A small apartment need not obstruct style. These four spaces under 100sqm create characterful and contemporary living areas. White walls meet light wood with artistic, calligraphed wall decals. Dark, dangerous colours meet slate flooring and street lighting. Muted tones meet beige and clean lines. Large panes of concrete are offered respite in pops of brilliant blackcurrant. Whether opting for white and minimalist, dark and moody, sleek and Scandinavian or simply industrial, a small space, with the right innovative architecture, can create a little haven in the skies of any city. Take a peek for inspiration.
Designer:Brain Factory
Measuring only 45sqm, this real-life home in the historic district of Pigneto, Rome, was designed with white in mind. Signifying pure intimacy and hospitality, it reflects both its historic location and modern setting with a central white backbone and scattered living areas. Surrounded by white and wood, a high ceiling and large windows stream light into two spaces. Minimal elements demarcate each living area – an inspirational quote the living, an oven and fire panel the kitchen. A row of greenery offers life between the two.
The living room’s features are minimal but striking. A bold quote in a muted colour retains white space while infusing energy. A simple linen couch and casual light fixtures drape over white cardboard boxes.
Towards the middle, white and wood chairs offer relaxation. The breakfast table extends white benches and cabinetry, forming another corridor space, while the sun adds warmth and revives a row of plants.
The bedroom takes on an ethereal feel with a white, longitudinal design. A muted rainbow graphic straddled by strip LEDs alludes to dreamtime, while white box bedside tables act as fullstops. A white window to the side further lightens a room swathed in white.
The bathroom exaggerates wood with beige tiles, tricking the eye into seeing space. Performer lights dot themselves around a mirror, while an oval standing sink catches drips. Placing all amenities to one side creates extra space within a corridor.
Visualizer:Dimo Dimitrov
Dark and dreamy, our second apartment shows white isn’t the only space-creating colour. Divided by a black partition wall, four spaces are marked while maintaining room-to-room flow. The living room starts with a mid-wood feature wall and charcoal furniture, extending wall space. A monochrome skyline designates, while a glass-stencil table mimics glass-door panels to the side.
Looking towards the TV, green appears to the right in dining chairs. Matched by a black circular table and stunning steel grate light, round shapes dominate. A set of taupe bookshelves doubling as a desk area provide a background.
A set of glass doors diagonal to the dining room hide the bedroom. Wedged between an LED-lit bookcase, the look is snug, contemporary – and black. A stroke of leafy green from the dining room throws over bedding.
The other side of the wall boasts a sleek kitchen, clad in charcoal and dark grey tones. A reflected bedroom window panel adds interest and extends the space. A central copper inlet is lit by LED strip lighting and an open window.
Visualizer:Alexander Lysak
Our apartment in St Petersburg, Russia, is split into two by columns of wood. Featuring a modern, eclectic feel in the living, dining and kitchen areas, the main space acts as one. The living room shows its style in charcoal and light-grey walls with a black futon couch. Pops of interest in a turquoise quilted chair and glass-framed artwork meet a stencilled table and grasshopper light.
Stencils continue to the dining and kitchen areas, only metres apart. A stencil chandelier hangs over simple wooden chairs, while the kitchen continues in bookcase wood. A thick charcoal panel reflects the living room’s feature wall.
The corridor beckons with a series of porthole lights, located at different levels. A view towards the living room shows a double-walled bookcase column. Mimicking its length, the kitchen wall wraps around in a panel of darker wood, showing off a range of vases and jars.
The view towards the portholes reveals a guest closet swathed in wood. A mirror elongates the space, while a stencilled stool offers a place for a waiting date.
Visualizer:KDVA Architects
Our final apartment measures just under 40sqm. Located in a residential area of Moscow, it includes all the amenities – two wardrobes and a toilet, shower, bedroom, kitchen, laundry facilities, an office and lounge. Its industrial vibe permeates the living room and kitchen, led by a blackcurrant couch and beanbag. Grey concrete and light wood ground a glossy black bench and extractor fan. Wide windows shed light on kitchen cabinetry blending into the walls.
