Light, modern and minimalistic, Scandinavian design is almost the buzz word of the past few years. With the rise of IKEA and antiques that are quirky yet translatable to the modern day, it isn’t hard to see why. Light, white spaces are backgrounded by easy-to-clean and easy-to-complement wooden surfaces, while hunger-inducing reds and oranges spice up the mix. Adaptable to many tastes and accommodating differing personal touches, Scandinavian design offers versatility as well as flair. These five apartments, often from non-Western corners of the world, show how well the style of Scandinavia can stretch. Characterful, non-fussy and smart, they each offer an inspiration of their own.
Visualizer:Sachin Mahajan & Maggi Samir
Our first apartment shows how Scandinavian structure can incorporate other trends – in this case, bold monochromes. The living and dining room spaces fuse these together nicely. White leather couches and school chairs mingle with a solid black table and sofa chair. Identical hanging lights and almost-identical prints take turns in polarised colours. Hints of green and a wood stack let nature shine.
Textures make play on closer inspection. A marble living room table is both black and white, matching the wall lamp fixtures. White lamps dotted around the room bring in honeycomb and geometric patterns. Chrome and wooden elements hark back to Scandinavian origins.
A proliferation of the same shapes keeps thematic continuity. Two square black inlets house wood blocks and candles, while wall art takes the same form. The curve of the dining room chairs mimic curved wall lights. Golden candlesticks break the mould.
Visualizer:Roman Shepet
A second space in Krasnodar, Russia, brings more colours into play. An easy-to-maintain space, greys and beiges dominate as much as wooden elements. The central lounge and dining area bathes itself in white wood, letting soft greys and browns do the talking. Stencil bookcases alternate to the rear in black and white, while a beige woollen rug grounds the design.
From the kitchen, earthier tones come into play. Scrumptious brick reds expose themselves in the kitchen, with wooden benches and a table to settle them. Table chairs in light brown plastic add modernity, while a white-framed enclave invites from the more-muted living room.
A study hides downstairs with simple wooden features. A rough-shod wooden bookcase looks natural paired with a different-wood desk and cow-hide chair. LED lights make the space modern, much like the glass-and-iron ore lights in the kitchen.
Visualizer:Lê Hoàng Nhật Nam
A Scandinavian backdrop is the perfect canvas for a character apartment. Tailored hues, feature elements and a wider colour range work together in this apartment, while retaining simplicity. In the living room, a pea green wall holds a metal shelf behind a grey couch and wicker cane chair. Wooden floors, tables, shelving and doors are sparked by Mediterranean plants. A cow hide rug adds focus.
Rectangular framing snapshots the art of everyday life. In the living room, a steel rectangular frame watches visitors as they watch TV. The dining area boxes books in steel frames too, while square sliding doors let light into the space. A round-lit hanging chandelier adds the unique, and mis-matching chairs the different.
A proliferation of interesting lights guide the space. In the kitchen, hanging metal lights dangle at different lengths, while the dining room hosts the chandelier. Wall-mounted camera lights stay suspiciously on the ceiling, matching the metal bookcase. Met with natural light from the sliding doors, the space affords a lighter view while letting fixtures have their say.
The kitchen, on closer inspection, ties in the rest of the room. A bold triangular wallpaper mirrors the subtle geometric pattern textured on the silver entrance wall. Hanging lights are matched by steel-framed stools. Inset marble tiling and colourful leaning pictures add colour to a space to bind them all.
Visualizer:Monika Statkiewicz
Love words and pictures? This space combines the two, in a Scandinavian feel. Trademark white walls in the living room are met with gingham bean bags and spider lights in this lounge, while an inspirational quote centres the wall. Black and white features play off one another in large lettering, moustache cushions and a solid black table. A grey couch on zigzagged wooden flooring sets the stage.
The kitchen offers a place to create words, on a chalkboard wall. Exposed brick holds bold black features in a modern grandfather clock, TV and shelving. An almost-black kitchen ties in the same wood patterning as the floor.
