Lighting plays an important but hard-to-define role within the home. It’s not just a tool to illuminate the home on dark days, yet it shouldn’t serve as a purely decorative piece of furniture either. A designer would certainly never want to start chasing stylish lighting ideas without thinking about the quality and intensity of the bulb, or without considering how the light interacts with the other elements in the room. This post looks at 5 living rooms – each with a signature lighting style – so you can see the variety of ways to seamlessly integrate your lighting theme . Are you excited to explore new creative lighting styles?
Visualizer:VIZION Studio
VIZION Studio visualized this living room interior based around a distinctive bookcase. Smart recessed ceiling lights illuminate the crucial areas, and a cool floor lamp provides convenient task lighting for reading that perfect book once chosen. The result is sleek and cohesive, certainly making it easier to decide whether to go out for the weekend or remain at home with a good book. Sometimes one statement piece can change the entire attitude of an interior.
Unlike many other living room lamps of this type, this one straddles the line between minimalistic and industrial just perfectly. It lacks the complicated pulley systems of similar lamp styles in favor of a cleaner aesthetic.
Of course, we can’t let this home pass by without mentioning that incredible bookcase with its attractively sorted volumes on the top shelf.
The way the light plays across the unfinished concrete contributes a huge amount of character to an otherwise subdued lighting theme.
Designer:Sergey Procopchuk
Designed by Sergey Procopchuk, this living room centers around a pair of gorgeous spherical pendant lamps suspended over a simple seating arrangement. The lights are from the Random Light collection from Moooi, a stunningly popular design by Bertjan Pot. The organic squiggles perfectly complement the earthy color palette and smooth edges of the furniture.
Exposed brick complements the unfinished concrete to create a very urban accent wall amongst a modern and streamlined interior.
Tall windows provide ample natural lighting to go along with the laid-back vibe.
Did you notice the adjustable task light in the far left corner? It’s just perfect for reading in the evening.
And of course, you can’t ignore that gorgeous cantilever fireplace to the far right.
Other cool lighting features include the backlighting beneath the entertainment console, and the niche lighting applied in the recess containing the round pendants.
Vertical wood storage is a popular trend. Putting firewood on display is more than just convenient: it helps establish a balance between the elements of earth and fire.
Architect:Kupinskiy & Partners| Visualizer:Elena Sedova
Elena Sedova visualized this elegant living room for the architects at Kupinskiy & Partners. It’s a sophisticated and carefully curated home defined by its stunning double height windows and luxurious lighting solutions. While the tall ceilings would ordinarily leave a lot of empty space left to fill in, this home utilizes tray ceilings and raw exposed brick to add visual interest between levels. The signature lighting centerpiece is a bundle of Edison bulb pendants that drip down from the upper atrium level to illuminate the fireside spot on the sofa.
Black cords accentuate the feature lighting arrangement rather than serving as a simple facilitating factor. The smooth vertical lines come together to create an artistic piece that spans the levels of the home.
Imagine how spectacular this scene must look at night!
Of course, the versatile firewood niches add a decorative element all their own, a rustic counterbalance to the exposed brick walls and modern supporting materials.
Task lighting is an important part of any social area. Here, soft ambient lighting is provided by the Full Moon floor lamp by Cédric Ragot.
Regarding the ability to transcend floors, the same can be said of the freestanding fireplace structure with its tall matte black frame that also serves as a divider between the living room and the implied hallway that runs through it.
An arrangement of candles reflects the warm feeling created by the comfortable autumn color theme used on the sofa.
Visualizer:ReFL Studio
Simplicity – this living room, visualized by ReFL Studio, takes a simple approach to lighting in order to focus on the trio of portraits hanging above the sofa. Most of the utilitarian lighting is housed in simple black recessed fixtures in the ceiling. Accent fixtures include a pair of designer table lamps from the AJ series by Arne Jacobsen for Louis Poulsen Lighting, perfectly functional without overwhelming the interior accents used throughout the space.
Brass bases further emphasize the AJ lamps. These radiant splashes of brass serve as the only accent color found in the entire living room.
From above, it’s easy to see the smart interplay between the straight lines and the round decorative elements.
The combination of steel furniture accents and brass lighting accents seem to combine to form some type of refined Bauhaus-style aesthetic. Beautiful!
Visualizer:Katerina Kovalenko
Tall artwork and creative color accents take main stage in this lovely minimalistic living room. Here, the centerpiece lighting arrangement includes two cantilever pendant lights with two bulbs each, perfectly balanced in a straight line. Their brassy tones bring out the distinctive yellow painted fireplace and stand in contrast to the subdued purples and blues of the canvases. Together, the room does seem more like an art gallery than a living space – but instead of focusing entirely on the art, the point of emphasis is uncomplicated living.
The edges of the geometric rug echo the yellow of the fireplace. In the background, you can see another cantilever lamp, this time protruding from the wall.
Illuminating the small reading chair near the window, Serge Mouille’s standing lamp makes quite a statement.
The oft-repeated advice about writing and art, “you have to know the rules before you break them” is a vital part of interior design theory. This saying is especially helpful to remember when mixing styles or eras – it’s always better to have an intimate understanding of the styles you want to emulate before embarking to reinvent those time-tested concepts. But nobody needs to be an expert to simply explore the options. In fact, these eclectic dining rooms will help you learn the art of mixed-era design so you can adapt some of those transcendent dining room ideas to work within your own home.
