Deciding how to handle the sleeping situation is one of the most challenging aspects of designing a studio apartment, requiring a lot of forethought to match the lifestyle preferences of the resident while working around any architectural or floor plan obstacles that can limit the available options. And that’s even before taking decor into consideration! This post looks at four compact studio apartments, each one taking a different creative approach – both in terms of bedroom design and overall aesthetics. A few of them even include floor plans for your own apartment layout inspiration.
Visualizer:Lauri Brothers
Let’s start with a fun compact studio with a color scheme based around a Pantone palette of minty turquoise. Like the fresh springtime hues used within, the apartment’s layout fosters a breezy atmosphere that at once relaxes and energizes.
The open layout begins with a combination living room and office, separated from the dining and kitchen area by a breakfast bar clad in translucent glass blocks.
Glass elements play a tremendous role in this design. Mirrors, blocks, and windows work together to bathe the interior with light and erase the boundaries between functional spaces.
In the corner, a cozy lounge space offers respite from a long day of work. The hammock is an especially enviable addition, soaking up the skyline view from the impressive floor-to-ceiling windows.
Rather than hiding away in some corner, the bed actually occupies a central volume in the center of the living space, shielded from the sofa by a wall with televisions mounted on either side.
The kitchen’s use of glass blocks and white surfaces helps balance the heaviness of the brick accent wall. A layer of transparent glass catches splatters from the sink and stove to make cleanup a breeze.
A series of three simple kitchen pendant lights trace sharp lines across the ceiling thanks to the precise decorative routing of their cords – a contemporary touch.
The entryway balances comfort and functionality, taking advantage of its roomy proportions with a handy bench and tidy shoe rack.
And finally, a quick look at the bathroom, decorated with an even more subdued shade of mint.
Visualizer:Vatman Studio
At 45 square meters in size, this studio apartment makes fantastic use of its limited floor plan without sacrificing the individuality of each functional area. Each area feels like its own little “room” but doesn’t feel too closed off from the rest of the home thanks to the low-profile furniture and partial walls.
The designers chose Scandinavian influence as the overall unifying theme, but each room features its own unique flavor. For example, the living room glows with bright neon accents while the kitchen feels sophisticated in gold.
Named for the bouncy rhythms of jazz musician John Coltrane, the Coltrane Suspension Lamp series adds a sense of life and movement above the kitchen island. Many dining pendant lights have just the right form to use above counter tops.
A touch of greenery in the living room and bedroom help to bring the outdoors in. The plants in the taller pots are the ZZ plant , or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also known as the “eternity plant” because of its reputation as one of the easiest indoor house plants to care for.
The bedroom enjoys an open visual plane while preserving insulation from sound thanks to its glass boundary. Sliding curtains offer privacy when needed.
While the rest of the interior is bright white and airy, the area around the front door makes for a dark and dramatic entrance.
Designed by Tom Dixon, these large coat pegs are easier on clothing compared to small hooks that can stretch or deform delicate fabrics.
Here’s a look at the apartment from a bird’s eye view. If you enjoy getting inspiration from 3D layouts like these, make sure to check out our compilation of 50 studio apartment floor plans for even more ideas.
Visualizer:K Band
A little different from the previous two homes, this apartment occupies 42 square meters in Kiev, a clean and simple interior that uses natural elements to foster a sense of relaxation and comfort. Because the apartment was designed with a young couple in mind, most furniture remains in the middle of the floor plan to accommodate a freer flow of foot traffic.
Decor remains spare. The few accents that adorn the home remain minimalist and modern just like the interior.
While instruments and their peripherals can often add clutter to smaller homes, this interior puts them on display and turns them into music themed decor .
Dining and storage separate the kitchen from the living room. The espresso station is a nice touch, making it easier to grab a quick cup while working or playing at the table.
A wooden accent wall with built-in shelves helps protect the bedroom’s privacy without cutting off the living space from the window’s generous flood of sunlight.
Geometric decor seems to be a popular motif for minimalist bedrooms . This origami-inspired crane would be easy to recreate with a small roll of colorful painter’s tape.
Check out this boundary between the entrance and the rest of the home! A sharp transition from wood to white-on-white brightens the space despite its distance from any windows.
In fact, the white surfaces actually make the rest of the living room look brighter too.
