Designed by Yevheniia Nahorna , the Whisperwood Home intertwines serenity and sophistication. There is an intentional blend of minimalism and warmth—something we don’t see often in homes—creating an atmosphere that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the beauty of thoughtful design. Stepping inside will give you a better look.
The living room is anchored by a plush sectional sofa. The centerpiece, a wooden coffee table, adds natural warmth. This perfectly complements the rich wood-paneled walls that frame the room. Simultaneously, a textured area rug makes the ambiance inviting. A large projector allows residents to curl up in front of their favorite TV show.
The houndstooth pattern is the tying element in the open floor plan. We see this used for the cushions as well as the dining table chairs. The dining area also features a large, wooden table. Floor-to-ceiling curtains in creamy beige diffuse natural light throughout the space; this creates a soft, ambient glow during the day.
At the far end, the open kitchen has a unique marble backsplash. The cabinetry is sleek—combining hues of beige and wooden elements. There is also shelving to display wine glasses!
The master bedroom in the Whisperwood Home sticks to a minimalist bed—allowing wooden panels to act as the headboard. There is a vanity with a round mirror and a houndstooth-patterned chair. You can easily use this as a reading station, too. A wooden console table is paired with a statement, ceramic-framed mirror. This provides extra storage while doubling as decor.
In the kids’ room, an illustration of animals incorporates a whimsical touch. The yellow scalloped-edge mirror adds a soft shape to the room. Additionally, the single bed provides ample room for a child to lie down, while the playful nightstand adds color. There’s also a study area with red shelving and a table lamp.
The bathrooms in the Whisperwood Home use the same marble patterns we saw in the kitchen. Wooden cabinetry and vanities add warmth to the interior, while shower cubicles segregate functionality. The master bathroom also features a marble-tiled bathtub. And the toilets in both bathrooms are wall-mounted, adding a sleek vibe.
Small bathrooms might feel like a design challenge, but they can also be a canvas for creative solutions. With the right tricks, even the tiniest of spaces can be transformed into a functional, stylish, and surprisingly spacious oasis. For many of us, the bathroom is more than just a utilitarian space—it’s where we start and end our days. A cluttered, cramped bathroom can feel overwhelming, while a clean, airy one can set a calm and soothing tone.
Let’s dive into 13 practical and creative ways to make your small bathroom feel bigger without knocking down a single wall.
1. Embrace Light Colors to Open Up the Space
Visualizer:Anas Younes
There’s a reason designers swear by light color palettes for small spaces. Soft shades like white, cream, or pastel blue reflect light, making your bathroom feel airy and open. Dark colors, while dramatic, can make the walls seem to close in, creating a cave-like effect.
If an all-white bathroom feels too stark for your taste, don’t worry. Mix in textures or subtle patterns—think marbled tiles or beadboard walls—to keep things interesting. Or add a pop of color through accessories like towels or a small piece of art.
Why it works: Light shades don’t just brighten the space; they create a calming atmosphere that tricks your brain into perceiving more room.
2. Let Mirrors Do the Heavy Lifting
Visualizer:Saif Osama
Mirrors are your best friend in a small bathroom. A large mirror, especially one that spans the length of the vanity or an entire wall, reflects light and visually doubles the space.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Install a frameless mirror or one with minimal edging. A backlit mirror can also add a soft, diffused glow, perfect for creating a modern yet cozy vibe.
Pro Tip : If possible, position the mirror opposite a window to bounce natural light around the room. Even artificial light reflecting off the mirror can make the space feel brighter and more inviting.
3. Go for Glass Shower Doors Instead of Curtains
Visualizer:Sara Sherif
Say goodbye to that floral shower curtain and hello to clear glass doors. Shower curtains create a visual barrier that makes the room feel smaller, while clear glass opens up the space and lets your eyes take in the entire room.
For an even cleaner look, opt for a frameless glass shower door. If you’re worried about privacy, frosted or textured glass provides a middle ground while still maintaining an open feel.
Pro Tip: Keep the shower area clutter-free with built-in niches for shampoo bottles and soap. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
4. Use Vertical Space to Your Advantage
Visualizer:Vasilisa Sheludko
When floor space is limited, go vertical. The walls in your small bathroom are prime real estate for storage and décor. Think tall shelving units, wall-mounted cabinets, or even a ladder rack for hanging towels.
To add personality, consider a feature wall with vertical elements like shiplap, beadboard, or vertical tiles. These patterns draw the eye upward, making the ceiling seem higher.
Pro Tip: For a cohesive look, match the color of your shelves or cabinets to the wall. This reduces visual clutter and keeps the focus on the open space.
5. Put in an Extra-Large Sink
Visualizer:Shahd Elnashar
This might sound counterintuitive—why would a bigger sink help in a small bathroom? Here’s the trick: an extra-large sink, especially one with an integrated countertop, serves double duty. It provides ample space for washing up and eliminates the need for extra counter space.
For instance, a trough-style sink can stretch across the width of your bathroom, leaving plenty of room on either side for toiletries or even decorative items. A rectangular wall-mounted sink is another great option; it makes the most of vertical space and leaves the area below open for storage or just to keep the room feeling airy.
Pro Tip : Choose a sink with clean lines and a simple design to avoid overwhelming the space. Bonus points if you pair it with a sleek faucet to keep the look modern and streamlined.