Lighter tones decorate the bedroom, which fades into shades of grey. A gingham duvet mirrors the beanbag in the lounge, while hexagonal wall motifs make their way across the room. A chalkboard question mark breaks the white wall, referring to the chalkboard wall in the kitchen.
Visualizer:Matas Miciulis
A multicultural apartment can also use a Scandinavian influence. Our last apartment’s lounge, decorated with a Persian rug, papier mache light and Japanese prints, lets simple white walls and wooden fixtures ground its eclecticism. Simple black standing lamps and chairs keep it modern.
The kitchen, muted in white and beige, allows the living room to hero the space. All-white cabinetry and walls, coupled with tiled inlet fixtures, sit next to a roaring fireplace that takes up the wall panel beside. School chairs at the dining table make reference to the wooden floor.
Christmas is coming, and that can only mean one thing – more fairies and angels in shops and stores. Yet fairies and angels don’t only live under your Christmas tree, on your mantelpiece or on your Christmas table – they also live outside. These 40 angel and fairy statues and figurines from across the globe can put the magic back on your table or garden. Perfect amongst the flowers or sitting pretty on your doorstep, their materials – from mock stone, to plaster, to coloured wood – are versatile enough for any budget. Kneeling, sitting, standing or even crying, their range of poses inspire the gentle giants in all of us.
Toscano Fiona, the Flower Fairy Sculpture
Toscano Fiona has an almost magical presence, as she reaches down to tend the flowers she governs. Nestle her amongst a low-lying floral setting so her white wings can pop over flower heads.
Redemption Angel Statue
Crying angels show humility, courage, and a desire to be washed clean. Place this redemption statue beside a body of water, such as a pool, to gain full effect.
Extended Grace Angel Statue
Adorned with an elongated set of angel wings, this resting angel creates space and tranquillity wherever she goes. Place her on a long, flat surface outside, preferably around flora and fauna, to give her the space she needs.
The Secret Garden Gazing Fairy
What does the gazing fairy hold in her hand? This fairy, best placed in an outdoor setting she can sit on, can see a future in your garden.
Pondering Garden Fairy
Bathed in a silver light with lots on her mind, this pondering garden fairy can tackle your problems. Settle her on a garden rock with a path view.
Celtic Fairy Statue
Secure the luck of the Irish with this crouching fairy statue, resplendent in grey-green and cream. Hovering on a plinth, she works on flat surfaces where she can view the plains ahead.
Kissing Fairy Garden Statue
Prefer the look of the ancients when it comes to your garden? This kissing fairy statue, clad in mock-bronze, is ready to dance the night away on a flat, high surface.
Butterfly Riding Fairy Statue
A fairy on a butterfly? Nothing could be more magical. Perfect for an outside flat enclave, let this grey and white statue bring harmony to your space.
British Reading Fairy
Fairies need education, too. This British fairy, sitting pretty atop a plinth, has a spot on any outdoor path.
Sunflower Fairy Statue
Catch the wind’s gifts in a sunflower with this statue, perfect for any rounded mound. This fairy’s grey plaster charms and stunning detail do the rest.
Day Dream Fairy Statue
Invoke the tale of Narcissus with this day-dreaming fairy, perfect for a low place beside the water.
Garden Fairy With Flute Statue
For something more heraldic, this garden fairy’s flute has the answer. Secure her and her plinth on a flat lawn surface with plenty of space, so she can summon the heavens.
Fairy On A Tree Garden Statue
Fairies have magical powers, particularly when sitting on trees. Surround this fairy with plant life and a stone surface for powerful dreaming time.
Garden Fairy With Automatic Solar LED Light
Light up your garden with this crouching fairy holding a light. Nestle her amongst low-lying shrubs to guide her light where it is needed.
Fairy on Glowing Globe
Harness the sun with this solar-powered LED globe, mastered by a playful fairy. Perfect on moss or low-lying green surfaces, her powers appear ethereal indeed.
