The front door is often the focal point of a home exterior – a door is the first thing guests see when they arrive, it’s the last thing they contemplate after leaving, it’s visited daily by the mail delivery, and it gives potential buyers something to remember the house by. An ordinary home can become “the house with the red door” with nothing more than a simple coat of paint, while a magnificent piece of architecture can rely on a unique door style to tie its exterior design together. Why settle with normal? This post looks at 51 spectacular front doors that boast expressively tailored personality and style.
Architect:Stuart Silk Architects
Let’s start with a modern take on a classic. Smooth horizontal wood panels gain a contemporary update with a silky black handle guard that runs from top to bottom.
Architect:Sanders Pace Architecture
Here’s a wood door formed from a solid sheet of veneer, integrated within matching boards that wrap around on the side and ceiling.
Via:Sean Myers
Doors that reach from top to bottom make entryways look larger than they really are. This one is especially interesting because of how the handle guard continues sideways with room for a mail slot.
Architect:SBCH Architects
Warm wood panels jump out from the neutral home exterior, horizontal matte black panels providing a little extra decoration.
Architect:ONG & ONG
Vibrant wood tones add natural character to concrete exteriors. Here, a matching walking path further differentiates the entryway from the paved parking and patio tiles.
Architect:McClennan Architects
In the context of an industrial exterior like this one, a natural door can have an even bolder effect. This one has a textural exterior to stand in contrast with the concrete and steel that surrounds it.
Architect:Atelier M+A
This classic door seems to float weightlessly between frameless sidelights.
Source:Daniel James Hatton
Camouflaged within its bordering panels, this door makes a dramatic first impression by offering a surprising substantial and weighty look among a perfect glass-clad exterior.
Via:Martha Stewart
Chevron wood panels are a nice break from the traditional horizontal or vertical wood planks. Fiery orange is a nice finish for a modern Californian home like this one.
Designer:Joseph Douglas
Timber planks and alternating glass strips allow for guarded visual continuity, allowing sunlight to filter through an otherwise heavy-looking door. The long door pull is another interesting touch.
Source:Bramco Builders
Incorporating artistic glass is another way to make a front door stand out. These textural sheets of glass coordinate well with the textural exterior of the home, and provide extra privacy that ordinary panels could not. Note that this door also opens on a pivot to save space on the interior.
Designer:Jute Home
Garden-facing doors don’t need a lot of bulk, so something with glass panes like this is perfectly workable. It’s the perfect solution for an entryway with a farmhouse vibe like this one.
Architect:Sculp[IT]
Wow! These oversized atrium-height doors are breathtaking. Mechanized hardware allows designers to overlook the weight of the doors so the homeowners can go as big and bold as they want.
Source:Borano
Deep rose tones ring with a traditional and sophisticated tone, while the brushed steel door guard incorporates modern styling.
Designer:Keratuer
This Red Dot Design Award winner gains admiration for its enhanced security and keyless entry options as well as its distinctive styling. Exotic woods like the ones used here always catch the eye.
Designer:Axolotl
The ideal door a minimalist exterior – this sleek and modern design uses uncomplicated modern materials, its stripes serving up just a touch of decoration for visual interest.
Designer:Minarc
Wavy wood panels flow and interweave for an artistic effect. The ultra-tall and wide design opens on a pivot, making it stand out both in terms of looks and functionality.
Designer:Axolotl
This part of the door tour takes us through several highly artistic and up-to-date options. This futuristic door incorporates a textured print on top of a cloudy finish.
Designer:Axolotl
Unusual materials can transform an ordinary front door into a true focal point. This one goes for a bold approach to texture, with stone-like panels varied by tint and height.
Via:Casa Vogue
Designed by Deborah Aguiar and executed by Joinery Piñeiro, this door transforms ordinary wood panels into a daring sculptural arrangement. Even the mail slot plays an integral role in the design.
Designer:Axolotl
Laser carved doors give homeowners endless possibilities for self-expression. This floral imprint continues along the frame to either side to stretch its effect on the home’s exterior.
Designer:Axolotl
Here’s another laser carved door, this time featuring an aerial view of the client’s home and neighborhood in the finest of detail. Its aluminum coating contributes substantial visual weight.
Designer:Denai Kulcsar Interiors
Even snake scale texture looks right at home on a modern front door. Edgy and elegant.
Designer:Axolotl
This door combines cutout branches with a multi-tone finish for a perfectly up-to-date result. The handprint on the door pull is a neat idea, too.
Designer:Michael Fullen Design Group
Check out this flattering take on pane windows, with small squares of amber glass embracing an open view without compromising security. This would be a nice door for an updated take on a classic exterior.
