A u-shaped kitchen is a highly coveted layout for a househunter since they offer so much space for cabinetry. The u-shaped layout places units around the cook on three sides with the top of the ‘u’ left open for a doorway or an open plan living room. U-shaped kitchens can be combined with dining areas or even a kitchen island if the width of the room allows. An open plan room often presents the opportunity to make one arm of the ‘u’ into a peninsula that can be accessed from both sides, such as for use as a breakfast bar or as a dual sided storage volume. Find all this and more in this inspirational gallery.
Generally speaking, there are six types of kitchen layouts: The One Wall , Galley , L-shaped , U-shaped, Island and Peninsula. There are no strict positions in which to order the stove, fridge or sink, and a kitchen can be combinations of one or more of the typical layouts. For example, you could have an L-shaped kitchen with an island or a peninsula, or a galley kitchen that is linked at one end. In designing a functional kitchen, the kitchen work triangle should be considered, which means that the distance between the sink, stove and fridge should be no more than 1200mm apart. Though, the concept of the kitchen working triangle is now evolving further to take into account multiple cooks, as well as new gadgets and appliances. In comparison to when the concept originated in the 1940s, where kitchens were a utilitarian place typically home to the housewife, our kitchens and equality have come a long way. Microwaves, separate cook tops to ovens, prep stations with an additional mini sink and teamwork all interrupt the traditional triangle. As modern kitchens present an increase in dedicated task zones, secondary triangles become commonplace.
Designer:Mamm Design
Play with floor levels. This unique u-shaped kitchen is sunken below the floor level of the open plan living room, allowing onlookers a birds-eye view.
Visualizer:Bo/Sko
Colour coordinate upper units with the wall colour. The wall cabinets in this blue kitchen have been used as reference for the room’s paint colour. Colour coordinating the paint with the units in this way helps the space appear more open.
Source:The Burke Company
A different tack has been taken in this blue kitchen, with wall cabinets placed around the full u-shape. However, one side of the arrangement is open to the dining room, and windows run around the rest of the countertop level bringing plenty of airiness to the scheme. Cleaning the backsplash after cooking dinner in this kitchen becomes an exercise in window washing!
Visualizer:Anastasiia Kharuk
Forget the plinths. With the abundance of cabinets typical to a u-shaped kitchen you may be looking for new ways to help your design look more open and spacious. Leaving off the base plinths can help expand the look of your floor space - though do be prepared to get down low to clean out the recess regularly if you’re dropsy with your vegetable choppings.
Visualizer:Nika Vorotyntseva
Create a wrap around storage volume to an adjacent area. The tall height of the oven housing unit and fridge freezer housing has been continued around the corner into the lounge in this open plan home. The extension is used as a media unit surrounding the tv facing the lounge.
Visualizer:Korry Chan
Define edges with lighting. LED strips placed just beneath the lip of a kitchen countertop and wall units create an ambient glow. The upholstered bar stools provide comfortable seating.
Visualizer:MaSQ Architecture
Make a feature of a niche shelf by picking it out in a different colour. A dark wood tone adds sophisticated flair to an all white kitchen.
Visualizer:Design Squared
Match the baseboard to the backsplash. This grey and white kitchen brings in grey not only through a tiled backsplash but with a coordinated kickboard.
Designer:Poggenpohl
In a long open home, a mid-way u-shaped kitchen can be used to effectively divide the floor plan.
Designer:Harvey Jones
Bring in colour with countertop appliances and accessories. This red kitchen set looks great with warm rustic brick walls.
Visualizer:Tomasz Muszynski
Black appliances in a white kitchen look punchy and modern. This design has black pieces situated on each of the three straights of the u-shaped kitchen to maintain balance.
Designer:Scenario Architecture
Shortening the returns of a u-shaped kitchen can leave room for a fully-fledged dining set.
Visualizer:Benbrahim Jaafar
Combine cabinet finishes, like this wood grain and white gloss modern kitchen .
Designer:Libby Winberg Interiors
Let your budget inspire you rather than restrict. Choosing Scandinavian kitchen style can be a cost effective exercise, since the magic of the Scandi aesthetic is simplicity. Wooden bar stools from Ikea drive in the look.
Visualizer:Black & Milk
Use every nook and cranny for storage in a tiny u-shaped kitchen. Shape shelves into the eaves.
Visualizer:Julian Malik & Magdalena Tutak-Malik
Tailor the design to suit your own lifestyle. One side of this setup has cabinets facing out to the living room where a wine rack on hand. A raised bench is in place where you can easily pop the cork.
