Scandinavian interior design encompasses a wide variety of styles, much more diverse than the magazines might portray. They can be bright or subdued, minimalistic or eclectic, modernist or chic, natural or colorful. So what are the defining features of this highly sought-after aesthetic? The contemporary Scandinavian style as we know it emerged in the 1950s, marked by a revolution to unify form and function with the goal of creating comfortable and accessible designs that anyone can appreciate. Let’s look at a few artistic Scandinavian interiors that embrace playfulness and creativity in addition to sensible design:
Designer:Kaschuk Kostyantyn
Designed by Kaschuk Kostyantyn, this bright and spacious home incorporates a variety of traditional Scandinavian themes alongside contemporary influences. The light hardwood floors are a throwback to classic Nordic style, whereas the streamlined furniture is a product of modern Scandinavian tastes. The bicycle hanging above the sofa? A fantastic conversation piece and a good introduction to the playful decor to come.
The living room centers on a recessed entertainment center framed with the same wood as used on the floor.
Red accents bring visual energy to the kitchen. The iconic CH33 dining chairs by Hans Wegner are a staple of Danish design, and work well to bridge the gap between the natural wood tones used throughout this space.
Wolverine pop art joins a collection of sculptures and ceramics on a nice little display table tucked away into the corner.
Typography and portraits make up the bedroom’s artistic theme. A plush rug under the bed keeps the feet warm in the mornings.
Warm wood and bright white offer a beautifully flexible palette for decoration, but this home doesn’t require extra accessories – the materials are beautiful enough as they are.
Designer:Anton Medvedev
You’re going to love this one! In creating a home sure to please the inner child, designer Anton Medvedev infuses this space with elements that are playful in nature yet stylish and artistic in context. Scandinavian decor often feels like a breath of fresh air due to its youthful energy and uncompromising honesty – and this modern interior incorporates a great deal of both.
Immediately upon entering, a functional hopscotch board greets visitors with its charming simplicity. Who could possibly resist taking a skip?
It’s hard to beat a first impression like this one.
Charming yet functional accessories make this space feel like home.
Brick accents and whitewashed floors bring the dining room down to earth. The rolling cart is actually from IKEA – look for the RÅSKOG model.
Bowling pins and a pillow shaped like a potted plant seem eclectic, but they’re a wonderful way to express the interest of the owners in a unique and inspiring way.
Note the textured wallpaper on the far wall – subtle but stylish!
Of course, this balcony garden is absolute perfection. The decorative picket fences are such a cute and easy-to-adapt touch.
Colorful button wallpaper and a clever ironing table set the stage for an amazing wardrobe area. It would likely look just as nice filled with vibrant clothing.
Pastel yellow colanders gain a second life as pendant lamps in this gorgeous white kitchen. This might be a fun project to do at home.
Black and white tile give the bathroom a simple and serious aesthetic, but the adorable carrot shower curtain brings an abundance of joy and personality.
The minimalistic tiles were a great choice – this bathroom has to fulfill several roles, so too much decoration may have made the space look too cramped or cluttered.
Such an efficient use of space! Not an inch is wasted.
Designer:Zinaida Baklanova
Interior designer Zinaida Baklanova drew from her happy experiences living in Sweden as a child. The goal was not to emulate the specific furniture or styles, but to capture the general atmosphere and personality of Stockholm in a general sense. Everything from the arrangement to the colors were chosen to create a peaceful and relaxing environment for family to socialize and relax at the end of the day.
The living areas revolve around a central kitchen, barely visible to the right. Open design allows for a greater feeling of connectedness between residents.
When most people think of Scandinavian design, they think of vast expanses of white surfaces. These darker colors – especially the blue undertones – create an atmosphere of intimacy and comfort.
The dining room is incredibly bright and open despite occupying a small space. Extra-wide floorboards and table legs offer a distinctive sense of scale.
Serving as the hub of the home, the compact kitchen stands between the luminous dining room and the moody parlor. Its warm natural wood distinctly contrasts with the blueish tones found throughout the rest of the home.
A peek over the kitchen island reveals two tall slender windows covered by gossamer curtains for an ethereal lighting experience.
Architect:Aurélien BRION
French designer Aurélien Brion took an especially chic and cheerful approach within this lovely Scandinavian-inspired home. This one is especially eclectic in terms of decor – a variety of colors and styles tell the story of the resident’s tastes and interests, and offers endless inspiration for the viewers looking to spice up their own spaces with a touch of Nordic charm.
So many fun details!
Photographic lighting, cute fabric prints, and diverse modern artwork give the eye endless territory to wander and roam.
Distressed floors and natural-looking chairs contribute to a carefree and organic personality.
The bedroom is especially neat! The bed frame is constructed from reclaimed shipping pallets (sustainability is another hallmark of modern Scandinavian design). The bright yellow chair wasn’t designed in the north but does fit the aesthetic quite nicely.
Rusty orange adds a big splash of passion to the kitchen, and a delightful hanging herb garden creates striking contrast in the background.