A singular concrete pillar segments off a guest wardrobe. To the right, a light-grey curtain hides a low-lying bedroom encased in glass. Falling from bed to balcony, two chairs look out over the high-flying view.
Tucked away, the bathroom mixes wood with plywood walling and a concrete sink. A thin black door adds elegance, matching slimline stencil shelving and lighting frames. Simple fixtures detract from the shower and toilet, avoiding the slightest trace of clutter.
Black and white interiors are impossible to ignore. They’re bold, versatile, and perhaps most importantly, they always allow the interesting architectural elements and fixtures to stand at center stage. This post covers 40 amazing kitchens that use greyscale to their best advantage. Here you’ll see a range of texture and decor options that take their minimalistic palettes to the next level – and there are plenty of great furniture and lighting ideas to consider too. If you love the look but don’t think you’re ready to remodel your kitchen, consider checking out our many black and white bedroom designs too.
Visualizer:Stanislav Lukianchuk
Traditional paneled cabinetry and a rich marble backsplash bring elegance and classic style to this otherwise very modern kitchen theme.
Designer:Mili Mlodzi Ludzie
This high contrast palette makes waves with its geometric design. The stools are from the One collection by Konstantin Grcic.
Visualizer:Vitaliy Pilipenko
Minimalism isn’t the only option for black and white kitchens. This one uses a variety of textures, tones, and decorations to create a memorable aesthetic overall.
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
Wood countertops bring a touch of chic charm to this stark black and white kitchen. The chalkboard wall to the right allows space to play with color and decoration.
Visualizer:Wiktoria Ginter
Chalkboard paint appears in this kitchen too, this time just to the left of the microwave and stove. This chalkboard features a little weekly plan template to make life easier, but grocery lists and recipe instructions are fun ideas as well.
Designer:Jovo Bozhinovski
Futurism is such a concrete style. It makes sense to choose a neutral color theme since the larger elements are so difficult to change later on. Here, just switching the color of the chairs would make an incredible difference yet would remain easy to alter later.
Designer:n lab
Also featured in the previous kitchen, the chairs are the work of Verner Panton. They were designed in the 60s but remain just as impressively forward-thinking today. The unique dining pendant light also helps to anchor the space.
Designer:Poliform
This kitchen takes a more subtle approach to a futuristic aesthetic with a kitchen worktop that angles inward at the leg. In terms of color, notice how the black and white elements swap places for contrast.
Designer:Rado Rick
Everything about this kitchen takes a unique approach to form. It’s all about the angles! The clean black and white palette works well for this space.
Visualizer:Dasha Chevrole
A concrete accent wall brings just a touch of industrial influence to this smooth kitchen style. The stainless steel range hood furthers the look.
Via:Adore Magazine
All-white kitchens have their own benefits. Here, the residents could easily change out the black bar stools and pendant lights for a different accent color if they so wished.
Visualizer:Vlad Mishin
Curved surfaces meet crisp lines as a source of contrast that goes beyond the black and while color theme alone. The spherical brass chandelier underscores the warmth of the wood floors.
Designer:Atmos Studio
Fully custom cabinetry brings this kitchen into the future.
Visualizer:Oliver Wende
Chevron floorboards, a rustic sliding ladder, and classically-influenced chairs add just the right amount of traditional influence to this otherwise strikingly modern kitchen.
Architect:Techne Architects
Perhaps this kitchen remains minimalistic to allow the outdoors to take center stage. The view is certainly worth admiring.
Visualizer:Daniel Nagaets
Marble brings luxurious appeal to this open plan kitchen. While the living room remains casual and classic, it’s hard to ignore the luxurious materials in the background.
Visualizer:Tero Design
Simple, clean, and minimalistic – the interesting thing about this kitchen is how unbroken all of the surfaces are. Even the floor tiles are huge and contribute to its uncomplicated aesthetic.
Visualizer:Mockup Render
Typography makes a bold statement in this simple white and black kitchen. The motivational phrase on the wall is worth remembering if your recipes don’t always go as planned.
