A light-filled living room is a joy to spend time in as a family and with friends. Add a powerful connection to the outdoors and it’s a place that you may never want to leave. These 40 light-filled living room designs demonstrate how to style bright and airy spaces to be homely and welcoming. This collection also delivers inspiration on how best to arrange fenestration and courtyards to make the most of natural light and landscaping. With a backdrop of natural greenery, it’s helpful to see the effects that the panorama has on the interior palette and how silhouettes can be either emboldened or lost against the lush vista.
Designer:Blanca Lleó
A U-shaped courtyard causes this light-filled living room to be wrapped by nature on three full sides. Black window frames strongly segment the green panorama, making a gallery of vertical vistas. A wooden coffee table brings natural beauty into the centre of the space.
Designer:FGMF Arquitetos
Floor-to-ceiling windows completely melt away the boundary between the living room and garden. Here, a stark black fireplace descends from the ceiling line to create a striking silhouette against the lush green backdrop, A thin, metal-framed console unit lightly underlines the starring view.
Designer:Ludwig Mies van der Rohe| Photographer:Mike Schwartz
In this example of minimalist living from the iconic Farnsworth house, furniture is placed sparsely to allow the green landscape to rule the scene.
Designer:Studio Periphery
Facing glass walls envelop a living room with evenly mesmerising views. These walls can be opened up with bifold or sliding glass doors to create a blissful through-breeze in hot climates.
Source:Lawson-Fenning
With Mother Nature tapping at the window, it’s only polite to invite her indoors. Include a mature indoor plant within the living room to create a tangible connection with the garden.
Source:GAN
Use natural materials to complement a tree-lined panorama. Think natural timber furniture, rugged stone feature walls, or jute rugs .
Visualizer:卖画为生
Place a round coffee table at the heart of your living room for all other items to orbit. The eye will move outward from the focal piece, layer by layer, falling first upon the surrounding furniture and finally settling on the view. Choose low stools to furnish areas beside floor-to-ceiling windows to leave views unobstructed.
Visualizer:Denis Chigidin
An influx of natural sunlight will cause attractive light play upon deep ceiling beams and slatted ceiling treatments.
Visualizer:Lucas Aguilera
Extend windows all the way to the top of a double height living room to take advantage of every possible drop of incoming light. Whether you’ll close them or not, sheer drapes will lightly frame the view and create visual drama. A laconic lounge palette with a tonally matched gray sofa , chair and rug will allow the eye to drift away to the panorama. The modern side table and the floor lamp add a hint of warmth to the arrangement.
Visualizer:VizLine Studio
Edge-to-edge bliss. This almost frameless window design effectively breaks open the side of the building to achieve an uninterrupted panorama.
Architect:Mitsuori Architects
Seamless ceilings. This wood-clad ceiling treatment expands onto an overhang outside of the patio doors to achieve one streamlined aesthetic.
Visualizer:Mud Canopy
Even corridor courtyards make a stunning change to the feeling of openness and nature connectivity.
Architect:ONG&ONG
Fashion your own waterfront. If you don’t live by a lake or the coast, you can still have a waterfront home with the addition of a pool that runs right by the living room window.
Designer:Hygge Supply
Ensure furniture doesn’t obstruct the view by choosing low-slung sofas or placing ottoman modules where the glass meets the floor.
Visualizer:Rodolfo Dias
Wood cladding grounds this window-flanked living room. A unique floor lamp places a striking silhouette against the soothing wood tone background.
Architect:Specht Architects
Echo the march of the trees outside with vertically slatted or fluted wall treatments, like this eye-catching fireplace design.
Visualizer:Wojciech Stróż
Encase a tree in a cubed courtyard to create a spectacular room divider.
Visualizer:Fat Tony Studio
Fully retractable doors make a literal connection with the great outdoors.
Visualizer:Metod Kulčar
In this large wabi sabi interior , light falls only upon key pieces in the living room to create a moody aesthetic. The beautiful imperfections of the lounge furniture make an ideal companion for a wild forest behind.
Visualizer:Hueb Ferreira architecture
Allow your living room to flow effortlessly into outdoor living spaces by blurring where the boundaries lie.
Visualizer:Studio Arthur Casas
Let nature inspire the colour palette of your living room furniture, like this elegant moss green and earthy brown arrangement. The living room table lamp is a point of interest here as well, with its sculptural base.
Visualizer:Nour Sabry
A pebble bed marks the centre of this unique, nature-kissed living room, whilst tree beds are interspersed between modern lounge furniture.
Visualizer:Valentinstudio 3D
Elegant archways softly embrace snapshots of a divine landscape. See more inspiration for arches in interiors .
Visualizer:Academy M6
Where garden views wrap only two or three sides of the living room, install an interior courtyard to round out the natural aesthetic.
Designer:Leo Romano| Visualizer:Thais Dias
Light living room furniture makes no distraction from the outer views, a courtyard, or a colourful piece of wall art.
Visualizer:DoPixel AoFrame
With living room furniture kept neutral, there is wiggle room for a more eye-catching living room rug . The black and white rug truly stands out here.
Architect:Lorenzo Botero Arquitectos
A dipped living room or conversation pit allows garden plant beds to be enjoyed at eye level.
Designer:Studio Arthur Casas
Traditional armchairs make a playful juxtaposition against a wild backdrop.
Visualizer:Woods + Dangaran
A wooden media wall warmly connects two facing views of the outer environment.
Designer:Zürcher Arquitectos & Taller KEN
A thriving banana plant makes a perfect companion for a high-ceilinged, nature-blessed living room.
Architect:Jacobsen Arquitetura
Accessorise with nature-inspired furniture pieces, like this beautiful timber-framed chair with ottoman and rustic bench design.
Designer:Ticiane Lima Arquitetura & Interiors
Combine the art of nature with the art of man by hanging artwork within a courtyard view.
Designer:Alexander Gorlin Architects
A heavenly exterior view is right at home with an ethereal white interior.
Visualizer:Mud Canopy
A pergola-style ceiling creates an indoor-outdoor feel.
Architect:Collage Architecture Studio
It’s hard to see where the interior planter ends and the outdoors start in this luxurious light-filled living room.
Visualizer:4 Pixos
An outer deck will extend the living area when bifold doors are drawn back.
Visualizer:Myles Montgomery
A partial room divider separates a living space into different pockets of function without fully severing the view.
Visualizer:The Craft
Hang a swing chair in the breeze.
Visualizer:Felipe Hess Arquitetos
A mezzanine level further exaggerates a feeling of openness and airiness.
Visualizer:Kaer Architects
Introduce botanical patterns to honour the outdoors.
Whether you’re sourcing unique candle holders or a decorative vase to complete your table, these gold table centerpieces add an upmarket sense of occasion.
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
