A Modern House On A Challenging Sloped Terrain [video]

Negotiating the challenging, sloped terrain, this modern home design in Santa Maria Da Feira, Portugal, is arranged to prioritise beautiful open views and a peaceful connection with the garden. Created by architectural firm Atelier Lopes da Costa , the luxury house is focussed principally toward the south, where it embraces an outdoor swimming pool and an attached sundeck on two sides. The elbow that links the two oblique volumes of the home is a glazed corridor, which bridges the dipped, grassy garden beneath. The south/north-oriented slope of the site produces a false basement, which pockets a cosy TV lounge and covered parking spaces between the support areas.

The white rendered modern home exterior cuts crisply through the green landscape. Two large oblique volumes separate the main living areas from the private bedroom quarters, shaping a protective partial enclosure around a private terrace area.

Based on the constraints of the sloping site, the property has been designed to strengthen the connection between interior and exterior living spaces, as well as to worship the fabulous views afforded by the prime location.

The home offers a series of stunning viewpoints, which are situated to benefit from the sun and shade according to their function.

The pool design stretches away from the main living volume of the house at a perpendicular angle, which sends it soaring through the manicured green lawn. Wood decking borders the outdoor swimming pool on two sides, connecting it smoothly with staircases to the main living space and to the cosy basement TV room.

Lush plant beds cut in between the solid concrete supports beneath the house, where they cling to the rolling hillside.

A shaded balcony runs the entire length of the substantial living volume, inviting the homeowners and their guests to spill outside into the fresh air and sunshine.

Glass balustrades leave the view of the green landscape and sparkling blue swimming pool wide open. The sloping terrain sets the swimming pool at an intermediate level between the main floor and the basement. A small porthole window is cut into the base of the pool to reveal a playful glimpse of the water, and its swimmers, to the basement lounge.

The long balcony effectively creates a bridge across the garden, which joins with the glass corridor link between the two large volumes of the house.

The site’s slope was the decisive factor in the project solution. The undulating character of the land determined not only the organisation of the exterior living spaces, but their functional relationship with the interior.

Glass walls break the property open to the landscape on both sides.

Entry to the home is accessed via a gently sloping ramp on the north side.

Skylights are cut into the concrete overhang to supply built-in planters with sunlight.

Wood flooring laid on the inside of the home appears to push seamlessly beneath the glass walls to the outside of the house, where it transposes onto exterior feature walls.

Small balconies on the west side of the home face into the forest.

The glazed corridor between the two architectural volumes treads lightly through nature, emulating the uplifting feeling of stepping outside without ever passing beyond the walls.

Whilst clean white walls produce a light and airy aesthetic in the modern home exterior, rich wood flooring and bespoke wood accent furniture add warmth and timeless appeal.

Wood wall panelling and built-in storage give the home interior a streamlined appeal.

The kitchen is placed at the end of the main living volume, with the closest connection to the pool area for convenience. Gloss white kitchen units reflect the incoming stream of beautiful sunlight from the south. Instead of a backsplash, a narrow window cuts open the side of the kitchen to a thin panorama. A central kitchen island puts cooking at the heart of the space, next to a casual dining spot.

White sanitaryware smooths cleanly across dark grey tile in the bathroom, and contrasts coolly with warm wooden elements. A frameless bathroom mirror makes a simple addition above an undermount bathroom sink .

A second bathroom design follows a similar colour and materials palette, though this time sleek wet walls gleam glossy white. A small courtyard places a natural, yet private view beside the shower enclosure.

Another picture window blesses the bathroom with a blissfully tranquil forest view from the bathtub.

A raw, industrial looking base structure contradicts the perfectly pristine white render that encapsulates the main volume.

The floor plan for the false basement shows the cosy TV lounge that lies beneath the main living volume, and the location of the covered parking area.

SIte plan.

Main floor plan with kitchen, social open plan living space and private bedroom wing. The bedrooms are situated on the highest elevation of the site, where they enjoy utmost privacy and gain views over the forest that flourishes beyond and below. A secluded home office is situated at the far end of the social volume, facing westward, where it also boasts meditative views deep into the trees.

A large garden wall marks the perimeter of the property around the outdoor swimming pool and sundeck.

The swimming pool beds into the subtle slope of the terrain.

Each of the three bedroom suites have their own bathroom and a private balcony that faces the forest.

The outdoor spaces lay in the bowl of the sloped terrain, overlooked by the living room balcony.

Stucco wall treatments make textured backdrops that afford a multitude of decor styles. Their subtle inclusion provides a canvas that complements a plethora of accompanying materials, colours and furniture design, without any clash or overwhelm. These four inspirational home designs demonstrate how to use concrete stucco in modern settings for the family, young professionals, and the sophisticated homeowner. Home design number one features a water-patterned concrete living room with a cohesive play space for the little ones. Design two is where industrial concrete meets cool Scandi style. Home three dips into the realm of colour, and design number four features a smooth surrender of microcement in a refined, spacious abode.

