To make it big, living close to the city is often a must. Big cities hold big jobs – and the networking culture to support them. Many young couples move to further their careers, sacrificing a larger home space in the process. These three studio apartments under 50sqm show that living and working in style need not be mutually-exclusive terms. Designing with sleek, contemporary materials to create rather than use up space, these three interiors show how a little room can be designed to look much larger. Take a peek at their designs and floor plans to make the most of your apartment or rental space.
Visualizer:Nikita Bulatov
Designed around a central pivot, this studio in Kiev, Ukraine, makes 44.3sqm look intelligently industrial. The living room and bedroom show this best in a wide-paned view without solid walls. As lacquered wood extends the space, grey walls on either side – one painted, one in concrete – create unity with enough difference to separate the spaces. A slatted bedroom partition creates privacy without shutting out the light.
Walking around the central point, several rooms reveal themselves. From the lounge, an industrial kitchen fills a wall, drawing in the eye with a lit central panel. A wooden island juts out as a bench, allowing free space around its edges. Grey cabinetry becomes concrete in a ceiling and wall panel, while a block seat offers a rest. Industrial features in a red racing track, wind chime lighting and a feature extractor fan make a statement – from a height unobtrusive to the space. A lit, wooden-panelled hallway directs the gaze from dark corners and into the wider interior.
The gorgeous scandinavian style chairs are from Hee Welling for Hay. You can get them here .
From the kitchen, the bedroom hides behind a slatted wooden panel. Using the wood from the floor and hallway, it provides a TV, ledge for accessories and sleeping space within a compact room. A low futon bed with light bedding allows room for two drop lights to add subtle complexity.
The hallway mimics the bedroom’s partition, with a slatted feature lined with LEDs. Its light, breezy frame is a perfect segue to a lit seated area. A white door and flooring open it up, while a grey storage cabinet hides away.
Clever bathroom panelling makes its corridor space seem larger. Split into charcoal, light grey and white, honeycomb and pin-prick texturing with dashes of wood accentuate wide walls and distract from close-quarter amenities. Wide format tiling towards the door creates a large square of space, further lightened by wooden accents.
Visualizer:Igor Kostin
A young couple commissioned our next studio space, a tad smaller at 40sqm. Briefed to be comfortable, ergonomic and stylish, its creative industry owners were pleased with the two-bedroom result. A striking black and yellow design sets the stage in the living room, as a corrugated storage space becomes a feature. Set on recycled wooden flooring, a white TV cabinet and two desks hold storage and afford clear space. A roll-away distressed wooden crate and bookshelf in matching yellow complete the look.
From the lounge, the space opens to other rooms. A bedroom frame in black slatted timber adds privacy and good design. White kitchen cabinetry, a wardrobe and hallway act as a white wall, while hiding the necessities. A swift wraparound of the bedroom wall reveals a bright sunshine bench to match the lounge’s compartment. The elements work together, and separately, to allude to a larger space.
The slats of the master bedroom give a glimpse of avid gamers. Black painted walls allow the Playstation to project, while a bright yellow insert makes a feature of the handsets. A dominant green wall with data-driven artwork alludes to digital love; soft beige bedding to a space for it. LED-lighting adds a snazzy touch.
A mirrored walk from the main entrance leads to the kitchen. Set on the same wooden flooring, it makes its mark in teal school chairs, tame in comparison to the lounge’s bolder yellows. A stencil chandelier mimics the bedroom’s slats; a white marble table the TV cabinet behind.
As kitchen chairs back onto cabinetry, the kitchen swathes itself in white and grey. A wall of white atop the counters creates more head space, while a speckled tiled inlet catches attention. Appliances in black and white blend into its assembly, softened to the side by a curtain in blue.
Visualizer:Int2 Architecture
Our final space in Moscow, Russia, is an interior done on a budget. Another 40sqm wonder, it was designed for the rental market on a tight, flea market-sourced timeframe. Its edgy look starts in the lounge, where a mixture of charcoal and grey adorn two chairs, walls and floor. Painted decking boards proffer a grey Turkish rug and metal-bottomed table, while an antique chandelier adds flair from the ceiling. A warmer wood panel and concrete ceiling are lit up from a wide-ranging window.
