What makes a mid century modern kitchen? Cabinet styles are typically simple with little detail, such as flat-fronted or slim shaker designs. These minimalist forms are brought to life under rich wood tone, strong hues, and sometimes even graphic patterns. Aesthetics range from understated to wild organic and geometric motifs. Contrasting materials and textures build a wealth of visual interest too. Accent furniture is finished with shining chrome and signature tapered legs. Sleek lines form striking silhouettes, bound in leatherette. In this collection of 40 kitchens, we’ll look at how to combine the mid century modern spirit with contemporary surroundings, and some favourite features to note.
Visualizer:Alexandr Tyan
Deep emerald and olive greens spark a mid century modern-inspired colour palette. Combine these shades with signature mid-century brown tones and natural materials. The black bar stools bring in contrast to the composition.
Visualizer:Alexandr Tyan
Flat-fronted units hark to mid century modern kitchen design. This understated look fits well in minimalist schemes and interiors that are spiced with Asian influence, like this one. More images here .
Visualizer:Nguyễn Thủy
Terrazzo reached peak popularity in the mid-century modern period, and is currently having a revival. This material was favoured by architects and designers for its monolithic, minimalist look. Organic shapes showcased too, making this decorative wall mirror a complementary piece for a terrazzo kitchen island.
Visualizer:Darya Litvinovich
In true understated mid century modern style, this minimalist kitchen features a rich brown and cream colourway.
Visualizer:Atelier Creative Varsovie
Fluted glass first became popular during the Art Nouveau period, but it shines through mid century modern design too. Use this textured glass to add interest to kitchen wall units and partition doors.
Designer:Scott Edwards Architecture
Crown a flat-fronted wooden kitchen design with a statement mid century modern kitchen clock design. This singular piece of wall decor will cement the theme whilst providing functionality.
Visualizer:Rina Lovko Studio
Create cool contrast against warm wooden kitchen units by installing a sleek grey stone countertop. These counteracting hues and textures will build balance in the space.
Designer:Woods + Dangaran
Cast a warm light upon honey-coloured cabinetry with a skylight or kitchen roof lantern. Plants were as loved in mid century modern homes as they are today, so select a green friend to come drink up the sunshine.
Visualizer:Tom Matthews
This smooth-fronted kitchen design is complemented by two walls of sleek retractable doors, which connect to the terrace.
Via:Grundig
While wood was a popular choice in mid century modern homes, an abundance of woodtone can appear overwhelming. Cut around heavily wood grained cabinets with a swathe of fresh white wall stucco and a white waterfall countertop.
Designer:Izen Architecture
We’re enjoying an abundance of wood-slatted decor elements in contemporary design, but this is not a new concept. With focus firmly on natural materials, wood-slatted textures appeared in many mid-century spaces. The slatted treatment looks particularly impressive on a large kitchen island .
Architect:Jane Kim Architect
This emerald green and rich wood tone scheme calls in the geometric element to create a stunning green kitchen backsplash.
Designer:Minarik Architecture
Mellow yellow kitchen colour schemes make a perfect pairing with the warmth of mid century modern kitchen cabinets. This feature wall incorporates a geometric print too. See more yellow kitchens .
Designer:The Artisans Group, Inc.
Don’t forget the ceiling when spreading the love for natural wood. This trio of low hanging globe pendant lights draws the eye up to a glorious wood-clad canopy.
Designer:DNM Architecture
Create a crash of colour for a youthful aesthetic.
Designer:Natalie Myers
This muted take on a multi-colour theme is toned down further by neutralising dark brown elements. A trio of wooden bar stools add a lighter tone.
Designer:The Design Gallery
Metal hardware evokes shiny memories of the era, so use it to brighten up a dark brown wood kitchen installation.
Designer:Rain City Architecture
Break up a densely wood-clad ceiling treatment with a spectacular skylight .
Designer:Britt Design Group
This brown and steel kitchen combo receives a dose of contemporary appeal with golden kitchen bar stools.
Designer:Shed Architecture & Design
A claret red kitchen treatment makes a delicious meld with natural wood elements. To construct something more zany, combine red mid century cabinetry with contrasting aqua blue accents.
Designer:Turner Architects
Slimline shaker units offer a little more detail than their plain slab-fronted counterparts. Use this style to add structure to your surroundings.
Designer:Ashby Collective
Break up the space with open kitchen shelving. Display colourful ceramics and glassware.
Designer:McCulley Design Lab
Accentuate a mid century inspired wooden ceiling with deep black framing.
Designer:DAAM Architects
Combine a mid century wood-clad wall aesthetic with contemporary curves.
Designer:Studio Ram
Bar areas should be set up for entertaining with a relaxed, social aesthetic. The upholstered bar stools add to the comfort.
Designer:Ashby Collective
Olive green backsplashes provide a subtle colour accompaniment for a wooden kitchen run.
Designer:CHROFI
Cunningly extend tall units that fall just short of the ceiling line with a wood-slatted extension.
On the whole, this kitchen doesn’t quite hit the mid century mark, but Cherner stools fetch in the vibe.
Designer:JWT Associates
Bright blue accents jolt wooden kitchens out of their heavy, solid state.
Designer:Robert Harvey Oshatz Architect
Polish up the woodwork to create mid century luxe.
Source:Build Nashville
When picking out mid century modern style kitchen lighting, globes and domes provide a gentle aesthetic.
Designer:Klopf Architecture
Use wood cladding to unite a kitchen island with a nearby feature wall.
Designer:Risa Boyer
Employ colourful kitchen accessories to add a burst of life to the room, displayed on a simple white shelf.
Designer:Kevin Southerland
Don’t shy away from wood-clad treatment on a low ceiling. Create a cosy cocoon.
Designer:Shed Architecture & Design
You can even squeeze wood cladding between ceiling beams.
Designer:Haven Design and Construction
In this concept, Cherner stools complement a bold geometric unit design.
Designer:Zero Energy Design
Create a waterfall effect by continuing wood ceiling cladding onto the upper part of a feature wall.
Designer:Klopf Architecture
Turn wood grain on the horizontal plain to create a wider looking kitchen aesthetic.
Visualizer:ZEWORKROOM Studio
Fashion a geometric island facia.
Designer:HH Architects
When worktops are already full with plants, use hanging baskets to drop in more.
Designer:Office of Matthew Green Architects
Combine a mid century modern inspired kitchen design with contemporary black window and door frames to build stark contrast.
A Scandinavian-inspired design gives this modern pendulum wall clock a minimalist vibe. Its silent battery operation makes it a stealthy addition too.
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