Visualizer:Anastasiia Andreichenko
We can’t let this post end without one more inspiring chalkboard wall. This one demonstrates the power of an artistic touch.
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem kısacık
Let’s close out this post with a kitchen that goes big with classic details! The cabinet door panels and tasteful tile patterns gain a wonderful stylistic complement by way of vintage-inspired decor.
Visualizer:Bartosz Domiczek
Multiple rows of indoor herb planters above the kitchen island give homeowners access to plenty of fresh herbs to clip, and generally contribute to a nice aesthetic with the addition of decorative plants as well.
Visualizer:Lucas Filip
Black-on-black kitchens look gorgeous as well! This one uses different textures for contrast and depth. Nearby, a green rug and a wild vertical garden bring color to this dark and sophisticated style.
Visualizer:Gabriel Vel
Wood isn’t limited to classic style kitchens. Here, muted tones contribute a natural aesthetic without breaking away from the greyscale color theme used throughout.
Visualizer:Olesya Ligay
Here’s another kitchen that uses wood, this time as a point of warmth among an otherwise cool-toned white and black theme. The inset lighting above the range matches well.
Visualizer:Alexander Shabalin
White geometric patterns catch the eye immediately! The shadows between each panel compliment the black breakfast bar, grey chairs, and black backsplash.
Visualizer:Inuti
Minimalistic kitchens often benefit from some type of sculptural or otherwise eye-catching addition to serve as a focal point. This one uses creatively-routed kitchen island lighting as an eye-catcher. The Patricia Urquiola Last Minute kitchen bar stools also add to the minimalist beauty of this design.
Visualizer:Tamizo
Same technique, different approach – this kitchen’s focal point is yet another light, but this one stands out simply because of its contrast against the background. The stools used in both kitchens are from the Last Minute collection by Patricia Urquiola.
Visualizer:Minimal Architects
Color blocking is a technique that applies to black-and-white interiors too. This one uses an all-white kitchen island setup, but makes a dramatic impression with black chairs and pendant lights at the dining room table.
Designer:U Design| Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Glossy surfaces contrast with the matte black wall using both texture and tone.
Visualizer:JW Renders
Gorgeous materials take this kitchen to the next level. Despite the modern theme and construction, brass and marble imbue it with plenty of classic luxury.
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
Subtle geometric influences bring this matte black kitchen to life. The standing white volume stands as a beacon of light, and offers a cool vertical garden and a few small regular containers to provide on-demand herbs for cooking.
Visualizer:Hoski
This kitchen occupies a very narrow space and benefits from its restricted color theme for a cleaner look. The greyscale canvas really helps to tie the space together.
Visualizer:Hoski
Here’s a look at the same kitchen, but this one forgoes the wall and replaces the wooden floors with highly polished marble ones.
Visualizer:Dekaa
While this kitchen doesn’t have a breakfast nook, the dining table does feel like an overall part of the design thanks to its self-contained “floor” that makes it look an extension of the islands.
Designer:Void Inc
Unique angles give this all-white island a distinctively ultra-modern aesthetic – but the window backsplash is the star of the show. It’s at just the right height to enjoy from the breakfast stools or even the sofas on the other side of the room.
Visualizer:AEM Studio
Black floors add character to the solid white kitchen surfaces. While this space would likely look wonderful year-round, the winter colors are a perfect complement for the palette used here.
Visualizer:Tamizo
It’s hard to go wrong with an all-white kitchen. The grey countertops are a nice touch. Black and white both show dirt quite easily, but grey is a little more forgiving.
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
Strong textures play with the light and bring more variation to these matte charcoal cabinets. Many of the decorative vases and bowls reside on the greyscale spectrum to match.
Visualizer:Vitaliy Pilipenko
Dark wood is a traditional and striking choice that looks especially interesting paired up with the white and black cabinetry. Stools and the table add more wooden accents to the mix.
Designer:Snook Architects
Ultramodern architecture combines with black, white, wood, and glass to create a kitchen aesthetic that looks simple but hides tons of detail to appreciate.
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
