Apartments have their virtues, being easy to access, compact, and close to the city. What they often lack is adequate space for great interior design. These five apartments from around the world showcase ways to use small space to your benefit – not your detriment. Cleverly combining several rooms, they make the tight seem cosy, not cluttered. Mirroring walls and light panels create room where none was before, while pops of colour and large panelling give the illusion of a larger space. Pair these features with quirky pop art and unique layouts, and you are left with five designs that create joy in jam-packed spaces.
Visualizer:Oporski Architektura
Measuring just 37sqm, our first apartment in Warsaw, Poland, is an example of space used well. Utilising a common kitchen, dining and lounge area to full effect, the space lies neutral in grey, bringing in the bold with a unique rough-shod wooden table. Mirroring the table, an art piece holds a black-and-white ethnic print, offering character. Small black side tables offer comfort, while a hidden black cabinet and high grey cabinetry offer storage. A projected TV screen saves space and adds sophistication.
Towards the kitchen, smaller features stand out – small black Lego lights on the ceiling; block-shaped taps; sheer Roman blinds. The table legs reflect the theme in chunky cast iron squares.
The hallway leads the way with an LED light strip, hiding neatly under kitchen cabinetry. White walls framed by long wooden panels hark back to the table, while a mirrored corridor creates more space.
More mirrors make the most of the bathroom, almost Scandinavian in their dominant white and wooden fixtures. Subtle LED lighting steals the show around the ceiling of the shower, while simple block shapes in the shower, bathroom and sink allude to the living room.
Visualizer:A & L Interior Design
For those after a busier living space, this small design packs a punch in berry and sunflower tones. Using a clean wooden palette, a multitude of rounded and triangular shapes play off one another in the living room, also doubling as a kitchen area. White elements in a papier mache chandelier, standing lights and side tables act as a group. Pops of berry, yellow and powder blue frame different sections for different uses. A terrcotta-lacquered ceiling and striped couch cushions tie the themes together.
A clever, quiet space is created from a powder-blue wall partition, letting light in from a sliding door. Using wood panelling from the kitchen, the inlet both matches and separates from the couch area’s colourful elements.
Wood panelling is a main feature in the TV and entrance areas. A television cabinet, shrouded in darker wood, lets a black screen remain focal. In the entrance, grey kitchen tiling allows a wooden armoire to stand tall and mirror room.
Towards the dressing room, features are mirrored upon mirrors. More mirrors face towards the kitchen, extending the room. Coat hangers in framed box shapes mirror the armoire. Berry cushions match the sofa chairs in the living space, while kitchen tiling covers both wall and floor. Only an abstract wall painting breaks the space.
Visualizer:Room Quadro
Our third space brings character to minimalism, in all of 40sqm. Designed for a recent graduate, this space proffers the illusion of room without possessing it. Using glass as a staple, the living room space foregrounds the kitchen, resplendent in shades of white. Muted greys play in couches and hanging cylindrical lights, while an Art Nouveau Mona Lisa fades behind. Black TV feature walls, curtains, kitchen stools and sliding door frames add focus, while yellow cushions pop colour. Light wooden floors ground the design.
The two angles of the kitchen stand in contrast. Looking towards the lounge, the design is a bold monochromatic, with daring marbled panels and inlets beside a black and yellow feature piece. A view from the couch tells a softer story, where muted greys are elevated by shiny chrome.
The bedroom uses mirrors to elongate. Mirrors on either side of two feature panels make the space appear open plan. Adding height, the white feature wall mimics square elements in its textures, reflected again in the dark wooden TV panel. Adding length from either side, copper sliding doors let in light from the walk-in wardrobe, while muted bedding offers a rest.
Shades of top-to-toe marble become a light grey in the bathroom. Clean, boxed designs reflect the space’s, while kitchen chrome lurks in the shower fixtures.
Visualizer:Room Quadro
Another tight space, this Level 20 apartment forwent separate spaces in favour of one large, mixed-use room. Using an interesting shade of protolok green-grey, the space feels calm and roomy without being boring. In the living room, the signature shade dominates couches, stools and kitchen cabinetry. A white wall presents a panel for a roaring fire; a chrome fridge a mirror to extend the space. A feature canvas of Amy Judd Wings makes a mark, allowed by simple charcoal curtain framing and background wooden elements.
Framed by black curtains and window framing, the bedroom presents relaxation within fixed borders. Protolok green-grey affixes to walls, complemented by bedding shades. A hero plaster wall creates textures amidst twin floor-to-ceiling mirrors, which extend and elongate the space.
