Apartments are not known for their spaciousness – inner-city locations, compact-living and budget-friendly spaces are more their forte. Living in a space under 50sqm, however, doesn’t mean that your apartment can’t look spacious. Elegant, modern designs with minimalist details are the key to creating space where little was before. Clever functionalities, such as creating two, or even three, living spaces in the one area leaves breathing space between key area transitions, giving the illusion of room. Muted hues and subtle details such as patterning add interest, without clutter. These four stylish apartments under 50sqm give a guide on how to make the most of your everyday spaces.
Designer:Helen Baranova| Visualizer:Vitaliy Bozhenov
This 40sqm, two-level studio apartment plays with a cool background palette, allowing more unique-coloured furnishings to shine. Here, a wide avocado-hued sofa makes its mark on the main living area, while minimalist grey patterning and simple wooden textures give the room breathing space.
Design features can be kept to a minimum when spaces are at their tightest. A stencilled kitchen table makes a less dramatic impact, while the thin design introduces elegance.
A grand feature in an apartment can make a space look larger. The winding, wooden staircase makes a statement while affording a clean, non-intrusive backdrop for other elements.
Finer details polish up a space just as much as a grandiose staircase. In the kitchen, simple mason jars reduce clutter.
Architect:M3 Architecture
A slightly larger space, this 45sqm home is able to play with more textures and subtleties, while still aiming for greater spaciousness. In the living room, large-format tiles in slightly-differing hues line the feature wall, tricking the eye into seeing more widely. White-slat and glass-windowed partitions let light and extra space into the area.
The bedroom segues from the living room, sharing the same glass wall partition. A wide bed takes centre stage, giving the impression of ample square meterage. A bookcase behind the bed utilises an inlet wall space, while muted, charcoal tones inject both warmth and a feeling of calm.
The home’s dining area and kitchen play on the same theme – white space dotted with interesting and eye-catching detail. The dining room keeps it simple with a wooden frame table and black pod chairs, while monochromatic prints lift the eye. The kitchen’s cabinetry appears in plain enamel, offering small breaks in charcoal quotations, shelving and saucepans.
Visualizer:Polygon
Our third space, a 49sqm loft in Lyiv, Ukraine, uses geometrical shapes to frame a range of reserved hues. The living, dining and kitchen areas are made larger by separations in the shapes, all tied together by their outlines. The living room boasts an octagonal chair upon a lined rug; the dining room a plus-shaped light; the kitchen a series of coloured blocks which act as its cabinetry.
The hallway and entrance area offers a breathing space before the main area, while still following the same theme. Circles form mirrors and art on the walls, while the white backdrop affords space for the unique branched coat rack.
An outside patio is a segue between the main area and hallway, remaining light but not white. Green potted plants in solid forms introduce the outdoors.
Inhabiting the other side of the living room’s glass partition, the bedroom is darker again, a perfect climate for sleeping. Triangle and diamond shapes cover the rug, while a wooden geometric chair, a series of rectangular windows and differing textures fill the corners.
The bathroom takes on a softer side to framing, with a block cabinet and bath in white ceramic. A light teal tint and towelling offers a feminine touch to a space for pampering. Wooden shelving and small potted plants fill the room with nature.
Visualizer:Anton Medvedev
Our final living space, coming in at 25sqm, is a truly innovative use of space. White-walled interiors showcase a kitchen and living space, with the kitchen bench an additional backing for the lounge. Corked kitchen tiling draws the eye.
Stored in the living room inlet, a black table and white chairs form a dining space. The pale-coloured couch fits in thematically, offering seating for the other side of the table.
Able to fold away or further extend, the original couch seating folds out to a bed. Clothed in the same colour bedding as the lounge, the stowaway acts as a side table.
Not only a bed header, the reverse of the kitchen sink forms a partition for different living spaces. Inserting a table and chair, the space becomes an office, with the inlet behind a new filing cabinet.
Framed by wood stencils with a cork inlet and floor, the kitchen is a feat of design ingenuity. A wide passageway gives the feeling of space, with appliances neatly tucked away in cupboards. A preparation bench doubles as a breakfast table, with spare seating available just outside its walls.
Through a corridor serving as a walk-in wardrobe, the bathroom beckons with similar features. A cork-walled shower, white tiling and high wooden frames give the illusion of space through using height and muted materials. Chrome fixtures finish off the space.
Even though these two single story homes only have 80 square meters of floor space, they feel much more spacious. The designers have utilized all varied design methods to create different spaces within the home to make it more useful. Bookshelves in both homes are used to divide up rooms and walls are used to store everything from guitars to shoes! The first home, even though it’s tiny , even makes room for a nursery behind a bookshelf that separates it from a home office. Just when you thought 80 square meters was too small to come home to, you glanced at these!
