Home buyers are settling into smaller places in response to soaring property prices. When faced with the dilemma of furnishing a limited space, ingenious home layout is key. Bespoke furniture design is able to make use of every square inch available, and can incorporate storage into every available nook and cranny. Sometimes bespoke furniture can even create a whole extra level within a single story home; loft beds take the single biggest piece in the room and lift it right out of the equation. These three tiny apartment tours show how a lofted bed can leave room for a more spacious lounge, a dedicated home office or a generous closet.
Designer:Studio Bazi
Our first home is a designers flat measuring just 35 square metres, located in Russia, Moscow. As a flat for a young couple, the living and dining zones were designed to be flexible in order to accomodate a social scene. By moving the sofa and extending the neighbouring dining table it’s easy to accommodate up to ten guests. In order to allow this space, a double bed was built into a custom lofted box in one corner of the open plan living area.
Stairs leading up to the wooden sleep box can hold one person standing comfortably at full height, and the steps are also utilised as valuable storage space. A privacy curtain can be drawn across the loft bed if needed. When the curtain is drawn back, the elevated platform has a view over the whole flat and through the windows, making it a cosy place just to relax in as well as to sleep.
Another curtain draws back to reveal the entrance, a closet, wall cupboards and a shoe storage unit.
A bank of cabinets have been built around the television to house all of the couples other belongings. The furniture and lighting in the apartment are by IKEA.
A unique wall clock is mounted to the side of the loft box as a quirky addition.
The rustic finish of the bespoke installation appears warm and inviting.
A storage system has been included beneath the sleeping platform, providing further closet space and shelves.
The interior of the boxed loft bed is clad with pine panels, which visually defines the area. A mini storage cubbie is created by extending into the side of the cabinets situated over the top of the closet by the entrance. The bedside nook holds an electrical outlet and a small selection of books.
Two modern wall sconces provide reading light.
Over by the windows, the dining table seats two before it is extended.
A dedicated home office area has been included within this very small apartment by nestling a desk into an alcove, and hanging a few wall shelves.
Handmade Iranian tiles brighten the white kitchen in a nod to the Iranian origin of the homeowners.
A painted teapot suits the colours of the kitchen tiling.
Blue patterned tiles cover the bathroom.
Bird ornaments adorn a basic vanity unit.
We can see the substantial amount of storage that has been created in the small apartment on this revealing diagram.
Architect:Olha Wood
This cute small space belongs to an architect.
Bookshelves have been recessed into a nook beside a high window. A swing arm wall lamp provides reading light over a neat sofa.
An Eames style bird perches on the window ledge, looking as though a feathered friend has made it onto the wrong side of the window pane.
Raised sleeping quarters are disguised as a solid wooden volume that rests upon a white partition wall.
A modern home office is situated beneath the sleeping volume, making the most of the existing space.
A floating staircase takes the homeowner up to bed, and lets the maximum amount of natural light flow from the window through to the home office space.
An upholstered double bed and headboard sits on the loft level.
Some stylish cat furniture near the bed gives the feline inhabitant their own place to hideaway–though they seem to prefer the big bed!
A laptop stand doubles as a lightweight side table in the living room. At the far end, the kitchen is viewable from the lounge.
The kitchen manifests as a single central island.
Two kitchen bar stools create a dining spot at one end.
Kitchen gadgets and plants make use of the windowsills.
Visualizer:Room Design Buro
Our last layout has a built-in sofa that doubles as dining room banquette seat. It appears that a set of drawers have been incorporated beneath the space saving seating too.
A dining chair on the other side makes this a table for two. A low hanging dining pendant light makes the offbeat eating area look more permanently placed.
Opposite the sofa is a furniture system that incorporates a loft bed, accessible through a narrow doorway.
A television unit and bookshelves span the side of the entry.
The staircase to the raised bed pulls out to reveal garment hanging space in a low-level closet.
In the space behind the TV and bookshelves there are a number of cupboards.
In this reveal, we can see that having a loft bed creates enough room to store the homeowners bicycle cleanly out of sight.
A generously sized kitchen has also been made possible.
