Sunshine and cocktails, good friends and great times, relaxing poolside sitting areas are places in which to let responsibilities drift away and work on nothing but awesome memories. This captivating collection of 51 poolside sitting areas will have you daydreaming about luxurious outdoor living spaces, the cool splash of serene swimming pools and sunset gatherings in cosy outdoor conversation pits. We’ll also gather inspiration for welcoming outdoor dining rooms, modern fireplaces, stylish chaise lounges and outdoor sofas, built-in benches, exterior lighting, waterfalls and fountains, large sun terrace layouts and decking ideas. All of this in the fine company of magnificent modern architecture, beautiful planting arrangements, courtyards and vertical gardens.
Visualizer:Deraya designs
Bedecked with beauty. A pretty blossomed tree makes an elegant addition to this dreamy decked living area, which subtly overhangs the water’s edge to create a floating effect.
Visualizer:Alejandro Borrego
A cosy conversation pit beds down beneath the outstretched boughs of a majestic evergreen at this stunning Indonesian luxury villa . Chic modern sun loungers meld with the crisp white concrete terrace.
Via:Mansion Global
Black and white striped bolster cushions and plump blush pink accent pillows have been used to draw attention to a small sitting area at the edge of a narrow, stepped pool area here. Prominent accents give the tight spot elevated status. Assorted terracotta plant pots create a relaxed vibe.
Visualizer:Studio F Visual
A plethora of tropical plants offset this cold brutalist house exterior. Mature shrubs loll poolside, whilst vines envelop concrete columns around an outdoor dining area.
Visualizer:Guedes Cruz Arquitectos
Take it all in. Pure white sectional sofas are arranged into multidirectional seating areas to take in views of the pale blue pool and tree covered landscape.
Designer:Katharine Pooley
Infinity pool, infinite panorama. A rocky coastline and blue waves roll away from an enormous sun terrace with a luxuriously furnished outdoor living room, sunbathing deck, a pool fire pit, and a sunken conversation pit. Stepping stones create playful pathways.
Visualizer:Artem Ruznyaev
Graceful bamboo and topiaried American Boxwood shape a serene setting around this sleek sundeck. A canopy shades the outdoor lounge in daylight hours, and provides a framework for decorative pendant lights by night. Lawn lights add twinkle to the perimeter.
Designer:T+T Architects| Visualizer:Render Arch
Stay on theme. Charcoal grey daybeds complement the dark slatted exterior of this strong contemporary home exterior. Their floor hugging design compliments the architecture’s linearity.
Visualizer:Luís Fernando
These minimalist sun loungers lay low to let the eye wash straight over them, leaving a backdrop of colourful grasses and a vertical garden wall to take the stage.
Visualizer:Hakim Salama
A sandy beach rushes up around the wood and white concrete deck arrangement of this coastal home design. Tiered terraces give each outdoor living area an unobscured view of the water.
Visualizer:Federico Repetto
Domed treetops and arched architecture frame a small dining area at the top of this poolside setting. Sun Loungers pull in between olive trees and integrated planters.
Visualizer:Deer Design
Try a little colour. Breezy blue upholstery adds a fresh hue to this modern outdoor lounge set.
Visualizer:Vizline Studio
Build a bohemian aesthetic with rattan planters, woven accent chairs and boho blankets.
Designer:Moss Landscaping
Perfectly pristine, trimmed and topiaried Boxwood borders, manicured lawns, straight marching tree lines and linear planters create a controlled sense of calm. The outdoor kitchen, however, might get a little messy at mealtimes.
Keep it clear. An outdoor dining table area nibbles at the edge of tree shade, upon a wide open white terrace. White wireframe chairs fade from sight poolside.
Visualizer:Ruslan Latypov
Create zoning with contrasting materials. Oak decking defines an outdoor conversation pit from a white concrete sundeck. A square fireplace flames at its core to carry conversations long into the night.
Visualizer:Pasquale Design Associates, Inc.
This spectacular keyhole conversation pit is sunken into the pool itself, bringing the chat to those taking a cool dip too.
Visualizer:Maxim Rymar archistudio
An L-shaped pool design draws a cool and calming boundary around two sides of a contained courtyard design with choices of wood decked and grassed sitting areas.
Visualizer:Lucas Branchini & Render It 3D
Built-in benches tuck into the tightest of spaces, like this waterside L-shaped bench seat that’s been designed to hug around a small fire pit.
Source:Villa La Toca
Light it up. The grand outdoor staircase of this Spanish villa comes alive under long ribbons of warm, golden LED light. The illumination instantly sets a party scene around a cascade of seating cushions that cut precisely into the treads.
Designer:SAOTA
Redirect the view with split decks. These stylish outdoor chaise lounge chairs are positioned to enjoy two different panoramas.
Visualizer:Zhiyuan Su
Generate a relaxing soundtrack for your outdoor sitting area with your very own thundering waterfall.
