Studio apartments are not renowned for spaciousness. Compact, convenient, and packed with tight corners, they rely on innovative tricks to make the most of their space. These three apartments for three different types of residents – a couple, double-income-no-kids couple, and young man in his twenties – show how a studio can achieve a sleek, contemporary look in a variety of ways. Couches back onto bedrooms, marble drapes over benchtops, walls and floors, and alternative textures shine in these homes straight out of an interior magazine. Take a closer look at their evolutions from cramped to vamp.
Designer:Studio VAE
Our first studio apartment takes minimalism to a sleek, earthy level. Using nature’s most beautiful elements, slate, marble and wood shine in this Batumi, Georgia space of only 57sqm. Opening up the space, the long, low furniture of the living and bed rooms sit together, divided by a single partition. Marble floors connect the two, while large slate tiling and a feature art piece headboard the bed and couch. Wide-paned Japanese windows bring light and dark, while a wood-panelled lounge wall avoids a perfect match.
Towards the bathroom, black makes its mark. An impactful lacquer wall, gorgeous marble coffee table and line lighting guide visitors through the space. Black furniture in the living room matches the kitchen’s stencil stools and study’s pod chair. Beige marble flooring keeps it light amidst wood, grey and white tones.
The bedroom creates a structured, yet relaxed, feel in grey and earthy tones. A grey slate headboard greets a slate side table and bedding, while mushroom lamps glow to either side. Pops of blue provide calm in a powder chair and leaning ocean abstract. Connecting marble segues the bathroom.
Using the bathroom’s marble, the kitchen space is small but smart. White and wood keep the space clean, while black appliances draw the eye.
LED lights make cabinetry glow, while the kitchen bar stools slide tidily underneath.
A corridor bathroom is glamorous in top-to-toe marble and muted ceiling lights. Glass shower doors allude to more space, while amenities blend quietly. LED-lit shelving adds a feature, while detracting from storage space.
Designer:Jaak
The alternative comes to life in this much-larger 850sqft studio. Located in Fo Tan, Hong Kong, regular studio partitions were abandoned in favour of greater room flow and mid-century furniture. The central space mixes the old with the new, as the room revolves around a wood and grey cabinet from the ‘50’s. A denim couch by Stephen Kenn integrates classic lines with modern textures, as a mirrored column to the left both wires the headboard shelf and pays tribute to Mies Van der Rohe. Set afront white and wood panelling, the bed and living rooms cuddle into one chic, open-plan space.
From each angle, artistic elements catch the eye. Aztec couch cushions greet two cowhides, one sitting, one leaning. An avant-garde table in gold sits under a street light, a reminder of the urban outside. Ladders and compartments complement a Charlotte Perriand chest, while a bonzai-shaped tree adds another culture.
Central compartments mirror a cupboard for chairs, a clever trick for extra space. As a 50’s mirror leans to the side, the space’s long, lean lines are extended.
The bedroom creates its own aura with a sliding balcony door and muted grey hues. Looking towards the window or turquoise powder room, it forgets the lounge in favour of a more peaceful space. Vased lavender sprigs and showgirl mirror lights add a touch of personality, slatted wooden shelving a place for necessities.
Visualizer:Pavel Alekseev
Designed for a young man in Moscow, our third studio apartment is a feast for futuristic eyes. Using colouring to designate different spaces, its mood changes as often as its textures. The living room acts the bachelor in muted tones of grey, as striking yellow cuts through a rug and cushion. Textured panels behind the couch and towards the bedroom create depth and drama.
A black circle chandelier creates a focal point, avoiding a clash with the blue bedroom wall behind.
The bedroom strikes in midnight blue and a full-scale almost-nude. Drenched in taupe, tan and beige, its colours say warmth and cosiness, its artwork sex and seduction.
A turn around the corner reveals a series of feature walls, each differing in texture and tone. The TV wall wows with a taupe header, glossy charcoal cabinetry and monochromatic elements. The balcony boasts a textured floor and wall, set against a large-scale ocean. Another corner reveals two walls, beige and blue, housing a small corner desk in white.
