Located on a quiet street that is parallel to a busy boulevard in Alsancak, one of the most densely populated neighborhoods of Izmir, Turkey, stands an unusual interior conversion. Originally the brief called for the ground and upper floor of this building (which is part of a five story block of flats) to be made into a dedicated photo studio only. During the course of the design process, the client and architect teams Zaas , and Yerce , reimagined the space and agreed that this could go beyond being just a studio. The end result is a unique place that encompasses a home, a professional photo studio, and a public art gallery.
Located right at the back of the first floor, there lies a private living area. A ceiling tv mount allows a flat screen television to be suspended in front of the window glass, which has a view out onto the quiet street.
A double workspace also resides inside the living room, with the desk pushed up against an internal glass wall, looking out. A trio of floating wall shelves hold some books and pictures.
An unusual feature wall lines the opposite side of the living room, behind a run of white base units. Ambient lighting glows from behind the cabinets to illuminate the installation.
The residential first floor is reached via a floating staircase design from the photographic studio and gallery space. Each step is a metal 3D parallelogram frame, mounted individually to the studio wall to form the ascent to the mezzanine platform. The modern handrail design is lit by LED strip lights.
Just beneath the lip of the mezzanine, a guest reception desk is situated by a small storage wall with a bright yellow niche. A black accent chair rocks in the centre of the studio space on the ground floor, offering a spot to relax between photo shoots.
A small side table , beside the black and wood lounge chair , provides a spot to put down a mug of coffee during work breaks - or even to burn a relaxing candle on. The chair and its partner are positioned toward the view of the peaceful street, seen through huge black framed glass doors.
A grey gallery wall jags around the opposite side of the studio to the staircase. Perimeter lighting beams along its upper and lower edge. A work table is set up behind the guest reception desk, in front of a kitchenette and the door to the gallery’s bathroom.
Just beyond the landing at the top of the floating staircase, there is a relaxation area with a flickering modern fireplace and two comfortable contemporary armchairs. At design stage, the question was raised as to how a simple department could be transformed into a multifunctional area where different functions and settings for life could coexist. Solutions were sought to establish permeability within these functions, to create free flow between use and life.
The first floor landing joins with industrial style platform, which is a walkway to a home library area. Because one of the main objectives of the remodel was to maximise creative space for a photo studio, the mezzanine and first floor are designed to serve as extra space for photographic shoots if desired. The functions of working, living, exhibiting all intertwined under the roof of a photographic studio come together to fashion a ‘loft’ kind of lifestyle.
A chunky stone hearth underlines the modern fireplace in the relaxation area. The hearth is dressed with a grouping of clear decorative vases that catch the light from the flames.
Moving past the fireplace, large windows line the wall of a kitchen dining area, in which an island that combines both cooking and dining functions is centric.
A shining chrome cooker hood crowns the kitchen island with dining extension. A stainless steel sink is located in the middle of the island’s wooden worktop.
Sliding doors open the kitchen up to a terrace, which runs the length of the kitchen diner and relaxation space.
A jungle of plants line the long terrace.
Just off the mezzanine, a modern home office setup resides in its own private room.
The private bathroom is accessed via the bedroom.
Guest cloakroom facilities, on the gallery floor, have an edgy industrial vibe.
Bifold glass doors open up the entire front of the building. Visitors of busy exhibition openings can overflow out to the street foyer, on a wide sidewalk that belongs to the city and the department.
When an exhibition can flow freely between interior space and the street, potential visitors of the exhibition may pass by and peruse without filter. The area becomes a social platform where people can mingle in the comfort of the open air street, instead of being boxed inside the covered gallery.
The clever design configuration has resulted in the ultimate balance between separation and mingling of functions. The result is a fun space that can be open to the public, yet still offer the necessary privacy where it is needed.
Perspective drawing of the ground floor gallery space and first floor home interior. This section does not include the first floor private home office, which would be found just off the side of the mezzanine.
Front elevation showing bifold glass doors that open onto the public street foyer.
Ground floor plan.
First floor plan (complete with private office).
