Most people will never be lucky enough to live in a house that is as inspired, unique, and luxurious as the one featured in this post. But looking inside this stunning space, located right on the Pacific on Highway 1, is an inspiration nonetheless. Designed by Wallace Cunningham at Wallace Cunningham, Inc. for creator Joan Murray, this architectural achievement is breathtaking. From the curved facade to the unparalleled views of the ocean, from glass walls to perfectly perched outdoor space, this home is a true retreat from reality. Let’s step inside and get the full view.
The 2667 square foot (247 square meter) home sits atop a cliff in Carmel, in central California.
The unique exterior takes inspiration for its curves from the aerodynamic beauty of a butterfly.
Although the home itself is breathaking, its design is built around an appreciation for the surrounding natural beauty, including the tempestuous ocean, cypress trees, and sunsets.
Of course, the interior is certainly not an afterthought. Carefully chosen elements like this Wassily Chair , designed by Marcel Breuer, and other modern classic chairs add another layer of luxury to the home.
It is no surprise that the name of this particular home is “Serenity.” Ocean views as well tiny succulents tucked into concrete planters and even an architecturally unique coffee table make for a calming and nearly zen experience.
The use of glass, from floor to ceiling and wall to wall, indicates a total obsession with and appreciation of the Carmel coastline, which is known worldwide for its beauty.
In the simple bedroom, an Eames Lounge Chair acts as a comfortable reading chair while a unique floor lamp casts a warm glow on the reading nook.
Even the bathroom, with its beautiful soaking tub, gives the bather a spectacular view.
The three-bedroom house has three bathrooms and one half bath, making it ideal for a small family or a couple who wants to entertain (and show off their spectacular investment).
The home took more than a decade to plan and complete, but the finished product was most certainly worth the wait for the architect and for Ms. Murray.
The curved steel that looks so elegant on the exterior also has a unique effect on the interior spaces, making for interesting corridors and seating areas.
Simple landscaping does not detract from the surrounding nature, which again is the main draw of the home.
Unique staircase designs like this one are necessary when dealing with a house that is a far cry from your typical multilevel design.
Int he kitchen, natural wood cabinetry is kept low to the ground so that nothing obstructs the sunlight and view.
Preparing breakfast must be quite a chose when the ocean beckons as it does in Serenity.
There’s a type of kitchen design that’s bold, daring, different. It matches Scandinavian exposed brick walls, and complements black-tiled surfaces, feature walls and white-washed wooden panels. What are we talking about? Open kitchen shelving, of course! Our top forty picks show how the right shelving design can create an inspirational kitchen interior. Add art to your shelving, by striping mustard over the top. Go geometric, with an acrylic C framing roughshod wood. Go for the look of a New York eatery, with elongated shelves propping up white tiles and hanging saucepans. Forgo full cupboards in your kitchen, with these forty professional looks.
Visualizer:Vu Tan
Evoke a feeling of zen with your open shelving. Two light wooden panels upon a natural floor hold a variety of lengths of shelving. Easily moved by replacing shelf holders in different drilled holes, they hold a range of ornamentation – not your simple pots and pans. Stencilling in a kitchen clock , industrial-style lighting diamonds and stool legs mimic their lines.
Visualizer:Svoya Studio
Don’t have enough space for an ornamental wall? Get out your crockery instead. This white and wooden block kitchen offers rows of plates and cups in white and transparent glass. An upside-down table adds another layer of shelving – and an element of surprise.
Visualizer:Deer Design
This compact kitchen only shows its feature pieces. As wood and chrome create a modern surround, pops of colour in spice jars, herbal teas and 18 bottles of matching red create a space of interest. A unique faucet in wood and potted African violet add finishing touches.
Source:Leicht Kitchens
Feel your kitchen is much too white? Stripe marmalade orange down its middle, like this quirky kitchen. Showcasing artwork and crockery in white and yellow, non-matching necessities are banished to the right.
Architect:i29 Architects
Sometimes shelving isn’t the main feature. This white acrylic C makes shapes while cooking, holding white plates and glasses below. A plywood wall behind makes an ideal rack for spices.
Designer:Elizabeth Roberts
Use your open shelving to introduce a new surface. This white, charcoal and chrome kitchen links to the corridor behind in wood. Extra ledges hold dinner centrepieces and rustic shot glasses.
Visualizer:Nickolay Morhunov
Open shelving can act as a frame. Painted olive green with a marble splashback, two cases of open shelving subtly fill the space. Gleams of chrome in kitchen knives and a standing oven offer shine.
Source:Minacciolo
Open shelves instantly update a classic country kitchen. This blue beauty excels with clean white plates, teapots and cups adorning its panels. A few beige benches and sprigs of green help tie the palette in.
Source:Alice Lane Home
There’s no need for shelving to disturb your décor. Framed in wood and finished with rough plaster, rows of thick white benching stand out only when they want to. Double green beer bottles shout out top left.
Designer:Tipfords
The smaller home can save space, by using open shelving. This apartment fuses the kitchen and living room, using items in the bookcase to mark out the areas.
Visualizer:Aleksandr Taran
Have a black and white kitchen you’d like to accessorize? Using many methods of utensil display, this darker space lifts its common bowls and cups on a shelf up high. Indoor herb planters add another level, while a pot chills on the knife rack.
Visualizer:Polygon
Open shelving can add kitchen finesse, a job made easy by this acrylic kitchen. Both reflecting and generating LED and pendant lights, its signature shade colours two elongated shelves.
