A Brazilian Summer House With Tropical Flourishes [video]

Designed with family time in mind, this Brazilian summer house is decorated with tropical touches for a relaxed vacation vibe. The homeowners set just a few important guidelines for the project, with the principal desire being for a space in which the family could socialise and spend more time together. The skilful architectural team at NV Arquitetura devised an open layout that would give the family members an easy and continuous connection in the social living spaces. Other areas of the residence were created to maintain a comfortable level of privacy and practicality in the family holiday home. Stay till the end of the tour to see full floor plans and a video tour.

Photographer:Cristiano Bauce

This contemporary Brazilian summer house is located in the city of Florianópolis. Green landscaping thickly surrounds its perimeter in wild and tropical bursts.

The concrete brutalist exterior is interspersed with areas of rustic stone, which helps the home design merge with its natural environment. A wide driveway leads up to the front of the house, creating plenty of width for two cars to pass easily. A parallel footpath beats a straight line to the front door.

Balconies project from the top floor of the Brazilian summer home, providing outdoor sitting areas and panoramic views. Tall palm trees offer light screening from the driveway, supplying the owners with a feeling of privacy without blocking the vista.

Open-frame concrete canopies overhang outdoor areas to provide a little shadow, making them more comfortable under the Brazilian sunshine.

One of the concrete canopies serves as a mount for a hanging chair on the private terrace at the back of the house. A rectangle swimming pool runs alongside with cool blue inviting waters. The house wraps the pool terrace in a protective L-shaped arrangement. Tropical plants and the front fence enclose the remaining two sides.

Glass doors retract to join the main living areas with the pool terrace, creating many opportunities for family interactions, regardless of the activity each family member is engaged in. The open flow encourages an indoor-outdoor lifestyle without boundaries.

The walls of glass bring in soothing views of the thriving garden.

The green garden views colour much of the ​​ formal living room , where the panorama pours through walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and a unique letterbox of glazing along the foot of the TV wall. The beautiful views are reflected in a pair of large decorative mirrors behind the couch too, which disrupts a rich wood tone wall.

The tv wall makes a rustic statement in stone. Small indoor plants bring a touch of the garden inside.

A sociable seating arrangement pulls around the TV. Two wooden lounge chairs sit on one side of the living room rug , two brown leather chairs on the other, and a contrasting cool gray sofa stretches the length in between. A wooden coffee table lays down a natural core.

The lounge continues openly into a spacious dining room with dual aspect garden views. See more inspiration for how to create a dining room connected with nature .

The wooden dining table is evenly lit with a row of mini pendant lights . A unique fruit bowl makes an eye-catching, natural table centrepiece.

The open layout continues to flow around into the kitchen in a large L-shaped formation. A wood ceiling treatment warmly connects the kitchen and dining area together, and a white lighting track runs crisply between the two.

The master bedroom is bestowed with its own large balcony area.

Wooden shutters block out the morning sun to facilitate a longer rest.

Potted plants bring the garden upstairs.

Because this is a summer house, sunlight manipulation and ventilation were key.

Solar photovoltaic panels were also included in the design so that the home would demand the least amount of electricity, and a cistern was installed to capture and use rainwater

Sliding doors make the bedroom and balcony into one space.

A unique platform bed commands the centre of the room, where space is left to walk all the way around it. A TV and media console are placed upon an attractive stone feature wall at the foot of the bed.

A small floor lamp and simple side tables flank the bed. Discretion and easy maintenance were some of the main objectives in this luxury home design.

Doors on each side of the bedroom provide a through-breeze for thermal comfort.

A hallway of mirrored wardrobes makes a corridor of light.

Integrated spaces and uses increase opportunities for interaction. The sun terrace includes an outdoor kitchen and an alfresco dining area. A comfortable outdoor lounge with a soft sofa makes a welcoming spot for family members to linger and chat whilst dinner is cooked, or long after into the night.

Heavy wooden shutters rotate on their axis in the main hallway, to give relief from the bright environmental conditions.

Stylish snapshots of the interior area revealed to the outer environment, such as this unique floor lamp in the living room.

With the homeowners’ request for a home design that would encourage family time, the vision for this project was clear. An open plan living space with an easy flow into outdoor spaces was the solution for a sociable summertime.

Plan.

First floor plan, showing the sociable L-shaped living space and outdoor pool area.

Second floor plan, including the master bedroom suite.

Section drawing.

Side elevation.

3D perspective drawing.

