Vivid colors are an easy way to make an unforgettable impression within any interior. But using bold color schemes within a small space is a little more difficult – too much can overwhelm the eye and too little can make the theme look incidental. Add the extra challenge of coordinating bright accent colors across an open layout home and the project starts to require a sharp eye and a strong sense of creativity. This post examines three ultra-colorful small apartments that fit these requirements and more! If you’re looking for neon color theme inspiration for your compact spaces, these homes are filled with ideas.
Visualizer:Alena Fokina
Compact, colorful, and comfortable! Interior designer Alena Fokina conceptualized this small 28 square meter apartment to suit the needs of a sophisticated young woman with energetic tastes. Here, the home tour begins with the cozy modular sofa set, easy to arrange to accommodate a variety of situations ranging from reading to watching movies or entertaining guests. Its vivid colors contribute to a playfully creative atmosphere that reflects an active lifestyle and a strong imagination.
The open layout is the result of a renovation to make the home more spacious yet each functional area still feels neatly self-contained. Each zone uses a base color of relaxing dove gray, with individual focal points highlighted with bright bursts of purple and lime green.
Each divider is useful and versatile. The purple volume is a kitchen countertop with cabinets in each side, and the wall between the kitchen and the bedroom serves as storage for clothes and features a handy bookshelf facing toward the social spaces.
The kitchen makes a bold first impression with its distinctively colorful cabinetry in glossy purple, but the details are very cool too. Grayscale tiles in a wide variety of patterns help soften the transition from smooth white cabinetry to unfinished concrete walls.
Inside of the compact kitchen area, white surfaces rule the day. Solid islands like this one can block the precious natural light in small apartments, but these white panels preserve whatever brightness they possibly can. Handle-free cabinetry keeps things uncomplicated.
Darker wall panels create a cozy cocoon for the bed area, while the accent wall brightens the space back up. Just look at that shade of brilliant neon chartreuse! That plush headboard seems like a great place to cuddle up with a book or catch up with some texting before bed.
Also taking advantage of a darker palette, the compact office provides a relaxing and distraction-free zone for work or study. Its position looks out toward the living room and enjoys a slice of the window’s landscape view.
Check out the neat storage options! Clothing hangs from a matte black pipe, and the office makes spectacular use of a pegboard for organizing office supplies. The pegboard might make a fun DIY option for skilled crafters.
Mirrors, tiles, and lime green panels ensure that even the smallest spaces can express their own huge personalities. This hallway features a pouf so the resident can more easily slip into some house shoes upon entering.
Black and white tile sets a neutral tone for the bathroom, perked up by the addition of the neon green vanity.
Small prints add some character to the far wall, taking advantage of their larger frames to make a bolder impression.
Folding glass doors lead to the shower. Check out those amazing green tiles! They’re small and textural and almost seem to sparkle in the light.
Visualizer:Irina Ovsyannikov
Most surfaces are themed around a calming dove gray palette, dotted with bright splashes of lemon yellow and neon lime green. Cerulean blue details complete the triad and give the energetic color combination a hint of tropical flavor.
Yet playful colors aren’t the only trend on display here - hexagonal floor tiles and cool faceted pendant lamps offer a light interpretation of the exceptionally popular geometric design theme.
Decorations remain minimalistic and natural, like these gorgeous DIY candleholders and the light organic tables beneath them.
The raised bed offers a wealth of small space design ideas. Steps with convenient integrated storage lead to the bed platform, and cheerfully repurposed cabinet doors double up as a mirror. A privacy curtain easily shields the residents for privacy.
Don’t you think this kitchen has a little bit of relaxed Scandinavian appeal? Light neutral colors, curved edges, and clean angular forms combine to create a bright theme that remains easy on the eyes.
Here’s a mid-century dining combination that can’t go wrong! Classic eiffel-base Eames chairs pair so perfectly with the Guéridon Table by Jean Prouvé thanks to the matching wood and hardware.
A handy built-in bookshelf to the left offers convenient space to store books and decorations.
Beautiful! Bucking the trend of minimalistic cabinet faces, these closet doors feature spectacularly intricate boiserie.
The other door boasts decorative pinstripes. And check out those cool hand-shaped hooks on the wall, a great way to transform ordinary pendant lamps into wall lighting.
Definitely an interesting color theme, especially for a bathroom – this space contrasts a retro pistachio green with bright fire engine red.
Glossy surfaces and metal-framed glass maintain a cleaner and more streamlined aesthetic on the other side of the bathroom.
Its compact layout is quite inspiring as well! Here, there’s plenty of room for storage as well as all the necessities for washing up.
Red wall-mounted task lamps reinforce the retro appeal and turn the entire mirror area into a focal point that helps lead the eye away from the more utilitarian features below the countertop.
