving houses a white ottoman. High granite walls in the bathroom mean a calm backdrop for illuminated wood-panelling, minimalistic yet outstanding. White porcelain fixtures and wooden walls make way.
Visualizer:KDVA Architects
A three-roomed flat in Moscow, Russia, takes a different slant on the same theme. Spanning a much smaller 84sqm, its design is pared back to almost the skeleton of the building, a skeleton sensual, pure and natural. The living, dining and kitchen area show this, with a dynamic hanging dining table acting as focal point. Artistic, magnetic-style hanging lights pair with its form, as soft grey couches, cabinetry, and stencilled dining chairs soften the impact against curtains in white.
In the bedroom, granite walls behind illuminated headboards add interest without clutter. Another low-lying bed design, soft white bedding and an opaque closet partition create sensuality within close quarters.
Multi-faceted granite panels and thick black cabinetry allude to extra space in the bathroom. An oblong, wooden bath step adds a central point of focus, while a hanging decorative light adds a touch of class.
Visualizer:Titanviz Studio
Our last apartment, a small apartment for a young couple, is bolder with its choices in contouring. Here, the living room divides from the bedroom by black framed boxes, contemporary and unusual. Broad TV panels sit on colossal white walls, while black stencils separate plush navy and grey upholsteries. Small touches of potted green and pebbled areas introduce nature.
Mostly white, the dining room adds black as a point of difference. Black insert shelving wows amidst white panelled walls; white lights sit beside chrome fixtures, that act as an intermediary between the two. A grey kitchen bench both functions and breaks the drama.
Black wooden panelling in the bathroom is held by white porcelain walls and amenities. A shaft of white light shines through the mirror, a guiding light for the visitor’s eye.
Many home designs focus on the light and white – how to create the brightest, most serene space using Scandinavian and Nordic accents. Creating a more seductive mood is another story. These three apartments with black, Gothic interiors are dark, destructive, and sophisticated. Using shades of grey, charcoal and black, their walls are illuminated under iron ore panelling, and made magnificent by cabinetry in brass. Subtle overtones and undertones mesh together in spaces that are easy to live and to lurk in. Stencilled features and scintillating cobweb chandeliers meet distressed leather armchairs and high-ceilinged windows in these crafty and classy creations, designed for the darker side in life.
Visualizer:Diff Studio
Located in the historical centre of Paris, this two-storied apartment was briefed with Classical architecture in mind. Using dark colours unusual in Parisian décor, a moody feel excels amidst elements of opulence. In the living room, Baxter cobweb chandeliers hang above Gothic wall panelling covered with black gloss. Marble Portoro rounds sit on luxurious grey-and-black shagpiles, while a luscious green panel greets new visitors.
A brass David statue stands tall in the corner, matched by high French doors and iron ore bookshelves. Varnished wooden floors hold distressed leather Arketipo armchairs, illuminated by the living room chandeliers .
On the other side of the armchairs, marble Portoro wows in the fireplace, a focal point. Telescopic lights in brass and dark gloss hang from stands which both complement and contrast the chandelier mirrored behind.
High-ceilinged French doors take on prominence in black-shaded mirrors, adding sheen to the staircase. A view from above shows detail in the wooden floor panels and Gothic style gate, which peeps out from the French doors.
Amber light shines through the staircase, revealing a kitchen to linger in. High brass cabinetry and amber light panels greet the eye with splendour, while a marble Portoro benchtop both exudes elegance and harks to the living room. A tongue painting pops to the side, almost licking up the marble, between stencil benchtop lighting and stools.
Visualizer:AM Design Studio
A less moody approach is found in our second apartment, a little lighter in shade. Using black panels softened by greys and buttery yellows, its subtle sophistication lends more to the everyday. Wooden kitchen and floor panels frame a multitude of differing textures in an easy-to-live-in lounge.
Standing further back, the secret to the living room’s charm is made more obvious. Personal, contrasting textures, such as the globe and distressed slingbacks, are matched by an alternate-panelled living room table and roughshod beige wallpaper. Barbed wire lighting stings in the kitchen.
Matte-textured walls lead out of the living room to an entrance corridor striped in light. LED lights of different lengths shine through, wall to ceiling, wall to floor. Charcoal-hued cabinetry in the kitchen provides a clean surface to impact.
Visualizer:Azovskiy Pahomova Architects
Light and dark can contrast without using monotones. This architecturally-envisaged space lets in light through black Venetian blinds, while black, mock-iron wall panels make their mark. An almost-golden couch area provides a softer touch, while its waffle-backing and vertical single light tie the themes together.
Entering to a multitude of muted shades, a mid-grey wall draws the eye with a sophisticated stencil clock. A touch of life in a potted tree shakes hands with worn beige chairs, which line the entrance and guide visitors through.
The second storey lengthens the space while adding its own touches. Glass railing leads to a wooden feature wall. Stringed ceiling fixtures carry on the lined theme, reflected momentarily in the break of the floor tiling.
Light lines stream through in the bedroom space, simplistic in brown and white high-ceilinged walls. A fleur-de-lis Turkish rug ties the two together, while bursts of orange in the throw and cushion add a focal point to the room. Black hanging lights and desk features round out the feel.
Rest and relaxation characterise the upper-floor rumpus room, muted in shades of grey. Holed bookshelves, a feature wall painting and wide windows tie together with a rug reminiscent of the main living room.
Black elements hold fort in cushioned ottomans, functional desks, stencil shelving and screened technology. Breaking the feature wall piece with an outlined door frame, subtle grey shades are transferred a painting and wall over.
Art lives in the second bedroom - one shade lighter. Abstract stencil art reminds of shelving in the lounge. A round standing lamp and LED cross light add functionality, while a wooden platform designates the space. A view from behind shows darker shades in secret, clothed in stripes and black fixtures.
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