If we imagine of a child-friendly space in our minds, we might not typically first envisage it with industrial style decor. The Industrial vibe is a strong, adult look. The aesthetic calls for a hard utilitarian backdrop with exposed electrical wiring and ducting that don’t seem exactly baby-proof. However, it is possible to have your parental piece of cake and eat it! If you love industrial interior style but aren’t sure how it would lend itself to a family home, then take a look at this child centric industrial chic apartment designed by Kây Architecture JSC . It even comes complete with a grandparents room (couldn’t leave out Gran and Grandpa!)
Photographer:Nguyen Thai Thach
Right off the bat we can see that this living room has been designed with child play space in mind. Not only is there a playpen present, but it is an enormous playpen that has been given space to breathe. The living room layout has been designed in such a way that almost half of the floor area is dedicated to the youngest member/s of the family. So what happens when little legs leave the confines of the pen? Well, you will find that all of the industrial styling in this home has been cleverly confined to the ceiling area, keeping exposed electrical wires and ducting clear of curious little fingers.
By utilising the ceiling space to its maximum to showcase many industrial elements, the home gains all of the industrial style without parents and grandparents having to worry about baby fidgeting or tumbling around against these things. Everything down at ground level is as you would find it in any modern home interior.
The furnishings have been chosen to compliment industrial chic styling. Forever popular in industrial schemes is a brown leather couch. This one has been teamed with an unusual three legged accent chair and a lovely built-in window seat on the opposite side.
A set of black coffee tables mirror the black industrial ceiling, as do a number of narrow recessed bookshelves around the room.
A chandelier hangs from a ceiling track, encouraging the eye to move up and take in the rest of the feature ceiling. Also present is some bespoke industrial lighting on a red track; this continues out from the open plan living room area and over into a kitchen-diner.
Two of the large living room walls have been covered in wood panelling. Wood tone acts as a visual warmer in an industrial style space. The tone of the wood is complemented by the colour of leather on the couch.
The set of two round black coffee tables sit on top of an area rug that brings a little colour into the adult sitting area.
Two black end tables provide extra surface area for setting down children’s sippy cups and snacks.
Moving out from the lounge, a kitchen-diner stands nearby. The proximity to the lounge and play area allows parents and grandparents to keep an eye on little ones whilst cooking dinner or laying the table. Children can watch happily and communicate with the cook without getting underfoot.
A six setting dining table provides plenty of space for family dinners, which can be easily served from the directly adjacent kitchen worktop.
A glossy black American fridge-freezer and black kitchen units create the base notes here, tying in with the drama of the industrial ceiling design.
We can see how the red lighting feature streaks into this space, creating colourful routes around the home, like a subway map. The lighting installation descends over the dining table in black and red alternating bars.
Built-in storage cabinets at one end of the dining area have white doors, keeping things clean and blended with white walls.
On the opposite side of the white storage volume is a built-in bench by the entryway. Storage on this side could be utilised for coats, shoes and bags.
The grandparents’ bedroom has its own private balcony, allowing them to snatch a calm and quiet moment or two whilst the little one rampages with their parents. Gran and grandpa retire to a soothing neutral scheme with a bank of storage installed around and over their bed, plus a wooden shelved headboard feature for displaying photographs of their grandkid/s in pride of place.
The parents’ bedroom takes an entirely different tack. A floor level bed gives the space a young and contemporary feel. Wall sconces have been mounted low to match, as has a long wall-mounted console opposite.
The room has a distinctly minimalist feel. The flooring is a washed grey wooden plank that continues up and over a headboard feature wall.
In the child’s room there is an explosion of colour on a mural wall. The bed has been dressed with a bold monochrome print duvet cover and mismatched blue pillowcases. A colourful kids coat stand looks onto bright yellow recessed shelves.
The first bathroom is located just off the open plan living room, putting it in quick proximity to the play area.
The second bathroom is situated within the parental master suite, but within the direct vicinity of the kid’s room for emergency twilight bathroom trips when toilet training arrives.
The twin bathroom vanity is actually installed in a small return inside the bedroom itself - opposite the door to the WC and shower room.
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
