Formal living rooms carry an air of elegance, shaped by high-end furniture, plush rugs, eye-catching fireplaces, spectacular light installations, stirring artwork, luxe decor and stylish accessories. They are the grand reception room where guests are welcomed, entertained and impressed. A formal living room design can be achieved under many different aesthetics, so we’ve gathered together 51 of our favourite ideas to inspire you on how to design yours. We’ve got just about every eventuality covered from traditional living rooms and neoclassical spaces to modern mansions and minimalist interiors, plus a dose of rustic romance and industrial style living in between. We’ll focus on the details that make these spaces really shine and offer tips to help you get there.
Visualizer:iMax Studio
Mix color and class. Classically tasteful in its approach yet colorfully executed, this rich, eclectic formal living room exudes character and vibrant energy from contrasting sofas and stools . A large area rug pulls the contrasting arrangement together. Need some help in mixing and matching colors for your own living? Go check out our post on living room color ideas .
Visualizer:Oscar Pastor
Bring in a bench . Conversational seating arrangements make a welcoming, sociable layout in a formal living room. Enclose the seating area on all four sides without cutting it off from the larger space by employing a sleek modern bench design. Modern side tables flank the bench on either side adjacent to the sofas.
Visualizer:Elemental Design
Soften a square space with a curved sofa . The smooth silhouette will detract the eye from the encroaching corners. Add a large ceiling rose and a spherical chandelier to complement the rounded shape theme.
Designer:Huge Studio| Visualizer:Ursa Studio
Frame with a blast of botanical beauty, like this plant lover’s modern french interior design . Introduce green accent furniture to expand upon Mother Nature’s colour palette.
Visualizer:ZORKA Studio
Two facing sofas produce a smart but rigid layout. Try softening out those edges with two curved sofa alternatives to create a more relaxed setting.
Visualizer:DARK RENDER
Keep sofa upholstery and scatter cushions plain and take pattern to the floor with a spectacularly bold black and white living room rug . Use coffee table adornments such as vases, bowls , and decorative trays to heighten interest nearer to eye level.
Visualizer:hilight. design
Play with light and shade. This mesmerising living room chandelier is given a contrasting black background to draw attention to its exquisite detail.
Visualizer:Daryna Subbota
This modern crystal chandelier gleams in the sunlight from clerestory windows, whilst an imposing TV wall makes an impressive statement in bold black and gold finishes.
Visualizer:Academy M6
Sunlight and nature. If you’re the fortunate owner of a double height living room that’s flooded with natural light, then use that bright influx to feed an indoor garden, as well as your soul.
Visualizer:Buro One
Bring balance. In this large and luxurious formal living room, the core lounge area is picked out in pale grey, whilst black drapes and black accent chairs darkly balance out the border.
Visualizer:Yasser Swid
A space for reflection. White marble wall panels make luxe framing for a prized piece of artwork, and all are reflected in a mirrored ceiling feature directly above. Channel tufted sofas gather around the spectacle, peacefully interspersed by indoor plants.
Visualizer:Eugene Shkilnyuk
Take it to the top. More of an art installation than a lighting feature, these freeform mesh pendant lights float like wispy white clouds above an airy living space.
Visualizer:HB Design Studio
Bring the outside in with edge-to-edge picture windows and patio doors. Unique modern chairs add another point of interest.
Visualizer:Paramo Arquitectos
All about the architecture. Whether it’s a fabulous sweeping staircase design or towering windows, let architectural wonders take the spotlight.
Visualizer:black or white
Create a palatial feel with opulent gold fixtures and fittings that ooze wealth. See more inspiration for using gold accents in interior design .
Visualizer:VizLine Studio
Set a scene for good times and good company with a prominent wine storage wall. Stack bottle racks all the way to the ceiling line and back with mirrors. Install a thin border of LED strips to accentuate the result.
Visualizer:Ibrahem Magdy
Construct a multifaceted focal wall. With the TV taking the prime central spot on this focal wall, the modern fireplace is situated off-centre of the floating tv stand to avoid potential heat damage to the screen. Built-in bookcases balance out the opposite side of the hearth, whilst illuminated curio cabinets brighten the upper volume.
Visualizer:NH Studio
If crystal chandeliers feel too grandiloquent for your tastes, then consider filling a tall ceiling void with a structured sputnik chandelier instead.
Via:2 Luxury Apartments
Tackle double-banked windows with custom-made ceiling-to-floor drapes. The full-length white drapes in this wonderfully light luxury living room create a uniform march across the window wall, almost like a colonnade.
Designer:Walton A E
Pockets of pleasure. A plethora of furniture gives this formal living room a more lived-in look, where piles of coffee table books provide entertainment and a wet bar is on hand for refreshments.
Designer:Montalba Architects
Crisp and concrete. Linear sofas, contemporary artwork, and an elongated modern fireplace draw a crisp layout across this living room, where cool concrete rules.
