Mid-century modern elements add flair to this cosy book lover’s home, layering contrasting colour over rich wood tone. Designed by Ni Dongbo of NDB Design, a lack of architectural features has been overcome with creative interior curations of sculpture, wall art and a literary treasure trove. Mid-century modern accent pieces are combined with contemporary components to create an interesting, eclectic style that keeps the eye moving and the mind wandering. Crisp white walls provide a fresh backdrop for the bright, statement furniture and make a quiet frame for two well-stocked home library walls. The unique home is dashed with natural greenery, which freshly unites the interior with a lush outdoor view.
Visualizer:Meng Taichu of Jingai Vision
An elaborately patterned red living room rug instantly sets a warm and welcoming eclectic tone inside the walls of a modern white space. An armless sofa design speaks of mid-century aesthetics with its simple square cushioning and saturated colour.
The large area rug and bright red sofa make energised contrast with a host of lush green indoor plants . Beside the fireplace, a stylish swivel chair complements the plant life and the mid-century vibe with an earthy olive hue.
A glass coffee table reflects natural light from the window.
A comfortable reading chair and matching footstool pull up by a bespoke wooden bookcase. A small side table is set beside the black accent chair to keep a supply of tea or coffee close to hand.
As expected in a book lover’s home, the glass coffee table is stacked with a generous supply of coffee table books . A decorative wooden bowl makes an aesthetic addition.
Glass doors protectively encase a Buddha statue at the heart of the bookcase. The serene statue instils a message of enlightenment and peace into the home library.
A wooden stool rounds out the library/lounge furniture arrangement, serving as both a seat and as an extra side table.
Wood parquet flooring creates a warm finish across the lounge and home library area, then changes to a more hardwearing surface beneath the kitchen and dining room.
At the centre of the open plan living space, natural wood casing transforms a basic concrete support into a beautiful column.
A second home library/lounge area is situated at the opposite end of the room.
In this reading area, a stylish settee rests by the book stacks. A black and white area rug lays down a soft island for the mid century modern furniture .
Colourful art takes mid-century modern vibes to the library wall.
A simple floor lamp provides reading light by the elegant settee. The small lamp also casts gentle light across the plethora of book spines that fill up a made-to-measure bookcase. Hidden storage units are tucked into the wooden frame of the custom bookcase, and deep drawers line its base.
Hardback tomes stack haphazardly upon the floor of the home library, creating a welcoming, lived-in look.
Wooden volumes stack to form a casual side table by the wooden settee.
A decorative bowl and a sculptural art piece adorn the modular side table .
Across the room, a round glass dining table is encircled by a wonderfully eclectic set of wooden dining chairs that span the ages. With a sculptural base, this is not your typical mid century modern dining table .
A wide skylight rains natural light down onto the dining room layout. Colourful works of art are curated into a bright gallery above a stairwell that leads up into the living room. Sculptural art pieces ornament the glass dining table and a plinth placed by the floor-to-ceiling window.
After dark, a fabulous dining room pendant light illuminates the eating area. This eye-catching, sculptural piece is the Taraxacum Suspension Light , designed by Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for FLOS.
The rich wood tone that’s displayed within the collection of assorted dining chairs carries through to the neighbouring kitchen design. An L-shaped installation of flat-fronted wood cabinets communicate mid-century modern influenced style.
A modern kitchen island divides the kitchen diner into two clear halves, just behind the wooden chairs. A Chashitsu tea room, of sorts, is fashioned by the window of the kitchen where the floor has been deliberately raised. Tatami mats fill the floor around a stone ceremonial tea table.
In lieu of a proper Tokonoma alcove for the Chashitsu tea room, where flowers and a special scroll would traditionally be displayed, this home has books in pride of place, of course.
One end of the kitchen island countertop is cantilevered to form a comfortable breakfast bar. The olive green hue of the central island pops beautifully against the honey-coloured wood grain backdrop.
Rustic wooden bowls pop against a stark matt black kitchen backsplash and a matching black countertop.
Copper pans gleam on top of a modern black stove. The extractor fan is tucked away into the underside of the wall units to achieve a completely streamlined result.
The large open plan living space is situated on the second story of the home. Below it, the entryway and modern staircase design is awash with bright natural light. As if introducing the theme of this book lover’s abode, a recessed bookcase is carved into the white stucco wall of the foyer. A tall ladder back chair and a unique side table make up a sculptural furniture arrangement for the reading nook beneath the stairs.
At the foot of the modern staircase, the interesting geometric-fold lamp design is an Akari UF4-L8 floor lamp by Isamu Noguchi.
