A Beautifully Landscaped Brutalist House [video]

A wood and concrete brutalist exterior shields this 2900 square foot home design, based in Houston, United States. Created by the architects at Robertson Design , The Concrete Box house conceals a two-story home with a multi-level living space. The ground floor is a brutalist concrete backed room with a distinctly cosy essence that comes from high-end upholstered furniture, attractive wood-clad elements and a functional kitchen placed right at the heart of the home. Private courtyards and a large garden surround the cool concrete interior with beautiful landscaped views. Upstairs, the house is revealed to be a family home, with two kids’ rooms and a serene master suite.

The concept of The Concrete Box house was born from three main goals. The first goal was to begin the experience with a choreographed entry sequence, the second, to maintain material clarity, and the third was to establish a bold sculptural presence.

The brutalist house exterior is composed of three main volumes, which are a concrete box for the ground floor living space, a wooden box for the private bedroom and bathrooms upstairs, and a low concrete wall that encloses a courtyard around the front entryway.

Only two windows puncture the front of the fortress-like building, so that the solid sculptural element is disrupted as little as possible. Entry to the home is made between the two overlapping concrete walls in the front. A courtyard sanctuary awaits within the solid walls, which guides you to the front door.

A side entryway is disguised as a wood slatted window that looks into the courtyard.

The wooden gate aligns with a wood slatted window on the upper floor to create a cohesive aesthetic.

One push pivots the long, wood slatted gate on its axis, giving access to the entryway courtyard.

The brutalist courtyard walls are lined with elegant planting. A mounded groundcover softly moulds the edge of the gravel walkway,

The side entry gate makes access easier from the carport. Alternatively, a back entry door attaches the carport to a mudroom at the back of the property.

A picture window creates a welcoming snapshot of the interior.

After passing through a darkened entry hall with a low ceiling, a thick walled opening leads into the tall and brightly lit main living space. The open layout is sandwiched between serene views of an enclosed courtyard to the front and a large garden at the rear. A multilevel floor creates clear zoning between a sunken lounge area, midway kitchen, and an elevated dining spot. A long run of storage cabinets serve as media units in front of the sitting area and become kitchen cupboards at the far end.

A tan leather sofa and contrasting cream chairs make up the comfortable lounge space. A square coffee table provides a bold black visual anchor in the centre of the open plan arrangement. Behind, a skylight bathes the central kitchen island in natural sunlight. The abundance of natural light into the living space and open views into the courtyard and garden come as a pleasant contradiction to the solid façade.

A long kitchen window looks out upon a narrow perimeter garden, which is large enough only to provide a pretty view.

The floor on one side of the kitchen island is elevated higher than the other, which means that the breakfast bar can be furnished with a comfortable, kid-friendly dining bench instead of bar stools.

The dining bench also reduces visual clutter, which is kept to a minimum throughout. The stone countertops in the centralised kitchen darkly complement the stark black window frames at each end of the room.

Large doors at the rear of the open concept adjoin the interior with the tree filled garden.

Initially, a concrete terrace extends the internal floor treatment to the outer living space, before an attractive wooden deck takes over. The stylish modern outdoor chair seen on the wood decking is the Grillage Easy Chair designed by Francois Azambourg for Ligne Roset.

The contrast of concrete and wood decking reflect the materials used in the build of the house itself.

A sculptural focal point is erected at the end of the modern garden , erupting from the shade of the trees.

Back inside of the home, the modern staircase design features a striking, single cantilevered concrete step at its base.

The rest of the staircase is solid wood treads and risers. A door to the first kid’s room can be seen up ahead, with a set of double doors leading into the laundry room on the right.

A white slatted balustrade extends all the way up to the landing ceiling.

At the top of the staircase, an internal picture windows accepts light from a bedroom.

A wide window blesses the master bedroom with a serene green view.

The ensuite master bathroom is a large and luxurious space with marble tiled walls and bespoke cabinetry.

The freestanding bathtub and the shower area are situated inside their own bright and airy wet chamber. An enclosed WC is situated at the opposite side of the double sink vanity unit.

On the floor plan for the home, we can see that the two kids’ rooms are adjoined by a Jack and Jill bathroom. The master suite is blessed with a huge walk-in closet, as well as the massive ensuite bathroom.

Captivating copper accents cause bright and lustrous disruptions through these two dramatically dark grey home interiors. The effect is warming, alluring and luxe, and elevates the overall mood. This rich palette has been expertly utilised to shape sophisticated living rooms with depth and intrigue, and to fashion a spectacular copper-covered kitchen design. We’ll also continue these tours on through a plethora of beautiful grey bedroom designs and stylish modern bathrooms with real wow factor. Be sure to take a peek at the unique floor plan included at the end of the second featured home too, where you’ll find a highly unusual curved home layout of challenging wedge-shaped rooms.