Visualizer:Mirish Mirzayev
Fluted and gilded, this fine interior is alive with texture, reflections, and light play.
Visualizer:Estúdio RM2
Hang a mid-century vibe with a ceiling-mounted fireplace. These shapely fireplaces can tuck neatly into corners to produce a cosy glow where there is no chimney breast present. The wooden coffee table and mid century modern chairs drive home the look.
Visualizer:SPECTRUM VIS
The icing on the cake. Intricate cornice and ceiling embellishments introduce elegant scrolls around the border of this neoclassical living space , like elaborate icing on a wedding cake.
Visualizer:Ahmed Sharara, Muhammed Faisal & Ahmed Tarek
Encased in boiserie panels and bestowed with classical statues, this traditional living room is a picture of grand taste.
Visualizer:roomdesignburo
Arched windows give this aesthetic living room a graceful backdrop against which to layer bold modern furniture.
Visualizer:Dervish Group
Just one hero. Let a single colourful accent piece sing out by setting the rest of the room under shaded tones of grey and black.
Designer:Lotta Agaton| Visualizer:Daniel Reuterswärd
Nature and neutrals. With panoramic nature views to colour your space, keep furnishings peacefully neutral and understated.
Photographer:Federico Cedrone
Cool blue meets earthy brown accents here, fashioning a tonally balanced decor scheme that feels fresh and cosy.
Designer:Artem Trigubchak| Visualizer:Artem Trigubchak
Style that transcends the ages. Shape a mid century modern living room with iconic furniture designs and bold lighting.
Designer:Specht Architects
Grey grandeur. Beautiful furniture pieces are spaced widely throughout this large living room to create a chic and airy aesthetic. A fluted chimney breast threads attractive texture around a grand modern fireplace.
Visualizer:render.camp
Speaking of grand fireplace walls, a stunning stone arrangement is the star of the show in this luxury rustic living room .
Visualizer:Recent Spaces
This mesmerising fireplace wall makes a darkly reflective vertical plane for double-height windows and a superb modern chandelier.
Visualizer:Nikita Tarasov
All about the arches. From chic arched windows to an inverted fluted ceiling, this fresh living room has curves in all the right places.
Visualizer:Mikhailova Sasha
This arch festooned interior is accompanied with equally curvaceous lounge furniture and floor lamps. See more ideas for using arches in interiors .
Photographer:Lorenzo Pennati
The knowledgeable library look. Think floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases and atmospheric mood lighting.
Visualizer:The Craft
Natural rugs and exposed wooden rafters team up to make a cosy scene with a rustic touch.
Visualizer:Emotion School
Play to your best features. An impossibly tall TV wall is given due diligence with stupendous wood panel treatment.
Visualizer:Oxygen - Architectural Visualization
High and mighty. Draw the eye upward in a high-ceilinged living room with large artwork, tall panel moulding, and large lighting fixtures.
Visualizer:Javier Wainstein
Take the rawness off industrial living spaces by introducing a formal area rug, large scale wall art, and a healthy peppering of indoor plants.
Visualizer:9 design studio
Be inspired by a favourite piece of art. This wall art inspires a sophisticated colour palette of deep blue, beige, grey, and gold. Gallery white expanses provide breathing space between.
Source:Roche Bobois
Ravishing red accents. Whether it’s a single red accent sofa or lounge chair, a red side table of bright area rug, red is a colour that is sure to boost and energise any room that it graces.
Designer:Studio Arthur Casas
Well rounded and botanically inspired. Botanics are all about curves and segmentation, so why not complement a lush garden view with furniture and stucco treatments that draw upon nature’s deep beauty. With its sculptural base, the living room table lamp is a point of interest as well.
Visualizer:Magdalena Prauzińska
Rich colour contrast. Burnt umber accent chairs, scatter cushions and a unique modern chandelier add colour and bold character to a formal living room with classic wainscotting and cool stone details.
Visualizer:Lobo Studio
Another burnt umber singed home interior, this time with the artistic undertones of modern 3D wall art and classical sculpture.
Visualizer:VAE
Old elegance meets new ideals. Twin tufted wingback chairs instate a traditional, stately feel into this living room layout, which gracefully counteract the harder lines of a modern gray sofa . LED circle chandeliers brightly mirror the simple rounded outline of a luxe marble coffee table.
Visualizer:Riko
Floating features. Wall panels float in front of arched windows, a classical ceiling dips from the edges of the room to reveal perimeter lighting, and gold disc pendants appear to levitate over this unique formal lounge.
Visualizer:Oxygen - Architectural Visualization
Another fabulous floating feature, this golden sculptural chandelier commands the stage.
Visualizer:Art Group by Vasilkova Daria
Purple perfection. This tailored formal living room design features a made-to-measure bookcase wall and a smart serving hatch. However, it’s the snazzy purple accent furniture that really packs a punch.
Visualizer:Actual Design
Black and gold glamour stands striking and timeless.
