A captivating courtyard design provides a modern home with a special sense of serenity, and allows nature to become a major part of a home’s makeup. Enclosed garden spaces act as personalised nature retreats that feed into adjacent interior spaces via the blurred boundaries of glass walls, retractable doors and atrium ceilings. To explore these glorious spaces a little more and look at the different ways in which they can be implemented, we have put together a vast collection of inspirational designs taken from all over the world. From South America to Spain to Sri Lanka, from Africa to Japan to India, we cover them all.
Architect:Jared Della Valle
Twinning is winning: Why settle for one courtyard if you can have two? It’s hard to distinguish the boundaries in this amazing modern home - and that’s kind of the point. Courtyards on each side of a walkway bring nature smack into the centre of this living space.
Architect:Figr
Extend the same interior ceiling finish out over an exterior courtyard design, like this continuous wood slat ceiling that completely disregards the border.
Architect:LIJO.RENY.architects
This is part of a gorgeous Indian home split by a covered garden atrium . A density of indoor plants grow in the vicinity of an interior stairwell.
Visualizer:Tarek Ali
Make a courtyard part of the decor. This highly tailored courtyard design looks as though in disguise as a botanically patterned area rug - though the tree growing out of it is a bit of a giveaway.
Visualizer:OMA
You will be surprised to know that this is in fact a cancer care building in Scotland. The Royal Incorporation of Architects, in Scotland, named it as the best building in the country back in 2012 for its bold and welcoming design that is so unusual for the healthcare industry.
Architect:Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP
Light it up with lanterns. This Japanese home has lanterns dotted around its courtyard patio to provide a magical glow at twilight.
Architect:XTEN Architecture
Make the most of an exterior courtyard by including some modern outdoor chairs into the layout, or add a full dining suite for al fresco dining opportunities.
Visualizer:NOTT
Everybody loves a bit of rock ‘n’ roll - incorporate some big rocks into the courtyard landscaping for a strong architectural effect.
Designer:Harrison Landscaping
Create different levels. By adding decks and platforms to your layout you can define eating areas or an outdoor kitchen. Decorate courtyard decks and patios with potted plants or raised plant beds.
Designer:Jungles
Make a frame with plants. A low maintenance patio can be framed by dense borders of greenery.
Designer:Handman Associates
If green borders still sound like too much maintenance for you, then how about a softly bubbling water feature to create an atmosphere of zen instead?
Designer:Corbin Reeves
A contemporary outdoor fireplace is sure to give the wow factor. This hearth extends almost the full length of the courtyard between two pebbled plant beds. The plant in the left corner is the European fan palm .
Architect:South Coast Architects
Romance a special Señorita or Señor in a Spanish courtyard. You can flamenco dance the night away around the columns of romantic arches - try not to fall in the water feature though.
Visualizer:Davide Weber
This rather fancy visualisation was one of the entrants to an Evermotion Secret Gardens competition held in 2016.
Photographer:The Blonde Abroad
Take the plunge. You can take a quick cooling dip in a plunge pool at the centre of this moroccan design covered with green and white tile. Comfy sun loungers invite you to stay all day.
Visualizer:Sasha Gnativ
Even a narrow space can be transformed into a magical spot. Incorporate plenty of colour in your planting to curate an uplifting view.
Designer:Architectural Services Division, Govt of Honk Kong SAR, China
This building is actually a crematorium in Diamond Hill , Hong Kong. The shape of the courtyard alludes to the circle of life.
Architect:Atelier Deshaus
Courtyards don’t have to be flat. A few little hills bring in a touch of the wild.
Visualizer:Tharik Mohammed
This is based on the famous Hooper House II by Marcel Breuer, which is a mid century classic.
Architect:Mia Design Studio
Cultivate some curtains, like these amazing hanging plants over a reflecting pool.
Architect:ONG&ONG
Build bridges - from one side of a home to the other.
Architect:Ayutt and Associates
are a great plant for courtyards, with their whimsical form.
Architect:Wallflower
This one has a 100 year old Plumeria tree, living right at the centre of a modern pool.
Architect:Gaudenzi
Soak up the sun in a hammock. This is part of a great Brazilian home with lush jungle vibes .
Architect:Marcio Kogan
Erase walls with a retractable door solution.