Interior decor isn’t just aesthetics, it affects how we feel whilst we’re in our homes. When the outer world is hectic or grey with city grime, it pays to create a light and restful space that you’ll love to come home to. The two serene home interiors that we’re exploring here today are designed to put forth a sense of peace via light neutral furnishings and smooth finishes. Modern wall panelling builds a comforting cocoon around airy living spaces, building a soothing atmosphere of safe refuge. We’ll take a look at practical layouts that achieve a stress-free environment for daily life, master bedrooms that promote sleep, and effective cosy lighting schemes.

Visualizer:ArtPartner Architects

A wall of wooden storage units makes a smooth and serene backdrop for the open plan living space of our first restful modern home interior.

The open concept is cut into sections by a large comfortable sofa and a crisp modern kitchen island. A round coffee table marks the core of the lounge area in smooth, light stone. A smaller, contrasting black table and a black floor lamp make bold accents alongside the lighter elements of the living room.

The black floor reading lamp is teamed with a stylish swivel lounge chair to make an inviting sitting spot by the window.

A chaise sofa section creates a subtle visual stop at the end of the lounge area.

The sectional sofa follows the border of a gently patterned and tonal area rug, which defines the lounge from the adjacent dining space.

In the dining area, a strip of mirror is installed underneath the floating storage cabinets to achieve a light and spacious optical illusion.

The TV wall features an attractive installation of modern wooden wall panels which alternate between a simple smooth finish and a fashionably fluted texture. A slimline media shelf cuts across the light grain.

Two chic dining room pendant lights elegantly anchor the open plan dining spot in place. They hang low to the dining table to create an intimate setting.

A unique ​​ decorative vase brings a flash of natural greenery to the modern wooden dining table . A decorative tray completes the centrepiece.

The kitchen island has a crisp modern aesthetic with a stylishly elevated countertop design.

The finish of the kitchen island ties in with the light stucco kitchen wall and a block of matching base and wall units. Understated wooden counterparts warmly frame the pale stucco effect. Black appliances, a black kitchen faucet , and adjustable track lights make smart contrast.

Another black track light installation makes its way up and over the master bedroom design. A black bedroom pendant light balances out the other side of the room.

The cream upholstered bed is complemented by a luxurious upholstered headboard feature wall. The soft fabric helps to dampen noise for a restful night’s sleep.

Wood panelling neatly encases the window wall, ending at the deep gathers of a plush bedroom drape.

The ​​ bedroom pendant light descends on a simple, minimalist bedside unit that has tidy storage in its base for books.

A vertical strip is removed from the upholstered headboard feature wall to make way for a cosy column of mood lighting by the bed.

At the foot of the bed, a dressing table is equipped with an illuminated vanity mirror and an upholstered stool .

A glass vase decorates a set of mini storage drawers, which neatly stow away accessories and makeup.

The bespoke wardrobe is tucked tidily behind space-saving sliding doors. Built-in shelving houses shoes, small luggage pieces, and bins of out-of-season items.

Recessed spotlights provide the wardrobe with interior lighting.

In the home entryway, a unique modern pouf is placed up alongside a wide full length mirror . LED strip lights are hidden around the edge of the mirror to emit a warm and atmospheric glow.

A walk-in closet is situated on the opposite side of the front door.

The shower room sports a clean and inviting scheme of cream stucco and warm wood tone. A large bathroom mirror increases the sense of space in the compact room.

A modern bathroom faucet is teamed with a unique sink design, where water drains into a slotted waste at the rear of a sloping base.

Individual towel bars climb a narrow wall space by the door.

Black shower fixtures darkly contrast with the pale wet wall.

Visualizer:Reham Karam Sokkar

A textured TV wall draws much attention in our second featured home design.

A large area rug adds softness beneath the lounge, warmly buffering it from cool concrete floor screed. The unique accent chair is the Etcetera Lounge Chair by Jan Ekselius for Swedish brand Artilleriet.

The living room works around a large L-shaped formation, which makes way for a more isolated formal dining area. A round rug defines a separate, small sitting area at the back of the room, where LED strips illuminate reeded wall panels.

In the formal dining room, upholstered chairs accommodate up to ten diners. A large dining room chandelier spans the length of the long table.

In the kitchen, wooden bar stools furnish a breakfast bar area, whilst more dining chairs complete an informal family dining spot.

Large windows bring in natural light and a serene garden view.

In the home entryway, a textured, racetrack-shaped sideboard complements the fluted wall panels.

The modern staircase has an ethereal presence, standing in pure white marble.

Moving up to the master bedroom, a white bedroom rug lays a light pause onto wood chevron flooring.

A fluted feature wall makes a textural addition behind the headboard.

A wall-mounted vanity unit touches down onto the edge of a floating media unit to create a sleek, stepped effect.

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