Fairy With Color-Changing Globe
Give the present of grace with this pink-hued fairy, bending down to see the future. Perfect for children and high wooden benches, she lets a little mysticism develop outside.
Sitting Garden Fairy
Perfect for any stone edges, this garden fairy delights and instils peace wherever she goes.
Succulent Angel Garden Statue
Angels have a place in your outdoor space, too. Let this angel with Mexican-style succulents welcome visitors to your garden, along pathways and next to potted plants.
Colorful Sitting Fairy Statue
Fairies are both cheeky and mysterious. Let the sun in with this sitting fairy statue for your garden table.
Best Friend Fairies
Invoke the powers of friendship with these sitting fairies, perfect for any low-lying shrub. Clad in similar colours, they help friendship blossom in your outdoor area.
Earth Fairy Statue
Fairies don’t always like to stand out. This earthen-coloured fairy, suitable for flat-surfaced rocks, can kneel with you in silent prayer.
Small Dreamer Garden Fairy
Inspired by the famous Thumbelina, this small dreaming fairy in a leaf can be illuminated with a solar-powered leaf light. Place her on a flat rock surface amongst plant life to give her shelter.
Tinkerbell Solar Lantern Garden Statue
For a touch of Disney-come-to-life, hide this fairy statue around your young children’s bedroom window. Colourful and great for flat surfaces, Tinkerbell’s lantern is powered by the sun.
Modern Style Thinking Angel Garden Statue
Pondering life on any high garden wall, this outdoor angel is the picture of grace. Invoke her unique colouring amongst small creepers and vines.
Fairy Leaning on Mushroom
Fairies need a rest sometimes. Let this creature rest her head on a flat garden surface – or tree stump.
Sherwood Fern Statuary Bird Feeder
Designed to be part of the landscape, this angelic creature feeds the birds and your soul. Place her on a tiered garden structure around similar-looking plants.
Standing Fairy Bird Feeder Statue
Bird feeders can be more dynamic. This fairy stands out on your flat garden surface, heralding the call of birds.
Songs Of Praise Modern Angel Statue
Christmas is coming, and so are the angels. Perfect for your Christmas table or mantelpiece, this glittering creation can call all manner of good spirits.
Resin Angel Statue
This angel wows in a slightly different material, and dreamily beautiful floral detail. Place her inside on the kitchen counter for faithful wishes.
Modern Angel Figurines
For a simpler look, this angel adds an element of prayer to your home. Adorning your mantelpiece or welcoming table, she is a peaceful addition to any home.
Angel Figurine Candle Holder
Hold light in Christmas prayer with this angelic candle holder, perfect for your Christmas table. Holding an easy-to-find tealight, this design lights up any occasion .
Willow Tree Angels
Designed by artist Susan Lordi, each of these angels represent a special moment in time. Find your own meaning in these beautiful wood and wire creations. Click on the image for dozens of more designs.
Swarovski Angel Statue
Add bling to your mantelpiece with this Swarovski-carved angel. Shimmering in Christmas lights, she will delight any gathering.
Praying Fairy Figurine
Fairies also have a place in your home. A great addition to a dresser, let this fairy envelop you with her warm embrace.
Angel of Peace Statue
Bring peace to the world with this angel statue, a welcome addition to a mantelpiece. Let her pray for peace as carols warm the Christmas tree.
Solitude Angel
Angels need solitude, just like you and I. Let this beauty have its space in a nook in your home.
Ascending Male Angel
Let a little male presence into your faith with this ascending male angel, perfect for a chest of drawers or ornamental table.
Kneeling Male Angel
An angel of compassion is an angel every household needs. Perfect atop high, flat surfaces, this angel brings humility and grace to any home.
Male Angel Holding Knees
Angels can bring peace and solitude, just by being. This male angel can sit atop dressers and mantelpieces for a more harmonious home.
Male Angel Holding Knees Bronze
Add the golden to your living room or bedroom with this bronze male angel. Perfect for a dresser or living room table, he adds grace to any space.
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
