These four super small apartments all measure less than a megre 50 square metres of floor area. However fresh interior designs and neat layouts make each one of them pretty nifty in their very own particular kind of way. Learn to navigate small project spaces with clever little layouts and modern furniture designs, and by implementing crisp decor ideas to clearly define different zones of use and needs. Find a warm terracotta hued studio apartment, a deceptively spacious kitchen in Kiev, a bold blue statement piece in Odessa, and Brazilian pad that despite being the smallest of the whole collection has perhaps the most interesting use of space.
Designer:Paintit| Photographer:Alexey Yanchenkov
Apartment number one, located in Kiev, Ukraine, measures in at 47 square metres. The interior design brief came with just one requirement, which was to not go beyond the limited budget. The design team cracked on with a terracotta and white coloured decor scheme that results in a warm yet fresh feel. A cool grey sofa plays around the base of an exposed raw concrete structural support column at the centre of the room.
A border of wood effect panelling covers the lower half of the walls in the studio apartment, like a warm hug.
A custom built bed is constructed in the same wood effect material as used on the wall panelling, as is the headboard shelf and headboard feature wall. A partial room divider is fashioned out of a glass screen to make the head of the bed feel a little more cosy and separated from the open space.
The headboard shelf is sunken slightly so that a small library of books can be cradled safely without risk of falling onto anyone’s head in bed. Flexible lamps provide bedside light.
In a warm glow of terracotta coloured units and a matching backsplash, the small one wall kitchen appears its own entity in the open plan. A tiny table welcomes one diner for dinner.
A glass wall bathroom means the full amount of floor area remains in view to keep the home interior looking at its largest.
Visualizer:Taras Kaminskiy & Veronika Mulieieva
Tiny apartment number two is also a home in Kiev, this time with a slightly smaller area of just 44 square metres. The comfy seating has been picked out in a low slung floor hugging design to maximise the sense of available space in the main living area.
A trio of kitchen bar stools line up at a kitchen island directly adjacent to the sofa.
The L-shaped kitchen with island is a sleek monochrome design with a comprehensive range of units that does not feel inadequate or cramped at all, despite the compact nature of the home.
Wall cabinets are lit underneath by LED strip lights, which creates a cosy and inviting glow.
Slab doors hide amongst modern wall panelling.
Lighting is kept slimline and minimalistic in aesthetic.
Black integrated appliances, kitchen faucet and sink blend with a dark worktop.
A textured feature wall is accentuated in the bedroom by perimeter lighting at the ceiling line. Slender bedroom pendant lights descend over the bedsides. A black swing arm wall lamp provides task lighting over a desk that neighbours the bed. The home office area is separated from the sleeping area by a ceiling-to-floor curtain.
Modern artwork compliments the shades of the grey bedroom .
A beautiful vanity unit is wall mounted in the bathroom, with storage cubbies built into the countertop. A circular mirror is flanked by simple bar wall lights
Floor space is kept clear and maximised by a wall hung toilet design.
Apartment layout plan.
Architect:Sivak+Partners
Next up is a neat 50 square meter apartment in Odessa, Ukraine. The decor is a predominantly grey affair, though a bright blue sofa brings an uplifting hue.
The stand out colour of the sofa also helps to define the lounge from the adjacent sleeping area. The floor bed design has a headboard that fits the sleeping nook snugly.
Books can be stored inside the top of the headboard.
White closets line one side of the bedroom.
The wood floor ends at the edge of the combined lounge and bedroom space.
Grey tiles replace the wood floor planks as we move into the hall area.
Russet colour closets provide extra storage in the hallway of the small home.
A minimalist workspace with bespoke desk has been built around a supportive wall. The desk also acts as a room divider between the lounge and the kitchen diner.
Grey cabinets are arranged in an L-shape around a circular dining set.
A black sink and faucet give the grey kitchen a slick and serious look.
Cool white LED strips illuminate the prep area.
A wall of mirrored panels and doors increase the sense of space in the apartment.
Modern white bathroom tiles look clean and crisp in the bathroom.
The plan shows how an awkward trapezium floor plan has been conquered.
Designer:Ela| Photographer:Gui Morelli
The last apartment is located in Santa Cecília, São Paulo, Brazil. It has the most limited floor space of this collection at a compact 35 square metres. It was designed for a young couple who required a fully integrated apartment and the use of neutral colors to create a feeling of spaciousness. Compact seating without space eating arm rests has been utilised in the living area. A small side table holds a selection of books out of plain sight.
A mini eating area has been squeezed in opposite the kitchen.
