Modern minimalism is moving into Chinese markets faster than ever. The growth of this movement offers a unique chance to see two very distinct styles intersect – vibrant design traditions interpreted through the keen lens of contemporary frameworks. This post explores three home interior concepts by prolific designers based in China, each one blending subtle traditional elements across a chic minimalist canvas. All three homes demonstrate a different approach, some with clear roots in Chinese design and others with the most understated of influences. Which one is your favorite?
Designer:Gray Vision| Visualizer:Gray Vision
The first home is the work of Beijing-based Gray Vision. White surfaces and clean lines set the stage, diverging from the typical minimalist aesthetic thanks to creative treatments like a textural backlit wall panel and sophisticated built-ins throughout. Décor bounces between casual touches like the pouf and playful throw pillows and high-end pieces like the round coffee tables from the Bell Collection by Sebastian Herkner.
Combining major social areas into one, the open living space embraces guests with its bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoying a prime spot by the windows is a handsome tea table, outfitted with two large cushions and a spacious low table. Elegant indoor plants flank the arrangement on either side. In a home defined by its ultra-modern style, this area retains the influence of Chinese tradition.
On the table, classic meets contemporary and east meets west. The unique teapot is the work of Stockholm-based designer Anna Lerinder.
Elegant built-ins extend across the other side of the living space as well. This one adds a dash of color.
The dining room pendant light is the iconic Artichoke design by Poul Henningsen, a distinctive piece to counterbalance the minimalism of the round dining table below it.
Stylish swivel chairs continue the theme.
A galley kitchen occupies a secluded space set apart from the social areas. A stainless-steel backsplash adds a professional touch, softened by the addition of marble floors – both elements working together to create a sophisticated grey and white kitchen theme.
Storage is abundant. A mix of enclosed drawers and cabinets keep items neat and tidy while open niches offer at-a-glance access for everyday essentials.
Now, for a look at the charming bedroom. This space embraces subtle color with its pastel end of bed bench and delightful reading nook .
A bedroom pendant light hangs over one side of the built-in cabinets. Wall sconces flank the bed for direct illumination.
The wall opposite the bed is left empty – no artwork or knickknacks to distract from the quest for sleep.
Attached to the bedroom is a clean and simple bathroom area. Storage cabinets line the vanity, with open shelves tucked in next to the mirror.
Elsewhere, the master bathroom switches from the gentle wood floor aesthetic to clean marble tile.
An incredible walk in wardrobe serves as a picture of pure luxury. Equipped with a vanity and stool, a space like this serves as a full dressing room, allowing the bedroom to maintain its status as a purely relaxation-oriented area.
The modern home office takes on a completely different character compared to the rest of the home. Ample decorations line the shelves along with books and other reference material – everything on display for inspiration and easy access.
This tour closes with a look at the entryway, equipped with a spacious closet illuminated from behind semi-translucent doors. A blush-pink vanity stool and blue sculpture welcome guests with colorful character.
Designer:Gray Vision| Visualizer:Gray Vision
Here is another home concept by Beijing-based Gray Vision. In this home the traditional eastern elements are expressed outwardly but with a dramatic contemporary twist. This tour opens with a fantastic example of Zen inspired design , a dry garden style most commonly attributed to Japan with roots in Chinese water garden layouts.
Vertical wood slats create visual separation between functional areas, an updated take on the intricate lattices and screens of traditional Chinese architecture.
Natural colors define the living room, its light wood furniture accented with touches of jade green textiles.
Various styles of calligraphy adorn the walls throughout the home. Here, a tremendous feature wall commands attention.
In fact, a major portion of the living room is dedicated to creating calligraphy. Behind it, a folding screen centers the space with a large dramatic brush stroke.
The table has shelves for spare scrolls and supplies. Above, linear suspension lights provide even illumination.
Another calligraphic accent draws attention toward the kitchen area, which is set apart from the main living spaces in its own private cove.
Countertops wrap around and project from the kitchen, creating a dining area that can double as extra workspace for meal preparation.
The bedroom continues the theme of natural wood, soft greys, and subtle jade accents.
Instead of table lamps, bedroom pendant lights hang at either side of the bed.
Where you might otherwise expect a well-stocked wardrobe, this home concept instead features a stylish place to store calligraphic scrolls and supplies.
A handsome master bathroom is broken into two spaces separated by a glass wall, allowing sunlight to enter unimpeded.
Another bathroom sits tucked away beneath the stairs, integrating the shape of the treads into the architecture for a unique look.
Designer:Simon| Visualizer:Simon
The final tour features a home concept by a different designer – SIMON based in Harbin, China. This space embraces the same sense of minimalism and understated luxury as the others, this time accented with ultramodern furniture from iconic brands across the globe.
Each piece of living room furniture captures the eye with sculptural appeal. Plush elements invite comfort, like the Tactile Sofa by Vincenzo De Cotiis. Others cut a clean minimalist profile, like the round ottoman coffee table .
This piece is especially engaging – the Spun chair designed by Thomas Heatherwick for Magis is a piece of functional interactive art, rolling and rocking thanks to its unique top-like shape.
Next to the sofa, an adjustable wall light provides directional illumination where needed.
In a room dominated by low-profile furniture, even casual pieces like this pouf lounge feel right at home.
The spacious living room opens into a kitchen at the left.
Artwork is placed in prominent areas to become the focus of attention rather than simple décor.