We are taking a look at a collection of four modern decor schemes today, which are each built upon a clean and crisp white base. Our first tour takes us around a monochrome setting that is given lift by a small sprinkling of elegant gold accessories. The second stop we make is in a fresh apartment that is dashed with zesty lime green features. The third home on the list is a design that has been inspired by the beauty of nature and all natural tones. Finally we take a walk through a home that is defined by dark hued accent pieces in teal, red, and rich shades of brown.
Designer:LOFT Magdalena Adamus
A metal coffee table set introduces small slivers of gold into our first white based home decor scheme; the black and white pair also create contrast in the centre of the space. At the side of the open plan living room, two custom fit wooden cabinets bring warm rich tone to the alcoves on either side of a white chimney breast.
There is a modern sofa on each side of the lounge, facing each other in a conversational arrangement. Scatter cushions bring texture to the designer duo.
The white coffee table has a marble top that adds to the air of luxury in the room.
A linear suspension lamp hangs in the white dining room above a simple table design. Light grey comfortable dining chairs with arms gather around the rectangular table. A modern dresser provides a dark backdrop to the scene.
A white galley kitchen runs the width of the living room. Branches in glass vases decorate a crisp white cooking peninsula. A glass door, which leads out to a terrace, fills the modern kitchen with bright natural light that bounces off the glossy white cabinet fronts.
Sheer grey drapes draw across the glass doors by the lounge space.
The same curtain style is repeated inside the master bedroom. A cool monochrome striped pouf sits by the window along with a couple of decorative items. Black and gold accent cushions line up along the headboard.
Black bathroom vanity lighting descends over a white linear vanity unit. Stone tiles provide a textured backdrop.
Designer:Z River Studio| Visualizer:Z River Studio
Next up, this 48 square metre soft white interior holds a surprising accent colour…
… Lime green accents liven up this blank canvas, like these acidic kitchen cabinet doors. A white dining area sits by the green and white kitchen, featuring a chunky column dining table and a Drop chair duo.
A white swing arm wall lamp provides illumination over the round dining table.
More Drop chairs appear at double workspaces situated just outside of the master bedroom.
A pocket door can be pulled shut between the home office and the bedroom when required.
There is a cosy reading nook by a window, made up by a small wooden table, a neat black floor reading lamp , and a white accent chair . See more comfortable reading chairs here.
The white bedroom is furnished with built-in closets and wall cupboards–and a child’s bed as well as the double. The kid’s bed is situated in a nook with a curtain available to pull across at nap time.
When the double bed is not in use, it can be folded away into the closet niche to make more space for play.
One white kid’s chair sits by the junior daybed.
A slice of lime green adds interest to a white bathroom.
Single bed floor plan, featuring Murphy bed and cosleeping arrangement.
Visualizer:Mariia Borysova
Our third tour takes place in a home filled with indoor plants , botanical art and natural tones.
Cut logs add to the natural decor elements in the home, stacked tall to fuel a modern log burning fire.
The dining pendant light design complements the organic leaf silhouettes that fill the home. White dining chairs gather around a beautiful timber dining table.
The kitchen runs alongside the white dining room , in sleek white units.
A modern staircase design runs straight off the airy open plan room.
A white chimney cooker hood hangs quietly over the kitchen peninsula. An integrated wine cooler is tucked into the end of the cabinet run.
The minimalist kitchen almost disappears in the white room scheme.
Wooden accents pepper the white built-in storage solutions.
Visualizer:Mohamed Mousa
Our fourth tour is a 135 square metre home that has a collection of white based rooms with deep coloured accent pieces, like the teal seating in this minimalist living room .
A striped rug provides interest in the simple arrangement.
Wall art makes a splash of colour in this lounge area in the dining room.
Black dining room pendant lights match with a black dining table and chairs.
The L-shaped kitchen features dark chocolate brown cabinets, topped with white linear wall tiles.
The wall tiles continue all the way up to the ceiling.
A floating shelf underlines a white framed mirror at the end of an all white hallway.
Bold red closets make a surprising addition to white bedroom decor.
A red dressing table and drawers match the closets. A black modern wall sconce accessorises each side of the white bed.
The second minimalist bedroom is calmer in colour.
Shades of taupe contrast with the white backdrop in here; pale taupe curtains pool at the window and a darker shade colours the upholstery on the platform bed .
The minimalist bathroom is a monochrome affair.
Two bed floor plan.
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
