With design trends leaning so far towards minimalism, obsessed with clean lines and mid-century modern furniture, it can be easy to forget just how cozy a home that has plenty of stuff can be. Having things like books, trinkets, and even coffee mugs for many people is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. Being surrounded by the things you love is an important and soothing part of having a home. The cozy house featured in this post, from the designers at The November with photos from Hey!Cheese Photography , has plenty of shelving and storage for all those lovely tchotchkes and even provides fun spaces for a few furry companions.
The entertainment center can be a trick beast. In a minimalist design, a television mounted to the wall and perhaps a narrow console would be enough.
But in this home, a large shelving unit acts as bookshelves, entertainment center, and stylish cat furniture all in one.
The natural wood unit has a country chic style to it while interior cat doors make it easy for the furry little friends to move through the various compartments safely.
Hidden hinges and portals mean that this beautiful shelving unit doesn’t look like a giant cat tree at first glance, only when you get a bit closer.
It’s really what goes onto the shelves in a home that makes them special, like a modern cuckoo clock , and lots of much loved books.
The patterns and colors used in this house give the design a bit of a vintage vibe, from a mustard gingham couch cover to some cute minty curtains.
As from these muted colors, things are kept fairly neutral with white and wood making up the majority of the interior.
The use of interior windows looking into the home office makes the space feel much bigger and allows more natural light into that room.
House plants scattered about are another cozy addition to this full space.
Those interior windows also open up, maximizing airflow and of course creating yet another perch for a curious cat.
The non-shelving furniture in the home is fairly sparse, but a beautiful dresser near the front door does have a mid-century feel to it.
Atop that dressed, indoor house plants add color and clean the air.
Overhead, a Boston Fern hangs down.
In the corridor, more shelving for a massive book collection.
The glass cover can slide over the shelves or act as a door for the office space, keeping those distracting kitties outside.
The interior windows are especially helpful for the office because the window in this room is quite small.
More shelving and some simple furniture make for an inspirational workspace.
Looking out into the living room, you can see another cat climbing apparatus tucked into what would otherwise look like a china cabinet.
A window seat offers some hidden storage and surely a nice sunny spot to curl up in.
The kitchen is fairly cozy in its design with a single cooktop and dining table that extends from the counter.
Simple, modern chairs hie away underneath the table when not in use while a mix of dark and light woods give the kitchen an eclectic, bohemian feel.
The overhead kitchen pendant lights are simple in their design, a more vintage take on track lighting.
Open shelving in the kitchen is another way to be constantly aware of the things you love and choose to keep.
A small exposed kitchen shelf creates a snug spot for plates and coffee mugs .
A single white kitchen bar stool is perfect for a quick cuppa. This pretty, modern version is the About a Stool by Hee Welling for Hay .
A patterned tile floor is a final vintage flourish in the kitchen design.
Moving into the private space, the bedroom is kept surprisingly simple with just a bed and a comfortable reading chair for furniture.
Natural wood cabinetry acts as a closet, but it is closed off from prying eyes and paws.
In place of bedside lamps , vintage-inspired wall sconces flank the bed.
And no room in this house would be complete without a few books.
The bathroom is also an exercise in simplicity.
White walls and a slate gray tile floor, along with a glass-walled shower are all that’s needed.
A couple of small plants liven up the room and surely benefit from the humidity.
In an era when industrial and concrete designs are more popular than ever, it can be easy to forget the naturally beautiful look that can be created with high-quality wood. When wood grain and the many tones of wood are allowed to shine through, the design possibilities are virtually endless. In the two homes featured in this post we see that not every home that is heavy on the wood needs to feel like a hunting cabin or an old man’s den. These spaces are highly modern, bright, and warm but the natural, elegant wood element adds something special to both homes.
Visualizer:Kyde Architects
The first home is located in Sosonvo, St. Petersberg in Russia and measures 100 square meters (1076 square feet).
The design uses wood not in some of the more obvious and subtle ways, like exposed wood beams, but really lets the material stand on its own.
From wood paneled walls to natural wood furniture, the design highlights wood, not letting is fade into the neutral background like it often can.
The wood paneled walls are particularly eye catching, with horizontal slats creating an interesting texture and drawing the eye around the room while a unique coffee table is made from a thick slice of a beautiful red wood.
In the dining area, open to the rest of the home due to the open floorplan, dining room pendant lights cast a soft and flattering glow.
Cream and white are natural complements to the wood coloring, seen here in gauzy curtains and plush dining chairs.
A woven pendant light in this space certainly leans into the rustic feel, but the shape is distinctly modern.
Plenty of seating is always a good thing and here we see how one dining area flows easily into a kitchen breakfast bar.
The gray kitchen bar stools are in keeping with the largely neutral palette throughout the house.
In the sleek - if somewhat small - kitchen, countertop herb planters add a perfect pop of color.
The wood highlights even carry into the home’s kitchen accessories, with natural cutting boards propped up on the countertop.
In the master bedroom, spotlight-inspired bedroom pendant lights are an interesting contrast to the otherwise highly rustic decor.
The wooden wall decor , including rich paneling and a very eye-catching piece over the bed, feels quite cozy and warm.
Interestingly, the bathroom is perhaps the most modern of all the spaces.
Honeycomb tiles and slate stone floors have a hip and contemporary feel.
Wood comes into play only a bit in a few accents to unite the room with the rest of the house.
Visualizer:ONI Architects
The next space is a 180 square meter (1937 square feet) apartment in Moscow.
While this design also has an emphasis on wood, the feel is much more modern than rustic throughout, which can easily be seen in the accessories chosen like the living room’s unique table lamp .
Despite the highly designed look, it is still evident that this space is meant for comfort, with long luxurious sofas capped by a simple, practical end table .
The choice of artwork can say so much about a home and its inhabitants.
It is impossible not to be drawn to the sculptural work in this apartment.
The rust-colored sculpture contrasts with the living wall that stands opposite – one suggesting decay while the other quite literally grows and thrives.
In the home office space, not as many design risks are apparent, with a comfortable reading lounge being quite inviting.
The use of stylish desk chairs like this one makes the idea of working at home a bit more palatable to be sure.
The orange accents in this space are subtle but work well with the 70’s-inspired wood paneling.
Leaning a large piece of art against the wall adds a bit of casual elegance to the room.
In the relaxing master bedroom, minimalist details like a sleek black floor lamp bring an air of zen.
The child’s bedroom is allowed a bit more in the way of decoration and frill.
A cute and creative light fixture centers the room while varied textured add whimsy.
The simple kid’s bed with the polkadot wall behind it is cozy and big enough for even a long bedtime story.
The design also makes clear that kid’s decor does not have to be cluttered, as long as storage is taken into consideration.
The color tones in the main areas as well as the private spaces remain quite muted.
A stone gray kitchen and natural wood flooring is chic and even somewhat masculine.
The unique modern dining chairs are quite a departure from the overstuffed version of the first home, showing that there are many ways to be modern.
The light fixture as well is stunning in its minimalist design.
A grey kitchen is perhaps not the most exciting choice, but it has its place.
And its place is in this very sleek apartment that celebrates muted tones, natural wood grain, and stylish comfort.
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