Scandi home style goes from strength to strength, appealing to our appreciation of clean lines, airy living spaces, and our need for daily practicality. This collection of inspirational Scandinavian home designs explore six different ways of personalising the aesthetic. We start with a cream and serene elegant apartment where indoor plants meet natural wooden elements. We follow up with a colour spliced Scandi interior, which employs pink and teal accents to lift and personalise neoclassical surroundings. Beige, grey and teal decor colours home number three, whilst design four resides in the minimalist monochrome domain. We finish up with a classic Scandi style black and white contrast, and a book lover’s home with a quiet mezzanine workspace.
Visualizer:Elena Kozhukhar
Cream and white decor melds softly with warm wooden elements to style this elegantly serene apartment. Indoor plants add beautiful touches of nature to uplift the mellow surroundings. A round glass vase adds a spray of botanics next to a reading chair to create an attractive vignette.
Line art adds visual interest to the blank, creamy white walls, without colourful distraction. A stark black frame gives the piece definition upon the light backdrop.
The small sofa features a smoothly curved silhouette that makes the lounge area appear welcoming and comfortable. A living room rug complements the sofa upholstery with a matching cream weave.
A fiddle leaf fig plant lushly fills the corner of the room, providing a shapely accompaniment to the sofa and effectively drawing the eye upward to meet artwork upon the neighbouring wall.
Scandi bookshelves introduce warm wood tone onto the white living room wall.
Decorative objects adorn the open shelving, while less ornamental belongings are tucked into integrated cabinets.
flank a small side table to fashion a smart reading nook.
Visualizer:Aleksey Krivosheyev
Pink and teal decor accents joyfully lift and personalise this neoclassical apartment interior. Gold accessories add luxe lustre, in the shape of a sputnik chandelier and a chic floor lamp.
flourish against classic wainscotting. Decorative moulding crowns the ceiling line.
Black and white wall art is hung at regular intervals around the perimeter of the room to create a crisp modern gallery between the neoclassical touches.
Grand double doors give entry into the kitchen diner, where Scandi style kitchen units lay a stark black line against a fresh white wall. A wooden dining set is emboldened with two black accent chairs .
A modern dining room chandelier hangs from a traditional ceiling rose.
Simple white wall tiles build the kitchen backsplash. A Smeg fridge-freezer ties in with the retro styling.
A modern record player is given a luxurious home on a white marble-topped sideboard.
Visualizer:ZX
Beige, grey and teal accents colour this Scandi style living space, amongst striking pieces of art.
A unique floor lamp brightly illuminates the detail in the modern art piece behind a teal upholstered sofa.
The round coffee table that sits out in front of the sofa is a classic Scandi tray-top style.
A JWDA table lamp is on hand to highlight more eye-catching wall art.
The lounge area flows openly into an airy dining room and a narrow kitchen design.
In the dining area, clear perspex dining chairs achieve a more spacious feel in allowing the line of sight to pass straight through.
A small, simple Scandinavian stool is utilised as a side table on which to display flowers in the kitchen.
The stool/table is teamed up with a piece of modern wall art to make a pleasing focal point upon a structural support wall.
Visualizer:Antanina Nekrashevich
Our fourth Scandi home design is a minimalist, monochrome canvas with geometric motifs. A grey and white geo rug adds a burst of pattern to an otherwise understated living room.
A black and white typographic print draws the eye to a compact dining area in the open plan living space. A small table and matching wooden dining chairs tuck neatly into the corner.
The small dining table is attractively decorated with a modern ceramic vase and black metal candlestick centrepiece.
A flash of greenery completes the table display.
Tall windows fill the apartment with natural light, which filters back into a one wall kitchen installation.
White marble countertops and white kitchen cabinets help the narrow space to feel more open.
Visualizer:Nikita Sichkar
Our penultimate apartment shows classic Scandi styling in black and white high-contrast and simple lines.
A geometric rug threads pattern across the lounge.
Storage baskets add a flash of natural rattan underneath a streamlined wood and black metal coffee table.
A comfortable reading chair is set up in the window, next to a set of bookcases that flank the TV. An indoor plant and small floor lamp complete the inviting reading nook. See more ideas for unique plant stands .
Out in the entryway, wood laminate flooring is swapped out for intricately patterned tiles. A racetrack-shaped mirror is paired with an entryway stool to make up a practical dressing area by the door.
Decorative shelves edge a set of bookcases to expand their presence.
Visualizer:ONE AM
Towering bookcases define a living room of a book lover . A Scandi rocking chair and sofa offer comfy reading spots.
A wooden library ladder accesses the highest shelves.
The lounge space sweeps around into the open plan kitchen diner.
A one wall kitchen is installed underneath a quiet mezzanine workspace.
A built-in bookcase ends the kitchen run with a decorative touch. A large round mirror reflects a sparking light installation above the entryway.
The luxurious Scandinavian bathroom design features a classically styled freestanding bathtub , which is elevated to be perfectly illuminated within a huge, steel cased window frame.
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
