Combining a raw brutalist composition with softer Indian interior touches, this fabulous home design is a dramatic blend of modern architectural principles and traditional Indian typologies. Created by talent at The Grid Architects , this unique house was designed for a small entrepreneurial family with a creative mindset. Aside from running a thriving business, the client is also a poet, while his son is a keen wildlife photographer. Built on a plot of approximately 12,000 square feet, the large property was shaped to provide a simple, functional home. A minimalist material palette of concrete, natural stone, and teakwood provides a modest interior base for ornate Indian elements and art.
Photographer:Photographix | Sebastian
With a southwest-facing plot, the brutalist house exterior had to be shaped to protect its interior from the searing sunlight and heat. An overhanging canopy was inspired by the mysterious visual of an Indian woman shading her face from the sun under the folds of a pallu or odhani.
A bold red sculpture pulls focus near the back door of the home, contrasting brightly with the green landscape. To prevent the architectural envelope from appearing too bulky and disproportionate to the main volume of the home, the protruding case was cut and staggered.
The skewed profile of the canopy gives the structure a visually light result, whilst achieving deep shade over the windows.
The sliced frontage also creates three cantilevered levels. Various sized terraces are pocketed beneath the canopy to benefit from the blissful shade, most of which feature lush greenery and flowers. The simple entryway tucks under a concrete canopy. It features a three-metre-tall door that is drawn outward and embedded in stone. The entry door welcomes guests into an impressively long passageway with living spaces arranged along the left and a waiting vestibule on the right.
The deep overhangs protect not only the fenestration from direct sunlight, but the outer walls from heat gain.
The architectural concept was finalised after studying the sun-path.
The concrete walls of the home are textured by timber, which provides added visual interest without disrupting the honesty of the material.
The property, named Beton Brut (raw concrete in French), employs the uplifting colour and freshness of plant life both inside and out. Because of the region’s predominantly arid climate, drought-friendly plants were selected for the southwest-facing terraces. These hardy specimens encourage an influx of beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds to the outer terraces too, creating wonderful biodiversity.
As we move inside of the home, we discover a magnificent double height living room . Board formed concrete continues to share textural interest here, and provides a cool grey backdrop for the warmth of rich teakwood furniture. Living spaces are focussed towards the garden to establish a consistent link with nature.
A highly decorative Jharokha makes a stunning contradiction to the simplicity of the brutalist concrete structure. The opening overlooks the large living room below, creating a close connection between two levels of the home.
The intricacy of the Jharokha design is complemented by traditional carved artwork on the opposite side of the room. Many decorative pieces in the home are reclaimed from old Havelis, mandapas, and vessels to instil an authentic Indian essence into the home.
Interior windows create more links between levels and capitalise on natural light from every direction.
The staircase design features open wooden treads to achieve a light balance with the bold concrete surroundings.
Colourful artwork and round portholes add intriguing details to the ascent.
Up on the landing area, glass balustrades allow the unique staircase design to be taken in fully without obstruction.
A courtyard grows at the base of the stairwell. The indoor plants were selected to aid in maintaining the moisture level of the interior.
Two stairwell skylights welcome in sunlight throughout the day. One, a linear slit-like opening near the wall and the other a glare-free roof lantern. Dramatic lightplay falls over the textured concrete to create a dynamic setting.
Upstairs, wildlife photography brings colour and life to the master bedroom design. The restrained material palette of concrete, sandstone, Kota stone, and teakwood continues in the bedroom spaces to secure a calmly cohesive interior aesthetic throughout.
A teak platform bed features a floating headboard design that leaves the floor space looking clear and uncluttered. High-shine Kota stone floor tiles reflect the furniture outlines, creating a dreamy, watery effect. Pretty planting welcomes the homeowner outside onto the shaded terrace.
Striking planters , a comfortable lounge chair and a small side table fashion an inviting reading area.
On the ground floor and site plan, we see how trees have been positioned strategically around the property so that when they flourish, they will protect the house from the southwesterly heat.
The garden is situated to the west.
Once the floor plan was finalised, it was important to ensure that sunlight coming in from the southwest was controlled to shelter the home from harsh climatic conditions.
Car parking is arranged in the cool confines of an underground garage.
The architectural form creates a duality of light and shadow, which also enhances the board formed texture of the concrete.
The home design communicates a great sense of space that brings the family together without jeopardising individuality.
Areas of congregation are interspersed with places of solitude to provide a sense of freedom and luxury.
Despite its assertive geometric forms and powerful monolithic appearance, the home contains an emotive heart.
