Open layouts offer such a convenient and effective way to brighten a home and make it feel larger. The downside is that everything is constantly within view at all times, leading to extra effort coordinating decorations and layouts. Each functional area must work well with the others. This post features three distinctive homes that stick to a single interior accent color as a unifying theme, one of the easier and more versatile ways to approach the open layout situation. Why yellow decor accents ? It seems like every shade of yellow has its own unique personality and this expressiveness makes it ideal for wide open spaces.
Visualizer:Olga Podgornaja
Striking accents turn this grayscale interior from attractive to unforgettable. Where other homes tend to use accent colors to draw attention to big-ticket items like sofas and tables, this home is unique in that it uses many small bursts of vivid color in the most surprising places: books arranged in a loose rainbow pattern buck the all-white binding trend, a photo of a woman in a yellow rain coat immediately catches the eye of visitors, etc. and you’ll see even more fine examples in the following visualizations. If you’re looking for inexpensive color accent ideas, don’t miss this one!
Blue, gray, and rust-colored tiles ensure the kitchen carries a completely different aesthetic than the living space. Although they are visually connected, each one feels distinctive yet intertwined.
The other side of the fireplace divider features shelves of varying heights to accommodate containers of every size. Each container is finished with the same glossy white with no visible markings, so it’s quite possible to forget which spices or dry goods are in which jars, but the varied sizes and precise arrangements could make this idea work.
It’s nice how these polished brass-toned tables reflect the yellow of the couch.
A freestanding fireplace unit divides the kitchen and the living room area, with a simple dining arrangement straddling the boundary between.
Visualizer:Oleksii Karman
Heavy industrial features and light whimsical accents make this home quite interesting. Concrete surfaces are balanced by the light parquet floors, the heavy cement staircase contrasts with the playful framed art, and the hard edges give the soft woven rug and pale yellow sofa combination an extra chic appeal through smart contrast. Opposing themes become a cohesive style – this unique approach seems to reveal a great amount of hidden character within each detail.
Perfectly coordinated with the breakfast barstools pictured previously, these soft dining chairs look absolutely smooth and luxurious. The dancing chain of cuboctahedrons complements the modernistic aesthetic.
The brick backsplash is especially nice. It’s likely covered with some type of acrylic panel to keep moisture and food debris from mucking up the surface.
With the singular yellow kitchen bar stools , every other minor yellow detail in the kitchen seems to stand out. A set of spice jars and a decorative fruit bowls means that you can turn everyday groceries into beautiful colorful accents – as long as your chosen color is common in the food world, that is.
The flowers, the reflectors inside the dining pendant lamps , the Edison bulbs over the kitchen island… a nice variety of yellows.
Designer:Petro Buchok, Grits Boychuk, Roma Verbishchuk
Rich goldenrod makes up the majority of this interior decor theme, with a few touches of red and orange sprinkled about for emphasis. So many people are afraid to decorate with yellow because it’s usually visualized as a bold color but this subdued hue shows that yellow can be just as relaxing and as stylish as anything else. This apartment fits within a reasonable 73-square-meter floor plan, which may have influenced the choice of such a calm shade of yellow since lower-saturation choices tend to embrace mismatched tones whereas higher saturations are slightly less adaptable.
Yellow tiles brighten this efficient bathroom in a big way. It’s compact but makes fantastic use of its space with an under-cabinet washer and dryer. Despite its size, it doesn’t hold back on the luxurious soak tub.
Because rooms like the bathroom and office are so private, it’s far less risky to use bold saturated colors. Sunny yellow is desirable in the bathroom because it makes up for the lack of windows, whereas it makes a brilliant match for the office because of its energetic properties.
Art is always a great way to make a first impression in an entryway. These geometric prints (and two blank canvases in the back) give visitors a little taste of the design themes they’re about to enjoy.
What a fantastic kitchen! Charcoal stools and lower cabinets meet sleek yellow cabinets, with the pull-grooves treated with the opposite color. A geometric tile backsplash in neutral tan sits in the middle.
This stylish office is accessible through glass sliding doors leading from the bedroom. With the blinds open, the sunlight can pour in from the bedroom. And don’t you just love that patterned wallpaper? Of course, to continue the theme, cheerful yellow cabinets provide some room for extra storage.
In the bedroom, a mellow bedspread and curtain continues the yellow palette. A singular piece of art hangs on the wall, reminiscent of zebra stripes. The pendant lights are from the Pipe collection by Tom Dixon.
