This collection of five small apartment designs is a fistful of contrasting inspiration. We have something for just about everyone’s sense of home style here. As we journey through each mini home tour, including some of their floor plans, we will hit a few that build upon clean white base palettes; one with minimal decor, one a home with a feeling of the great outdoors, and another that uses rustic woodtone for Nordic effect. We then take a detour from the neutral pallette and welcome the creative use of colour pops and pattern, ending finally in an altogether darker and more dramatic interior affair…
Visualizer:Evgeny Garchu
The first of our 5 small apartment designs is a smooth and simple decor, entirely free from pattern. The relaxing visual has minimal clutter or decorative pieces to distract the eye. Calm, plain grey accent pieces can be found throughout the home. Despite its simplicity, the scheme does not appear boring thanks to moments of wooden shelving built into the walls. The geometric coffee table too brings a twist to the pared back lounge.
A round dining table provides a spot for entertaining a couple of friends in this small home.
More seating can be found in the kitchen at the casual dining bar. Double banked kitchen cabinets are valuable extra storage in a small-scale dwelling, with higher units being an optimal space for storing out of season items, or belongings that are needed only occasionally.
Two-tone cabinetry built over and around the headboard maintains a spacious look.
A slither of pebbles edge the bathtub where tiny splashes may fall. Wall-hung sanitaryware makes the room appear more spacious by exposing the clear floor space beneath.
Visualizer:K BAND
The second small apartment kicks off with a dramatic shadowy tree mural situated right behind the sofa. Teamed with an open flame on the coffee table, this decor evokes a feeling of the great outdoors and camping adventures.
A wall shelf houses the book collection near the sofa.
A circular bar links the kitchen to the lounge area and creates a place for both eating and working.
A black feature wall in the kitchen also acts as a day-planner and organisation station.
A piece of art by the bed brings a splash of colour.
Photographic prints are another opportunity to add warmth to a predominantly white and grey scheme.
Our third small apartment design utilises a good dose of untreated rustic woodtone to bring interest to an otherwise stark scheme. The combination has a distinctly Nordic look.
The wooden entertainment unit appears chunky and homey.
Geometric wooden pendants decorate the kitchen.
Five kitchen bar stools provide plenty of seats for entertaining. These or a similar stool are a good space saving option as they can be pushed fully under the bench thanks to the lack of back or arm supports.
The white kitchen cabinets blend into the background behind the rustic bar.
A simple fruit bowl marks the eating area.
decorate the bench. The cool concrete planters work well with the rough look of the untreated wood.
are propped up to add interest on the opposite side.
In the bathroom a strong contrast of black and white is a striking look.
A letterbox shelf is perfect to store toiletries and scented candles .
Visualizer:Rustem Urazmetov
In small apartment number four, a wave of aqua crashes in unexpected places, along with expanses of bold eye-catching pattern.
The furniture is uber contemporary, with each piece contending for attention.
The aqua painted storage and display cubbies situated around the room are lit from within.
Alcoves are filled with colourful pattern.
The kitchen backsplash uses the same contrasting pattern tiles. A typographical wall decal spells out that this is a family space.
The tiles can also be found flooring the dining area. A neat rectangular dining table seats four.
The master bedroom and nursery are teamed together once the parental Murphy bed descends from the wall. A humorous piece of wall art is revealed above the bed once the transformation is complete.
The dividing wall between the bedroom space and living room can be extended to provide privacy and quiet for those that are sleeping–particularly handy when baby is in bed.
The final moment of pattern decorates one wall of the bathroom, behind the vanity unit and heated towel rail.
Small apartment number five is an altogether darker affair. Rich sumptuous burgundy and teal contrast against one another to great dramatic effect. Minimalism is not at work in this scheme. A multitude of patterned knick-knacks fill each table top, pairings of unusual decorative vases and bowls. Metallic accents on the lighting - from they symmetric swing arm wall lamps to the kitchen pendants add a wisp of luxury.
A large piece of colourful art decorates one wall and a whole library of books fill the bespoke shelving opposite.
A comfortable reading chair is picked out in purple, beside a shiny gold floor lamp . A patterned footstool provides a clear spot on which to lay down a book in the busy space. The home library is set out in a fashion of casual chaos, interspersed with random collections and souvenirs. A sputnik chandelier pendant light dominates the centre of the room.
The master bedroom is a strong scheme with masculine undertones. The dark clothed bed resides beneath a mirrored panel surrounded by warm-white LED spotlights. The bedside lamps are two golden Gun table lamps by Philippe Starck, for FLOS.