Are you looking for ways to make the most of your small floorplan ? Each of these four homes occupies less than 300 square feet (27 square meters) but packs an incredible amount of personality, color, and inspiration into each space. You’ll see clever storage solutions and multipurpose furniture, smart organization tactics and plenty of must-try DIY ideas. Sure, small spaces might require a few sacrifices but style definitely doesn’t have to be one of them. These compact interior designs demonstrate how even the most restrictive spaces can offer luxurious amenities and comfort - let’s take a look!
Visualizer:Eugene Sarajevo
Designed for a young woman, this interior is defined by its smart layout and expertly framed zones. Within 26 square meters, the requirements included a kitchen that feels independent, a spacious wardrobe, and a workable office space. Here you can see the office taking up residence tucked beneath the television, and the transparent Louis Ghost Chair by Phillipe Starck ensures the view goes without obstruction.
Colorful accents include green and blue. The matte white interior theme paired with light wooden tones provides the ultimate blank canvas for personal expression.
In the kitchen, horizontal wood grain makes the compact layout feel wider and more spacious.
Pastel blue and green are such incredibly cheerful colors. It’s hard to go wrong with a palette inspired by nature.
The layout is as simple and compact as can be. The living room and office share their spaces seamlessly, and the kitchen overlooks the social areas for a nice view out the picture window.
Now for the most important part: the built-in storage along the hallway facilitates the streamlined design in several ways. It not only houses the bookshelves and drawers, but also includes a spot for the refrigerator and the wardrobe.
These mirrors aren’t just decorative – they also offer a bright and spacious first impression to visitors.
Form Us With Love won a Red Dot Design Award with these caged pendant lamps. They look wonderful here.
Designer:MIODESIGN MIODESIGN
Working with a small space and worried about adding too much color? This small apartment isn’t afraid of bold color themes at all! Delightful retro hues energize every square inch: oranges, blues, yellows, and greens… Each color adopts a bright tone, breathing plenty of life into an otherwise restrictive floor plan.
A compact A-frame table separates the living area from the kitchen, doubling as a dining area and an office in one.
The kitchen itself enjoys the flexibility of sliding glass doors. These doors divide the areas functionally but not visually.
But look at this cute bed area! The folding shade offers a sense of privacy, under bed storage caters to the organized soul, and string lights bring the ambiance.
While a full accent wall may have proved too much for such a small space, this refreshing stripe of lemon yellow really hits the spot.
Glossy leather poufs have a perfect home beneath the TV stand – decorative, yet out of the way until needed.
No matter how far the camera retreats, the sense of spaciousness persists.
Tiles in the entryway eschew the traditional square pattern in favor of cool polygons for a fabulous first impression.
Upon entering, painted doors blur the line between classic and modern – traditional paneling meets contemporary aesthetics.
Chevron stripes match the patterns used throughout the living room, yet easily make an impact standing on their own.
The raised breakfast bar leaves a tiny gap below the microwave for semi-hidden storage. Small spice jars could fit well here.
Decorated in plain white tile, the bathroom enjoys an overall traditional look with a few cool contemporary features – like the modern fixtures and interesting oval mirror.
Wicker baskets offer convenient storage. The towel hooks seem to come from repurposed pressure gauges.
Visualizer:Sergei Kovalev
Here’s another home designed for a young woman – one who travels often. The designer was inspired by Scandinavian design principals, hence the light-colored wood and the incredible sense of spaciousness. This home utilizes a mostly neutral theme with plenty of warm accents, and a good variety of distinctive round decor for visual interest At under 30 square meters, the amount of division between each space is truly inspiring!
Geometric themes make a big first impression. A blue diamond rug takes center stage and bubbly round mirrors immediately draw the eye to the right.
It’s hard to go wrong with the classic piston breakfast stools and the current Tom Dixon pendant lights.
Tucked away off to one side, the bedroom utilizes cream tones to make the space look more warm and inviting.
Although there isn’t much privacy, there’s still a divider between the bed and the entryway. Here, you can see the mirror that facilitates the closet behind the bed.
The closet actually continues all the way across behind the bed. The headboard volume provides privacy for changing.
An abundance of indirect lighting makes the ceiling look infinite – very spacious.
Visualizer:HB Design
Gorgeous and efficient! This home centers around a living and sleeping area in neutral colors with blue accents, utilizing a Murphy bed from Clei Italy to preserve floor space without giving up any comfort or sophistication. This home offers abundant inspiration for anyone who needs to work around the smallest of interior floor plans.
Brick accent walls offer an interesting backdrop with a strong industrial appeal, its dark charcoal treatment providing a moody and urban atmosphere.
Typographic artwork stands out as a focal point in the background of the small dining nook.
Printed onto a clear sheet of acrylic, the typography-inspired screen divides the social spaces from the functional spaces without blocking the passage of light or visual contact.
More sophisticated black brick accents make their mark on the windowed wall as well as the entertainment center space.
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