Designer:Tom Howard
Maintain all of your ground space by fashioning a vertical garden , like the multi-tonal walls in this front courtyard design. A cool interlocking design is created at ground level with irregular paving planks and lawn. A fire pit keeps the seating area comfortable in chillier times of day or season.
Architect:Sebastian Mariscal| Photographer:Coral von Zumwal| Via:Dwell
Form a shaded area over the dining chairs and table for a cooler more comfortable outdoor dining experience in the height of summer, or to provide shelter from unexpected showers.
Visualizer:Andriy Maheha
Welcome to the courtyard bar. This outdoor bar is linked directly to the interior kitchen, to receive drinks and snacks, or simply chat to the chef.
Visualizer:Estudio Arquitecta Grin
Built-in benches at the borders can double as outdoor dining banquettes.
Visualizer:Sqool
This concrete bench wraps right around an outdoor kitchen, marking out its perimeter.
Designer:Studio EI
Mimic a pergola with wood framing across the ceiling.
Designer:Christ-Christ
A single Japanese Maple tree can bring in shades of green and deep red.
Architect:SAOTA
Make a modern path of slab paving stones across wild brush…
Designer:EPT
… Or across a bed of loose pebbles. These Mexican beach pebbles make a great combination with Foxtail fern .
Visualizer:Mia Design Studio
Live amongst the lily pads with a miniature lily pond. This one butts up so close against a sofa that you could even sit and dip your feet! Latticework overhead creates a cosy covered feel but still lets sunlight filter through.
Architect:Ambrosi I Etchegaray| Photographer:Rory Gardiner
Even if a courtyard is just a pathway from place to place it can still provide soothing garden views to interior spaces.
Photographer:Daniel Koh
Invest in exterior lighting to add drama to the smallest of details.
Photographer:Daniel Koh
In a sunken courtyard, flow planting down from upper garden levels. Both this and the previous courtyard are from this beautiful bali retreat .
Architect:Alpes GDB
A courtyard can form the core of the home. Situate an eye-catching nature design at the base of a stairwell to link your levels via a place of natural serenity. Incorporate built-in planters on the landings to tie the levels together.
Architect:Iván Andrés Quizhpe
Sometimes, a pathway and a pool are all you need. Looking at a still pool of water can help quiet the mind, feed the soul, and cool the body. The base of a shallow pool can be lined with stones and pebbles to enrich the feature with a natural look. Create a floating pathway effect by leaving small gaps between large stepping stones, and hiding the fixings.
Architect:Geoffrey Bawa
The architect of the above spaces, Sri Lankan maestro Geoffrey Bawa, is often considered as the father of the “tropical modernism” movement. If you love this style, we encourage you to check out Geoffrey Bawa: The Complete Works .
Architect:Khosla Associates
This is from a house in south India that is based around a 5000-year-old Indian design practice called Vastu, which can be likened to the practice of Feng Shui.
Designer:De earth
Simple brickwork planters and grass growing between paving stones give a quaint laid-back vibe.
Designer:Studio Mumbai
Conjure a dreamlike vista by sinking a water feature into wood flooring, like this house with a courtyard pond .
Photographer:Andy Serrano
Create a natural looking ravine by lining a stream with craggy rocks.
Designer:WA-SO
Make hills come alive with trees and moss.
Visualizer:Studio Aiko
Make a display case for your courtyard. This one has its floor patterned by the Japanese zen garden raking technique.
Architect:Log Urbis
A glass case can incorporate retractable glass doors to allow access, and to allow the garden space to be incorporated more fully with the interior when desired.
Architect:Carvalho Araújo
Pulling up a single patio paving slab can be all the opportunity needed to incorporate a little greenery into your life and living space. Put out a rocking chaise lounge chair and enjoy.
Architect:Andrés Stebelski
This is a house with multiple courtyards , providing interior spaces with a panorama of picturesque trees and shrubs.
Visualizer:Vika Seregina
Small potted plants line a bank of shelving in this apartment courtyard area, which allows the greenery to be moved and enjoyed in other areas of the home too. A bright red seat has been fashioned around the base of a courtyard tree, which contrasts with the cool blue of a neighbouring kitchen diner. A glass ceiling blurs the boundaries between inside and out.
