There is something so very magnetic about a window seat. The minute we see that sun trap, bathed in beautiful natural light, we just can’t wait to plant ourselves up against the glass. Proximity to the outside world makes us feel connected, without putting a foot outside the comfort of home. Upper floor window seats can float you above the city or put you amongst the birds in the treetops, ground floor benches unite you with garden life even in rain, sleet or snow. From simple extensions of the lowly window sill, to key extensions of living space, this extensive collection of inspirational window seats has it all.
Designer:Turkel Design
Pulling elements of the garden inside helps a window seat connect with the outdoors. This crisp modern example is flanked by a lush indoor vertical garden wall to soften the look. A contemporary swing arm wall lamp extends over elegant white cushions.
Designer:Maayan Zusman & Amir Navon
Bed indoor plants right into the bench top, like in this sleek sunken planter design. Note how a subtle green pendant light is positioned to highlight the leaves, as well as to provide reading light. We love how the bookcase on this one is an open ladder design, making each tome look illuminated and precious in the diffused window light.
Architect:Safdie Rabines
Flanking the window seat in towering book stacks might suit the more avid bookworm with serious reading nook ambitions.
Via:duslerdenizi
Another example of a reading nook style window seat, this time with lots of drawer space underneath. The drawers are a handy stow away for study supplies, or maybe just some cosy blankets… and snacks. Don’t forget the snacks.
Designer:Brooke Boling
A nook next to the fire. What could be more perfect than a window seat between a majestic tree and a crackling fireplace, heaps of blankets and a perfectly positioned wall light for reading on deep into the night?
Designer:Bernardo Rodrigues
A unique window calls for a unique window seat. Don’t let a challenge put you off, where there’s a will there’s a way.
Visualizer:P&M Studio
Benches for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A window seat is great way to amalgamate extra seating around a dining table, just like at this stylish breakfast nook .
Designer:NU Architectuuratelier
OK, so windows don’t typically fill the full height of a home’s staircase but when they do, oh boy, what a place to put a seat.
Architect:Phil Abram
Cute seat, cute courtyard , what’s not to love? Tropical colours and an easy breezy slouchy aesthetic help characterise the laid-back mini oasis.
Via:Realtor
Minimalist moment. Let the view do all the talking with a shallow white seat pad stretched along a deep white sill.
Architect:Ralph Matheson| Designer:Butler Armsden
Sitting in this seaside box bay feels far from boxed in.
Visualizer:Ngoc Do, Nguyễn Thành & DClaw 12
Inspired by SP Penthouse by Studio MK27 , this living room with a spectacular view features an entire frame of bookcases with a lengthy bench at its core. The view shines through like an enormous piece of wall art to feed the soul.
Photographer:Julien Fernandez| Via:Domino
Colour coordinate with the view. This green seat pad and raw timber construction is inspired by a tree top scene beyond the pane.
Designer:BENT Architecture
Room for all the family. As anyone with a young family knows, often everyone seems to congregate in the tiniest part of the house, so might as well prepare for it…
Photographer:Bjorn Wallander| Via:Martha Stewart
… And don’t forget to put out a dog window seat too.
Visualizer:Tuan Eke
A bedroom furniture refit presents ideal opportunity to incorporate a window seat. It doesn’t matter if your window isn’t in its own recess when you can fashion a new one between built-in closets, or added onto a bespoke desk.
Visualizer:Zieg Si
This bedroom refit uses wood effect wall panelling to tie a large window seat in with the rest of the furniture.
Visualizer:Duc Nguyen
Surfing the sky. This sky blue feature wall with matching blue window seat swells the perceived the window size.
Visualizer:Lauri Brothers
What’s better than a window seat? Two window seats! This deeply padded design is both seating and raised access to a dreamy hanging chair .
Designer:Galeazzo Design
Window seat goals. Although the porthole bookcase looks like something fresh off a kids TV show set, the hanging cocoon chair looks like a great place to put yourself for a timeout.
Architect:Andrew Franz Architect
Put together a sweet countryside rustic look with cheerful print fabrics. Match the curtains to the seat cushions for a truly traditional vibe.
Architect:ArqDonini
Window seats for one. No sharing.
Architect:Meta-Project
Double height bookcases? Check. Librarian ladder? Check. Window seat? Check. Lock the doors we’re never leaving.
Architect:Alterstudio
A window seat faces out of a huge floor to ceiling pane on this brutalist house exterior , where the cantilevered corner hangs like a bright lantern.
