When imagining the dream kitchen, that dream for many will include a central kitchen island. The image of a independent block of units, standing bold as brass out in the middle of your floor just has a good old dose of drama about it. The grand notion could be conjured because a larger space is typically required to accommodate such a piece, or maybe it’s the show-off chef in you that would like an audience gathered round. Whatever makes them magic for you, this collection has modern kitchen island designs with colourful cut-throughs, table extensions, open shelving, futuristic geometric carving and plenty of punchy pendant lighting.
Visualizer:Kayan Design Studio & Identity Code
Give your show-stopper a stripe of honour. The work surface of this white kitchen island is elevated away from the base units by a stripe of shelving. It’s at this midsection that a flash of bright yellow emerges to form a low table at one end. The yellow accent is picked out in other areas of the kitchen too, such as a single slender unit front, a section of backsplash and on the window frame.
Visualizer:Delta Tracing
Look sharp. The cantilevered dining table extension on this white kitchen island cuts through the air like a knife’s edge.
Visualizer:Vladislav Barabakh
Building your dream design could be child’s play. Chunky building blocks spring to mind when looking at the modules that make up this unique piece. The dining bench clicks into place around a shelving unit that has only a minor amount of prep space on its narrow top - a surface perhaps more suitable for decorative items or floral displays like the one seen here.
Designer:Sergey Makhno| Visualizer:Julia Siriak
Don’t let obstacles get in your way. Structural pillars can be worked around and/or incorporated into your kitchen island design. A built-in planter distracts the eye from this solid immovable piece, and even makes it look like it was all part of the master plan. Dark rectangular seated bar stools help pull the entire ensemble together.
Designer:BIG Design| Source:Vancouver House
Stray from the straight and narrow like this sleek black kitchen island with seductive curves.
Visualizer:Alexandry Shunyaev
If you can stand some heat, get red in the kitchen. Alluring red lighting washes down a black tile backsplash. Red kitchen bar stools , which are the Magis Stool One , look hot at the side of an Origami style central island.
Visualizer:Burak LAFCI
Beam me up Scotty. Whack a futuristic kitchen island in the centre of the room, practice your vulcan salute and definitely don’t wear a red shirt - all fans of Star Trek know how that ends.
Visualizer:Orange Graphics
Another futuristic design - though a gold faucet, matching planters and kitchen pendant lights give the decor scheme some classic finesse.
Visualizer:Ono
Kitchen islands aren’t just for prep. Consider fitting your central island with a kitchen sink and/or cooking hob. You’ll be able to face your dinner guests or chat with family members whilst in the throws of cooking or soaping the dishes. Plus you get to pretend you’re a TV chef! Or maybe that’s just us…
Visualizer:Anton Li
Like bread and butter, white and yellow accent kitchens work in tasty harmony.
Source:Poliform
Harness the simple yet striking magic of monochrome with a black and white kitchen island.
Visualizer:Mitos
Sloping silhouettes set the scene in this grey and white kitchen .
Source:Dwell
This sloping floor has been bridged by a bespoke unit that strikes from the roofline like a bolt of lightning.
Visualizer:Denis Syrov
There’s curvy, and then there’s curvy . This smooth shiny kitchen island looks kinda like a plastic toy boat, with cotton reel bar stools. All this space needs is a cool sputnik chandelier to complete the future-retro look.
Source:Culimaat
Cooking rings sit right in the countertop of this bizarre balancing act. Maybe consider how you might replace a faulty appliance in something so niche though.
Visualizer:Berezen Studio
Complement the coolest features. Whether the round kitchen island or the round skylight came first, we’ll never know.
Visualizer:Giuseppe Burgio
We’ll forgive you for thinking we’ve just thrown a round kitchen table into the mix under the pretence of it being an ‘island’. However, this is actually a fully-fledged prep surface set at comfortable standing height, complete with integrated white cooking rings.
Visualizer:HiMacs
Hug your kitchen. No, not with your arms - there are hot things and sharp things in there! Hug the space with the shape of a softly curved cooking island.
Designer:Jones Britain
This kitchen island with seating positively screams ‘family dinners’.
Visualizer:Charlotte Raynaud Studio
A central island can be the perfect solution to a lack of wall space.
Visualizer:BURO 82
Kitchen islands also create a clear divide in an open plan living room.
Visualizer:SCIC
You don’t have to let it all hang out. The kitchen that is. Some concealed modern kitchen designs close up completely so that you’d barely know there was a kitchen there at all.