Two home tours from the Med take us on an voyage of rustic decor discovery. Where rough stone and wood crash up against marble and sumptuous upholstery. At first glance, the large open plan homes with their high wooden rafters and exposed rustic stone appear as high-end American ranch houses. However, linear sofas, contemporary end tables and accent chairs swing the interiors in a more European direction. The colour palette throughout is a quietly relaxed play on taupe, with bolder tan elements in the first home, and an airy beach vibe in the second.
Visualizer:Angelina Alekseeva
Our first home is an Italian villa in the Umbria region. An abundance of lush green indoor house plants bring a splash of vibrancy and organic form to the subdued surroundings.
An L-shaped modern sofa effectively divides the open plan living area, separating the lounge space from the dining room. The modern winged reading chair and matching footstool have been selected in a contrasting tan colour for added interest, under the spotlight of a chrome standing lamp. In the centre, a chunky round wooden coffee table pulls the contemporary notes back into the rustic vibe. Decorative vases keep the rustic table looking chic.
Sleek ice white units make up the kitchen, coupled with a freestanding kitchen island. At the central island, two kitchen bar stools have been added in a more beachy design. Woven seats over wooden legs aren’t the obvious choice to tie in with a minimalistic kitchen design but the selection compliments the natural stone wall perfectly.
A white range cooker blends in with the white kitchen units.
Diners have a view of the kitchen from modern dining chairs seated at a chunky wooden table. A flurry of dining pendant lights anchor the eating area in the open plan space.
A fireplace sits behind the dining table, sending a cozy glow of firelight through the wine glasses .
In the master bedroom, an ensuite bathroom extends directly into the sleeping and dressing areas.
The bed is an upholstered design, with an oversized headboard that extends behind a table decorated by a unique bedside lamp . On the opposite side to the Snoopy Lamp , further ambience is provided by a slimline floor lamp .
Marble covers the walls of the ensuite master bathroom in a typically Mediterranean chic vibe.
A wooden shelving unit brings warmth back to the cool marble scheme. Fronds bow from a couple of planters to soften the edges.
The kid’s decor in this home hits ranch style rustic again, with plaid bedcovers and rope pendant light. The rough rustic elements appear more playful by introduction of sweet typographical art and a friendly elephant to sit on.
Another kid’s chair sits at a wooden shelving arrangement, creating an inviting place to study or create artwork.
Hexagonal tiles decorate the walls of this bathroom scheme. Terracotta coloured tiling is distinctly traditional Mediterranean, though the irregular edging of this geometric design portrays a quirky contemporary look. A hexagonal shaped mirror matches the wall decor.
The bath and floor are finished in a mosaic tile.
Visualizer:Jenya Lykasova
The second of our two home tours is a two-storey house on the Mediterranean coast. The brief was to embrace the seaside atmosphere and make the house a vibrant place with a cosy feel. The interior was also designed to have personality through appearing slightly aged and to become better with age, like a fine wine. Driftwood furniture has been implemented into the seaside reminiscent scheme, with two unique coffee tables looking as though they could have washed right up onto the beach.
The decor of light warm tones recall the warmth of sand at the seashore. Antique beams above old stone walls and aged furniture evoke feelings of a house built long ago but still full of life.
Two huge rattan pendant light shades decorate the ceiling, hung up like disused fishing baskets.
Over in the dining area, beachy wooden wall decor decorates the stone wall.
Mother-of-pearl pendant lights and a tropical plant continue the seaside theme.
The rustic elements in this space are balanced out with refined seating and a glass fronted dresser that displays a selection of best crockery.
Stunning wooden doors provide a focal point in this white space. A run of kitchen pendant lights illuminate the countertop.
The cabinetry crafted for this space is a high-end example of Mediterranean finesse.
A door slides back to reveal a smaller cooking space.
The concealed kitchen has a more rustic vibe than the scheme surrounding the dining room. Here, the units are a heritage grey with a complementary ceramic tile backsplash that resembles fish scale. Traditional faucets are an important accessory to the look of a rustic kitchen and the faucet in this space has been coupled with a modern undermount sink.
A slab of eye-catching stone clads the adjacent wall.
More driftwood can be found framing the mirrors, radiating beauty through imperfections.
adds a stronger note to this dreamy bedroom decor.
A small vanity chair completes the dressing table.
The rocking chair is of a simple rustic style.
A second bedroom brings in some rattan light shades to keep things beachy.
The reading chair has a furry throw for rustic charm.
Decor in the bathroom is an amalgamation of contemporary and rustic styles. The colours are grey and natural wooden tone, aside from the crisp white basins, towel heater and laundry basket .
This third bedroom is a more masculine take on the rustic beach theme, using old suitcases as a bedside table.
The black wall sconces and desk frame add darker notes to the decor.
Coastal breezy white decor fills the last bedroom.
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