The color accents tend to emphasize the larger pieces of furniture, like the breakfast bar and the sofa. Even the floor-to-ceiling curtains are aglow with radiant gold. Note the innovative entertainment panel with its glossy squares that help the television blend into the background for a smooth look.
Eclectic contemporary decor takes on a mostly geometric theme with just the slightest hint of industrial influence. The lights are from Tom Dixon’s widely-available Beat collection. The adjustable task lamp is a cool touch too!
Considering the high degree of precision and detail, most people wouldn’t believe that these intricate sculptures are made from salvaged materials. French artist Alain Bellino studied the family trade of gold and silver plating throughout the 1980s before moving on to creating completely original sculptures. By 2010, he had developed a style that repurposes the bronze ornamentation from antique furniture and hardware. His work spans a variety of themes and styles, and finished with a variety of treatments to achieve specific colors or level of patina – he only sticks to one rule, and that is that each piece should be made entirely from bronze.
Designer:Alain Bellino
This striking Vintage Vader is immensely intricate. The dark finish and skillfully polished eyes suit him quite well. As with most of Alain Bellino’s work, this helmet is made of finely-assembled antique bronze ornaments and finished with a patinated silver coating. This would be a gorgeous addition to any Star Wars themed home .
Many of the photos is this series highlight the sculptures at various phases in their construction. Here’s the piece before applying the silver.
By the way, do check out our post on Star Wars related home decor if you are into this sort of thing.
Of course, no collection is complete without R2D2. This one would certainly stand out in any hobby room. Imagine how long it must have taken to find the perfect bronze ornaments for the shoulders and the details! The artist says that keeping a wide assortment of parts on hand at all times is crucial.
This piece is rather large, and takes advantage of color finishes in addition to the lovely white paint.
Forming such delicately-constructed items from such a durable material must be a difficult task – especially considering the level of realism achieved with each one. The overall construction process is likely as interesting to behold as the finished product itself.
Here’s the ornate overlay gilded to perfection, against the backdrop of mechanical hoses and chains with a rust-like finish.
Scrolling through the photos you will notice that the artist creates many sculptures featuring skulls. Published interviews with Alain Bellino reveal that his favorite artistic genre is “vanitas”, Latin for “emptiness”, a reflection of the transience of life and the certainty of death. The black-treated bronze seems to reflect this theme.
This sculpture does a good job of highlighting the nature of the ornaments the artist deconstructed to create these sculptures – notice the lion pendant on the center of the forehead, and the teeth made from the handles of vintage bronze cutlery.
Flourishes and medallions and large plates of bronze make up the sturdy frame of this proud rhinoceros. It’s hard to determine where many of these pieces came from (except the keyhole covers perhaps) but it’s neat to see the spectrum of natural patina and weathering displayed by each component.
Here’s the completed rhino, finished with a silver coating on the front half and a silk blank finish on the rear.
It’s amazing how smoothly the parts fit together; this jaw looks like it could open at any moment.
Some of the sculptures follow a common material motif. This one is made entirely out of clock parts soldered together and carefully gilded. Time is a common theme in the vanitas genre, reflecting the fleeting nature of life and beauty. The shapeliness and curvature is impressive considering how clocks come with such flat and rigid pieces.
The small amount of variation from one timepiece to another gave the artist an advantage in the search for symmetry.
Alain Bellino expresses himself through a variety of styles. This dragon is rather playful-
-while this bust approaches realism.
With access to just a few different types of cutlery, the artist can weave entirely new worlds within the mind.
Like this lamp-
-or this spoon winged crane.
Some of his cutlery sculptures embrace folk art aesthetic through-and-through.
And others transform into objects of contemporary luxury.
Although famous for his lifelike human skulls, his animal-themed sculptures are quite detailed and realistic as well. The horns are made from finely-curled strips of bronze, and the range of ornament density does a great job to enhance the range of visual depth.
The somber eyes are especially beautiful.
This one seems to have a basis in Greek or Roman mythology, featuring a trident-wielding figure similar to the famous Nereid sea nymphs known to wear gold-trimmed robes yet wear bare feet. Hoisted up in her hand is a wave of shells with the half-horse half-fish hippocampus carried along in the swell. The combination of gilt, dark patina, and matte white paint certainly make for a dramatic and admirable figure.
Even the singular skulls are just as interesting as the more abstract pieces. The layering and arrangement are perfectly exquisite. No matter where the eye rests, there is something fascinating to occupy it. This one features a prominent ornament in the center of the forehead, and fleur-de-lis flourishes winding their way across the bottom and top of the teeth.