The kitchen mostly follows the wood and white theme , but also adds a border of gray tiles for contrast.
The gray helps hide the shadows cast by the kitchen’s recessed position.
Using the same tiles as the kitchen, the bathroom also keeps things simple and dramatic with a grayscale theme.
The vanity is enclosed by the same light wood found elsewhere in the home. A bar of recessed lighting keeps things bright.
What an adorable litter box niche! With a hole shaped like a cat’s head, it helps hide the box while remaining easy to open and clean.
Visualizer:Zinaida Zagurska
And finally, a compact apartment that bucks the trend of minimalism and embraces a comfortable homey aesthetic that showcases the personality of the resident. Numerous instruments serve as music themed home decor , just as fun to use as they are to look at.
One room that does remain relatively minimalistic is the kitchen – aside from a few plants atop the counters, most of the contents is purely functional.
Tucked away from the rest of the home, the bedroom hides behind a slatted interior wall with curtains for privacy.
Its walls are clad in wood, the lighting low and warm for relaxation.
A large graphic mural adds a touch of industrial character to the room.
And the brick wall, though it’s painted white, continues the industrial theme.
The idea of peace and serenity in the middle of a city is almost implausible. Who could find the city restful? With busy people with somewhere to go, cities are renowned for being bustling hives of activity. The thing is, that this is not always an ideal way to live. Humans are not machines and so sometimes, even the best of us need to take a break. ONI Architects decided to take note of that basic human need and create a serene oasis in the middle of the hum and scramble of Moscow. They designed a home that is timeless in its modern themes, a truly peaceful retreat.
This apartment manages a totally unique atmosphere, thanks to the designers look at the eternal features of modern trends.
Timeless classics like wall panels and ceiling moldings meet with more contemporary features to create light and add monumentality to this relatively small home.
Isolated green elements and the lush natural plants outside the window refreshes the space. The large uncovered windows in the home allow the panoramic views to become part of the decor thus merging the outer and inner elements into a seamless design.
A light color scheme was chosen for this apartment to promote the idea of fresh serenity and rest.
Each and every piece of furniture was chosen with the utmost care and expertise, to form a room that was as comfortable as it was stylish. No shortcuts were taken and the room mixes and matches colors and styles to reach the perfect blend that was intended.
The vegetal wall with lush indoor plants is the focal point of the room, enhancing the idea of the home being an oasis in an urban setting.
The dining room pendants are large and flamboyant, adding personality to the room without being in your face and obnoxious.
The wide open shelves form a practical accent wall and the crystal clear wine glasses fill the space up nicely, showcasing the practicality and potential of the shelves. The modern kitchen is open and spacious. It can be hard to blend practicality and style, but this kitchen does so with ease.
The patterned ottoman adds a level of comfort to a usually formal part of the room, without making it look slovenly or casual.
The sophisticated dining area is large enough for family or other gatherings. Each guest will be seated in comfort, and provided an optimal vies of the home.
This room divider is genius. It is the focal point of both sides of the room, with its dual purpose making it the heart of the design.
The child’s room is compact and full of personality. The raised bed provides more floor space and is a wise option for a small bedroom . Space doesn’t have to be an issue if you know how to work with it.
This graphic accent wall is the very finest in kids room wall decor and adds personality to the whole room.
The room is bright and airy, the perfect space for a little mind to finish homework in.
The planters are a major aspect in this room, because they brighten things up and connect the room to the oasis theme.
The main bedroom makes clever use of a bar-like sliding wardrobe door to add depth to the room.
The main room is cosy and chic. The warm wooden undertones and brown chair add earthiness to the aesthetic.
The unique bedroom pendants at the bedsides add a little magic to brighten up the room.
This bedroom has an entertainment system and reading nook, and is thus the perfect bedroom for any type of person.
The bed is large, and the disorganised facade just adds to the homeliness.
This bathroom doesn’t need much to make it stylish, thanks to its construction. But small elements, like the soap dispenser give it personality and dimension.
A pretty flower vase brightens up the room, bringing natural beauty into this sleek bathroom.
Wooden elements along with the green tiled walls, take inspiration from the lush greenery that make this home unique.
A sophisticated grey wall with intricate molding provides a level of style that is hard to ignore.
A glass cubicle ensures that the shower looks incredibly modern, while a convenient bench turns the shower into the best seat in the house.
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