This light and laid back interior with industrial home decor was designed by the talent at Line Architects . Simple home furnishings and pared back accessories make this pad a place to chill out and zone out from the busyness of the outside world. The colour scheme is calming and laid back in white, wood tone and light grey, with some bolder black base notes spaced around to anchor the airy scheme. Raw brickwork brings character and added warmth to open plan living areas, and interior glazed walls form invisible divides. The smooth layout takes place below a rough concrete ceiling and a bright network of red electrical wiring.
Stepping inside the open plan industrial living room of the home is a relaxing affair, with no abundant galleries of picture frames cluttering the walls. The monochrome scheme is easy on the eyes, and the exposed brick feature wall is solid and homey. The glow of ambient light beyond the sofa appears welcoming and sparks a little intrigue.
The low slung grey fabric sofa is a cosy island in the centre of the room, settled in a prime location for watching movies that are projected onto one of the crisp white walls. Track lighting concentrates small pools of light where needed so as not to affect the viewing quality of the projection image.
A set of unique speakers accompany a sound system on a stack of built in shelves near the home projection screen. Black metal framework holds up a menagerie of wooden boxes to create different levels and widths of storage and display space. A geometric wirework linen basket holds cosy throws near the sofa for cooler evenings.
Red brick accent walls make wonderfully warming contrast with cool grey furnishings, and work in harmony with wood tone in the room. A striped area rug adds comfort in the lounge and introduces a little pattern into the plain space.
A kitchen diner occupies the space behind the lounge. A long swing arm wall lamp is mounted to reach over the dining table as a central source of light. The table itself is an organic asymmetrical shape, surrounded by missmatching Eames Eiffel armchairs of different colourways. Storage has been fashioned along the border of the living room as one continuous wooden unit.
A peninsula runs the length of the kitchen, creating a wood on white design. A breakfast bar extends out of one end of the installation.
Black kitchen bar stools match a black countertop and black sink on the central kitchen island. White cooking appliances meld with full height white larder units behind the peninsula.
Strip lights have been casually strewn in a haphazard fashion across the concrete kitchen ceiling, wired up with eye-catching red electric cable. Dual aspect windows shed a generous amount of natural light over the crisp white and wood kitchen .
The uneven edge to the overlapping breakfast bar adds interest to the linear kitchen island. A black faucet matches the black kitchen sink and blends quietly with the dark countertop.
The master bedroom and bathroom is amalgamated as one entirely open plan space. An interior glass wall forms a splash retaining dividing wall between the bathtub and the walkway to the hallway.
In the bedroom, a chunky designer table lamp throws a spotlight on some photography. The lamp is of a black finish, set against a black wall so that the photography on display is the prominent piece. All are placed upon a low wooden console table so as not to clutter the walls - as is the minimalist preference in this home.
A grey granite wall flanks one end of an industrial style bathtub. The white tub sits within a black metal frame to striking monochrome effect. A black standpipe and rinser complete the look.
The glass dividing wall ends at a large tree trunk that stands like a rustic pillar at the centre of the room.
A repeat of the striped area rug seen out in the lounge repeats in the master bedroom. Matching floor lamps with exposed bulbs light the side of the bed.
A shallow vanity is paired with a floating drawer unit for storage of toiletries. Two bulbs on statement red electrical wiring are suspended over the countertop.
The same light floor runs seamlessly throughout the entire home, connecting the spaces together.
A low level platform bed follows on in the same laid-back vibe of the living room.
The same perimeter of wooden storage that’s used in the open plan living area continues into and around the industrial bathroom and bedroom. The storage installation morphs into a set of wooden steps, which lead up to a set of sliding doors and out onto a sun deck.
The WC is hidden behind an obscured glass door, providing privacy from the rest of the open plan arrangement.
A walk-in closet is located around the corner from the bathroom vanity area.
The deck provides a place to sit out under the stars…
… Or watch a sunset.
The wooden decking continues across the exterior of each room, sometimes with planks giving pause to decorative pebbles.
furnish the deck.
A wall mounted bicycle is used as art in the hallway.
A glass fronted volume openly stores the shoes and coats.
The floor is lit by a strip of LEDs at the base of one glass panel.
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