6. Let Natural Light In
Visualizer:Rasha El Gohary
Natural light is a game-changer for any small room, and bathrooms are no exception. A well-lit bathroom instantly feels more open and inviting, so if you have a window, let it shine! Opt for sheer window treatments or frosted glass to maintain privacy while still allowing sunlight to flood the room.
If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, don’t despair. Consider installing a skylight if possible—it not only brings in light but also creates an illusion of height. Alternatively, add light-enhancing elements like mirrors to bounce whatever light you do have around the space.
Why it matters: Natural light not only makes your bathroom feel bigger but also brings a sense of calm and serenity to your daily routine.
7. Install Sconces on the Mirror
Source:House Beautiful
Lighting plays a huge role in how spacious a room feels, and adding sconces directly on the mirror is a clever way to maximize both light and style. When sconces are mounted on the mirror, the reflective surface amplifies their glow, creating a soft, even illumination that feels luxurious.
This trick is particularly helpful for tasks like applying makeup or shaving, where focused lighting is essential. Look for sconces with slim profiles and finishes that complement your bathroom fixtures.
Pro Tip: Install dimmer switches for your sconces to adjust the mood of the room, from bright and functional in the morning to soft and relaxing in the evening.
8. Install Built-Ins
Visualizer:Wafaa Elbehery
If your small bathroom is always battling clutter, you’re going to love this one. Built-ins are the ultimate space-savers. Think recessed shelves in the shower to hold shampoo and soap, or a built-in medicine cabinet that doesn’t jut out into the room.
You can even get creative with these—add a built-in bench in the shower or a small niche by the sink for extra storage. They don’t just save space; they also make your bathroom look custom-designed and thoughtfully put together.
Pro Tip : For a polished look, tile the back of your built-ins with a fun pattern or a pop of color. It’s a small detail that adds big personality.
9. Choose a Wall-Mounted Faucet
Visualizer:Radwa Khaled
Wall-mounted faucets are like the unsung heroes of small bathroom design. By moving the faucet off the counter and onto the wall, you instantly create more usable counter space. It’s also a great way to add a touch of elegance without going overboard.
Pair one with a vessel sink for a look that’s modern and clean, or stick with an undermount sink for something more classic. Either way, a wall-mounted faucet makes your bathroom feel more open.
Pro Tip: Cleaning around the sink becomes so much easier. No more water pooling around the base of the faucet!
10. Add a Corner Vanity
Source:House Beautiful
Corners are often the most underutilized spaces in a bathroom, which is why a corner vanity is such a genius idea. It’s compact, it’s functional, and it keeps the middle of the room open so you can move around more freely.
A corner vanity can include both a sink and some storage, making it perfect for small bathrooms where you’re short on space but still need a place to stash your essentials. Look for one with a curved design to soften the edges and prevent the space from feeling too boxy.
Pro Tip : Pair your corner vanity with a custom mirror that wraps around the corner. It’ll bounce light in all directions and make the whole room feel bigger.
11. Try Monochrome Materials
Visualizer:Екатерина Великая
When your bathroom is small, your eye naturally takes in the entire space at once. Too many colors or patterns can make it feel visually cluttered. By keeping the walls, floors, and even fixtures in the same color family, you trick the eye into seeing the space as larger than it really is. It’s all about creating flow and avoiding hard breaks in the design.
For example, imagine a bathroom with soft, light gray walls, a matching gray vanity, and polished gray tiles. The consistency eliminates distractions, giving the space a streamlined, spacious vibe.
Pro Tip : Light, neutral tones like whites, grays, and beiges tend to work best for small bathrooms. They reflect light and make the space feel brighter. If you’re a fan of darker colors, use them sparingly as accents rather than the main event.
12. Use Large Tiles
Visualizer:Nikita Sokol
When designing a small bathroom, one of the most common misconceptions is that small tiles are better because they “fit” the space. The truth? Large tiles are your secret weapon for making the room feel bigger.
Small tiles create a grid-like pattern with lots of grout lines that break up the space and make it feel busy. Large tiles, on the other hand, create a smoother, uninterrupted surface. This not only makes the room look less cluttered but also draws the eye outward, making the walls and floors appear more expansive.
How you lay your tiles can also make a difference. Installing them in a horizontal pattern can make the room look wider, while vertical placement can add height. And if you’re feeling bold, try a diagonal layout—it adds a sense of movement and makes the space feel dynamic.
Pro Tip: If your bathroom is on the darker side, opt for tiles with a glossy finish. They’ll reflect light, making the room feel brighter and more open.
13. Keep the Floor Clear
Visualizer:Engy Mobasher
In a small bathroom, the floor is precious real estate. The more of it you can see, the more spacious the room will feel. Keeping the floor clear isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about functionality and creating a sense of flow.
One of the easiest ways to free up floor space is by opting for wall-mounted fixtures. Instead of bulky cabinets or shelving units that sit on the floor, consider built-in storage or wall-mounted shelves. A recessed shelf in the shower or next to the vanity can hold all your essentials without taking up any floor space.
Pro Tip: When choosing rugs or mats, stick to one small piece that doesn’t overwhelm the room. A bath mat in a color that blends with the floor will keep the space looking cohesive.
Finishing Notes
Looking for more ideas and inspiration to elevate your home? At Home Designing , we specialize in turning houses into dream spaces. From practical tips like these to visionary design concepts, we’re here to help you create a home that reflects your style and meets your needs. Explore our collection of articles, mood boards, and design ideas to spark your creativity and transform every corner of your home into something extraordinary
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
