Gray is a bit of an underdog when it comes to interior color schemes – perhaps because of its association with gloomy clouds and rainstorms. But these homes prove that gray can be just as bright, cheerful, and inviting as any other choice. It’s a great option for modern homes , a necessity for monochromatic palettes , and works as a fantastic background for colorful designs too. And best of all, it’s the epitome of neutral so it can grow with your interior as your tastes change over time. The designers featured here use gray in several different ways and each example is inspiring.
A single portrait of a ballerina lends a touch of sentimentality and mystery. The unusual placement helps to amplify its effect on the blank wall behind it. The placement and contrast is artistic in its own right.
The kitchen proves to be a fun place to use circular patterns. Circles are sure to echo the shape of many objects used every day for cooking, a great way to integrate those pots, pans, and spoons into the overall design of the room rather than boxing them in as ordinary tools or decorative objects. Here, the printed rug plays a fun contrast to the chevron floorboards below it.
Gray accents grow even more subtle in the kitchen, used to draw attention to only a few small details: the cords on the pendant lamps, the paper on the vintage ad prints, and the metal of the appliances. Of course, the cool thing about decorating with gray and white is how even the shadows weave themselves into the narrative.
Visualizer:Level archiviz
Modern furniture meets a backdrop of classical architectural details in this dynamic home. Paneled walls and parquet floors provide a sense of softness in contrast to the clean geometry and monochromatic colors of the interior appointments. Gray interiors are certainly high in the ranks as far as modernist color palettes go, and this sampling of shades seem to work very well with the artist’s intentions.
Wrapped in the comforting patina of a metallic panel, the tub has an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for washing away the worries of the day. Above, circular pendant lamps bring to mind images of playful bubbles or pristine moons.
While the rest of the apartment uses fine materials modestly, the bathroom embraces its opulence with conviction. Marble floor and backsplash are sandwiched between bold gray tiles, with brass pendants and golden cove lighting to give a warm and rich appeal.
Light wood cabinets frame a modern marble backsplash in the kitchen. Like in the other rooms, using marble so sparingly seems to heighten its impact on the overall aesthetic of the home. Like the brass, it’s luxurious but not too “showy”.
Visualizer:Sergey Baskakov
This apartment uses dark charcoal gray tones, lightened by a bright open layout and dotted with polished brass fixtures. The ceiling is composed of varied wood slats and treated with high polish to reflect a generous amount of for a lustrous effect. Taken together, the atmosphere is luxurious yet casual.
Fun geometric rugs reflect the unique cubic bed frame. Color accents remain tasteful and understated while the gray remains the main emphasis.
The bedroom easily ties back into the overall theme, swathed in gray textiles and perked up with just a touch of color. Lindsey Adelman Cherrybomb lamps illuminate each side of the bed with a form inspired by delicate branches and blossoms.
On the left is a pair of pendants by Michael Anastassiades, and on the left is the Atomium Chandelier from Lambert & Fils.
Paneled walls offer a classic touch within a highly modernist interior. A small glass-encased fireplace on the floating console table likely uses an illuminated mist technology, a realistic yet safe option easy to use anywhere.
The relatively compact floorplan makes great use of lightweight furniture to maximize space, like the smart nesting coffee tables and the almost-transparent Bertoia wire chair. Chevron parquet floors and a big yellow rug give the combined living and dining space a perfectly quirky personality that appeals to any taste.
Designer:Elena Ovcharenko
This bright and colorful apartment in Kyiv features a detailed white interior with gray and brass accents, wood floors, and even a few concrete details – today’s trends interpreted with a strong sense of originality and playfulness.
Even the range hood and faucets forgo extraneous detail. The kitchen island is smooth and glossy – only the worktop hints at pattern or texture to match the matte wall behind it.
A smooth white kitchen island makes a dramatic silhouette against the textured accent wall. Black and gray define the dining space, illuminated by an intricate Hoops lamp by Giovanni Barbato. The lamp stands out even more compared to the highly minimalistic forms used throughout the rest of the space.
The streamlined dining room takes advantage of the same gray-on-gray theme as the living room. Even though the furniture is dark, if offers a view drenched in sunlight – thanks, in part, to the row of windows bordering the double height ceiling.
An overhead view reveals the layout to be compact and efficient, using blocks of gray to delineate each area according to function. Dark colors grouped with dark colors create a sense of intimacy and closeness – an impressive feat considering the scale and openness of the layout. The protruding volume of the accent wall separates it from the rest of the space.
