Some spaces tell stories from the past—others must have them coaxed gently back to life. AR09, a project by Kodd Bureau, is one such revival. This project, a three-bedroom apartment, is tucked inside a century-old building. It had been stripped of its soul by time and transformation. What remained was a structure begging for meaning—one that could honor its history without being bound by it.
Rather than replicate the past, AR09 reimagines it. The apartment now lives in quiet dialogue with its origins. The result is a space where legacy meets modern life and where stillness coexists with strength.
In AR09, the living room, dining area, and kitchen aren’t segregated using walls. Instead, textures and tonal transitions do the job.
The living area is softly sculptural. A pair of gray tufted sofas curve gently around a low table. The muted palette allows the tactile richness of the textiles to shine, while the rounded shapes bring a sense of movement to an otherwise linear space. The oak-clad walls that envelop the room feel less like panels and more like architecture in conversation with history.
Flowing effortlessly into the dining space, a minimalist oak table anchors the room with its quiet confidence. Surrounding it, mid-century inspired gray chairs add elegance. Above, a trio of smoky glass pendant lights adds depth.
Tucked just beyond is the kitchen, where we again see wooden tones. Here, minimalist cabinetry conceals function behind flat oak fronts. A gray stone countertop adds weight and texture. There are no unnecessary flourishes—just honest materials doing what they do best. Even the fixtures, like the muted brass tap, are understated.
The staircase in this apartment is wooden and sleek. On the bottom floor, the vacant space next to the staircase is used for a workstation. On the upper floor, we see a barrel vault ceiling perfectly tying the space to its history.
The main bedroom uses a wooden headboard, which also doubles as a partition for the dressing area. Within the sleek cabinetry is a television, paired with comfy seats, creating a gaming zone. There’s also a wooden wall-mounted desk for working the day away.
In another bedroom, we see a single bed paired with a terrazzo nightstand. Perfect for a little one’s use.
Finally, a special mention for the sleek gray bathroom. There are no tiles, no ornate finishes—just surfaces that flow uninterrupted, creating a meditative, almost sculptural feel.
Style: Contemporary Comfort with Contrast Color Combination: Creamy beige, slate blue-gray, mustard yellow, matte black Who is it for: For families who want a sophisticated space that welcomes both everyday chaos and elegant evenings. Perfect for design-conscious parents who need a versatile room that handles fingerprints and Lego sculptures by day, then transforms into an adult sanctuary after bedtime.
Budget: $-$$
Quiet Adventure Family Room – Shopping List
Below we present a curated list of products presented on the board:
Upholstered L Shape Sofa
Metal Frame Slipper Chair
Lift Top Coffee Table
SAFAVIEH Area Rug
Colvin End Table
Geometric Throw Pillow
Striped Throw Pillow
Gray Chenille Throw Blanket
Jaylond Storage Credenza
Black and White Abstract Wall Art
Rancourt Dimmable Ceiling Light
Non Woven Wallpaper
Blackout Curtains
Monstera Deliciosa Split Leaf Plant
Mason Series Kona Planter
Tips and suggestions
Colors That Work Together: The creamy neutral foundation creates a serene base that forgives daily wear while providing visual calm. Strategic pops of mustard yellow inject energy precisely where needed, while slate blue elements add sophistication. The matte black accents provide definition and contemporary edge.
Window Treatment: Floor-length gray curtains frame the windows with elegant simplicity, filtering harsh light without sacrificing brightness—perfect for afternoon movie marathons or morning play sessions. Their generous length visually heightens the space while remaining practical.
Furniture Foundation: The generous sectional accommodates the entire family plus friends, while its performance fabric stands up to spills and fort-building. The sculptural mustard chair creates both a bold design statement and a dedicated reading nook that beckons adults and children alike.
Art Curation: The dramatic black and white triptych provides sophisticated visual interest that won’t overwhelm the space. Its abstract forms are interesting to adult eyes while the high-contrast elements naturally engage children’s developing visual perception.
Lighting: The architectural black and brass chandelier elevates the entire room, proving family spaces deserve statement lighting too. Its adjustable arms provide both ambient illumination and task lighting for homework, crafts, or evening unwinding.
Accent Pieces: Textured pillows and throws add layered comfort while the substantial monstera brings living energy to the space—teaching children about nature while improving air quality and adding organic shapes to balance the room’s clean lines.
The Final Note: This space masterfully demonstrates that family-friendly doesn’t mean design compromise. By pairing durability with intentional style elements, the room supports both playful family moments and adult relaxation. The thoughtful color palette grows with your family, feeling timeless rather than trendy an investment in both your home’s style and your family’s evolving needs.
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