Is there a color more universally associated with happiness than yellow? It can represent energy, excitement, and strength too – but as far as cheerful accent colors go, yellow is possibly the strongest candidate out there. This post looks at two homes with otherwise neutral palettes effectively brightened by small yellow accents . The first home enjoys a creative and artistic style with vivid lemon yellow accessories and architectural details. The second home shows off a minimalist all-white interior with a single pale yellow focal point that transforms the entire atmosphere.
Visualizer:Olya Berkova
First, let’s take a tour through an apartment in Minsk. Olya Berkova visualized this interior style for a young family with an active lifestyle and that intense energy reflects through every detail. Its neutral palette utilizes the blue side of the grayscale spectrum, using its natural contrast value to make the exciting yellow accents stand out even more. It’s filled with artwork and fabulous geometric patterns, soft furniture and sharp decoration.
The artwork is edgy and fun, sometimes monochromatic and sometimes bright yellow.
It’s also incredibly current on a number of trends, taking the vertical wood niche to the next level by stretching it from floor to ceiling and including a warm faux fireplace beneath the television. The poufs and nesting tables are always in style.
Brighter yellows emphasize functional focal points, like the sofa and the television housing. Lighter yellows make up the primary accents such as the pale tones used on the rugs and curtains.
Throughout the home, you’ll notice creative fixtures from the prolific lighting company XAL. Featured here are long panels from the MINIMAL LED line.
A sturdy barn-inspired sliding door makes it easy to conceal the office.
Very cute! This spacious closet uses bold blocks of color for a bold effect – rather than trying to make the storage blend in like so many minimalistic homes, this one uses its utilitarian features for artistic expression.
You don’t need to paint a wall to participate in the chalkboard wall trend. This chalkboard is made from a simple painted board or canvas, easy to recreate at home.
In close proximity, the kitchen and dining spaces remain distinctly divided by the transition of flooring materials and a bright yellow border that outlines the table area. The two spaces do share some elements, like the bookshelf that could be used to store items intended for use in either area.
Small prints of typography, architectural drawings, abstract art, and symbols make an interesting focal point above the cozy corner bench.
A small herb garden brightens the windowsill. Subtle marble countertops draw a sharp contrast against the matte black cabinet faces below, making the marble look even more radiant in the sunlight.
Another smart source of contrast comes from the square overhead cabinets and the cylindrical stove hood.
Glass doors maintain an open line of sight between the dining and living spaces while adding a sound barrier to use when needed.
Wood and stone give the compact bathroom an outdoorsy vibe updated with contemporary fixtures and minimalistic hardware. Its organic theme stands apart from the pop art vibe throughout the rest of the home.
It’s simple, spare, and stylish.
Angular elements ensure the bathroom retains its streamlined aesthetic. Circular features like the vessel sink and the creative mirror arrangement contribute to its lighthearted appeal.
Visualizer:Alain Ponkratova
This next apartment concept was visualized by Alain Ponkratova for a young man with smart tastes. Exposed brick and light wood floors set a comfortable scene, its monochromatic interior brightened by the presence of a delightful lemon yellow sofa. The only color comes from this single sofa and a few vibrant stacks of books but these expertly applied details make all the difference. Fine art and sculptural accessories accentuate certain focal points where needed.
Fun patterns keep things exciting, from the bold prints on the pillows and rug to the subtle shape of the ceramics. Stylish nesting tables ensure the space retains its fresh and open feeling with streamlined legs for a lighter look.
Of course, it’s hard to have a home this sharp without some extra space for storage. These cabinets are sleek and simple with a single wooden panel to spice things up.
The circular wine holder makes a nice display piece. Decor that serves a purpose is a welcome addition to any table.
A bookshelf beneath the television shares some of the living room’s decor with the dining room, while creating an implied division between the two areas.
Another implied boundary comes from the transition from the living room rug to the stripe of wood flooring for the dining space and finally geometric white tiles in the kitchen.
Much like how the living room featured a bold stripe of black, the kitchen also makes a striking impression with its row of black cabinet faces that frame the workspace so well.
Glossy white cabinets, a glass range hood, and wooden backsplash perfectly follow the apartment’s material theme.
The chairs, of course, are a mid-century design by Charles and Ray Eames.
From this angle, it’s easy to see that the home doesn’t have a sprawling floorplan. Yet it pulls off a spacious aesthetic through simplicity and carefully tailored design.
Here’s a peek at the entryway – it’s incredibly bright and minimalistic, offering a dramatic and refreshing first impression to visitors.
As spectacular of an effect the bright yellow sofa created in the living room, the subtle yellow tones of the white wine seem to offer a fitting parting view.
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