Visualizer:Xin Xiansen
Cook up your favourite colour scheme with just two additions to a white kitchen : The backsplash around the border and the bar stools at the island.
Visualizer:Roy Vaes
Gold means greatness, and this gold sided kitchen island under medallion shaped modern chandeliers sure does look great.
Visualizer:3D World Renderings
Stepping back into something more subtle, a white a wood ensemble creates a calming, minimalist effect.
Source:Kuchen
Earthy tones add heat to white units.
Visualizer:Roman Kolyada
If you like this look, check out these black and white kitchens .
Visualizer:Dark Room Studio
More white and wood kitchens can be found here.
Visualizer:K-Band
Sweeping away half of the base units makes more leg room for doubled up seating.
Source:Snaidero
The Domitalia Bouchon Bar Stool looks at home in a rustic setting.
Visualizer:Serj Fedin, Serj Kondratskyi & Yevhen Zahorodnii
A slender chimney extractor keeps the visual of this central island clean. Wooden bar stools match the shade of the cabinet veneer.
Visualizer:Nick Martin
Create common ground. Open shelving facing the living area amalgamates the two zones. Plus, the wooden unit helps warm the plain white face of the island. We have covered white and wood kitchens like this in detail before.
Visualizer:Manege Render
Extrude a marble kitchen island from a marble floor - or at least have it look that way by using the same grade of material. The gold bar stools and pendant lights in this kitchen also match with the floor treatment, creating one cohesive look of luxury.
Visualizer:Ihor Bednarchyk
The marble kitchen in this example is part of a grey and white kitchen scheme with a matching marble backsplash. In this case the floor is natural wood to warm the overall look of the room.
Designer:Zero Energy Design
Industrial style bar stools add the right decorative edge to a concrete, wood and white kitchen island.
Source:Kuchen
The kitchen island doesn’t have to be the star of the show… gasp! It’s true. Just because you have the space for it doesn’t mean that the decor must revolve around it, so to speak. This unique wall of open kitchen shelving is so eye-catching that the central island has been best left simple.
Visualizer:Inuti
This ultra simple cooking island takes second place to the base notes in the room, provided by plack pendant lighting, black faucet and hob, and Patricia Urquiola’s popular Last Minute stool design.
Visualizer:Svoya Studio
Another open shelf kitchen design, this time working in cahoots with a kitchen island ceiling rack.
Visualizer:Nicolas JOUSLIN
Serve both sides. Having kitchen island units that open up on each side of the installation means that you truly cash in on its central spot. Cupboards or drawers opening outward from the kitchen area could house tablecloths, placemats, candlesticks and cutlery for setting the dining table without getting in the way of the chef. Or, perhaps a stash of board games could be stacked ready for use in an adjacent family lounge.
Visualizer:Neiman
Go for a lighter look. The slender legs on this design make it look like a movable kitchen island, but the wired-in electric hob and ceiling extractor tell us otherwise.
Visualizer:Polyviz Studio
Play with light and shade by bringing pale wood tone to a black island. See these other black kitchens for more inspiration.
Visualizer:Iqosa
Gotta love a loft. Exposed brick walls meet a concrete countertop in this loft style kitchen with central island.
Visualizer:Karwan Muhammed
A pendant light adds elegance and shine over the dining end of this dual level countertop.
Designer:Mayan Zusman
A change in flooring gives this kitchen island its very own island to stand on. If you like this, check out these grey kitchens .
Visualizer:Jonathan Coronado García
Peachy upholstered bar stools make a juicy addition to a mint green kitchen island.
Visualizer:Marcin Mierzyński
Use lighting strips to highlight and sharpen the edges of a simple design.
Visualizer:Jakub Čech
have their own drama.
Source:Paul.M
Mimic surroundings. In this minimalist kitchen , a plain island falls in with the look of blocky white plastered walls.
Visualizer:Orange Graphics Creations
Layer it up, like this stunning combo of wood grain, marble and stone.
If you don’t have the space for a permanent kitchen island installation, a small rolling kitchen island can provide extra storage and prep space right where it’s needed in a busy kitchen. Then, when you’re all done it can be moved on its castors back to a resting spot out of the way of main footfall.