The kitchen carries through the lounge’s black and yellow, centring them in a dining table. Set on a light wooden floor and black-and-white walls, glossy black cabinetry mirrors the chairs upon a black marble floor. Turns to each side reveal a wooden panel holding a TV, a marbled corridor and an open-plan invite to the balcony. Each angle offers a different, non-competing theme, adding distinctiveness and character to each living space.
Down the marbled corridor, a sleek exit awaits. Set in black with striking panels of white, a painted barn door shows the way out. A mirror and glass vase offer a look back, lit by a single circular light.
Books, books, and more books. Who can get enough of them? From the musty old smell of an antique bookshop to the crisp, white pages of a newly-bought piece, the allure of reading is one savoured and cherished. How can you share such a solitary activity with others? These forty-six finds, acting as gifts or personal novelties, afford a way for readers to both maintain bookishness and flaunt their passion - simultaneously. Whether it’s accessories for books, a unique cushion, innovative chair, scented candle or world map of the classics you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it here. Take a turn of our digital pages below to find your perfect gift.
Book-Shaped Light
Rifle through book pages beside the rifled pages of an open-book light.
Book Rest Book Lamp
Tired of coffee stains marking pages? Rest your book’s laurels on this house light instead.
Library Wall Decal
Want a top-to-toe library, but don’t have the books? Imagine them instead with this clever decal.
Bookshelf Door Decal
Pretend you have a secret passageway with this nifty door decal.
Old Book Scented Candle
The antique bookshop has finally been encapsulated in this candle of dusted amber, lined suede and dried paper notes.
New Book Scented Candle
Not a fan of the older book aroma? Get the smell of a new read, with a quote to boot.
Book Lovers’ Tote Bags
Be loud and proud of your bookishness, with these canvas bags proclaiming the fact.
Bookniture
This origami-inspired innovation can hold half a ton of weight, and fold away on the shelf – a perfect gift for the book lover in your life.
Library Card Pillows
Dream of escaping book fines with these library card pillows under your neck. Pick from the colours of the rainbow for a fitting décor match.
Book Lover’s Throw Pillows
Read the classics on these made-for-gift pillows, available in a variety of quotes and bookish notes.
Reading Girl Duvet Cover
Encourage your young lady’s passion for literature with this bookish duvet set .
Books Duvet Cover
Sleep underneath your favourite authors with this book-loving bedspread, a motley of authors such as Kerouac, McEwan and Harper Lee.
Book Pillows
Fall asleep with a book under, not over, your head as you dream of your next reading session.
Penguin Classics-Themed Matchboxes
Light up a candle or cigarette within a book, beside a book. These matchboxes mirroring Penguin classics take a humorous view of your favourite reads.
Invisible Bookshelf
A clever trick for the eye, this playful bookshelf holds your favorite five or six reads – without a bookshelf structure to be seen.
Superman Floating Book Shelf
Reading a book that requires superhuman effort? Show off your literature prowess as Superman supports your collection from beneath.
Superwoman Floating Book Shelf
Find a gift for your fellow feminist, with this bookshelf for definitive texts. Superwoman holds up the sky, novels, and landmark publications.
Agustav Hanging Bookshelf
A Scandinavian dream in oak wood, this bookshelf holds your books like a coat hanger. Pins hanging from the hangers mark your place for the next reading session.
Knowledge Bookends By Karim Rashid
Make your mind golden like Rashid did, with this self-modelled representation of a knowledgeable mind. Made of rubber-coated stone resin, it’s also available in white and pink.
Game Of Thrones Dragon Eggs Bookend
Collect all Daenerys’ wedding gift eggs with these bookends amongst your fantasy novels. Officially licensed by HBO, they can sit as a set of three or separate pieces. By the way, if dragons are your thing, don’t forget to check out our post on dragon home decor .
Lord of the Rings The Argonath Bookends
Use the power of the Argonath to sit your books together, in one unique bookend for the diehard fan.