Architect:Mahoney Architect & Interiors
Here’s another take on tiny panes, this one with frosted glass to provide ample privacy while still retaining a bright and sunny appeal.
Architect:Silvas Studios Architecture
Are you looking for a way to incorporate natural themes without sacrificing your modernist aesthetic? This starburst pattern draws the eye immediately, its distressed bright blue paint keeping the personality nice and casual.
Architect:MCK Architects
Screen doors can boast plenty of style too. Here, decorative strapwork creates a guarded but attractive boundary between the front door and the street outside. Fresh air filters right through to cool the home, but the hot sun doesn’t get very far.
Architect:Dick Clark Associates
Designed by architect Dick Clark and constructed by Gary McFarland, this artistic door glows brightly from within thanks to the ethereal lights sandwiched between semi-transparent onyx panels.
Designer:Mark Tessier
The mid-century Scandinavian vibes are strong with this door! Natural shades of orange and green blend flawlessly with the nearby furniture and decoration while livening up the home’s concrete exterior.
Architect:Workroom
Natural materials meet minimalism in this gorgeous entryway.
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
Sideways herringbone patterns certainly aren’t a common pattern for front doors, making this one even more noticeable. The golden ratio inspired sidelights reinforce the artistic elements at play here.
Designer:Jennifer Post
Glossy doors are uncommon as well. White stripes offer a response to the black strips along the exterior walkway. Inside, glossy walls and floors continue the highly polished theme.
Via:Minha Casa
This cardinal red door uses its extra-wide stature and pivot construction to make a dramatic statement every time it sweeps open.
Designer:Denise McGaha Interiors
Pivoting doors always seem to create a stir among visitors. This method can turn even an ordinary door into a show-stopper.
Architect:Furman + Keil Architects
Some doors don’t have much of a pivot to them at all. This lovely example could be mistaken for a traditional hinged door at first glance, but the lack of visual hinges makes it a great option for those who seek out minimalism in exterior design.
Architect:Olson Kundig Architects
It’s impossible to overlook this creative modern door. A pivoting outer frame reveals a smaller door within, the smaller door adhering to traditional sizing and the outer door blurring the boundaries between inside and out.
Designer:Karim Rashid
Karim Rashid’s innovative Ring front door design won a Red Dot Design Award, thanks in part to its unique opening mechanism: a ring hiding inside the volcano that opens when activated.
Designer:Karim Rashid
The gorgeous Blow door, also by Karim Rashid, curves outward to provide a visually stunning alternative to a traditional door handle.
Source:Inside Out
Now let’s move on to a collection of doors that emphasize color. This bright blue door stands out against the surrounding potted plants, a cool drink of water within a desert-inspired garden.
Via:Skona hem
Bright yellow is a cheerful and welcoming color, perfect for a front door.
Architect:Moises Esquenazi and Associates| Photographer:Studio DIY
Do you recognize this famous entryway? The creatives at Studio DIY noticed this bold door making waves on Pinterest, and became so obsessed they actually took the time to hunt it down.
Via:The Transcontinental Affair
Color is a great way to embrace bright flora growing nearby – these blossoms would have outshined any other door, so now the entrance gets to share the spotlight.
Architect:Matharoo Associates
Constructed from 40 planks of Burma teak, this door contains fabulously intricate inner mechanisms including a wire rope and hidden counterweight to create its dynamic opening effect. It looks just like an ordinary oversized door when closed, but fans out into a beautiful curved opening.
Via:Permahaus
This door offers another amazing example of construction turning ordinary materials into something magical, in this case, a lovely starburst pattern that extends the door framing on either side.
Photographer:Toni Kaarttinen
This wooden door is especially unique. Its wood body continues down beneath the stairs and off to the sides to create the illusion of one large door, with a set of varied stairs seeming to float in front.
Architect:Peter Zumthor and Gottfried Böhm
What could make you feel more secure than a stone door? This work of art is carved from solid basalt.
Via:Livemaster
Woodcarving can come in handy for artistic expression as well. This door takes its owl motif to the next level by including a sculptural beak and tinted windows for eyes.
Source:Decoesfera
While this is not a home, the idea is still solid – the door itself is an ordinary style, but the streetlamp painting gives it a distinctive artistic frame.
Via:Photobucket
Wow! This door is built into a round window, its unique shape and proportions ensuring undivided attention.
Via:Ebay
A citrus orange finish makes this front door pop. Its impact is doubled with a threshold of striking black and white geometric tiles.