Architect:Platform 5 Architects
With an extruded design like this spectacular little gem, you couldn’t feel more part of the garden unless you were actually in the garden.
Architect:Alain Carle Architecte
This massive window seating nook could have been utilised as more floor space for the living room, but where’s the fun in being conventional? The elevated platform gives the kids their own stage, and the adults a sense of boundary.
Via:Attic bedrooms
Laying down common ground. This loft room has a satisfyingly symmetrical layout of built-in twin beds, separated by a small but perfectly formed window bench seat.
Architect:Noji Architects
Camouflage a window seat by colour matching its base with the window frames, like this slick black on black design.
Designer:Tecnova Architecture & archi5
Swinging the pendulum in the other direction entirely, create a showstopping seat design with a vivid frame that colours the entire bench, sides and ceiling of the reveal. The design pictured here features a colour matched companion bench that wraps around a few inches lower and branches into the room.
Architect:Zen Architects
The L-shaped window seat. If you’re lucky enough to have a dual aspect window, then you just gotta make the most of it. How utterly gorgeous is that botanical themed seat cushion too!
Visualizer:Irinel-Ramona Florescu
Another L-shaped design, this time wrapping around a comfortable comfortable reading chair in a conversational arrangement.
Designer:Bria Hammel
Picture perfect, this made-to-measure window seat incorporates built-in storage and display shelving in flawless uniformity.
Designer:Mimodo
Bank it. This modest sized window seat is given much bigger impact by becoming part of a larger bank of shelving. A contrasting frame helps the piece push out from the rest of the white unit.
Architect:Pleysier Perkins
A deep wood-lined window recess serves as an appealing reading area for a minimalist home office .
Designer:Sanctuary Architects
Make it pop. Choose the brightest cushions you can find to contend with the incoming stream of sunshine.
Designer:Room Design Buro
Another one to brighten your day, with the help of bold colour and a living room lamp .
Visualizer:Arina Zamorina
One last bright.
Architect:Bull O’Sullivan Architecture
Now lets get grounded. A grass green rug, or even some faux grass is all you really need to pull off the indoor-outdoor connection, though a fancy skylight certainly helps.
Architect:Studio Razavi
Hit larger window seat goals by extending the sill into the corner of the room.https://studiorazavi.com/
Via:Historias De Casas
Not feeling the basic bench seat? Pull some strings and get a hammock upgrade.
Architect:Vana Pernari
Spread the window seat love the entire length of the room.
Architect:Faulkner Architects
Low and understated, let the treetops do the talking.
Designer:Guan Pin
Make the window seat part of a cohesive living room layout using the same materials, and extending its linear aesthetic into storage units and the tv wall.
Photographer:David Hotsun
At a first glance, an alcove may have seemed an uninspired place to have a window let alone a window seat. Nevertheless, this nook has been given its own identity with a pastel paint job and a day bed to form one super welcoming spot.
Architect:Eduard Balcells + Tigges Architekt + Ignasi Rius Architecture
Raw natural materials and a midway shelf craft a characterful window seat on a modest budget.
Architect:Lande Architects
Its all about the details. This narrow wall becomes the site of a magnificent window, finished off with a compact window seat. A modern wall sconce is fitted to highlight the feature after dark.
Designer:HoYen Design
Create your own sense of zen, even if you don’t live in pared back perfection. You won’t be looking at the rest of your room once you’re enveloped by the outside view.
Designer:Anton Bazaliyskiy| Photographer:Maxim Maximov
If you go for a plain seat base then you can change up colours how and when you like just by swapping out the seat pad and pillows - and maybe an inexpensive roller blind too.
Designer:Fabian Tan
High window? No sweat, just take the stairs.
Designer:Studio Junction
This deep frame design builds a cosy cocoon. Unfortunately it’s been completely claimed by the cat… guess the human will just be over there on the bed then.
Source:Buy On Amazon
If you’re looking for a real window seat for cats, then this is your guy. Four stong suckers make this kit completely repositionable without damage to the window or surrounding walls. But the best bit has got to be that your furry thug won’t swipe all your stuff off the window sill to make space for sunbathing. Everyone’s a winner.
These ultra modern, cool and comfy work places don’t just show us all the places we wished we worked, they provide bags of vibrant inspiration to implement in our very own homes! We’re going to take a tour through vibrant sitting rooms, open plan layouts, colourful decor palettes, modern furniture arrangements, cool lighting solutions, and modern staircase designs that would translate fabulously into many residential builds. These are spaces that promote connection, interaction, creative energy and good vibes, which is something we all could use a lot more of–whether at work collaborating with colleagues, or at home engaging with our family and personal projects.