Not only is this Scandinavian style apartment layered with elements of gorgeous green home decor, but living greenery thrives here too. The apartment has no actual garden to speak of, and instead looks out high above city views of St.Petersburg. Lack of outdoor space is common at inner city homes, but it doesn’t stop a homeowner hankering for all that is natural and life-affirming. A few indoor plants can make a flourish but visualiser Nikolay Limansky has also brought in an illuminated living wall that gives the illusion of a garden window, patterned green tile that hints at grassy pastures underfoot and graphic green horizons.
A zen message sets the tone in the living room from Inhale-Exhale art prints over the sofa. The sofa is upholstered in an energised shade of green, and accessorised with geometric scatter cushions. A copper floor lamp , which is the Adesso lamp , complements the green decor in the room. The lush living wall is lit from within a wooden frame that’s crossed by slats; the combination gives the effect of a courtyard window. The modern coffee table is a Live edge one , which adds to the garden feel.
Large armchairs would eat up to much of the floor space in this apartment, and block out too much daylight from the windows. Instead, a modern accent chair has been placed at each end. The modern chandelier has a copper stem to match the floor reading lamp .
A marbled rug looks organic at floor level.
Corner shelving has been layered with an abundance of cascading hanging plants and cacti.
A table lamp sheds light over a pretty tray of indoor plants and decorative candles . An interior window lets light flow freely from one space to the next.
On the other side of the interior window, a breakfast bar faces the glass. Four small white pendant lights are suspended at different lengths over the wooden countertop to add interest. A grey and wood dining table chair combination stands in an elegant set of four at the centre of the same room, matching a raw grey concrete feature wall.
The central formal dining spot is crowned with a cluster of three dining pendant lights. A block of succulent planters fill each window sill, adding a row of greenery to a grey urban rooftop view.
Sprigs of greenery and a simple fruit bowl decorate the rustic live-edge breakfast bar. An L-shaped kitchen runs around the two solid walls of the room. At one end of the units, a bank of shelving contains a selection of spices and dry foods in uniform glass jars, lit by the dedicated glow of LED strip lighting.
A bright green kitchen backsplash cuts between white kitchen cabinets.
Natural light spills through a large window onto floor tiles that have delicate green and white pattern, like a daisy sprinkled lawn. Window frames and a bench seat are of a soft green colourway too. Scatter cushions are a deep water blue, and wooden wall decor represents the trees.
A set of simple wall shelves make the room into a reading nook.
On a covered-in balcony, hanging planters drape greenery above a modern outdoor chair , their tendrils tumbling down a full length white window curtain. A selection of textured planters and tealight holders make another pretty display.
Mirrored closet doors reflect a walk-in wardrobe on the opposite side of the entrance to the bedroom.
An L-shaped closet system neatly divides garments and accessories into hanging rail sections, garment shelves, concealed drawers and accessory cubbies.
The walk-in closet is divided from the main sleeping area by a wooden slatted wall; the remaining bedroom space fits a double bed cosily. Two slimline copper bedroom pendant lights are suspended over small bedside shelves.
A tree mural creates a sense of space and freshness from the great outdoors over the headboard feature wall. From behind the wooden headboard, LED strip lights cast a glow at the base of the pictured tree trunks, like the setting sun on the horizon.
The open slatted design of the closet wall allows natural light from the windows to flow through.
A long makeup vanity offers two mirrored spots to sit at, though one side is being put to use as a computer desk. A flat screen TV occupies the space inbetween.
We find another double workspace inside the kids’ bedroom. Two desktop computers occupy the worktop, which leads directly into a shelving unit. Other shelves, two chests of drawers and several cupboards complete a bespoke storage wall all set to tame a double haul of toys, books and belongings. For more ideas, check out these shared kids’ rooms .
Matching desk chairs sit at the wooden worktop.
A striking kids’ chalkboard wall has been fashioned by mounting a zigzag of wooden beading from floor to ceiling, then filling one side of the divided wall with blackboard paint.
The storage units are finished in mint green, with a wood clad television nook.
A kids’ gym is fixed by unique bunk beds.
Stairs to the top bunk double as storage; a wooden map on the side makes fun and educational kid’s decor .
A boat mural brings the kids’ wall decor to life.
Calming neutrals surround a bathroom vanity.
A horizon of green hills and grey mountains climb behind the tub.
add a flourish of blossom and leaves.
This second shower room follows the same green, white and grey palette.
Copper accents add a luxurious sheen.
A green interior door blends with the scheme.
The shower doors have stand-out framing, like the interior windows in the living area.
Rather than camouflaging with the light wall, rich wood doors become a design feature.
An adjacent feature wall adds eye-catching chevron pattern in wood tones.
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