The owners of this remarkable house hit a stage in life where they could redefine their needs and reimagine their surroundings. With their three children grown and only one still at home, the couple downsized to the city. With the help of CplusC Architectural Workshop , they renovated the 523 square meter property into a space that would be used predominantly for entertaining and appreciating life as a couple, as well as carving out peaceful pockets for themselves. They envisioned hours playing mahjong, proudly displaying family memorabilia, having an organized spot to clean and store scuba gear, and embracing an uplifting meld of natural elements. An artful indoor-outdoor home design came to life and ZZ Top House was born.
Located in Australia, this indoor-outdoor home design benefits from a warm climate and cooling elements of shade. The composition cleverly confuses the onlooker as to where the boundary between the home and the garden lies.
Tall ceilings feature uniform cutaways and skylights that break open the living spaces. The skyscape becomes part of the interior decor; bright blue and enlivening during daylight hours and a sparkling blanket of starlit black velvet as night falls.
The threshold into the main living room from the garden is intentionally confounding. An open-air sitting area, kitchen, and dining space are presented like an indoor room with colorful flooring and a ceiling fan whirring overhead. However, this is merely an intermediary zone. Glass doors protect the main, internal living room from the elements.
The green flooring makes a color connection with the garden and a wall of delicate climbing plants behind the couch. An oval coffee table stretches long in front of the sofa, like a sleek white surfboard.
In the open-air kitchen area, a luxury grill gets BBQ gatherings going and an outdoor drinks fridge stores refreshments at the ready.
Once inside the sliding glass doors, the indoor living space provides a cozy respite for watching TV and stretching out on a comfortable modern sofa. A polished concrete floor maintains an outdoor feel that is also easy to clean after tracking traces of the garden in.
A lowered black ceiling makes this area of the home feel protectively cocooned, making movie nights and games nights more intimate.
The gray sectional sofa embraces the indoor living space and a chic glass coffee table with a snug L-shaped formation. A cowhide living room rug unfurls warming color and texture underneath.
Built-in media cabinets frame the wall-mounted TV, providing plentiful storage opportunities for the couple’s movies, games, and hobbies.
An assortment of playful throw pillows pepper the modern couch. Natural light floods the airy living spaces through louvers, highlighting every detail of the decor.
The couple favors natural timber, bare concrete, and exposed brickwork to construct an honest aesthetic. Rugged red brickwork builds a rich, towering backdrop for the interior kitchen and formal dining area, which expands into a striking floor treatment. A wooden dining table and chairs are complemented by smooth wood flooring with a contemporary diagonal installation.
An accent chair is placed by the window to fashion a bright reading nook.
A huge kitchen island fills the length of the grand room. Kitchen bar stools line up along the breakfast bar.
The kitchen island features an eye-catching split material composition. Luxe white marble forms a glossy prep area while natural wood builds the dining spot.
The black media wall is punctuated with atmospheric cubes of light where display shelving is backlit by recessed LEDs.
The split-level living room construction is edged with a built-in bookcase, which brings a homey touch to the raw industrial aesthetic.
Decorative vases and indoor plants add splashes of color to the neutral decor palette.
Books add a cheerful rainbow of color to the wooden bookshelves. Modern wall sconces complement a spherical floor lamp.
The home exterior is characterized by ornate wrought iron railings which darkly contrast crisp white stucco. A modern metal gatepost displays the house number.
Bamboo plants lightly shade the narrow pathway toward the entryway of the house. A tall door instantly reveals the sky-high ceiling height within.
The same black wrought iron railings that appear outside the building bring an ornate touch to the double-height living room. During the project, the homeowners decided to makeover the upstairs bedrooms and a bathroom to correlate with the rest of the renovation. These bedrooms are reserved for the couple’s child who lives at home and for their other two children to visit.
A built-in bench separates the home entryway from the kitchen diner. Decorative coat hooks dot the wall.
Outdoor lights accentuate the planting and the pathway.
The magical courtyard area is heated with a roaring fire pit.
Block paving colors the floor of the courtyard. Lush green borders feather the concrete boundary.
The garden landscaping has a wild nature with an abundance of plants pushing up between paving stones and conquering the perimeter.
A series of arches gives the home exterior an elegant aesthetic. Outdoor furniture fills a small patio area where the homeowners can enjoy a drink and conversation.
A concrete bench makes a warm seat by the outdoor fireplace.
Small trees soften the solid garden walls with their natural silhouettes.
The green courtyard makes a peaceful view from the main living room and the open-air lounge space.
From outside the property walls, climbing plants provide a glimpse of what awaits within.
Side elevation, including the master bedroom.
Home composition.
Upper floor plan.
3D drawing.
Side elevation plus garage.
Lower 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