Visualizer:DAAA Haus
Conjure a laid-back vibe by a mini pool with rattan floor poufs .
Visualizer:bside visuals
When space is tight, make poolside magic with a vertical garden over a pond of lily pads. A live edge coffee table and natural seating upholstery will complement the drape of natural textures.
Visualizer:Sergey Zalozny & Artem P. Visualization
A Japanese Chabudai table and Zabuton cushions puts eye level low to delight in lilypad blooms. Connect indoor tea rooms with outdoor courtyards via steel cased bifold doors that are framed to replicate traditional Shōji doors.
Designer:Steve Domoney Architecture
An outdoor chair with ottoman set makes a solitary moment for poolside relaxation here, until retractable doors open up the neighbouring living room.
Visualizer:Naira Omar
Sleek and sophisticated, this luxe black marble floor cuts a conversation pit into the swimming pool at a bold angle. Tufted sofas , a modern fireplace and perimeter lights create a warm and welcoming setting.
Designer:Studio Otto Felix
Decorative shelving builds an indoor feel around a multifaceted outdoor living room.
Visualizer:Koj Design
An eclectic collection of wooden dining chairs adds character to an outdoor dining area with a beautiful live edge dining table.
Visualizer:Renjith R
Build your own island of tranquility with “floating” patios.
Visualizer:RAL Designs
Swing like tree boughs in the breeze with a soothing garden hanging chair .
Visualizer:Alia Shalaby
Hot climates demand pauses of blissful shade. Shady refuge can be found under pergolas and cabanas. This outdoor kitchen diner setup leaves a couple of lounge hotspots outside for a bit of sun worshipping too.
Visualizer:Amal Khedr
Roll out the romance. An assortment of patterned throw pillows and soft rugs fashion an intimate arrangement for poolside lounging. Lanterns burn a romantic glow by night.
Visualizer:Omega Render
Patterned tiles build a moroccan design around this stunning swimming pool and home exterior.
Designer:Harrison Landscaping
Cute and casual. A sitting deck bridges a small swimming pool toward a naturalistic tropical stone planter and mini waterfall feature here. A second deck completes the other side.
Designer:Mary Barensfeld
A cut above the rest. Tiered geometric planters carve modernity high into a hillside behind this pool edged patio with a unique outdoor dining table and chairs set.
Visualizer:Karwan Muhammed & Karzan R. Sa’eed
Elegant fountains create a satisfying splash around a sunken conversation pit, and in between jetties of planters that protrude into the pool.
Visualizer:Nour Eldean Tarek
Count your countryside blessings with a swimming pool design that laps right up against the edge of the rolling hillside.
Visualizer:Julia Chepikova
Why leave home when you can bring the bar to your backyard?
Designer:Secret Gardens
Even narrow yards can be made into an oasis of relaxing poolside pleasure with a lap pool, built-in benches and a small side table for drinks.
Designer:Singleart.ro| Visualizer:Ionita Alexandru & Dumbrava Traian
Comfortable modern outdoor chairs and sofas arrange multiple seating options around this sunny stone built poolside. Wicker pendants layer a textural arrangement under a shady canopy.
Designer:Singleart.ro| Visualizer:Ionita Alexandru & Dumbrava Traian
At the other side of the same pool, a hammock deck is cantilevered over the water, and two more sun loungers recline in the shallows.
Visualizer:Valeriy Artimovets & Stany Kozlovkii
Compact and canopied, this shallow concrete cabana builds a tempting spot for a daytime snooze.
Visualizer:Timóteo Emerick
Go to the beach without ever leaving the backyard, with a sandy slope leading down to fish filled waters.
Designer:AmDesign Architects, CTA | Creative Architect, & Time Architects| Via:Dwell
This koi fish pond ripples around an island dining deck, accessed by stepping stones. Fully retractable doors make the living room of the main house into an open poolside lounge.
Source:Asia Holiday Retreats
Indoor-outdoor arrangements keep all amenities close to hand, like the kitchen, diner, lounge and pool deck combination of this gorgeous plant covered Balinese villa. See more lush lush Balinese villas here.
Source:Danang Seta
Green chairs, cushions and outdoor beanbags complement Mother Nature’s favourite colour. Pops of bright orange add a warm and tropical contrast.
Visualizer:Samujana
Aqua blue and orange outdoor cushions colour the concrete sofas of this elegant Thailand villa .
Designer:Nauzet Rodríguez
While away the hours in an easy garden hammock, which can be quickly unhooked to make space for other activities at any time. Be sure to surround with an abundance of tropical plants for a secluded jungle atmosphere.
Visualizer:Oscar Pastor
The cabana and concrete built-in bench are cool, but it’s the explosion of purple climbers and potted plants that really brings this one to life.
Visualizer:Jaime Moreno Vicente
This time purple climbers play second fiddle to a set of grand architectural arches and decorative stone corbels. Olive trees grow from the pebbled patio.