Sunlight and refreshing connections with Mother Nature make these modern dining rooms into irresistibly inviting spaces in which to gather, break bread and linger for a good while longer. In this varied collection of 51 dining rooms that connect with light and nature, we’ll take a look at botanical dining spaces that are filled with living greenery, dining rooms with linked courtyard designs, glass walls that break open indoor eating spaces to lush gardens and poolside terraces, plus outdoor dining rooms for an authentic al fresco experience. We’ll cover many different aesthetics too, from boho and rustic to modern and industrial style, plus global inspiration from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Mexico, and Brazil.
Designer:aslam.sham Architects
Stack it. Double-banked windows pull the sky into this modern dining room interior, where the rich wood tone of a stunning live edge dining table is complemented by walls of exposed red brickwork. A grey concrete floor cools the combo.
Designer:Herbst Architects
Paint a picture. Fully retractable doors turn this dining room’s garden view into a perfectly framed picture. Slatted panels cross a clerestory window to filter warm sunbeams upon a long wooden dining table. The light play and natural wood tone is complemented by a cluster of wicker dining room pendants above and the modern dining chairs below.
Architect:W O V E N Architecture and Design
Bridges to nature. A wooden ceiling treatment seamlessly bonds this airy dining space with a terrace and lake panorama.
Designer:Herbst Architects
Multifaceted connections. Dual aspect windows and roofline windows crack open this large and light-filled dining space to different views of the garden and skyscrape. Glass walls retract to allow a through-breeze to flow freely, bringing with it the sounds and scents of the environment.
Designer:Field Architecture
Blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. A concrete floor communicates both interior and exterior aesthetics, whilst a built-in barbeque grill provides al fresco flavours. The woodland landscape rushes right up alongside, creating a tangible vista.
Designer:John Ellway
Draw nature’s influence inside. Trailing plants trickle outside the tall windows of this dining space and some are nurtured inside of the home to obscure the border.
Designer:WARchitect
A nature sandwich. With open views of the environment on one side of the house, constructing an internal courtyard will sandwich your dining space between enriching natural scenery. More images of this home here .
Designer:Full Scale Studio
This double-sided, nature kissed dining space features a majestic tree that pushes up through a centrally situated courtyard. This courtyard design also gives the dining room a solid connection with the rest of the home.
Designer:Nikita Riasov
Dramatically draped. This sophisticated dining spot features a wide woodland view that’s flanked in heavy, dramatic drapes. A bold linear suspension light adds to the framed effect.
Designer:Wallflower Architecture + Design
Take it to the water’s edge. If you don’t live by a lake, then create the waterside experience for yourself with a wraparound pool design. The water will make magical light reflections of walls, ceiling and floors.
Designer:ENDALT Arquitectes
Is there anything more perfect than having a fruit-bearing tree outside of a dining room? This lemon tree leans lushly toward the dining room doors, offering a fresh squeeze of citrus for salads and liquid refreshments.
Designer:Assembledge+
It’s the chairs that bring a zesty lemon vibe to this enviable dining room setup. The brightly coloured upholstered dining chairs make cheerful companions for surrounding green views.
Designer:CHX Arquitetos
Sheltered and shaded. Outdoor eating areas have a special draw, bringing us closest to nature when we’re caring for ourselves in the most natural way. Adding a shelter over top means that we can continue the experience even in light rain showers or searing sunlight.
Designer:Stu/D/O Architects
Another sheltered outdoor dining area, this time with a landscaped border to bring nature right to the fingertips.
Designer:Wallflower Architecture + Design
You can also add a ceiling fan to tightly walled-in terraces to stir up a much-needed breeze. The white dining table and chairs on darker wood flooring truly stand out against the natural backdrop.
Designer:Una Arquitetos
Enjoy gardens to the fullest with frameless corner windows. The expanse of wraparound glass achieves an uninterrupted connection with the garden–without having to contend with the weather or the bugs. The dining table and chairs emanate a mid-century vibe.
Visualizer:July Astankevich
Spectacular subtractions. The presence of this staircase design is minimised with a single stringer and glass balustrades that allow the garden panorama to push through. The double-height void of this spectacular dining room is a shapely circular cutaway in white stucco that smoothly reflects the light.
Designer:Kaizen Archi
In this Vietnamese villa , the white ceiling space above the dining room is further emphasised by a contrasting dark wood clad counterpart above a cosy lounge area.
Designer:Encasa Archstudio
Clerestory cutaways highlight the pitched roof shape of this luxurious, tropical Kerala house .
Designer:O2 Design Atelier
Curate a complementary materials palette. Natural wood cabinets, bookshelves, wooden dining chairs and side tables branch off from a beautiful live edge wooden dining table here. Elegant indoor trees and Asian artwork instil a sense of zen.