Visualizer:Skereck Design
Build a lighting soffit. A wood effect soffit has been installed around the ceiling perimeter of this white kitchen, complete with recessed spotlights.
Designer:Athena Calderone| Photographer:Sarah Elliott
Where there is plenty of natural light, don’t be afraid to go dark with the cabinetry.
Designer:Davis Architects
Add hints of green with indoor plants , or add colour with kitchen stools . It helps when the countertops are super-clean — no messy dishes, plates or knife holders in sight!
Source:Fastighetsbyran
Take tiling to the top. This white kitchen has metro tiles stacked almost to the rafters. Dark grout accentuates the tile design.
Visualizer:Reform
Get wired - without any hassle. If you don’t want to punch holes in the ceiling for spotlights or install a lighting soffit, how about positioning some exposed bulb kitchen pendant lights . With exposed electrical wiring being on trend you can feel free to string wires from a single power point. If you fancy a bit of colour then go for lengths of brightly bound electrical wire; there’s the pick of the rainbow available out there.
Designer:Ande Bunbury Architects
Just can’t decide on a kitchen cabinet colour? No problem. Go multicoloured with Mondrian inspired interior design .
Visualizer:Recent Spaces
The golden touch. Take your kitchen scheme upmarket with a flurry of gold finishing touches. Try a gold faucet, cabinet handles, tile trims or planters. Leave out your best cooking oils too, they will decorate the countertop with their own golden essence.
Visualizer:Stanislav Kaminskyi
Forget making do with a tiny kitchen tv - go big using a projector.
Via:Daban88
Break with stereotypes. The positioning of the fridge with an adjacent oven at the neck of the ‘u’ in this layout is quite unconventional. The tall units at the back make the plan feel almost like a galley kitchen. The fridge and oven are often situated in tandem in modern kitchens, though some manufacturers warn that the proximity is detrimental to your fridge by making it work harder to achieve the desired internal temperature.
Visualizer:Alexander Shabalin
Select an extractor unit to be the main feature.
Via:Micasa
If you tire of colour schemes quickly, use easily replaceable items to colour the room. Keep bold colours confined to mugs, trays and tea towels to make a decor change gentle in effort and low on price.
Via:New England Living
Use similar tones but different materials. These coffee coloured wall cabinets match with the walnut wood grain below - yet the change in texture brings interest and makes the space appear less crowded.
Source:deVOL
Leave a wall free of upper cabinets to make a space appear larger.
Visualizer:Juliya Butova
Take an indoor kitchen to the great outdoors with a living wall. This one brings a lovely quirk to a tv wall.
Photographer:Przemysław Kuciński
Open shelving dipped within a bank of wall cabinetry gives the scheme added depth.
Visualizer:Martin Dittmann
Draw inspiration from a raw concrete kitchen floor, and install an industrial kitchen design.
Visualizer:Michael Nowak
Kitchen flooring can zone the cooking area from the rest of an open living room.
Designer:Malcorboy
Create a colour stripe, like in this red and white u shaped kitchen with peninsula.
Designer:Orsi Panos Interiors
Colour the opposite side of a peninsular to fit with dining room or lounge decor.
Source:Kitchen Connections
In a large layout, a peninsular can be dedicated entirely to dining, with prep taking place only along an L-shape.
Visualizer:Aleksandr Svyryd
Similarly, if space allows, situate seating on the inside of the peninsular to look outward over the rest of an open plan room.
Visualizer:Due Pi
Think on another level. This u-shaped kitchen is a collection of optical illusions and undulating bench heights.
Visualizer:Artem Evstigneev
Mark out a dining area using a contrasting countertop.
Source:Pedini
For a true ‘u’, how about this curvaceous little number?…
Source:Pedini
… Or this sleek u-shaped kitchen island.
Designer:Who Cares?! Design
Create interesting angles where there are none. This geometric peninsula is matched by a diagonal cut baseline across the wall units.
Designer:Beau Interieur
Camouflage a kitchen extractor unit against wall decor, or distract the eye with colourful accessories on adjacent shelving.
Designer:Northland Woodwork Inc
This u-shaped kitchen installation allows footfall to move straight past without anyone disturbing the cook.
Source:Maunfeld
Use bold wall tiles to add wow factor to a white kitchen…
Photographer:Paula G Furio
… Feature floor tiles work well too.
Designer:Atelier Daaa
Fashion a glass divide across the length a peninsular to contain cooking splashes or prep mess.