The one wall kitchen budges right up against the tv wall of the lounge. By raising units off the floor it has been possible to trick the eye into seeing an uncluttered solution.
The utility area stands separately on the opposite side of the room.
Space has even been carved out for a peaceful study area just off the bedroom.
A blush coloured portiere can be drawn across the opening to the bedroom for privacy, and to block out the light from the large windows.
A framed motivational poster adorns the desk.
Designed and implemented as a town house in Istanbul by COA Architects , the interior of this home has been filled with soft tones and smooth lines to promote calm and peace of mind. There’s a hint of some 1970s style decor here too: cane & cork furniture, macramé hangers & tropical indoor plants in wicker baskets, plus a heavy use of gold handles on everything all combine to make a decidedly retro flavour. The rest of the furniture follows a glossy black theme to add weight and luxe to the light backdrop. Botanical accents have been dotted around to add interest to white walls, and we find some unexpected pops of colour as we continue the tour.
Photographer:Altkat Architectural Photography
In the living room, an exposed brick accent wall has been painted in a light shade of grey along one wall of the living room. The feature wall creates a textured backdrop for the television, which is very much the focal point of the room. More ideas on how to use brick accent walls here.
A cane accent chair sits by a large window with flowing white sheer curtains to keep the room looking bright and breezy. A cane coffee table with a black glass top ties in with the same look.
In the centre of the room there is a very pale grey modern sofa, which effectively splits the open plan room between the lounge and the dining area.
A semi circular mirror decorates the wall behind the wall mounted television. Tassels hang from the base of the mirror, creating a black curtain behind the tv screen that disguises black electrical wires. Two more half circle mirrors with decorative tassels form wall plates for lamps at each side.
Wicker baskets have been selected to hold a couple of flowering indoor plants at either side of a black gloss console unit. A second unit stands by as extra storage on one side, whilst a gold and black shelving unit holds a display of treasured items at the other end of the room.
A unique watering can and a minimalist clock are just two of the items that fill the metal and glass shelving unit. More indoor plants add colour to the shelves too.
Behind the sofa, a matching black metal shelving unit sits atop a storage unit. The shelves help to visually divide the dining room from a small sitting area by the window.
The neat sitting area could be used for drinking in the view whilst sipping on hot coffee, or as a light reading nook.
Botanical wallpaper compliments an indoor plant in a rattan pot. Another rattan basket has been upturned to be used as a mini coffee table, with the help of a some mirrored glass to create a stable top. The two chairs that sit by the view are the Wegner style Wishbone Chair .
A mini pendant light and a couple of candle stands bring soft ambient lighting to the little hangout area after nightfall.
The shelving unit is accessible from each side so that is serves both the dining room and the seating area.
An unusual choice of dining lighting extends over this space, with three wall lamps lined in a row. Below the trio of gold light shades, a monochrome modern dining room set has a mixture of chair styles to keep the look fresh and informal.
are strewn along the dining room wall.
Daylight from the window pushes through the slender framed shelving unit, and bounces off the glass topped dining table.
A radiator hides in the storage space below the shelves.
The wood flooring of the living room breaks at the doorway, to be replaced a light glossy laminate in the hallway. Wood log slices are used as art on the white walls.
A cork bench, reminiscent of 1970s style furniture, fills a nook. You don’t have to hunt out a retro piece to hit the trend though, you can recreate this look with the SINNERLIG bench from Ikea.
We find a second grey sofa in a room decorated with a striking teal stripe. A picture ledge divides the colour on the lower half of the wall from a fresh white top.
A gold swing arm wall lamp lights each end of the sofa.
Storage cupboards occupy the opposite side of the spare room.
Yellow ochre makes a warming accent colour in the bedroom.
Fitted bedroom furniture wraps the walls.
A gold wall sconce lights each bedside.
Indoor plants feather the edges of the room.
A plethora of gold handles punctate an abundance of white closet doors.
In the bathroom, a traditional brass tap fills a marble basin. Modern tiles make a herringbone style border inside the shower enclosure.
The small galley kitchen is filled with another explosion of gold cabinet handles. The tiny window is shrouded with a distinctly 1970s darling, which is a macramé plant pot hanger. The macramé trend is becoming very en vogue again, so get knotting.
The golden touch.
The white cabinets are slightly textured.
On into the home office…
… More natural tones are found inside the study with wood chair, mid century modern clock , wicker accents, and cork board. The two modern home office desks are picked out in different colours, one white and one grey.
Trailing plants hang from high places, adding hues of green and purple.
A wall mounted unit provides an adjustable shelving solution.
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