Beside the lounge, the bedroom exudes its own vibe with a copy-based artwork. The wooden frames of the bookcase act as a sideboard, complemented by the bed’s matching headboard. Simple grey bedding blends to the floor and makes the small space appear luxuriously larger.
A line back to a black hallway makes an interesting entrance for the interior. Forming a larger square space, black-painted school lockers provide storage beside a bicycle. The trend is carried through in the wider kitchen space, featuring industrial-looking appliances, an extractor fan and white chef benching. Distressed wood frames the units and walls, as a dining set in the same material continues on the theme. Smaller features in black painted piping and utensil racks keep the costs down while remaining true to the look.
The bathroom shocks in pure white with a subtle floor pattern. Peppered with antique wooden furniture, a ladder hangs towels while a wooden bench holds a sink. Pops of copper adorn the amenities, an unusual mix of market finds atop an old Singer sewing machine. Two bauble lights hang down to punctuate.
A family home doesn’t need to come in a standard format. A two-storey dream, this attic conversion has all the elements a great interior requires. Making the most of skylights, multi-levels, and sloping architectural features, this home designed by Ilya Eroshevich and Eugene Shilov holds a contemporary look in an unconventional location. Briefed to inject warmth and comfort into a 106sqm home complete with a large living space, two bedrooms and a bathroom, it was a challenge for the designers – but a challenge worth chasing. The result is a clean-lined, contemporary home showing off modern features the adults can enjoy and the kids can ravage. Take a peek at our house tour for yourself.
Designer:Eroshevich and Eugene Shilov
The two-storey space opens to a slanting roof – a main feature of an attic conversion. Down from white walls and thick iron railings, the living room welcomes with a teardrop fireplace as an exclamation. Concrete walls and floors hark to the industrial, while a grey mottled rug and large block sofa make grey luxurious and comfortable.
As we peek down the hall, the lounge extends to a dining room, kitchen and library – an elongated space clad in concrete. The lounge offers us a view, as pops of mustard and patterns link through to a multi-compartmented wall of books. A TV grounds one of the iron structured panels, running in a long line through the kitchen and dining rooms.
As we look to the end, a wooden wall beckons. Through its small passage an entranceway exudes white and wooden features, on the same concrete floor. A yellow abstract artwork lengthens one pillar, while an LED light strip makes a feature of a mirrored cupboard. A beanbag offers a handy place for visitors to remove shoes.
Just around the corner, the ascent to the second level begins. Light wooden stairs with matching railings are interspersed by tinted glass. Reaching the top greets the eye with walls of white holding small features, nooks and crannies for family items. Iron railings frame the balcony, looking down to the main living area.
The path down the stairs affords a closer view of the dining room and kitchen. Using the same wooden tone as the entrance’s walls, the dining table shines in varnish, seating eight distressed chairs. Three windows open out to a view and exterior balcony, while iron structural beams background two grasshopper lights in black.
A 180-degree turn shows the kitchen, minimalist yet industrial in black and darker wood. Melting in with the wall, a sleek black benchtop is complemented by hidden appliances and striking streaks of LED lighting running along its ceiling and sides. A lit kitchen inlet draws in the eye, while three stools leave room for a view.
Leading back up the stairs, tinted glass panels segue into an enclave bedroom, resplendent with a monochromatic wall aflame with horses. Wall-to-floor light-wooden panelling makes the space bright, while bedding grounds the space in muted, darker colours. A spin across the room shows a white acrylic desk, baby blue chair, potted cacti and banquet-hung cable lighting. The look is simple, minimalistic; but with a dash of quirky character.
The bathroom carries through the minimalist theme. Marble-tiled walls hold chrome amenities in an LED-lit mirror and rainforest shower head. Simple wooden benching matches a feature wall holding a towel rail, while tinted glass from the stair railings adds privacy to the shower and toilet areas. A wicker cane laundry baskets accentuates a beige space clad in a variety of natural materials.
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