Our last apartment in Kiev, Ukraine expertly mixes a myriad of textures and patterns to create an interesting, modern space. Combining a kitchen, living room and study in the one area, a range of details represent each other amongst Scandinavian wooden backgrounds. In the living room, a warm art piece in a speedy design is reflected in a triangulated grey rug. An inspirational wall quote in the kitchen is replicated in multi-patterned tiles and Ctrl Alt Del pillows . Black stencil elements in the study mirror the bike’s wheel spokes, a wall note-grate, and bent desk lamp. Light tones of grey set the background.
From the kitchen, a wall partition creates space for a dining room. Lit by industrial copper lighting, perfectly mis-matching red and black chairs work with a dinner-plate vinyl, shadowed by the inspirational quote to the side. A glass bauble vase mimics the living room light, a stencilled table-bottom the study.
The cat-themed bedroom offers industrial with a rustic twist. Framed by floor-to-ceiling drapes and a black cat frame, a string of lightbulbs brings a party into the interior. Full-width wooden headboards matched by a low-lying wooden bed brings in calm, while feature art beside the TV brings exaggeration. Spotty cushions and a word-heavy rug tie the two.
Octopus home décor is not the first thing that comes to mind when designing your interior. Hard to find and eclipsed by stag and owl accessories, our tentacled-friends often lose their place. Find the fun in eight more sets of hands with these octopi accessories for the sea lovers amongst us. Perfect for a coastal-themed or holiday home, they sit perfectly in a bathroom – but also in a range of office, home, dining room and even lighting. From metal wall art to useful everyday objects, an octopus can add a kooky but friendly face to any space, and a great source of pleasure for kids and adults alike. Look at our list to see if a certain octopi suits you.
Octopus Candle Holder
Get the party started with this metal octopus candle holder, resplendent with five candle spaces. Quirky and spontaneous, it can set the scene for any family occasion.
Steampunk Style Octopus Candle Holder
Who knew octopi could be edgy? With this four-thronged candlestick design, your dinner-table guests are in for surprise after surprise.
Silver-Plated Octopus Pillar Candleholder
For those wanting their octopi with a side of class, this silver-plated candleholder offers the best of both worlds. Lightly hinting with a tentacled design, it would work well as a bedside fixture or lounge table feature.
Octopus Glass Candle Holder
Prefer your candles more sheltered from the wind? This silver-look octopus lets flames wither slowly in the dusk.
Octopus Lantern
For a more Mediaeval look, why not try an octopus lantern? Lightly bronzed and perfect for Halloween, it’s a conversation starter for any dinner table or entranceway.
Octopus Amber Accent Lamp
We all love a bit of colour in our lives, and this lamp is no exception. Resplendent with an amber-hued head light, could it be a favourite for your kids’ room?
Octopus Night Light
A definite favourite for children, the night light is a must for dreamtime. Make night-time sea-time with this natural-coloured night light, easily plugged into wall sockets.
Cute Octopus Night Lights
For a night light you’ll be jealous of, you can’t go past these mini octopi. Full of character with top hats, bows and glasses, choose from one of four colours for a cuter night’s sleep.
Octopus 3D Illusion Night Light
For a night light that doesn’t look like a night light, look to this 3D creation. Flat on the wall, it’s multi-dimensional illusion is more art than children’s accessory.
Octopus Clock
Know someone fascinated with Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea? This octopus clock couldn’t be closer to fantasy, presenting an unusual way to wake up to your bedside table.
Octopus End Table
Octopi hide under the strangest things. Marvel and delight with this metal and glass creation, perfect for a conservatory or beach-themed holiday home. For more cool end table options do check out our post on unique end tables .
Octopus Trinket Box
For the hard-to-buy-for friend, consider a detailed trinket box. Closely guarded by our metal-detailed creature, all jewellery looks ornate in here.
Octopus Paper Weight
For the writers and book fanatics among us, nothing annoys more than floating paper. Hold documents under the sea with this bright blue character, complete with glass-look egg.
Octopus Hand-Blown Ornament
For a real glass look, try these hand-blown glass ornaments. Could you imagine these on your Christmas tree?
Octopus Mobile Holder with Bluetooth Speaker
For sea creatures both beautiful and functional, look no further than this octopus mobile holder. Hiding a Bluetooth speaker behind its tentacles, it brings an aspect of art to modern technology.
Antique Octopus Pen Holder
Some people have all the best things. Be one of the chosen few with this antique pen holder, perfect for writing on those memorable occasions.
Octopus USB Humidifier and Pen Stand
Three gadgets for the price of one, let this USB humidifier, pen stand and office ornament decorate your working space.