Designer:Joanna Laajisto| Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen| Source:Lundia
Display your kitchen wares on a cascading bookshelf. This black and light-wood kitchen makes large cubbies for copper, white and earthenware items. A mini shelf in the splashback ties the theme in, with a row of cups in black.
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
The blackest of black kitchens can afford an open shelf. Decked in the shade from top to toe, this classy cooking space opens up three cupboard panels to showcase its fare. A glass fridge panel offers a fresher peek.
Source:Kuchen
Fill a white space with clever open shelving. This clean, classic kitchen accessorizes only with chrome, in a row of four stools, a triangle kettle and tens of identical shelves for knick-knacks.
Designer:Studio McGee
aren’t this kitchen’s only feature. Matching walnut Cherner Counter Stools are six rows of open shelving, propped up on white tiling. White and wooden utensils tie this rustic home together. The kitchen island lighting stays on theme.
Architect:StudioFour
The white lines of these open kitchen shelves make light wood look pink. The shade of the wooden bar stools perfectly match that of the island. Bearing spaced-out ornaments, spices and potted glass jars, this minimalist feature makes a subtle style statement.
Visualizer:AM Studio
Have a Scandinavian kitchen decked with white tiles? Rows of white open shelving can polish the scene. Loaded with white and wooden elements matching the cutting boards and table, five hanging pendants light the items on display.
Visualizer:Natalia Okolus
Can’t keep your hands out of cookie jars ? Place them on high, as in this Scandinavian kitchen. Black cabinetry and pastel crockery make the scene come alive.
Designer:Ruth Welsby| Photographer:Martina Gemmola
Open shelving need not only be for crockery. This white and bright example for Scandinavian kitchens pairs polished wooden shelves with an array of potted plants. Water catchers stacked in waiting and a decorative watering can show a passion for greenery.
Designer:Standard Studio & CASA architecten
Take a functional approach to your kitchen shelving. These six wooden panels provide six cubbies, as cacti and fern planters drape effortlessly off the sides.
Visualizer:Angela Gabruskaya
Sometimes it’s the contents, not the shelves, which garner the most attention. In this kitchen’s case, a row of dark-toned unique wine glasses draw in discerning eyes. The spacious shelves provide plenty of room for all of the essentials, from stemware to wine decanters and more.
Visualizer:Algimantas Raubiška
Want a large kitchen - but one to hide away? This kitchen’s wall of open shelving creates enough space to brush its functions to the side.
Visualizer:Ogovio
Build your shelving into places unexpected. These charcoal-painted planks twist their forms around outer walls and corners, extending matching ornaments to create an artsy space.
Visualizer:Golovach Tatiana and Andrey Kot
The apex of industrial-style kitchens is the New York loft. This kitchen aces the look, with metal open shelving providing glitz and a home for ceramic jars.
Visualizer:Armando Ferriani
Modern grey kitchens need not be boring. This Tetris-style design proves the point, with oscillating shapes and terracotta open shelving centring the eye.
Visualizer:Amr Moussa
Dream of white and wood kitchens ? This example builds shelving into its framework, hosting dozens of wine bottles, monochrome pots and plates.
Visualizer:Egor Ignatiev
Open shelving takes it up a notch - when lit by LEDs. This high-class bar-look kitchen shows off a grand liquor collection, with a hint of wine storage .
Visualizer:Адилет Зулпукаров
Open shelving doesn’t have to be high. This unconventional kitchen houses wine glasses, carafes and spice jars in ledges underneath.
Visualizer:Anna Kolezneva
The hipster can’t go past this monochrome kitchen. Decked out with school chairs, a blackboard and bike, simple wood-on-white ledging shows off teapots and spices.
Visualizer:Denis Krasikov
Building an industrial kitchen? Clad in stainless steel from top to toe, this kitchen’s two open shelves escape the busy clutter.
Visualizer:Salih Gocmen
Scandinavian kitchens quintessentially house open shelves. Scandinavian-style chairs and a brightly-coloured cabinet take this kitchen’s focus, while mismatching wooden shelves bear bowls and plants.
Source:SCIC Kitchens
Make open shelving your kitchen’s centrepiece. Mustard yellow highlights treasures in these five shelves, which form the background to an art deco kitchen.
Designer:MW Architects
Don’t want to show it all? Block off things not beautiful with a few closed cabinets. Pops of sunshine yellow and teal in this 70’s space make the mysterious seem artistic.
Designer:CHT Architects
Open shelving need not hog the limelight. Opened and closed, these two rows fade in the background behind two statement kitchen pendant lights .
Visualizer:Olga Podgornaja
Items in open shelves can reinforce your colour scheme. Here, eye-catching charcoal and beeswax yellow are reflected in similarly-hued coffee mugs , mustard packets and ornamental fruit.
Visualizer:Vladimir Donchenko
Get industrial with your kitchen shelving. These two white-lined ledges hold heavy-duty cups and a modern fruit bowl , cueing the kitchen’s yellow frame and feature grated wall.
Visualizer:Michel Amorim
Stacked shelves don’t always mean clutter. A busy example for yellow accent kitchens , this jam-packed space uses open shelves to accentuate its eclecticism, not hide it away.
Visualizer:Paulo Rosario
Pare your shelves down to the basics. A wooden panel partitioned by black iron illuminates wine glasses, bottles and pitchers .
Visualizer:Tu Nguyen Hoang
Only have a little wall to play with? Make the most of open shelving, with a stripe of LEDs beneath.
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