Designer:HAO Design| Photographer:Hey!Cheese Photography

This high-rise home is located in Xiaogang, Anhui Province, China. As you approach the apartment on the third floor of the building, a prominent red door comes into sight. On the other side of it, an industrial style open plan space is encased in water-patterned concrete that makes a laconic backdrop for floating living zones.

A short, concrete room divider privately screens the front doorway from the directly adjacent lounge area. An entryway shoe bench is hidden behind it, whilst a small sideboard decorates the front face.

Behind the sofa, A set of sleek black wood grain doors slide closed to neatly cover up a child’s play area when not in use. A wooden entryway stool adds a lighter note between two black doors.

A small side table brings a moment of warm natural wood tone to the cool concrete decor scheme, which coordinates with a wood sofa frame and matching coffee table.

Mature indoor plants and tiny cactuses dot greenery around the moody grey interior.

With the sliding doors drawn back, the combined lounge space and play area form one large, connected family room.

A split level floor defines the main lounge from the kids’ play room. Concrete stucco continues around the perimeter of the kids’ space to form one cohesive decor scheme with the main lounge.

Monochrome kids’ furniture and decor accessories fashion a play space that is not unduly jarring on the eye.

At the opposite end of the living room, there is a modern dining room. Wooden Wegner style Wishbone Chairs are teamed up with a grey stone topped dining table.

A built-in bookcase provides a decorative moment of warm wood tone between the lounge and dining areas.

A linear suspension light spreads even illumination along the full length of the modern dining table .

Fluted glass doors separate the dining room from the neighbouring kitchen.

The textured glass doors slide back fully to merge the kitchen and dining room into one fluid space.

White subway tiles build a clean backsplash upon the concrete kitchen walls.

Black kitchen units provide stark contrast.

In the concrete bedroom design, a wooden platform bed warms the look. An indoor plant adds a tall plume of greenery at one edge of the bed, which balances out the height of a tripod floor lamp on the opposite side.

A full length mirror lays a slice of natural light against the dark grey concrete wall of the dressing room.

Wood effect tiles create a contrasting cosy vibe inside of the bathroom. A small bathroom mirror allows for a greater area of the tile to be enjoyed in the compact space.

Visualizer:Max Isv

This Penthouse in Moscow utilises a slightly smoother and lighter concrete stucco to fashion a brighter and airy feeling interior.

The lighter backdrop makes a pleasant companion for Scandinavian style decor accessories and furniture pieces, like this stylish Scandinavian style chair . The black accent chair is complemented by a black-framed modern shelving unit.

The unique shelving unit climbs the space between the lounge and the entryway to define the two separate areas, and to display decorative bud vases and sculpture. Wood wall panelling further differentiates the change in function.

The grey striped living room rug creates a soft island for a modern tufted sofa and a round coffee table.

A modern ceiling fan cools the open plan space.

Two large dining room pendant lights drop bold black accents above the table, which coordinate with two modern black dining chairs.

The opposite side of the dining suite is lightened up with white and wood Scandi style dining chairs.

A floating sideboard and bookcase add light adornment to the textured concrete wall.

Visualizer:binar studio

This 76 square metre home is located in Odessa, Ukraine. A small sofa adds a rich green accent into calm, warm grey microcement surroundings.

An indoor plant coordinates with the sofa colourway.

At the side of the TV wall, a small dining table is tucked away next to an alcove of built-in shelving for decorative items.

The galley kitchen features metallic base units that reflect the light and the shades of the living room.

Inside the bedroom, a contrasting colour scheme of deep umber saturates the walls.

Mother-of-pearl shimmers, swirls and pools across a vintage golden screen. Voluminous, tiered bedroom pendant lights and a large round mirror echo the rounded motif.

draw attention to two unusual hexagonal bedside tables.

A copper coloured finish clads the walls of the bathroom and the side of the tub.

A clerestory window fetches natural light into the room above a double sink bathroom vanity .

Floor plan.

Visualizer:Javier Wainstein

Finally, our fourth home design is a sophisticated abode set in smooth microcement. A plush sectional sofa makes a welcoming landing spot in the living room, along with a coordinating lounge chair. A glass coffee table reflects light from huge living room windows.

The pale cream upholstered furniture arrangement is warmly accented with a contrasting wicker chair .

The honey toned wicker chair ties in with natural wood flooring that floods through the entire living space.

In the formal dining area, a combination of wooden dining chairs and mint green counterparts construct a fresh look. The linear dining room chandelier straddles modern and classic aesthetics to fashion enduring charm.

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