Looking through pictures of ultra-luxurious homes is always a fun pastime - and a great way to see today’s design trends before they hit the mainstream. Enviable homes that seem to have it all are fantastic sources of interior inspiration , even if the sculptural architecture and fabulous designer furniture isn’t really an option for most of us. Scoping out enviable abodes is a little like enjoying a modernist fairytale, a fun way to expand the imagination and get new ideas that can work just about anywhere. The four luxe homes below are rich with creative design concepts to indulge your love of luxury.
Visualizer:Daniel Vojinovic
Speaking of inspiring spaces, this coastal home visualized by architect and designer Daniel Vojinovic is a great place to begin our adventure of contemporary luxury. Open concept living embraces the seaside environment with a 180-degree view through floor-to-ceiling windows.
From overhead, it’s easier to see the gorgeous balance of the gray, black, and brown color theme.
The seating area is recessed into the floor and only accessible by a series of steps on either side. A spacious sectional sofa allows people sitting on either side to get a gorgeous view out the windows, with the middle section offering the best angle for watching television. Recessed lighting frames the arrangement and keeps it bright.
Two classic chairs provide the best seat in the house: a gorgeous panoramic view, a warm central fireplace, and an endless supply of fresh air and good vibes.
But really, this home is all about the details, like these sculptural oversized candles by Jean-Marie Massaud, or the immersive sound projected by the wall-mounted BeoLab3 speakers.
Strong lines define the kitchen. Matte black details enhance the linear effect, only broken by the curve of the faucet and lamps. These variations give the space a more natural and lively aesthetic.
Architect:Boom Architects| Visualizer:Bartłomiej Senkowski
A pleasantly minimalistic take on luxury design, this home from Boom Architects uses simple forms and casual colors yet weaves them into a narrative that immediately catches a viewer’s attention. The classic combination of black, white, and light glossy wood yields itself to a surprising pop of surprising color courtesy of the iconic Magis Puppy.
Forgoing extra ornamentation, every object in the house contributes – each piece is pleasing on its own and serves a purpose. Here, the attractive Imola Chair by Henrik Pederson offers up an exquisite view of the landscape. It looks like the perfect place to calm the mind and let the stress melt away.
An expanse of white encompasses the sitting area, yet the arrangement feels grounded by the common dark theme of the furniture and smartly coordinated flokati rugs beneath.
Thin breakfast stools advance the minimalistic aesthetic by placing void over form in a kitchen filled with substantial surfaces in white. This clever reversal seems to derive visual weight from contrast rather than form.
No ornamentation, no color, only a spectacular view of the water outside – the wood frame door appears to float within a void as if there is no exterior wall at all. Even the bed seems light as a cloud, with a slightly recessed base and cantilever side table.
Almost as an opposite to the natural weightlessness of the light white bedroom, this dark and comfortable retreat gains its unique aesthetic from a mechanical and industrial take on cantilever design – especially the Paolo Rizzatto lamp.
Architect:Artroom Studio| Designer:Artroom Studio| Visualizer:Artroom Studio
Wow! The North & LaSalle Loft by Bucharest-based design firm Artroom Studio takes an Art Deco approach to modern luxury and the result is unmatched. At first glance, the illuminated sculptural ceiling catches and captivates the eye – its wavy design seems to roll like an incoming tide.
Like the last home, this gorgeous apartment features a recessed seating area that benefits from a white and black canvas. While the rich leather and warm golden lighting invoke a classical aesthetic, a few modern touches demonstrate a powerful contemporary personality, like the geometric papercraft Lion mount by Vova Baranyuk.
Opulent homes can be practical, too. This table is a favorite because of its clever yet attractive storage compartment, designed carefully to ensure that function does not overtake the pleasure of good form.
Architect:Andreas Tjeldflaat
This apartment in TriBeCA NYC is part of an in-progress development by Norwegian architect Andreas Tjeldflaat. An undulating spiral staircase traverses bright atrium-style living room for access to the mezzanine floor above, all illuminated by an expanse of windows on the street-facing side. A portrait by Viktor Miller-Gausa takes up the entire far wall – an unmissable focal point that coordinates well with the natural and monochromatic color theme of the home.
Exposed joists make the kitchen look more inviting and relaxed, like a comfortable refuge from the openness of the living room atrium. Classical pillars and the subtle use of light wood give this ultra-modern kitchen a taste of traditional luxury.
The bedroom enjoys a full view over the living space below, sunlight from the atrium illuminating the full-wall mirror behind the bed. Peeking around the corner, a curvaceous hallway leads to the bathroom, its path illuminated by Bouroullec AIM lamps.
Framed by lovely planters and a gorgeous view, this bathroom is nothing short of spectacular.
Exciting floorplans depict the increasing radius of the staircase, its fine curve continuing in the form of a hill on the roof landscaping. Here, it’s also possible to appreciate the great height from which the pendant lamps hang.
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
