Experience the serene elegance of this modern home designed by Elemental Design . Dominated by soft beige tones, the space exudes tranquility and sophistication, while earthy brown accents add warmth and depth. The dining area features a sleek black table paired with natural wood chairs and a statement pendant light. The living room showcases plush seating, a minimalist coffee table, and a stylish fireplace framed by marble. The bedroom continues the theme with a cozy brown headboard and soft beige decor. Every element is thoughtfully curated to create a harmonious, inviting atmosphere, perfect for modern living.
This creative home interior, located in Clifton, Cape Town, was imagined by the talent at ARRCC interior design & decor studio in collaboration with Karen Stanek from KS Designs . Waterside is an extraordinary concept of curves and color, which unfolds inside a nine-story apartment building on the coast. Three existing units were merged to create a two-level beachside home, an unusual configuration for apartments in the area. The large, luxurious dwelling consists of 5 bedrooms with ensuites, a private home gym, steam room, cinema room, and spa. You’ll also find a glazed, double-volume central living space, bold artwork, colorful accent furniture, and a unique modern staircase design.
The building was designed by SAOTA in 2009. ARRCC reimagined the floorplan of the 3 merged apartments and placed focus on developing a grand home entryway on the top floor and a core living space on the lower level.
The impressive dual-height living space is glazed to open up the skyscape as well as the beach vista. Sculptural metal wall art, by Louw Roets, and waves of perimeter lighting draw the eye up to linger on the lofty ceiling height.
A curvaceous staircase connects the entrance and impressive living space. The unique staircase design was inspired by mountain contours and so infuses the interior with a natural spirit. The organic lines of its pale, opaque balustrades carve out a liquid-like flow.
The solid white bannister is a tactile experience, ending in a tightly sculpted scroll.
The solid balustrade pushes the eye toward the double-story view as one descends the staircase. LED stair lights burn a warm glow along the treads and risers, creating a cozy aura. Perimeter lighting is a key design element of this home design, meandering in recesses underneath baseboards and snaking around ceilings. On the top floor, the master bedroom suite is accessed off the right of the staircase in a self-contained wing. A series of louvers allow the suite to be adjoined to the larger layout if and when required.
An LED ribbon illuminates the underside of the banister, throwing an inviting glow on the smooth wooden steps of the staircase. The wooden treads protrude beyond their risers, giving each one a lightweight, floating effect. Large format tiles clad the flanking wall of the hallway, accentuating the scale of the entryway.
There are many custom-designed furniture pieces in this home. The space underneath the modern staircase design is furnished with a unique indoor bench design that echoes the staircase construction, climbing taller at one end.
Bulky, structural columns were disguised behind smoked mirrors. Because of this reflective material choice, the ocean view is brought rippling through the interior, and the lighting scheme glows twice as bright. A comfy white sofa fits snugly between the columns, bidding friends to stay a while. Three accent tables march in front.
Behind the main living space, there is an intimate library nook, which nestles under a much lower and dramatically bronzed ceiling. Concealed lighting contributes to the treasure trove-like ambiance and guides the explorer through a hall of precious art.
A custom-designed bookshelf is inspired by seashore discoveries, thematically linking the decor with the apartments premium location. Small ornaments and a collection of decorative vases line the intriguing, backlit display shelves
The curved silhouette of the hand-chiseled bar ties in with the undulating perimeter of the home. Black and white marble countertops and a matching backsplash amplify a feeling of luxury. Three colorful bar stools give the space a playful character, setting the scene for fun. Above the home bar , the ceiling adds a sculptural essence with its curves, and harbors concealed LED light strips.
A modern sofa and two elegant armchairs form a conversational seating area, accompanied by a round coffee table and a set of small side tables to receive drinks. A black floor reading lamp provides soft lighting.
Four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms are located on the lower level, accessed by an atmospherically lit corridor. The bedrooms are configured around the periphery of the lower level to gain access to natural light.
The guest bathroom features a unique, black stone vanity unit and copper bathroom faucet. Dainty soap and lotion dispensers adorn the countertop. The homeowner’s extensive contemporary art collection can be enjoyed in the confines of the bathroom too.
Just off the grand entrance on the top floor, the master bedroom boasts a wraparound view of a private beach. The bed is directed toward the panorama. A bedroom accent chair and ottoman set make up a bedroom reading area under a mesmerizing globe pendant light.
The master bathroom has a side perspective of the ocean. An open, biofuel fireplace burns with a magical flicker when the lights are lowered for a relaxing soak in the modern freestanding bathtub . A white marble platform elevates the look.
A black marble countertop, black inset bathroom basins, and a black double vanity unit build a color-blocked focal point. Wall-mounted bathroom faucets and a pair of modern wall sconces create bright punctuations.
This secondary bathroom comes to life with texture. Travertine walls accentuate the tub and vanity area. The wall-hung wooden bathroom vanity unit features a trendy reeded front. A large bathroom mirror increases the sense of space and light in the room.
An enclosed TV room is quietened with large area rugs and plentiful scatter cushions.
A red sofa turns up the heat in the decor palette and reflects the elaborate curved outline of the ceiling. A glass coffee table holds movie night snacks in neat glass storage containers.
Throughout the home, oxidized copper and green marble hint at the hues of the seashore.
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
