House Cocobolo, created by Cañas Architects , roosts on the brink of 40 metre high cliff. The home’s position brings in a magnificent view of the ocean horizon, and mainland to the southeast. The house is named after its neighbouring trees that thrive in the forest and river canyon. The house is approached alongside the forest of cocobolo trees, where the view of the ocean peeps only fleetingly through the thick vegetation and undulating landscape. Once inside, the house opens up at double height, with huge expanses of glass in the living room that dispel the border between inside and out to the ocean.
The road approaches from the north, ending about a meter above the home.
Rough textured concrete forms the roof of the home.
The house is ventilated passively, utilising the cool breeze of its cliff top location.
The still pool around the back of the property reflects the architecture in its waters.
Despite the property’s many glass walls, the home interior remains concealed from the front approach.
The approach to the house entrance is stepped out over wide stone fingers that push down into the landscape, descending into a niche between the hill and the forest.
A bed of stones fill in the sides of the modern path.
A glass volume on the side of the house reveals a glimpse of the wooden stairwell.
Mature trees shroud most of the modern house exterior from sight.
The front door opens into a small hallway of double height. A low wall rests just beyond the threshold to build more intimacy in the entryway, and to maintain a level of privacy for the rest of the house. To the right of the entry door, we observe the solid wooden staircase design . Its open risers allow the forest views to pass right on through. Roughly textured concrete steps dip down to the left of the entry door, giving passage to the main living room.
The wooden staircase rises above a base of river stone, which seems to magically transcend the glass wall of the stairwell to continue out in the surrounding garden.
The first tread of the solid wood stairs hangs a few inches above floor level.
This amazing living room connects with every bit of its glorious surroundings via edge-to-edge windows. A unique coffee table design fits with the natural views, and juxtaposes the linearity of the modern sofa . A grey floor lamp quietly illuminates the lounge arrangement, and a ceiling fan helps with the ventilation.
The rest of the room is left sparse, because there’s no need to decorate a living room with a spectacular view .
Frameless glass doors retract to adjoin the indoor and outdoor living spaces. The lounge floor extends seamlessly out through the wall and onto the terrace beyond.
The terrace pushes out towards an infinity black pool, where a wet terrace holds the water just short of floor level.
The shallow water acts like a black mirror of the horizon and the clouds, and evokes the effect of bringing the distant ocean to meet the living room and an outdoor dining place.
Sweeping ocean views create a breathtaking first impression once past the initial home entryway.
Lush forest scenes thrive to the left.
A more illustrative view of how the infinity pool creates a visual link between the living space and the ocean.
The home also has a treehouse feel from being nestled into the forest…
… A Cor-ten steel volume extends into the leaves of a Cocobolo tree, before jutting out over the cliff like a great metal finger, pointing to the distant horizon.
Some modern outdoor chairs and an outdoor sofa comfortably furnish the sundeck.
Holes have been cut into the architecture to allow the native Cocobolo tree to grow on through.
Colourful cushions brighten the black outdoor sofa, and an ottoman coffee table nestles into the elbow of its L-shape.
Another outdoor eating area stands to the right of the outdoor lounge.
Just inside the glass walls, a formal eating area is lit with a trio of glass dining pendant lights . The unique industrial style dining table is built from steel girder legs and a raw concrete top.
Upstairs, the minimalist master bedroom has fantastic views over the beachline. Two Eames style rocking chairs face out to the panorama at the foot of the bed, and two white bedside table lamps perch on simple side tables. Behind the head of the bed is the doorway to the finger balcony. A short Cor-ten wall extends to handrail height across the back of the room to guide the way, continuing outward with the wooden floor.
An ensuite bathroom opens up at the side of the master suite, facing the forest.
The Cocobolo tree penetrates both the handrail of the finger balcony and the roof of the house.
The cantilevered walkway extends like a pirate plank from the house, passing above the sun terrace below and the 40 meter high void of granite cliff face.
The meter wide Cor-ten volume forms a stable rust-like appearance after several years of exposure to the weather.
A glass balustrade at the end of the cantilevered balcony allows the serene ocean views to breeze by unobstructed.
Once past the eave of the main roof, the balcony opens up slightly into a small sitting area, just large enough for two chairs.
Thin white columns hold up the overhanging eaves of the roof.
The Cocobolo tree is a part of the home, like one of its residents.
Floor plan.
Ground plan.
Side elevation.
Section drawing.