Designer:Studio Saxe
Wood ceilings and wicker pendant lights make a harmonious match in tone and texture. This impressive, pitched ceiling opens wide to accommodate a compilation of five assorted pendant shades along the length of the modern dining table .
Designer:Spacefiction Studio
Inspired by nature’s palette, this modern grey dining set draws influence from the grey tree bark just outside of edge-to-edge windows.
Designer:Anderman Architects| Visualizer:Ronen Bekerman
Not an inch wasted, these custom-made windows are full stretch of a high-ceilinged dining space that receives a flood of natural light throughout the day and the changing seasons.
Designer:Paola Ribeiro Arquitetura e Interiores
Trees and shrub-filled tubs become the stars of the show in this unique home. See more inspiration from Brazillian houses centred around trees .
Visualizer:Shadi Saaed
Mimic the landscape. An undulating roofline mimics the sloping silhouette of trees. Rustic bowls and decorative trays echo nature’s freeform beauty.
Designer:Hyla Architects
Pleasant pond views. The wide window sill in this minimalist dining room design also serves as a window seat. Here, the home owner can take a moment to rest or have a quick sandwich at the very edge of a raised pond. The raised position of the water feature also puts it at prime viewing height from the dining table.
Designer:Binomio Taller
Turn up the colour contrast. When decorating with botanical themed decor elements or natural greenery, hot red and orange accents make a perfect punchy colour contrast.
Designer:Sebastian Mariscal| Via:Dwell
TImber and smoke. With swathes of wonderful wood tone, it’s possible for the look to become a little boxy. Set the look on fire with smoky grey and charred black elements to create zoning and striking definition.
Designer:Pérez Palacios arquitectos Asociados
Beautiful inside and out. This wood slatted ceiling makes a fitting companion for the outdoor upper fencing.
Architect:Jasmin Kodzha| Visualizer:Amin Elay
Make room for nature. This large living room is split down the middle with a glass interlude that accommodates a native tree.
Architect:A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons| Designer:Ryan Leidner
Dull dining spaces can be brought to life with a well-placed skylight .
Designer:Architecture for London
A round skylight imitates the sun.
Designer:Buttrick Projects Architecture+Design
You don’t have to choose between panoramic views and wall space for art. A slimline letterbox window gives you the best of both worlds.
Designer:Inly Studio
Slatted shutters gently diffuse the sunlight in this zen home in Thailand .
Designer:Edition Office
Exposed brick walls translate the outdoor essence into interior spaces.
Architect:Escritório C4 Arquitetos| Designer:Cacau Ribeiro Interiores
Stone walls bring deeply textured rustic and boho vibes .
Designer:Evolving Radical Aesthetics
Sounds of nature increase serene ambience. Think fountains and bubbling fish ponds, like the one in this fabulous modern Indian house .
Visualizer:Azago
Use garden views as a stunning canvas to build upon, as in the unique staircase design of this open plan dining space. The curved treads create playful moments of light and shade over the dining set and beyond.
Designer:Bent Architecture
Take your dining area to the lightest part of the house with the best garden view, even if that’s by the front entrance.
Designer:Melissa Miranda Interior Design
Of course, you don’t have to own a garden when you have a plethora of flourishing indoor plants .
Designer:Paul Rudolph
Don’t stop at just a few pots when you can go all out. Plain whites and glass dining table and chairs help focus all attention on the greenery.
Designer:CBD Architects
If you only have a small yard, then consider nurturing a vertical garden wall to grow yourself a lush green dining room view.
Designer:DZINE Concept
In an upstairs apartment, take it to the treetops.
Visualizer:P&M Studio
This dining banquette will be the prized seat of the house, dinner time or not.
Designer:Di Frenna Arquitectos
Stepping out. Adding staircases through the brush allows you to plant an outdoor dining room on sloped terrain without having to build up the foundation. More images here .
Designer:Srijit Srinivas
Instead of having a clutter of indoor planters, carve out one neat channel in the floor.
Designer:HGAA
Even the narrowest garden border can contribute to an effective wraparound result.
Designer:AE Arquitectos
The interior of this modern Mexican house makes deep chocolate brown contrast with the fresh green environment.
Visualizer:TABARQ
Seaside dreams. The ethereal white stucco that surrounds this light dining room design adds to the dreamy effect of its mesmerising seascape.
Visualizer:Alejandro Borrego
Sweet symmetry and natural materials achieve peaceful balance in this luxury Indonesian villa .
Visualizer:Berrow Projects
A boho spirited interior and a luxurious pool terrace are linked together via wide patio doors in this pretty villa design. A stone feature wall drops in an outdoor essence that complements the invigorating flower-filled vista. The circular chandelier stays true to the theme.
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
