A small family dreamed of building a villa with a view of the sea at Marbella, a Spanish resort town situated between the mountains and Costa del Sol (“Coast of the Sun”). Unfortunately, securing a beachfront plot proved impossible due to the popularity of the location – so the architects at 123DV had to take a creative approach with a home one plot back. Despite another house standing between this property and the beach, this uniquely tailored construction still manages to offer a breathtaking panoramic view with a raised foundation and a beautiful geometric architecture that expertly follows function.
Architect:123DV
A smooth white facade folds around transparent glass volumes, the top half slightly offset in relation to the ground floor. An angular terrace divides the two floors and overlooks the spectacular pool and patio below.
Thin floor-to-ceiling windows preserve privacy while providing unique view of the surroundings. In the evening, these columns of light emanate an inviting warm glow – a cool effect that balances the strong horizontal lines of the structure.
Can you spot the curved pipe protruding from the top of the building? That’s a rooftop shower! It would hard to find a more invigorating way to start the day than soaking up the 360-degree view at the top of the world.
On the side of the home, the windows vary in width and spacing for a staggered and unique appearance. Open volumes on the street-facing side remind the viewer of the home’s weightless folded architecture.
A creative feat of pool engineering: two glass walls give the pool a perfectly transparent edge, with no visible supports to block the view. Angular decks emphasize the home’s unique layout.
Cantilever stairs with a sleek glass handrail leads from the private bedrooms on the first floor to the rooftop terrace above. Skylights and picture windows erase the visual boundaries between indoors and out.
In this bedroom, bright cerulean matches the pool and Mediterranean waters outside. Around the corner, a modern soak tub enjoys an uninterrupted view of the hills.
An acutely angled island allows a pleasant view of the pool deck while preparing ingredients or working over the sink. Dark cladding and recessed lights soften the aesthetic - warm, natural details are an important recurring theme throughout the home.
The dining and living room occupy an open plan, separated only by a black freestanding fireplace with a broad white vent – ideal to enjoy from any angle. Big Bang suspension pendants from Enrico Franzolini echo the geometric theme of the home. Natural materials promote a more comfortable and lived-in appearance amidst the streamlined planes and glossy curves. In the background, the living room gets an even cozier treatment with a textural rug and dark built-in storage.
An alternative to the rooftop and window-front bathing spots, this dark and relaxing master bathroom offers a more intimate and guarded atmosphere. Glittering tiles strike a textural contrast against the tub’s sophisticated patina.
A small channel of water wraps around the house, another reminder of this home’s connection to its Mediterranean environment. At night, the underwater lights scatter sparkling reflections against the home and the surrounding privacy wall.
Located at Ransome’s Dock in Battersea, this unique London apartment occupies the space previously occupied by Victoria Beckham’s design studio. With its unique location surrounded by famous fashion houses and respected architectural practices, this warehouse renovation demanded nothing short of excellence and innovation, delivered by architect Rafael Borrego in conjunction with CLPD and Italian kitchen design company Minacciolo. It retains the aesthetic of its industrial origin with polished concrete and exposed hardware, modernized with designer furniture and creative room dividers.
Tiles designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec give the bathroom a splash of relaxing color and texture, and they’re made of recycled materials for an added bonus. A rounded mirror by Monica Graffeo hangs above the gorgeous Ergo_nomic vanity from Italian bathroom design company Rexa.
A fitted panel covers the sink when not in use, providing even more workspace in an already spacious kitchen.
Modern pan supports give this Siemens cooktop a unique angular style.
Distressed structural columns heighten the luxurious feel of the modern materials through careful contrast.
The countertop wraps around into the dining room to create a handsome little breakfast bar with an extra wide surface. PARIS counter stools (also from Minacciolo) offer a lightweight barely-there aesthetic.
Also part of the Natural Skin collection, the modular “monolith” provides clever integration of all kitchen appliances, while providing hidden storage spaces for baskets, drawers, shelves, and everything a chef could need. Minacciolo decided to use gorgeous marble – not normally available with the Natural Skin line – and the effect is truly breathtaking.
Italian kitchen manufacturer Minacciolo went above and beyond with this design using customized elements from their popular Natural Skin collection. Metal worktops provide a professional-grade working surface, and eco-friendly sandstone paper gives the cabinetry a subtle but highly luxurious finish.
Via:Minacciolo
The previous open floor plan allowed abundant flexibility for creative structural expression, like the use of bespoke dividers to create new spaces within the home – each interior wall hides a wealth of discrete storage space.
Copper vases from Habitat add yet another precious material into the mix – and a little pop of color as well. On the breakfast bar, a little wooden toolbox makes the perfect no-nonsense condiment holder, easy to hide away between uses.
In the foreground, you can see the excellent detail of the blown glass Selene pendant lamps designed by Sandra Lindner. In the background, a marble-clad modular kitchen unit from Minacciolo extends the wall to divide between the living room and kitchen.
Designed in 1955, the sleek dining chairs in this photo only existed as a prototype until 2014, when Carl Hansen & Son put them into production to honor the 100th anniversary of Hans J. Wegner’s birth – a very special chair for a very impressive home. The paintings are the work of Jason Pengelly.
A brilliant mixture of fabrics and textures help this light bedroom feel extra warm and substantial, its personality brought to life with playful cerulean accents. Next to the bed sits a delicate gilded table holding fabulous decorative rarities, and a bright canvas by Spanish painter Daniel Dalopo ties the room together.
The midcentury-inspired sofa and chaise are from the Suita collection by industrial designer Antonio Citterio.
This time, the artwork is a mixed media piece called Litany for Those At Sea by Joyce Treasure. The image pays homage to the famous Benin Pendant Mask – an image of Queen Idia, a powerful African monarch of the 16th century.
Most of the paintings and prints come from a partnership between CLPD and London artist collective Chrom-art. The artwork featured on the far gallery wall is the work of Ireneo Frizzarin, titled The Right Thing.
Lighting plays an extremely important role. Each space is defined by its own studio lights, with exposed wires attractively integrated and carefully routed along the ceiling to lead the eye from one space to another.
A gorgeous rug from Ododesign centers the living room with lively contrasting colors. This piece is from the Kilim range - kilim referring to a style of notably delicate rugs made with only warp and weft rather than pile, a method perfected in ancient Persia and Anatolia.
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