Here, a gilded skull floats in the center of matte white egg. The frame seems to follow the basic composition of a rose vine with its swirling tendrils and pointed thorns. It’s almost reminiscent of a Fabergé egg but made of sturdy metal rather than delicate porcelain or carved material.
Anything related to the vanitas genre makes for a powerful conversation starter around fans of art interpretation.
A cockatrice is a mythical beast with the body of a dragon, the head of a rooster, and two legs that end in fearsome claws. This gorgeous piece is made of gilded bronze ornaments carefully chosen for a cohesive texture. The wings are cut from large pressed medallions for their smooth look, the upper body is composed of rich scrollwork to allude to feathers, and the tail uses small smooth disks to imitate scales.
What a fabulous saxophone sculpture! Surely this would be an admirable decoration for anyone with an interest in both timeless music and classic design. This piece required a great number of small medallions, likely taken from various back plates and furniture appliques – the variation between the medallions makes it seem more vibrant and emotive, much like a good jazz number.
This earthy sculpture is another highly tailored appeal to the themes of the vanitas genre. The tree itself displays a twisted yet beautiful frame completely devoid of leaves, finished with a deep brown patina. Ridges and knots realistically echo the contorted grain of dead wood snags.
Zooming out reveals the gilded skull in which this dramatic tree has plunged its roots. Acanthus leaves, bold flowers, and other natural flourishes make up the structure of the skull. Even the teeth have a unique wood grain pattern.
The contrast is striking!
Some of Bellino’s sculptures very large while others are small enough to fit into the palm of a hand. Despite its small size, this carefully crafted skull contains almost as much detail and consideration as the life-sized figures, its extreme small scale design making it even more of a pleasure to admire.
Here’s a shot of the completed figure, finished in silver. It’s incredible to see how the intricacy of the skull continues into the petite bones of the skeleton.
Carefully sculpted waves give the illusion of motion as if the ship were forging full speed ahead, carried by its glowing silvered sails and strong oxidized hull and keel. Constructing miniatures of classic ships is an ancient and enjoyable pastime, but it’s unlikely that many hobbyists have built anything quite like this before.
Despite its fanciful motif, the attention to realism is what makes this artist so rare and impressive. Check out those ropes made from bronze chain, and the perfectly-styled balustrade at the bow of the ship.
If only we were able to see the scale of this fabulous stag beetle! It looks so delicate yet so strong, much like the real thing. The anatomy is exceptionally realistic, down to the fine teeth on the antlers.
Did you know that the big “jaws”/antlers on these beetles are not for biting, but for jousting with one another?
This one is just fabulous! Organic ornaments and oxidized brass tubes come together to create a brilliant likeness of the human heart. It’s a very emotional piece with many interpretations – and it’s an absolutely stellar fit for the artist’s collection of vanitas-inspired sculptures.
The gilded pedestal is an attractive and highly functional addition, rich with potential symbolism.
Antique bronze isn’t the easiest metal to work, but this artist knows how to bend it to his whims. Here’s a fun shot of a bronze triceratops in the making.
The result is half gilded, half rusty patina. This piece seems to prove that anything old can seem and feel new again, whether it’s a theme or a material or an idea.
Here’s another assemblage series. This one starts with the lips, lifted by a fluttering ribbon.
Each antique bronze ornament is examined for fit, thematic relevance, texture, and visual density.
Butterflies, cherubs, flowers, wings, and holly leaves are just a few of the distinctive ornaments that reveal themselves with a glance.
Here’s the face after the silvering, with a smooth black underframe added.
William Tell gets to breathe a sigh of relief knowing his gilded arrow has hit its mark. This matte white skull features ornaments in extremely high relief, distressed to reveal slivers of bronze at the edges. The apple is treated with a glossy crimson lacquer for a rich contrast with the gold.
Subtle, but gorgeous – the eyes are repurposed from flower ornaments.
A machine rises from this gilded skull like a rusted city skyline. This style could best be described as “steampunk meets sumptuous baroque”. It’s an especially interesting piece because the artist does not ordinarily emphasize mechanical layouts, but this mechanism looks like it could spring to life at the flip of a switch.
If the intricate machine doesn’t draw your attention, these deep and powerful eyes surely will.
A gilded crown rests on a silvered skull, with a menacing black snake trawling its way through the cranium. The somewhat dark theme doesn’t stop this sculpture from embracing its sophisticated aesthetic, capturing the imagination with elegant detail.
Up close, the snake reveals a multilayered personality expressed through precise composition.
Notice the lion-shaped door knocker placed in the center of the forehead – likely part of a functional drawer pull set, but now it’s a work of art.
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