Owl Bookends
Ever the night owl, read into the night with this Indian rose wood owl home décor find.
Book-Shaped Bookends
Allow nothing but books on your shelves with these book-look bookends, hand-shaped and of museum quality.
Book-Shaped Bookends With Drawers
After a more structured feel? These darker reads feature four small hidden drawers within their jackets.
Book-Shaped Pencil & Stationary Holder
Make your own pen a sword, with these books offering weaponry to hand. A drawer underneath holds staples and little necessities for the writing of that ‘big idea’.
Book-Shaped Tissue Dispenser
Almost finished the final chapter? Wipe away the tears with this hidden tissue box, made of wood with gold-painted paper edges.
Book Clock
Let time fly as these books cuddle in your bookshelf. A set of three books in different colours act as one piece, blending into your bookshelf at the same time.
Macbook Book Case
Take your Macbook back in time with a secret book cover identity. Made of vintage leather, its inner edge features a mock book spine.
Book-Shaped Secret Storage Box
Protect your valuables with a nifty disguise – a series of old book jackets. Clad in wood, their exterior is made to look like classic book jacket leather.
Book-Shaped Jewellery Holder
Give more than a book with this unique jewellery holder. Its poly-leather interior reveals separate compartments for necklaces, rings, trinkets and earrings.
Book-Shaped Metal Trinket Box
Design a book in metal with this patterned filigree trinket box, made of long-lasting zinc alloy.
Book Succulent Planters
Let life grow out of fairytales, with this unique planter box on your office table. A row of cacti within its frame would offer an easy-to-care-for option.
100 Essential Novels Scratch Off Chart
Aiming to read all the classics? This chart lists all the classics you need to read, letting you scratch off their exteriors as you complete each text. A simple coin scratch turns their un-read golden covers into a story specific cover detail.
Periodic Table Of World Literature Poster
Combine science and literature in this chart of the elements. Writers are grouped by their technique and style – and orders are shipped within twenty-four hours.
Lord Of The Rings Middle Earth Map
Search for the ring with this map of Middle Earth on your library wall. Its limited edition dark sepia hues could top your stocking list.
Game Of Thrones Westeros Map
Explore Westeros outside the small screen, as this map hangs for fantastical pondering. A classic black frame turns it into a gift for a friend at Christmas.
Game Of Thrones Travel Posters
Celebrate the landscapes of your favourite show with these posters, a fitting find for the avid GoT decor fan .
Harry Potter Travel Posters
Celebrate Harry’s journey with these home décor destination posters. Sized at 13 x 19 inches, they show each stop between London to Scotland on the Hogwarts Express.
Harry Potter Chess Set
Combine fiction and strategy in a stunning chess set for your living room table. Recreating characters from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, each piece of the 32-piece set is made to the exact details in the film.
Harry Potter Themed Bookmark
Make your bookmark noteworthy as Harry’s boots hang upside down. These hand-crafted beauties from Ukraine come with a one year warranty. By the way, if you are a Harry Potter fan, don’t miss out our feature on Harry Potter home decor .
Wizard Of Oz Themed Bookmark
Squeeze Dorothy between your pages with this beautiful bookmark, made with the same hand-crafted care as Harry’s boots above.
Amazing Paper Sculptures
Not only the written word makes paper amazing. See its physical form in inspiring paper sculptures showcased inside or outside books, and made in Alicante, Spain.
Literary Greats Shot Glasses
Drink with the world’s most celebrated drunks with this colourful six-piece shot set. Each glass features a coloured visage and drink-worthy quote.
Game of Thrones House Sigil Shot Glass Set
Take a shot for the House of Sigil with this squared-off set of four. Made of glass, they’re the officially-licensed version from the HBO series.
I Drink & I Know Things Shot Glass
Drinking brings bravado and knowledge, in this cheeky find for the reader that likes a tipple.
The End Bookend
Finish the story with a bookend marker, a simple block piece in white sliding swiftly under the last book on the shelf.
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