Visualizer:Vüsal Abbasov
Iconic mid-century Eames chairs pair well with the distressed wood tabletop. More early modern influence comes from the 1925 PH 4/3 pendant light designed by Poul Henningsen. Even the chalkboard accent wall hosts a little vintage flair by way of classical signage lettering.
Visualizer:Nicolas JOUSLIN
It’s hard to go wrong with a wood and white theme. This one incorporates the trendy horizontal wall paneling but keeps its classic flair with a set of mid-century Wishbone chairs and retro-inspired pendant lamps.
Visualizer:Vitaliy Chubko
Visualizer:Dmitri Reviakin
A bold and sophisticated brass chandelier adds a layer of tradition and charm within this minimalistic white dining arrangement.
Designer:Kingston | Lafferty Design
This modern dining room is a veritable gallery of classic chair designs, ranging from Wegner to Panton to Eames. The lamps are also a throwback of sorts - Jan Plecháč and Henry Wielgus designed these blown glass lamps as part of the Neverending Glory Collection, inspired by iconic chandeliers from the world’s most important opera houses and theaters.
Designer:Walker Workshop
Capturing the atmosphere of a warm autumn day, this formal dining arrangement peers out of a spectacular picture glass window. To the left, a versatile storage unit serves to divide the social areas while contributing to the rich wood theme. Geometric pendant lights offer that modernistic spark that ties the vintage furniture back to today’s favored trends.
Visualizer:Anthony Kalambet
The chairs used in this design are one of the most successful designs of the industrial age, the famous 1859 Era Chair by Michael Thonet. Above, substantial metal pendant lights bring out the industrial attitude bestowed by the glossy black table and chairs.
Visualizer:Room Design
Harvest gold and pea green make up a vintage color theme nobody could forget, yet this arrangement feels perfectly fresh and vibrant. The clever vertical garden idea pulls double duty for functionality and aesthetics.
Visualizer:Oleksiy Zobkiv & Vasil Ambrozyak
Beautiful wooden floors offer a classic touch, as do the flowing curtains and scalloped pendant lights. Everything seems so very elegant and warm despite the relatively minimalistic pieces used throughout.
Architect:Dekaa
Ultra-modern interior styling displays only the most subtle influence from traditional design themes – like the parquet floor tiles, or the blown glass lighting collection. The lights are the work of Dan Yeffet and Lucie Koldova.
Designer:Joanna Kubieniec
Hairpin legs are a distinguishing feature of mid-century inspired design, but the molded chairs that accompany the dining table are fresh and modern as can be. This space demonstrates the best of modern minimalism and an appreciation for organic materials all at once.
Architect:Benn & Penna| Photographer:Tom Ferguson
Hans Wegner designed the CH88 chair in 1955 but it spent its entire life available only as a prototype – until, in celebration of what would be Wegner’s 100th birthday, when it finally enjoyed its public release.
Architect:Olena Bodnar / Taras Bodnar / Gismoarchitects
Our first dining room utilizes a crisp white and wood theme, separated from the parallel hallway by a black stone-clad fireplace. The dining table is illuminated with Wireflow dining pendant lights designed by Arik Levy.
Visualizer:Natalia Syrbu
Low-profile wire chairs combined with classically styled dip-painted stools come together for a Bauhaus-like aesthetic, enhanced by the series of glass and black pendant lamps above. The kitchen itself is polished and current but outfitted with several cute vintage cooking implements.
Visualizer:Livarea
Herringbone floors in dark wood create a cozy and down-to-earth environment. The bench seats are used in an innovative way here, pushed aside when the table is needed for food preparation or other tasks.
Visualizer:Juraj Talcik
This dining room concept combines traditional materials and a retro-inspired table design with the recent Achille Armchair and Tom Dixon’s popular Beat Lamps. With a view like that, it makes sense to keep the furniture as streamlined as possible.
Visualizer:Daniel Lyono
A sturdy wood table steals the show in this classically inspired dining room. The 1944 Wishbone chairs (by Hans Wegner) reinforce the traditional inspiration but utilize a gorgeous matte black color theme to bring them in like with contemporary trends.
Visualizer:081 Arch
Simple wood paneling distinguishes the hallway from the kitchen, and highlights select cabinetry from within the kitchen itself. The white dining table , chairs and pendants stay true to the kitchen’s theme.
Visualizer:081 Arch
The only thing traditional about this dining room is the wood tabletop and wide-hewn wood floors. The suspended lighting does embody a retro form, but its materials are entirely contemporary.
Visualizer:081 Arch
A simple kitchen and dining combination – this space uses a combination of traditional and classic materials to create a bright and spacious area anyone would love to occupy. Clean, functional, and delightfully subdued.
Visualizer:Uros Strgulc
This dining room combines new and old in interesting ways: herringbone floor and reclaimed wood table alongside industrial-inspired wire and geometric wall panels. The series of square shelves are an undeniably minimalistic touch.
Visualizer:Paolo Didonè & Devvy Comacchio
Composite stone floors take on a vintage-inspired salmon hue, juxtaposed again current dining room trends like the horizontal backsplash and the typographic wall decorations. Even the ceiling demonstrates a transition from old appreciated styles to a fresher aesthetic.
Visualizer:Stephen Tsimbalyuk
Classical elements like the large dining rug and the table’s curvy legs offer a sentimental counterbalance to the ultra-modern chandeliers and the contemporary Ale chairs from Roberto Lazzeroni.
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
This next space includes plenty of modern high-gloss materials but tempers them with classic mid-century furniture (notice the Eames dining chairs?) and a perfectly classic arrangement of black and white photography on the black accent wall.
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
