From material to lighting to layouts, interior design trends move in and out of style at an amazing pace. This post features five living rooms that embrace current best practices but in ways that will likely remain appealing for years to come. Some of these spaces are subdued and subtle, sparking interest without overwhelming the eye. Others take a bolder approach yet reduce risk by anchoring their designs around traditional features or palettes. Most importantly, these living rooms explore the ideas most popular in contemporary design without blending into one homogeneous group – each has its own distinctive personality.
Visualizer:Sam Habbaba
Let’s start with an uplifting pastel design. This cheerful white living room uses pale yellow as a primary accent, with many colors of the rainbow appearing throughout. The layout is open but wraps around a central volume in an L-shape for better division. Abundant windows don’t sacrifice any privacy at all thanks to the huge hedges outside.
Stunning feature lighting guides the eye from one functional area to the next. Here, the sofa arrangement basks in the light of the Skygarden lamp by Marcel Wanders. Artwork behind the dining table incorporates some of the colors found in the living room.
Plants and earthy furniture unite the interior with the unobscured view of the outdoors. The dining room has an especially amazing position: a double-height wall of windows gives a full view of sky and landscape. Floor poufs add to the comfiness as well.
It’s not easy to find artwork to suit the scale of a wide-open atrium wall like this one. This painting flawlessly integrates the natural colors used throughout the dining and living spaces.
Diamond upholstery, chrome spherical lighting, and playfully angled chair legs all come together for an interesting geometric aesthetic in the dining room.
Just around the corner from the living room, a compact galley kitchen occupies a tiny hallway created by the stairway enclosure.
Visualizer:Sergey Baskakov
Here’s another space that brings the outdoors in! This modern living room relishes its unique configuration, with its seating area looking out over the pool and toward the gorgeous landscape beyond. Contemporary furniture inspired by midcentury designs offers a touch of classic simplicity and maintains a low profile to preserve the view - making it possible to enjoy media while maintaining a reasonable line of sight over the TV stand . A glass vase with fresh flowers brings the verdant surroundings into the interior.
A central staircase punctuates the middle of the room. Ring lamps hang in the open void of the atrium above, with a pouf and table making good use of the space beneath.
Jean-Marie Massaud’s IPANEMA armchairs and the square-topped Tribeca table make a fabulous combination. The checkered black and white rug is a very creative choice, eliminating the need for prints or patterns elsewhere.
These little behind-the-sofa tables are a great way to prevent a central sofa from looking too plain from behind, and serve as a handy place to store books out of the way. This one is lit by the Atollo Lamp by Vico Magistretti.
Visualizer:Constantine Rybkin
This home design in Lugano, Switzerland, offers a cheerful approach to a minimalistic and natural interior. The bright blue sofa with oversized gray pillows definitely makes a bold first impression. It’s the only non-neutral piece used throughout the entire living room, yet this block of color more than invigorates the room.
While decoration remains spare throughout the rest of the house, the rich layered textures and geometric arrangements provide all the ornament this luxurious design requires.
Iconic furniture like the Husk Chair adds another layer of quality and style. Other decor objects enjoy unique applications, like the Dioscuri table lamp on the floor in front of the mirror.
Visualizer:Jordan Pierguidi
What a comfortable and relaxing space! This living room uses low lighting and bold contrast to foster an atmosphere of wonder and intimacy. Natural sunlight filters down from the top of the staircase and indirect fixtures cast a warm glow over the concrete walls and polished floors.
Black and white accents find middle ground with the grayscale rug in the center of the seating arrangement. Transparent furniture and bannisters demonstrate the lighter side of industrial design.
Visualizer:Sam Habbaba
Warm, natural, and classic – this living room uses dark colors for functional areas between its pure white walls. The ceiling makes an especially bold statement with its small knotty boards and deep bezels, reversing the expectation set by the lighter wood floor. The mid century lounge chair and the Arne Jacobsen floor lamp completes the room.
