The Scandinavian interior design style is one that is favoured by millions, not only because of the popularity of IKEA, but for its contemporary form and simple functionality. The Scandi aesthetic has a mid-century modern appeal and fits cleanly with the minimalist movement. It is flexible enough to splice with other themes too, and suits an array of colour schemes–not only the white, grey and wood palette (although this is a classic we still love!) Let us take a look at five different themes within the Scandinavian style, including muted rustic Scandinavian elegance, cheerful pastel play, one deliciously dark home, a botanical burst, and one for the trendy traditionalist.
Visualizer:Michał Dudek
This entrancing grey rustic living room is layered with golden accents, natural timber elements and smooth silhouettes. Varying shades of grey upholstery cover a modern sofa, cool accent chair and comfy pouf to build depth. A huge sputnik chandelier crowns the look, in a black and white design that matches with monochromatic wall prints.
Subtly textured walls and white-washed wood floors make tonal additions.
A few candles and decorative items are scattered throughout in small numbers–just enough to make a house feel like a home without cluttering.
A dark grey throw adds another shade to the sofa.
Rattan accessories bring another natural tone to work alongside the wood grain in the room.
Decorative vases dot a gold shelving unit at one side of the lounge area. Books stack horizontally on a lower shelf.
At the opposite end of the open plan room, a pale sage kitchen fills one wall. A black dining set weighs solidly at the centre of the room, visually anchored by a black dining table and a pendant light.
Round back dining chairs complement the round dining table.
The dining area is kept simple in true Scandi style.
A tiny vase of flowers adds understated elegance to the table.
A useful rustic stool nestles around the corner from the kitchen diner, poised by the front door–it could even double as an extra dining chair in a pinch.
Exquisite white marble crosses the kitchen countertop and backsplash, which accentuates the delicate colour of the cabinets.
Visualizer:云图表现
just can’t help but look bright and perky, as this blue and pink interior cheerfully demonstrates.
Pastel pink stripes through a dominating expanse of powder blue to make a sweet duo. A slightly darker blue sofa and media cabinet help add a little visual weight to the airy scheme, whilst plentiful white elements keep the mix looking fresh.
Turquoise and pale yellow are introduced as we take a walk into the adjoined dining area. A huge shelving unit covers an entire wall, with random sections faced with pastel coloured doors and drawer fronts. From this side of the room we can see that the vertical pink wall stripe is part of a small bar, with a matching pink bar stool.
A pink sideboard is topped by a neat gallery wall, to balance out the colour and height of the large shelving unit on the other side of the space.
A petite gold sputnik chandelier gleams in a colourful bedroom ensemble, dashed with geometric lines.
In the kid’s room, a little orange elephant stool lives in an energised blue, orange and yellow starry scheme.
Visualizer:Ekaterina Khmel
Black, grey and tan come together as a sophisticated trio in home tour number three.
Despite the dark bite to the palette, the open plan room reads as relatively light and airy.
The tan sofa works harmoniously with natural timber accents.
A wooden nesting table supports a splash of greenery.
White voiles swish translucently at the windows.
Dark grey kitchen cabinets run in an L-shape around the dining set.
Glossy wall tiles line the L-shaped kitchen , softly reflecting the light. If you enjoy dark themed Scandinavian design, don’t forget to check out our post: Dark Scandinavian Interior Design .
Visualizer:DA Visual
Green accents hold all the attention in this white and grey minimalist home, in living leaves, artists impressions, and bright scatter cushions.
The decor is inspired by the home’s green view.
White and wood nesting coffee tables are settled on a monochrome tribal rug; Acapulco chairs vibe with the geometric print.
Light fixtures are kept white to blend with their calm surroundings, and to let the green works of art sing out as the hero pieces of the design.
The kitchen too is a white affair, with chunky wood grain worktops to suit the natural theme of the room.
A rectangular wooden dining table runs in line with the one wall kitchen , echoing its wooden worktop.
Visualizer:Evan Popilnukha
If you’re a sucker for traditional twists, but love modern lifestyle, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t combine the two–and some Scandi flavour to boot.
The mid-grey shade painted on the walls of this home has the perfect amount of depth to accentuate traditionally ornate white cornice. The clean lines of the Scandinavian furniture pieces do not detract from the decorative moulding.
The bleached flooring straddles the line between modern and traditional, and is able to work with both styles in this arena.
White metro tiles rise to the ceiling behind open kitchen shelving.
A curvaceous glass vase sits atop a timeless wood dining table.
The bedroom is basic yet cosy and welcoming.
Warm wall lights glow against raw concrete walls. Patterned pillows decorate plain grey bedclothes.
Which is your favourite Scandinavian style decor theme?
Modern minimalism is moving into Chinese markets faster than ever. The growth of this movement offers a unique chance to see two very distinct styles intersect – vibrant design traditions interpreted through the keen lens of contemporary frameworks. This post explores three home interior concepts by prolific designers based in China, each one blending subtle traditional elements across a chic minimalist canvas. All three homes demonstrate a different approach, some with clear roots in Chinese design and others with the most understated of influences. Which one is your favorite?