Visualizer:Mustafa Öner
Revamp a tired rustic u-shaped kitchen with some cheerfully painted cabinets and contrasting accessories.
Designer:Copper Design Studio
Add personality with unexpected touches. These copper pendant lights and kitchen backsplash give this white kitchen a unique energy.
Visualizer:Marina Selivanova
Don’t think you have the space to complete a u-shaped design? Half depth units can be used along one of the walls to create the effect.
A lofty dual story living room forms the core of this modern home, located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Designed by MirrorR Studio , the 270 square metre house is has a decor scheme based in black, though the interior seems anything but dark. Massive windows pull in towering levels of light, crashing over a handful of colourful accent pieces that lead us on a journey through room to room. Dark green, and yellow furniture and soft furnishings bring moments of light relief in amongst deeply sophisticated black mottled marble and concrete. Smooth wood grain spans ceiling expanses and bespoke installations, with texture tipping the edges in rustic ruddy tiling.
Bang in the heart of the home, an impressive double height living room is set beneath an enormous modern pendant light. A grey sectional sofa has been brightly dressed with yellow throw cushions. A few blue pillows beef up the scheme, matching the blue trims on nearby accent chairs.
The circular shaped lights of the modern chandelier are echoed in a set of round coffee tables in the centre of the lounge space. A round ceiling mounted fireplace is suspended in the open space at the end of the living room, making it a focal point and heat source for both the lounge and the neighbouring kitchen diner.
The same shape theme continues in the black side table by the sofa, which features circle cutouts in its legs.
The mirrored sides of the coffee table and small side table reflect the texture of the light area rug beneath. The rug acts as an island under the sofas and occasional tables, and anchors the lounge in place in the large open plan living space.
Over in the dining area, the dining chairs are a combination of yellow and deep green colourways. The rectangular table stands neutral in white.
The white dining table and mixed colour chairs stand out against a black floor and charcoal window drapes. White globe lights match the sheer privacy voiles at the windows, and the white walls around the light table.
The open plan kitchen appears welcoming, decked out in units with a light wood tone. Rustic textured tiling makes a ruddy coloured feature of an extraction unit over the central kitchen island.
Cork mats and an attractive decanter decorate the dining table.
Mottled black marble covers the countertops and backsplash, and black appliances match the black concrete floor.
Four dark green bar stools line up along the peninsular to offer a more casual dining spot, or where one can be sociable with the chef.
The backsplash has been overlaid with a series of shallow open shelving units and rails that provide an attractive storage solution for a collection of spice jars, small pieces of crockery and a set of wine glasses.
A nearby wall is clad in matching black marble.
The master bedroom holds a continuation of the black and wood decor scheme found in the open plan living areas, though in here the accent colours are much fresher. Minty green bed linen is mixed with light grey pieces, and golden accessories enrich the look.
Treetop views paint one wall of the bedroom in natural hues of leafy green and woody brown.
A geometric bedroom pendant light is suspended low over a white side table . The linear white glow of an LED strip light lines the top of an extended length headboard, which runs the entire width of the bedroom.
The contemporary bed has no footboard so as to leave the large window view unobstructed. A low table makes a nice end point at the foot of the bed instead, and provides a nice spot on which to stack volumes for bedtime reading.
A large swing arm wall lamp extends from awkward corner between two windows, casting light from its globe shade over a set of bedroom chairs and a small coffee table. A second seating area comprising of two chairs and a table is set out on a private balcony beyond the window glass. The outdoor mini lounge nestles secretively in the shrouding trees.
The tiles used to cover the extraction unit over the kitchen peninsula make a comeback in the bathroom. This time the ruddy coloured tile forms a unique vanity backsplash. A chrome faucet is wall mounted over a surface mounted basin, on a light wood vanity unit. Rolled towels are stored neatly beneath the sink. Tall black tiling surrounds a black and white enamelled bathtub, which is stood on a pebble floor made up of black, white and yellow stones.
White LED lighting accentuates a veined black marble staircase, finished with a glass balustrade. At the turn of the stairs, a tall picture window brings in more treetop views, a showpiece of living botanical art.
Black concrete flooring complements the black marble treads and risers.
The devil is in the detail: black sockets and switches tie in with the black decor throughout the home, and the hallway receives the same finishing touches. The hall wall is a series of light wood storage units and wood cladding.
A floor to ceiling mirror is fixed by the door, beside a modern freestanding coat rack. A black leather chair stands at the opposite side. Black window and door frames are a common theme throughout the house, keeping up with the dark modern edge of the home.
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