Textured walls bring intensity to a modern home interior, and soul of tactile depths. A textured backdrop enriches even the simplest of furniture arrangements, and adds an intriguing essence to the plainest palette. These three stylish home designs each feature a differently textured decor scheme to inspire unique spaces. We take our first tour in a cool white rendered home, where roughly brushed stucco rounds off walls, ceilings and decorative recesses to complement minimalist spaces. Smooth plaster warmly envelops our second featured home, adding complementary curves to rounded furniture silhouettes. Cool concrete wraps up the collection in a beautifully sophisticated abode laced with sleek industrial inspiration.
Visualizer:NOM Bureau
This deeply textured interior belongs to a home located in Kyiv, Ukraine. Brushed white stucco draws the eye all the way up tall walls and onto a sloping ceiling with skylights. The additional daylight emphasises the deep texture of the render, and brightly illuminates the minimalist lounge area below.
A chic white floor lamp lightly melds with the room colour, whilst the living room pendant light cuts a sharp black accent.
The rustic coffee table draws out a long rectangle in front of the modern sofa, removing the need for additional side tables.
A modern lounge chair blunts the corner of the rug, turning into the sofa in a conversational arrangement.
A granite fireplace and log stores cut through the textured white stucco.
The tripod floor lamp serves both the sofa and a pair of modern accent chairs.
Elements all pull from a gentle, earthy colour palette of beige, greige, soft browns and wood tone, which allows texture to come to the forefront.
A boho vibe emanates from the rustic elements in the layout, like this modern rustic console table . Boho wall decor cements the theme.
A bespoke dining room pendant light has been fashioned to replicate the textural effect of the tactile wall render. The piece creates an eye-catching dome over a Scandi style dining set.
Elegant Scandi chairs add a woven element to the texture palette.
On the table, a unique modern teapot design complements its unusual surroundings.
Linen drapes pool on white washed floorboards.
The rectangle dining table runs parallel to a large, slick kitchen island. An expanse of windows opens to a picturesque panorama behind it.
Ultra sleek contemporary kitchen cabinets contrast with the rustic wall treatment and boho ceramics.
With lack of additional countertop space, both the kitchen sink and an induction hob with integrated extractor are bedded into the long kitchen island . Integrated ovens are set into full height units by the kitchen door.
A second wall of windows wraps serene green landscape views around the dining area too.
Inside the master, an upholstered bed adds cosy vibes to the raw room decor.
A glass vase of dried flowers makes an effortlessly graceful display by one side of the bed, whilst a small side table serves with practicality at the other.
Sliding doors open up a decked bedroom terrace.
Visualizer:Bui Ni
Exposed plaster smooths curves around our second featured home interior, which is complemented by arch decor and a welcoming curved sofa design.
The curved theme continues across to a unique kitchen design too, where a rounded peninsula is supported by a shapely hourglass leg.
A textured rug complements the tactile sofa upholstery. A trefoil marble coffee table makes a unique central focal point.
Designer armchair s flatter the room’s arch motif.
Recessed spotlights bed into the pristine plasterwork.
and dried botanics give height to a curvaceous console table .
A winged headboard design draws the curved aesthetic around a platform bed in the master bedroom.
A freeform rug pools around the base of the bed and runs toward a reading nook.
Floating shelves add a decorative feature to a concrete alcove.
Inverted arches hold up the bedroom TV stand . An unusual floor lamp plumes by the window.
Mosaic tiles flood the master bathroom floor.
Visualizer:Sergey Makhno Architecs
Located in Kyiv, Ukraine, this 170 square metre private apartment was designed for a modern family who love minimalist spaces and muted natural tones. The family wished to avoid anything artificial or bright, and so a calm concrete space was born.
A round coffee table complements circular concrete wall art. Recessed perimeter lights highlight the industrial wall texture, whilst another ribbon of LED light draws a bright arch around the living room doorway.
Large format concrete tiles floor the entryway.
In contrast, walnut flooring warms the lounge. A modern fireplace flickers open flame along a raised concrete hearth.
At first glance, the dining room has a dark walnut panelled backdrop…
…However, the walnut panels are concealing doors for a modern kitchen design.
Eight deeply comfortable dining chairs surround the elegant black marble based table. More concrete floor tiles lay down a durable base for the kitchen diner area.
Back in the home entryway, an elegant vanity stool is paired with an entryway dressing table. A candle and an aromatic reed diffuser create a warm and deliciously scented welcome by the front door.
A strip light creates bright, practical lighting above the tall, custom cut vanity mirror.
Concrete tiles take on a vertical format inside of the bathroom, where they clad the shower area. Made-to-measure glass shelves slot neatly into a small nook in the shower wall to hold toiletries close to hand. A subtly situated uplighter warmly illuminates the tidy shelving arrangement.
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