Minimalist decorative vases grace the table. Beyond them, built-in shelves offer more storage and display space.
The bedroom truly captures a feeling of luxurious retreat. A stately bathtub with marble backsplash stands to the left, enjoying the ambiance and natural sunlight of the room that surrounds.
The future of modern minimalist design in China is looking bright, innovative, and inspirational.
This spectacular residence is a home crafted around the sights and sounds of a vibrant well-balanced life. This project is the work of Bernardes Arquitetura and Sala2 Arquitetura , situated on a gorgeous tree-lined plot in São Paulo, Brazil. Throughout this tour you will notice areas dedicated to music, cinema, art, play, enterprise, and so much more. Each family member has room to explore their own means of expression. Explore the photos below to see how this home balances its exceptionally cohesive interior theme with the need for highly personalized and individualized spaces.
This tour begins with a spacious mid century modern living room , its functionality and design based around its star occupant – the stately black piano. Acoustics were a prime consideration with the ceiling clad in wood and the floor carpeted in natural wool.
Two square coffee tables are pushed together to suit the length of the of the social area, a handsome space lined with architectural art on one side and a view of the garden on the other.
A lovely accent chair sits near the wide firebox of the fireplace. Small decorations dot the mantel, including the iconic Eames bird in matching black.
Large sliding glass doors blur the lines between indoors and out.
On the other side of the room, more architectural artwork joins subtle accents like decorative vases . The pendant light is from the DNA Collection by Hopf & Wortmann.
Across the garden, you can see the second volume of this spacious abode.
This home layout is arranged with abundant consideration for everyday life. Residents are never far from a place to lounge, eat, or enjoy recreation.
Stylish shelves serve as a room divider between the living area and a formal dining room. An array of sculpture and indoor plants partially shield the table to provide a touch of privacy.
Together, this collection stands as a veritable indoor garden.
In addition to the live plants, there is also a large glass vase with fresh cuttings. This type of leaf drop arrangement is growing in popularity for its simplicity and elegant form.
These modern dining chairs , upholstered in vibrant orange, are from the Hola Collection by Hannes Wettstein.
A variety of lighting sets the mood for every type of evening. Inset downlights provide bright illumination when needed, and a combination of cove lighting and chandeliers set a calmer mood for relaxing moments.
The main kitchen maintains a traditional sense of enclosure, tucked away in a room separate from the main living area. The style, on the other hand, is undeniably modern with its minimalist wood cabinetry and slate grey floors.
At the end of the galley layout is a cozy family space – a lovely little dining room for casual breakfasts and family meals, a more intimate alternative to the formal dining table in the living room beyond.
This nook is lit by a modern dining room pendant light above an equally minimalistic round dining table .
Across the garden from the main house, this portion of the home seems tailored specifically toward entertainment. Here, a full outdoor kitchen overlooks a living and dining area that flows seamlessly toward the patio and pool.
Nearby, residents can enjoy this casual cinema space. Each ascending row features a different type of chair to suit the individual comfort preferences of guests.
When the blackout curtains are open, you can see the beautiful spiral staircase design that leads to the private upstairs areas of the home.
A causal living room provides a place for guests or in-laws to relax in the entertainment-focused volume of the home. This one is outfitted with a long cabinet that extends over 10 meters in length ending at the television corner, situated low enough to maintain the treetop view. A simple Vitra Cork stool provides height-appropriate seating at the near end.
Now for a look at the children’s bedrooms, little worlds of their own. This nursery features a whimsical theme of balloons and animals and city skylines, all wrapped in a comforting green color palette.
Playful details include a charming floor lamp that stands on two feet like a person, a carved sheep stool with realistic wool, and so many others.
Another bedroom, intended for an older child, takes that playful energy and redirects it toward activity. The bed doubles as a playhouse thanks to its innovative framing. A long table features a jumbo roll of paper built-in for endless artistry.
The storage solutions are especially versatile and well-suited to adults and children alike. Toy boxes are easily pulled from their organized cubbies below, books are reachable from the lowest shelves, and the highest shelves provide safe storage for favorite collectibles like the iconic Eames Mini Elephant .
Each of the master bedrooms and guest bedrooms offer their own unique approach to functionality. In this one, a full modern home office desk looks over the low-profile bed for a clear view out of the window on the other side.
Spinning the swivel chair around to face the shelves reveals a small collection of Vitra miniature chairs – a fantastic collection for passionate fans of modern design.
This bedroom features a unique built-in alongside the bed. This cozy area could serve as a sofa or a daybed for casual relaxation.
The color scheme is certainly energetic, with accents like pillows and poufs in dark blue and vibrant orange.
Here is another enviable modern bedroom , this time with a calm and subdued color palette. Where you might normally find a bench, the end of this bed is capped with a full loveseat and ottoman set.
And finally, a look at the smartly designed and well-equipped home office. A long desk spans the room with equally generous shelves above. Residents forego the standard computer chair in favor of the famously ergonomic and adjustable Herman Miller Aeron .
A few provided floor plans provide context for the layout. The home is split into two distinct volumes, one that emphasizes entertainment and another that prioritizes everyday family living.
The second floor of each volume contains bedrooms and small social spaces.
Yet another space contains a gym and a music room. In terms of architecture, this home is stunning. When it comes to interior design, these spaces could not feel fresher and more contemporary. And the functionality – every member of the family has room to explore their interests and dreams.
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
