There is perhaps no area quite as closely associated with the mid-century modern movement as Palm Springs. It is no mistake that the most recent iteration of mid-century appreciation - the highly popular and widely acclaimed series Mad Men - set an iconic episode in the desert oasis of a town. The house featured in this post, known as the Leff/Florsheim house, has been restored to its original low profile, modern bones with updated fixtures and careful, ideal staging.
The house is built in the recognizable and luxuriously simple post and beam style with exposed Douglas fir throughout both interior and exterior spaces. Around the perimeter of the home, overhangs in this same beautiful wood provide shade for the sunny sides of the structure, keeping the essential outdoor entertaining spaces cool even during the brutal summers. After all, it is those sweaty, dry summers that draw people to Palm Springs in the first place, is it not?
A sparkling blue pool (another Palm Springs necessity) takes over the backyard area of the home with an expansive deck for lounging, dining, and ideally tossing back a cool martini or four. It would be the perfect place to invite your guests if your guest was Frank Sinatra in shorts.
While the table may seem like an especially contemporary touch, that transparent Lucite look was a popular choice for the most daring mid century modern coffee tables . This design offers a fresh spin on a classic.
Despite the renovations, the terrazzo flooring was kept and polished to a reflective shine for the ultimate in clean lines. Overall this iconic house is still stunning and feels no so much out of place or anachronistic as truly timeless.
The home also celebrates the privacy of the desert community with tall hedges fencing in the yard and those shady overhangs preventing too much exposure. The result is the feeling of being in an actual oasis or an island, looking out onto the nearby mountains as well as the surrounding palms.
Whether you want to luxuriate in a late evening gabfest or enjoy a book in the quiet of a Sunday afternoon, the living room is the place to do it. Plenty of sunlight, lots of seating, ad a bit of warm and welcoming color are all essential elements to living room design. Take a peek at these sweet spaces and imagine how you would relax.
Designer:Blank Canvas
A living room does not have to be huge to be stylish and comfortable. Lining the windows with benches saves on floorspace in this sweet, Scandinavian-inspired space. The black and white rug adds a statement.
Visualizer:Real World Studio
The warm tones of the wood paneled accent wall play nicely with the fuchsia armchair in this high rise living room.
Designer:Unique 8 Design Studio
Sometimes the high rise is in the living room itself. Vaulted ceilings give a lot to work with in this luxury home.
Architect:Marin Lalov| Designer:Marin Lalov
Nothing quite like Tiffany blue like in those throws and accent chair to take a sleek minimal design and give it a special pop of feminine luxury.
Visualizer:Panoptikon
On the other end of the color spectrum is black accented by grey. This aesthetic living room might be at home in a lair as much as a house.
Visualizer:L + E Architect
This townhall in Belarus features wood ceilings and contrasting plush sofas.
Visualizer:4th Studio
For a sleeker option, these ceiling beams are not so rustic, but still give the warmth of exposed wood.
Visualizer:Andriushchenko Alina
Don’t ever cover up a view like this. Floor to ceiling windows make it hard to focus on any other elements in this living room.
Visualizer:747 Studios
Book lovers rejoice! With shelving that climbs up two stories, this living room has ample space to build a robust personal library. Bright blocks of color bring pop art to mind, effortlessly tying in with the yellow mid century modern sofa styling.
Visualizer:Om Design
Folding glass doors open up onto the beach in this luxury vacation home with simple, clean lines.
Visualizer:Hieu Doan
A leather sling chair and marbled wall treatment lend a sense of luxury to this handsome living room. Retro influence can be found throughout - like the hairpin legs popular with mid century modern coffee table design.
Visualizer:Okami A+D
Another option for bibliophiles with books piled so high they need their own ladder in this living room that’s enclosed by glass and trees. The molded plywood lounge chairs bring in bliss!
Visualizer:Emotion School
Delicate dangling light fixtures give this loft-style living room some extra style.
Visualizer:Rothko Images
In an open floor plan home, the living room becomes even more central. A simple sofa and coffee table setup is enough to distinguish the area here.
Visualizer:Jakub Cech
In another space with vaulted ceilings, lush leather sofas and walnut armchairs create a timeless retreat.
Visualizer:Eduard Caliman
It’s not hard to imagine a long night of chatting in this living room with a central fireplace as well as plenty of windows.
Visualizer:Eduard Caliman
This spacious living room uses a neutral color palette and the result looks luxurious and soft.
Visualizer:Plus Form
Dark wood paneling and an overstuffed sofa contrast with one another in this living room that could easily double as a study or meeting area.
Visualizer:Jose Avila Uribe
Colorful area rugs and accent pillows give this bright white living room a bit of playfulness.
Visualizer:Luca Garau
This ultra simple living room could easily be a waiting for an especially stylish doctor.
Visualizer:Peak Studio
Grey, wood, and cream colors are modern and minimal in this living room. The glowing angular floor lamp adds in some extra warmth.
Visualizer:爱 设计
A soft pink chandelier acts as a focal point in this fairytale inspired living room.
Visualizer:Iryna Dzhemesiuk
Warm brown tones and black have a jungle air in this small living room.
Visualizer:Eugenia Anisimova
Creative lighting and wall are make this two-story living room particularly urban.
Visualizer:Mockup
White is anything but boring in this minimalist living room. Rounded double coffee tables break away from the otherwise boxy decor.
Visualizer:Mockup
The final space in this living room roundup is definitely artist inspired with its warm industrial loft style. Everything just ties together so well. From the nesting coffee tables to the pattern in the rug.
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