Designer:Suite Arquitetos
Opposites attract. Blue and orange might be opposite to each other on the colour wheel, but they come together to make glorious impact in a modern living room decor scheme. Orange adds warmth whilst blue brings feelings of calm. See more ideas for blue living rooms .
Grey interiors, whilst gorgeous, can slide easily into a cool spectrum that appears a little chilly and even uninviting. There are many ways to combat this, from attractively encasing walls with modern textured wall panelling and employing lush soft furnishings to adding small pops of contrasting accent colours and modern artwork. In this pair of inspirational home designs, we’re looking at how to warm up cool grey home interiors with welcoming warm lighting schemes, including unique table lamps, stylish floor reading lamps, atmospheric courtyard lighting, and quietly recessed perimeter mood lighting. We’ll also take a look at how indoor plants add life to a shadowy interior decor scheme with uplifting organic forms.
Visualizer:Anastasiia Reznichenko
This luxury villa is located on a mountain in Italy. A wide terrace looks out over a magnificent sea view on one side of the house, whilst windows at the rear gaze upon the dramatic rockface. In the large lounge area, a small living room floor lamp nestles between two gray sofas , where it emits a cosy glow.
The tufted sofa design is a flexible modular solution that can be reconfigured to suit.
A small side table is set beside a stylish modern lounge chair. A rectangle coffee table and a freeform counterpart nest out in front, displaying artistic ceramics and a decorative tray .
A large grey area rug provides a soft landing beneath the lounge area, separating it from a neat home workspace on the other side of the room.
are dotted around the cool grey home interior, providing magical pitstops of pretty illumination.
The home workspace that stands to the side of the living room can be concealed behind smooth, secretive doors when not in use.
The concealing doors open up and slide partially inside of their casing to allow the desk space to be opened up to natural light from the windows.
A grey granite backdrop gives the small home office area a luxurious touch.
A unique table lamp brightens the desk nook and gives it a stylish modern flourish.
In the kitchen, a wide skylight feeds an interior courtyard design, where small trees and lush shrubs flourish.
A kitchen island draws along the length of the central courtyard, enjoying the green, natural view across every inch.
The tiny marble lamp that stands aboard the kitchen island is the Solid Table Light , by Terence Woodgate. Modern ceramics extend the countertop adornment.
A hefty linear suspension light pushes an intense tube of light above a black breakfast bar, which attaches to the side of the kitchen island design. Modern black kitchen bar stools complement its stark aesthetic.
Uplighters call further attention to the stunning courtyard design, where they highlight the intricacies of dense foliage and its depth of colour. A granite border is installed around the border of the courtyard to form a shallow seat. Seat pads provide a comfortable landing spot.
The dressing room benefits from the dramatic view and proximity of the mountain rockface. A small floor lamp lights a seating area of tufted ottomans.
The master bedroom design features an open plan ensuite area with sleek light grey bathroom fittings and fixtures.
The upholstered bed is placed peacefully against a plain headboard wall, leaving all eyes magnetised toward the terrace view.
A small bedside table lamp adds a warm moment of interest upon a neat wraparound bedside table.
A matching floor lamp is teamed with a bedroom chair by the window to fashion a welcoming reading spot.
Heavy grey drapes brush up behind the bedroom chair , where they smartly frame the panoramic view.
The bedroom is home to an open plan bathing area, where the bathtub melts into the concrete floor, almost like clay on a potter’s wheel.
A freestanding bathroom faucet fills the tub from the side, whilst a small side table is on hand to hold a selection of toiletries.
Visualizer:Igor Sirotov
In our second grey home interior, a decorative living room rug lays down lacy pattern.
The rug helps to establish zoning between the lounge area and a closely adjacent kitchen dining area.
A black granite slab raises a breakfast bar from the concrete kitchen island. A black linear suspension light complements the breakfast bar’s dark finish.
As well as the linear lighting installation, recessed perimeter lights paint a warm glow across the concrete kitchen wall.
A wooden frame warmly accents the back wall of the grey kitchen, where it calls attention to the sink area.
A miniature Zen garden is set into the kitchen island countertop.
A glass wall separates the living space from the bedroom.
LED strips emit soft mood lighting beneath the bed.
A freeform bedroom pendant light hangs low to the headboard to provide focussed reading light.
A walk-in wardrobe is attractively decorated with another open weave rug and a round pouf.
Customisable closet systems furnish the walk in wardrobe on three sides.
The wardrobe is separated from the bedroom by a glass wall and a small interim area, where a mini floor lamp and a curvaceous lounge chair fashion a reading nook. A full length mirror increases the sense of space.
Portieres provide the glass wall bedroom and bathroom with privacy,
Indoor plants grow beautiful organic silhouettes in front of the bathroom window.
Growing tall beside the bathtub , the indoor plants create a fresh feeling of bathing in the great outdoors.
A rainfall shower thunders into a large shower enclosure.
Wall-mounted bathroom faucets fill a double sink bathroom vanity unit.
Floor plan.
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