Designer:Mossebo Studio

In a 100 square metre private house in Norway, a smoky grey modular sofa and matching rug set out a lounge area within dark grey microcement walls. The dark finish also covers the ceiling of the living room in its entirety, to create one complete grey cocoon.

A modern coffee table contrasts darkly against the lighter grey rug . A black throw repeats the two-tone contrast on a nearby lounge chair. Floor to ceiling patio doors fill the dark decor with a glorious influx of natural light and lush green forest views.

A textural canvas stamps out a black silhouette in the midst of a bright LED border.

White dining room pendant lights tumble from the ceiling, punctuating the dark and shadowy surroundings. A thin LED trim edges the base of the walls in place of skirting board.

The assortment of dining room pendant lights form a sculptural arrangement over the chic solid wood round dining table . A simple glass flower vase provides the table centrepiece.

Modern brown dining chairs make a tonal connection with a copper-covered kitchen design at the back of the open plan.

The copper kitchen lustres in the atmospheric perimeter lighting, and comes alive under sunlight from the large windows. Copper cabinet fronts cause a spectacular shimmer across the face of the kitchen perimeter, whilst custom copper tiles build the backsplash.

An indoor plant installs a delicate vista inside of an open doorway just off the kitchen, where the decor palette shifts into a lighter grey spectrum.

A trio of modern wall sconces adds illumination to a small vanity nook. A Sierra chair places a coppery brown accent alongside the dark grey vanity table and matching grey slatted wardrobes.

In the bedroom, an upholstered bed contributes an uplifting sage green accent to grey cement surroundings.

The green bed beautifully pulls in nature’s own accent that grows just outside of the bedroom windows. Plain grey drapes hang an understated frame around the forest panorama.

An elegant black swing arm wall lamp throws a spotlight onto a little Eames bird that shelters under a vase of graceful foliage.

A comfortable lounge area is arranged with a couple of curvaceous bedroom chairs , which are the Pacha lounge chair designed by Pierre Paulin for Gubi.

A solid stone round coffee table is playfully decorated with pine cones from the woods.

Inside the bathroom, a custom cut vanity mirror vastly increases the sense of space. Three bathroom vanity lights have their presence doubled in the glass.

Floating shelves and a wall mounted bathroom sink protrude from the frameless mirror.

An open shower area is screened behind a partition wall.

Designer:Sergey Makhno Architects

This 344.09 square metre apartment is situated in the residential complex Skyline, in Kyiv, Ukraine. This time, copper accents are flattened to a more matt finish across partition walls and load-bearing columns. A large area rug rolls out a soft grey base for a plush lounge suite.

Matching floor lamps dot task lighting around the large living space.

A terracotta sculpture melds with the copper wall panels.

The apartment was designed as a Kyiv base for a travelling businessman from Switzerland. Rugged rock feature walls welcome him home to his periodic place of residence.

A square dining table stands at the centre of the large living space, creating a theatrical first impression for personal guests and business acquaintances. Four oversized dining room pendant lights expand upon the drama.

A double workspace is set up inside the home office, allowing the Swiss businessman to comfortably take meetings and work on collaborations during his stay in Kyiv.

Bookshelves line one of the dark walls, creating an opportunity to bring in a pop of colour via book covers.

A glass wall at the back of the home workspace looks upon a temperature controlled wine storage room.

A huge round mirror , a stylish upholstered bench , and a set of stem pendant lights make up a modern vignette inside the dark grey dressing room.

In the master bedroom, a swing arm wall lamp sweeps across the head of a king-sized upholstered bed.

A designer bedroom chair adds a touch of coppery brown to the window wall.

A round rug lays the grey accent against a walnut floor.

Directional spotlights aim at modern art and a deeply textural clay headboard wall.

The second bedroom is a crisp and contemporary scheme. Oversized ​​ bedroom pendant lights add a smooth white accent to a slate feature wall.

A small bedside table adds the copper accent. Mini decorative vases bring along a dash of nature.

Storage units underline a wall mounted TV at the foot of the bed.

A simple cream pouf pulls up at one end of a deep wall mounted shelf to create a vanity area.

The final bedroom utilises a mixture of materials and textures to create a rustic essence.

In this dark bedroom , a modern lounge chair creates a reading nook by the window.

The master bathroom is a huge space divided by glass walls.

Rustic wooden stools offer a place to stand toiletries.

Copper flooring and a copper wet wall colours the small shower room. A modern pedestal sink drops in a cool concrete accent.

Curved 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