Visualizer:Polygon
The designer for this small home used different wall textures and colors to define different spaces. The back wall of the living room has a fun faux wood wallpaper, which distinguishes it from the kitchen.
Floating the blue couch opens up this 80 square meter home. Horizontal wood floorboards draw your eye towards the two windows in the back of the room. The use of yellow accents in the lights and stools bring the open floor plan together.
Floating shelves in this bedroom allows for more floor space. Instead of using a traditional bookshelf, the books work with the wall to look like art. The watercolor art above the bed draws the eye toward the ceiling as well. A high-pile rug anchors the bed and makes this room feel cozy.
From the other angle in this bedroom, you can see that there is a bird wallpaper along the left wall. This makes a statement but isn’t too overly ornate. The floating shelves that were on the side of the bed are then mimicked along the wall facing the bed. Each has different art and accent pieces. The curtains match the bedding perfectly.
When floor space is limited, you get creative with what you have. This room serves many different purposes. At first glance, you’ll notice the light green accent wall to the right. There are desks on either side of the room and seating area for a home office. A large see-through bookshelf divides the office space with the seating area in the back.
On the other side of the bookshelf you’ll notice a surprise -a nursery! There is a white crib and a fun plush mobile above it. A large white organic light fixtures hangs in this space and helps define it as separate from the office. This small corner is perfect for new parents who want a space to cuddle their baby and have it close while working.
Along with being an office and a nursery, this space can also serve as a hobby corner. The fun window seat is a great place to sit while cuddling a newborn or playing guitar. The electric guitar is hung up on the wall as art, and can also be taken down to be used.
A narrow hallway is a strange space, but is used thoughtfully. There are large windows lining it, art on the wall, and a space to organize bills and paperwork. To keep the style simple, the designer choose a world map in a wooden style to coordinate with the flooring and the blinds.
Bright blue tile is calming behind the soaking tub and there is a faint color on the floor tiles that compliment it. Wooden design is simple and sleek along with the other accents in this small, but organized bathroom.
Sometimes it can be difficult to picture a floor plan on a home just by looking at images. This floor plan helps you envision the entire space. You can see where the office is that works into a nursery and hobby space. You can also see that the living room is open to the kitchen. Even though there are only 80 square meters, they’re used to their limit!
Visualizer:Hot Walls
This open space uses darker colors than the first, but has incorporated hints of yellow to brighten it up. This gray couch is a great example. Although the couch is neutral, one cushion is mustard yellow.
The couch is versatile and faces both the TV and away from it. This simple design trick makes the most out of the space without breaking up the room. You can have guests face the TV or the kitchen area while visiting.
A wall of windows welcomes light into the dining space, which is located on an upper platform. This platform designates this space as a dining zone. The rest of the kitchen is more sunken-in. Lighting at different heights invite people to read, lounge, or sit upright and eat a meal.
Instead of building a lot of walls, which would make the space seem small, the designer choose to use bookshelves to divide the rooms. The entryway opens up to living room. The see through industrial bookshelf spans the space from the ceiling to the floor.
Making the most of wall storage is smart when you have limited storage in a small home. This entryway is characterized by a hanging coat rack and small bench seats - though it could maybe use a shoe cabinet . There is also a mirror, which makes the space seem larger.
A home office is set up in the bedroom. This works well if there is no other space in the home and the desk works with the design. The dark gray of the closet and then the same colors on the desk bring it all together. It seems as if it was meant to be there. It fits and makes use of the floor space between the bed and the walk-in closet.
From the desk, you can see there is wood on one side of the bedroom and a white wall on the other. This adds visual interest and makes the room seem wider. In the end of the room is a bright window that lets natural light in. This is a peaceful place to work without taking up too much space in the home.
Tying in with the rest of the wood used in this home, the side table is a wooden stump. This unique design contrasts well with the home-made art lamp upon it. The black headboard also contrasts with the wood used on the back wall. This room has an overall masculine feel.
When both lamps are on, the room feels warmer and more homey. Art is leaned against the wall and makes the space seem less formal. The lamps are made of unique items and could even be handmade. Instead of matching the nightstands, the designer has chosen to mix them.
The bathroom is an extension of the bedroom. Wood walls are met with the contrast of a pure white sink and toilet. There are industrial elements and dramatic lighting. This space feels contemporary.
Extra storage is always needed in a bathroom. Under the sink, you can see there are hidden towels and toilet rolls. Both of these items are within reach, but look stylish with the rest of the room.
By looking at this floor plan, you can see that the bedroom is quite narrow. The design works to the size’s advantage. By placing the desk in this room, otherwise empty floor space is used. The interesting shape of the couch allows you to lounge in any space in the living 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