Octopus Tea Pot
Sit down to an underwater theme with this octopus tea pot, perfect for brewing up a storm. With a coral octopus guarding the handle, don’t be alarmed at its steely gaze. If you are interested in cool looking teapots like this, do check out our post: 40 Unique Teapots to Help You Savour The Taste Of Tea .
Octopus Tea Infuser
Add to your tea collection with a fellow underwater friend. Hard to miss in bright orange, his tentacles hide diffusing tea.
Octopus Shot Glass
Planning on holding an Under-the-Sea themed party? Get out the big guns with these octopus shot glasses, resplendent with natural-looking glass octopi.
Octopus Shot Glass Set and Holder
For an underwater banquet, this shot glass set and four-piece holder is hard to miss. Gold with clear glasses, it works with any home décor.
Octopus Glass Straws
Extend octopi to other drinks with this set of multi-coloured glass straws. A touch of elegance, keep them away from the kids.
Surprise Octopus Mug
Surprise! An octopus is in your coffee. Start your day with this unique and interesting mug .
3D Printed Octopus Mug
Marvel at the genius of 3D printing with this colourful mug. Bright pink with impressive detailing, there’s no guessing which cup is yours.
Octopus Absorbant Coasters
Tired of coffee spilling over your coaster and onto the table? Remedy the problem with this absorbant octopus design.
Octopus Stoneware Coasters
Turn style up a notch with these elegant stoneware coasters. Subtle in their detailing, the octopus reveals itself after each cup.
Octopus Crochet Coasters
Get crafty with this cute and colourful crochet design. Perfect for the kitchen table, the kids will love them too. Jump right over if you are into unique coasters .
Octopus Ice Tray
Spice up after-work drinks with octopus-shaped ice cubes. With sea animals floating in your drink, imagine yourself on a hot beach.
Octopus Wine Holder
Wine and octopus go scandalously well together. Celebrate their pairing with this bronzed wine holder beauty, ready to imbibe the whole bottle.
Yet Another Octopus-Shaped Wine Holder
Perhaps the most unique of the unique wine holders , this silver specimen will be the first to get hold of your crisp white.
Octopus Wall Sculpture
Octopi are famous for their attachments. Go for a shade of purple with this wall sculpture, a handy piece for your bathroom wall.
Octopus Metal Wall Art
Purple not your colour? Evoke the sea with this metallic creature nestled above your bathtub.
Steampunk Octopus Metal Wall Sculpture
Proud owners of the steampunk candle holder will be delighted to find a matching wall sculpture. Turn the clock back 100 years with this brown-and-bronze creation.
Octopus Cast Iron Wall Hooks
After a funky way to hang your towel? Octopi are an option with this handy cast-iron hook. Do check out our post on more decorative wall hooks .
Octopus Bronze Finish Wall Hook
Octopi cater to larger families, too. Get a few towels on the wall with this bronze beauty.
Octopus Door Knocker
Give guests a Halloween-worthy fright when they knock at your door, with this staring octopi.
Steampunk-Style Octopus Door Knocker
Part of the candleholder and wall art set, this steampunk knocker will have visitors pulling up their braces.
Octopus Door Handle
Add texture to your door handle with an octopus tentacle. Detailed in a bronze look, a dark or mid-wooden door would be a perfect fit.
Octopus Hand Bell
At your service! This hand bell can bring seafood to your table – with a minion to deliver it.
Octopus Wind Chime (Distressed Look)
Get that real sea feel with this distressed wind chime, looking truly lost at sea.
Golden Octopus Wind Chime
Tell the tale of octopi to your children, with this golden-wind chime singing in the wind.
Chic Octopus Chandelier
Who knew octopi could be art deco? This yellow fantasy would brighten up any kid’s room.
Octopus Rope Chandelier
For just a hint of the octopus, try this coastal chandelier. Mimicking its shape only, no beady eyes will greet you here.
Octopus-Themed USB Hub
More quadropus than octopus, this USB hub lets you charge all your devices in one cute package.
Octopus Shower Curtains
Ever wondered about the secret lives of octopi? Wonder no more with these shower curtains, resplendent in a wide range of octopi emotions.
Octopus Pillows
Showing off their latest dance moves, these octopi could move well on your bed or sofa.
Octopus-Shaped Cushion
One for the kids, this anime-looking character will brighten up any childhood day.
Octopus Wall Decal
Want flowing tentacles to flow between rooms? Liven up your wallpaper with these wall decal designs.
Octopus Wall Art
A less dominating design lies in this wood-look octopus wall art piece, perfect for bathrooms.
Octopus Art Prints
See the many sides of an octopus with these wall art prints.
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