Like a handful of the other living rooms featured in this post, this one uses an L-shaped layout to divide between the entertainment area and the dining room around the corner.
Beat lamps are a popular choice for dining rooms, but most decorators use repetition in their arrangement. Here, the uncommon distribution of weight explores a unique approach.
Visualizer:Iskren Marinov
Clay-colored walls and gem-tone accents cast a warm glow on this otherwise minimalistic living room. The arrangement of straightforward forms sets this space apart, the sharp lines of the furniture squaring up against the perfect angles of the layout. In the center, a circular table breaks the mold.
Four accent panels brighten the far wall, with a television placed directly at the point of intersection. Those lines help draw the eye toward the screen for a distraction-free viewing experience.
The same color theme continues into the dining room. Darker accents at the dining table help set it apart from the all-white theme in the living room.
Stairs lead to an elevated area that houses the kitchen and dining but the windows here are the same height as those near the sofa. This gives the dining room a brighter appearance, while allowing the living room a little more privacy.
Situated on a narrow plot flanked by public roads and neighboring homes on all sides, this residence would have languished in such a constricted space – but LIJO.RENY.architects had a creative plan to break down boundaries in a beautiful way. The structure consists of two volumes that flank an incredible atrium with towering plants reaching toward its three-story apex. The windows and atrium are clad with secure steel panels, their varied perforations allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the building. But just wait until you see the interior design! This home unifies aesthetics and function with an emphasis on quality of life.
Architect:LIJO.RENY
Beyond these white walls, the home interior spans 2,200 square feet including the gorgeous atrium area.
Inside, each room enjoys a constant connection with the outdoors. Spaces facing the garden enjoy the freedom of sliding doors.
Modern furniture demonstrates a sense of orderliness that differentiates the interior from the central atrium, but the potted indoor plants reinforce the connection to the outdoors.
While the smaller volume contains the living room, a short walk across the garden path leads to the larger structure that contains the dining room, kitchen, and the majority of the bedrooms.
Diagonal banisters crisscross as the staircase ascends, mimicking the complexity of the plants that surround. A short walk across the paving stones leads to the dining room.
The dining room, like many of the functional areas in the home, borders the interior atrium directly.
Private areas enjoy the lower-trafficked positions bordering the street-facing parts of the building.
Sliding walls add modular functionality to make each room as open or as private as necessary.
Going to the second level requires entering back into the garden and ascending the gorgeous wooden staircase.
Ascending the stairs toward the larger volume leads visitors to a secondary living room with accents in tropical red, lime green, and rich wood tones.
Large sliding doors look out into the greenery, with wire railing for safety.
Recurring artwork captures texture of the perforated screens and the effect of the light as it filters through.
Another flight of stairs leads to the master bedroom, the most private part of the home.
The uppermost bedroom shares its level with nothing but a bathroom and open terraces.
Through frosted windows, pinpoints of light create a dazzling “breathing” effect as the trees sway in the breeze.
This is a great chance to point out that barred windows don’t have to look intimidating. This grille enjoys a casual aesthetic with its low-profile design and fresh white paint.
It seems that even the local birds love the quiet refuge of the atrium.
In this home, simply traveling from one room to the next is an experience that brings the residents closer to nature.
As the sun shifts throughout the day, the beams of sunlight paint different parts of the home for an aesthetic that constantly reinvents itself.
Here’s a view from the bottom of the atrium looking up toward the ceiling.
At night, the glow through the perforated screens creates an effect similar to the look of dappled sunlight filtering through the palms.
Now for a look at the bones of the building – it’s always nice to see how each space interacts in context. Guests can experience the atrium on their way to the dining room while the kitchen and bedroom remain private.
Note how the study and library are sequestered in the smaller volume, only accessible from the stairs on the first floor.
The master bedroom enjoys access to the open terrace across the way.
And there’s yet another open terrace above that.
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