Designer:Gray Vision| Visualizer:Gray Vision
The first home is the work of Beijing-based Gray Vision. White surfaces and clean lines set the stage, diverging from the typical minimalist aesthetic thanks to creative treatments like a textural backlit wall panel and sophisticated built-ins throughout. Décor bounces between casual touches like the pouf and playful throw pillows and high-end pieces like the round coffee tables from the Bell Collection by Sebastian Herkner.
Combining major social areas into one, the open living space embraces guests with its bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoying a prime spot by the windows is a handsome tea table, outfitted with two large cushions and a spacious low table. Elegant indoor plants flank the arrangement on either side. In a home defined by its ultra-modern style, this area retains the influence of Chinese tradition.
On the table, classic meets contemporary and east meets west. The unique teapot is the work of Stockholm-based designer Anna Lerinder.
Elegant built-ins extend across the other side of the living space as well. This one adds a dash of color.
The dining room pendant light is the iconic Artichoke design by Poul Henningsen, a distinctive piece to counterbalance the minimalism of the round dining table below it.
Stylish swivel chairs continue the theme.
A galley kitchen occupies a secluded space set apart from the social areas. A stainless-steel backsplash adds a professional touch, softened by the addition of marble floors – both elements working together to create a sophisticated grey and white kitchen theme.
Storage is abundant. A mix of enclosed drawers and cabinets keep items neat and tidy while open niches offer at-a-glance access for everyday essentials.
Now, for a look at the charming bedroom. This space embraces subtle color with its pastel end of bed bench and delightful reading nook .
A bedroom pendant light hangs over one side of the built-in cabinets. Wall sconces flank the bed for direct illumination.
The wall opposite the bed is left empty – no artwork or knickknacks to distract from the quest for sleep.
Attached to the bedroom is a clean and simple bathroom area. Storage cabinets line the vanity, with open shelves tucked in next to the mirror.
Elsewhere, the master bathroom switches from the gentle wood floor aesthetic to clean marble tile.
An incredible walk in wardrobe serves as a picture of pure luxury. Equipped with a vanity and stool, a space like this serves as a full dressing room, allowing the bedroom to maintain its status as a purely relaxation-oriented area.
The modern home office takes on a completely different character compared to the rest of the home. Ample decorations line the shelves along with books and other reference material – everything on display for inspiration and easy access.
This tour closes with a look at the entryway, equipped with a spacious closet illuminated from behind semi-translucent doors. A blush-pink vanity stool and blue sculpture welcome guests with colorful character.
Designer:Gray Vision| Visualizer:Gray Vision
Here is another home concept by Beijing-based Gray Vision. In this home the traditional eastern elements are expressed outwardly but with a dramatic contemporary twist. This tour opens with a fantastic example of Zen inspired design , a dry garden style most commonly attributed to Japan with roots in Chinese water garden layouts.
Vertical wood slats create visual separation between functional areas, an updated take on the intricate lattices and screens of traditional Chinese architecture.
Natural colors define the living room, its light wood furniture accented with touches of jade green textiles.
Various styles of calligraphy adorn the walls throughout the home. Here, a tremendous feature wall commands attention.
In fact, a major portion of the living room is dedicated to creating calligraphy. Behind it, a folding screen centers the space with a large dramatic brush stroke.
The table has shelves for spare scrolls and supplies. Above, linear suspension lights provide even illumination.
Another calligraphic accent draws attention toward the kitchen area, which is set apart from the main living spaces in its own private cove.
Countertops wrap around and project from the kitchen, creating a dining area that can double as extra workspace for meal preparation.
The bedroom continues the theme of natural wood, soft greys, and subtle jade accents.
Instead of table lamps, bedroom pendant lights hang at either side of the bed.
Where you might otherwise expect a well-stocked wardrobe, this home concept instead features a stylish place to store calligraphic scrolls and supplies.
A handsome master bathroom is broken into two spaces separated by a glass wall, allowing sunlight to enter unimpeded.
Another bathroom sits tucked away beneath the stairs, integrating the shape of the treads into the architecture for a unique look.
Designer:Simon| Visualizer:Simon
The final tour features a home concept by a different designer – SIMON based in Harbin, China. This space embraces the same sense of minimalism and understated luxury as the others, this time accented with ultramodern furniture from iconic brands across the globe.
Each piece of living room furniture captures the eye with sculptural appeal. Plush elements invite comfort, like the Tactile Sofa by Vincenzo De Cotiis. Others cut a clean minimalist profile, like the round ottoman coffee table .
This piece is especially engaging – the Spun chair designed by Thomas Heatherwick for Magis is a piece of functional interactive art, rolling and rocking thanks to its unique top-like shape.
Next to the sofa, an adjustable wall light provides directional illumination where needed.
In a room dominated by low-profile furniture, even casual pieces like this pouf lounge feel right at home.
The spacious living room opens into a kitchen at the left.
Artwork is placed in prominent areas to become the focus of attention rather than simple décor.
Minimalist decorative vases grace the table. Beyond them, built-in shelves offer more storage and display space.
The bedroom truly captures a feeling of luxurious retreat. A stately bathtub with marble backsplash stands to the left, enjoying the ambiance and natural sunlight of the room that surrounds.
The future of modern minimalist design in China is looking bright, innovative, and inspirational.
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