Photographer:Seth Powers
At the WeWork offices in Taipei, there is a home from home atmosphere. Comfy sofas are upholstered in different fabrics to fashion a relaxed, informal vibe. The use of mixed fabrics gives the room a sunny feel, which would have the same welcoming effect in private residences too.
There is a square coffee table by each modern sofa , which push natural wood tone into the heart of each seating arrangement. Wood grain textures the walls of the gathering space too, and floods the floor. Natural materials bring a wonderfully grounding essence into any interior, professional or domestic.
add to the natural feel of the room, and grow a re-energising, revitalising ambiance. A Bamboo floor lamp adds a heartwarming glow at floor level, and uplifts the beautiful aquascape and the green plant foliage, making them vivid.
An open plan staircase engages the lounge area with the rest of the building, just as it could in a home environment. An open flow presents opportunity for exchange between team members - or family members.
An open staircase also frees up useful space in its void. In this instance, a desk has been situated in the under stair nook. Glass blocks build a desk volume that allows light to pass through, giving it a more lightweight appearance.
Bright wall murals inject energy and personality. This one depicts the food prep taking place in its zone.
If there’s an unusual nook in a room, make a feature of it. This shallow recess has been framed out in wood effect panels with soffit lighting. Made-to-measure sofas build a plush and useful solution, transforming a slightly awkward area into something very alluring.
An attractive rug is the perfect way to define a stand-alone area that floats within a larger room plan.
Designer:UP2DATE
This 135 square metre office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, was previously a warehouse. The industrial theme has been maintained and built upon with many new metal installations, like this huge black sheet metal reveal around the single window of the property.
The lofty 6 meter high ceiling has been well utilised as a mezzanine floor. The top third of the walls have been knocked back to brick to accentuate their height, powerful uplighting adds to the effect.
make up the core of the room, encircled by an eclectic collection of chairs and small settees.
A blue sideboard shakes up the neutral room, along with a piece of yellow wall art.
All of the engineering was exposed so that the ventilation system became part of the industrial decor.
Glass walls encase a separate room within the large industrial space, without closing it off from view. The colour scheme in here is a spectrum of warming blush and mauve. The soft hues meld well with the grey palette of the outer room, whilst establishing an independent identity.
Mood lighting shapes a green and white kitchen into a cosy meeting spot for a cup of coffee. Industrial lighting makes a big feature out of a simple wall-facing bar.
Neon light burns across an industrial concrete wall.
Designer:VM Project
VM Project’s creative studio is full of ambitious people with enthusiasm for great design and architecture. The office exudes creative energy from every corner.
create a stepped effect into a snug sitting area, emulating the nearby staircase.
A red floor lamp and matching sofa cushions scatter bright accents.
An inspirational quote sets a positive tone across a yellow feature wall.
The primary red, yellow and blue elements create a wonderful clash that builds excitement, and establishes definition between different areas of the room.
A modern staircase design opens up a sense of connection between the upper and lower floors.
Botanical art and indoor plants bring in a sense of the outdoors and freedom.
Open risers allow line of sight to move through the staircase, making the room feel bigger.
A beloved motorbike becomes part of the decor.
The magnificent modern dining room chandelier featured here is the sculptural Vibia Wireflow 3D LED Octagonal Pendant .
A mirrored insert makes an ideal addition to a disused fireplace, along with a bright paint job.
Vibrant artwork tops the mantel.
A bespoke balustrade draws attention to the mezzanine.
Designer:Geyer
Uber Offices in Perth, Australia buzz with collaborative energy. This zone of hanging chairs promotes interaction and idea sharing between colleagues.
A cane room divider beds into long planters to create a hallway.
Light permeable walls facilitate the free-flow effect of communal spaces. Slouchy lounge chairs promote an informal laid-back vibe.
Backless bookcases connect two separate sitting areas.
Copper panels define a formal meeting spot - an idea that would translate perfectly for a formal dining room. See more ideas for copper in interiors .
An industrial ceiling exaggerates the elongated room shape.
Large format tiles increase the sense of floor space.
A kitchen island on wheels offers opportunity for a flexible kitchen layout.
Slatted doors pull across the kitchen work area when not in use.
Graduated grey lockers provide a stylish and practical solution in the entryway.
For long stretches of deep work, you just can’t beat ergonomic chairs .
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