A quick trip around two apartments that measure under 120 Square Meters (1300 square feet) show how to pack a lot of punch into a modern home. Crisp contemporary furniture, stylish lighting designs and carefully considered layouts make this couple of sophisticated interiors a great source of inspiration. Home number one explores the introduction of some brighter accents into the decor scheme, along with some friendly foliage throughout. Home tour number two is a decidedly more neutral affair, with a more fully fitted approach to custom made furniture. There is also a pretty little pink room in this one to please the youngest member of the family.
Visualizer:Nat Karavay & Anna Koen
Our first stop is a flat in Moscow, measuring in at 120 square metres. A grey L-shaped modern sofa has been teamed with a circular ottoman coffee table in a contrasting orange-brown shade, which is overlapped by a long marble coffee table.
Black media units underline a wall mounted tv opposite the sofa. Wood effect wall cabinets and a taller unit provide storage for larger items.
An orange-brown accent chair joins the lounge furniture arrangement, matching with the hue of the ottoman coffee table and scatter cushions on the couch.
The home entryway is simple yet elegant.. A large round wall mirror and a dressing table stool transform a hallway table into a vanity. A modern wall sconce lights up the doorway.
A home workspace makes good use of an awkward nook between the window wall and a structural support column. A bespoke computer desk and bookshelves are wedged in the resulting gap.
Two black dining room pendant lights are suspended over a light wood table. Clear glass vases of green foliage complement the green seat cushions in the dining table set .
A smooth wooden galley kitchen makes a light but warm wall across the back of the open plan room. Black kitchen bar stools are positioned beneath the island to provide a casual spot to eat, or to sit and chat to the cook.
More lush green foliage makes an uplifting yet simple decoration on the breakfast bar kitchen island.
The master bedroom is a sophisticated and balanced scene. Warm earth tones are cut though with a fresh white headboard, bedside lamps and flooring. Gold accents dance across the headboard panels, warmly reflecting the lamp light. The hue of the bed throw perfectly matches an end of bed storage ottoman.
The bedside table lamp is the Atollo lamp . Cheaper replicas are available on Ebay .
Clean white, red wood tone and creamy marble make up a custom fit bathroom design.
Bookmatched marble creates a luxe feature behind a built-in tub. Indoor plants introduce a touch of nature.
The floor plan reveals the ample storage space incorporated into the home.
The bathroom, unravelled.
Visualizer:Design On
Our second tour takes place in a home decorated in a strictly neutral palette of grey, white and wood tone.
White wall units have been fashioned around a wall mounted tv. There’s no scope for upping the screen size within this tv wall decor , but the effect creates a satisfyingly neat frame. A framework like this could also hold a tv stand instead of a wall mount if preferred.
Square coffee tables with round tops make another modern design statement in the living room. The round ‘trays’ are used to hold a couple of books, and an electronic tablet next to the coffee mug .
Scatter cushions and warm throws make the modern sofas look inviting.
Glass doors section the lounge from the kitchen, where wood flooring is replaced by grey marble tile.
A black bookcase towers up one wall of the living room, cut into sections of different heights and widths.
The tv in the lounge can be viewed from the kitchen, and the dining area to its side.
Bar stools at the kitchen peninsula turn their backs on the adjoined living room; they look into a kitchen of wood and white cabinets against a white marble backsplash. See more white and wood kitchens .
A modern fruit bowl makes a table centrepiece.
Grey dining chairs encircle the white tabletop.
Mirrored closets line the home entryway.
Pale walls make the hallway feel airy.
There is one exception to the neutral decor palette of this home, in the kid’s bedroom. In here, pink rules the roost.
Pretty pink and white decor is warmed through with wooden accents.
Dreamy artwork adds in a little touch of blue.
Star wall stickers sprinkle the pink feature wall.
In the master bedroom, a neat floor lamp brightens one bedside.
At the other side of the bed, a mirror makes the space look twice its length. Heavy drapes gather at the windows, poised beside sheer white voiles installed for daytime privacy.
A modern computer desk in the corner of the bedroom is lit by a small white table lamp . A slender chair provides stylish and comfortable seating.
There is a walk-in wardrobe just off the side of the home entryway. The closet is kitted out with a comprehensive array of garment rails, shelves and drawers. A large shoe cabinet has its contents protected from dust by clear glass doors.
The higher shelves and cubbies are utilised for lesser used items such as suitcases and seasonal wear.
Wood panels and marble tiles cover the bathroom interior. A large shower enclosure takes up half the length of the bathroom, with the marble clad bathtub filling the remainder.
White countertops look crisp and clean over wooden cabinets.
A black heated towel rail contrasts with the white wall tiles.
A custom cut mirror fits edge to edge over the vanity.
Two bed apartment 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
