Stylish white decor schemes aren’t as simple or easy to get right as some may think. Sure, a blank palette takes away the margin for error in terms of clashing colour but go too plain and you’re in danger of living inside of a bland box. There are actually quite a few white shades out there ! Paint pots come labelled with curiosities like: Navajo White, Seed Pearl, Silver Lining and Whisper. Aside from the shades of white there are to explore (they can be pretty open to interpretation on a backlit screen), let’s delve into adding interest through furniture, accessories, bold accents and differing aesthetics.
Visualizer:Z Design
Don’t have an icy heart. A white living room seems the obvious place to start, and a kitchen diner to boot. As this is the heart of the home, go for a warmer shade of white so that this cosy zone doesn’t feel too cold, or use lighting to cast a warm glow.
Architect:Amir Navon| Designer:Yael Perry & Dafna Gravinsky
Use treasured items to colour your blank canvas. White wall shelves blend cleanly with white walls and allow display items to stand out.
Visualizer:KUOO Architects
Initiate a shape theme. A set of round modern coffee tables and a group of high impact orb shaped modern chandeliers make a stunning central focal point.
Visualizer:Jamie Bush & Co
A gallery white wall is just crying out for some art. If you like this look check out these other living rooms with large wall art .
Designer:DNA Concept Design| Photographer:Hey!Cheese Photography
Who needs colour when there’s shape? Another shapely theme, only this time from the ceiling architecture and an unusually shaped table. The rest of the room is minimalist. See other minimalist homes that indulge in lots of white here .
Designer:Brain Factory
Warm up white walls with wood flooring.
Visualizer:Paulina Arcklin
Go tribal with natural accessories. There are more pictures of this unique home here .
Visualizer:Image Box Studio
No one does white decor better than the Scandinavians. A Scandinavian living room is typically littered with monochrome elements, lots of wood frame furniture and an occasional pop of cheerful colour.
Visualizer:Juraj Talcik
White painted boiserie is like icing on a cake.
Visualizer:U6 Studio
Go all-in. This all-white interior design spans the entire house, making the mezzanine level in-keeping with the ground floor.
Visualizer:Hung Le
Use texture, pattern and framing. This tv wall decor has a grey veined white marble backdrop. Wainscoting decorates the adjacent wall. Even though both walls are white, these small additions add lots of interest.
Visualizer:Igor Sirotov
This white dining room uses textured tile for the floor.
Architect:Amir Navon| Designer:Yael Perry & Dafna Gravinsky
Change out just one or two white items. One white dining chair has been bumped for a black version in this black and white dining room . A black plant pot balances out the new recruit.
Visualizer:Artem Bobrov
These shapely black modern dining chairs look like origami.
Visualizer:KUOO Architects
Crown a plain white dining set with a striking black dining pendant light .
Visualizer:Craftr Studio
Dark wood looks strong cutting through a snow white scene.
Designer:Yael Perry
Season with black pepper. Not literally. But a white scheme is made more tasty with a peppering of small black accessories, like this crockery set and plant stand . Indoor plants add a sneaky snippet of green too.
Visualizer:Paulina Arcklin
Add soft textures, like the bushy light shades and shaggy faux fur throws of this tribal decor .
Visualizer:Z Design
Build in some industrial flair with a concrete accent wall.
Designer:Yael Perry
Break a run of white kitchen units with an integrated black oven.
Visualizer:Modom Studio
Make a quirky layout of ordinary white kitchen units. Above the dining table, a tremendous globe pendant light captures the eye with its striking contrast.
Visualizer:KUOO Architects
White decor helps a small kitchen feel more spacious.
Source:Stadshem
have most of the cooking utensils out on display to create a culinary buzz.
Designer:Euge & Seta
Throw in a block of colour like this yellow accent kitchen .
Visualizer:Inuti
Draw out a design with electrical wiring. The route of these kitchen pendant lights looks like a subway map. Black kitchen bar stools match the ceiling feature.
Visualizer:KUOO Architects
A stairway to heaven? Nope, just some heavenly white LED lighting.
Visualizer:Marina Tsishyna
Jazz up a white bedroom with an eye-catching feature wall.
Visualizer:N-Gon Archviz
Use warmer neutrals to soften. The wooden legs of this floor lamp are complemented by a neutral pebble rug and bed throw.
Visualizer:Vlad Mishin
Embrace flexibility. The beauty of a predominantly white scheme is that you can change out colour with ease. These swing arm wall lamps light bright wall art that can be swapped in an instant.
Visualizer:BrainFactory
This pastel headboard feature wall is a little more permanent, but oh so beautiful. Also note the fantastic recessed bedside lighting strips that travel up and over the ceiling.
Visualizer:Duan
Whitewash exposed brickwork for a cool loft look. A modern four poster bed looks great against the urban chic backdrop, with a unique ceiling fan and artwork contained within its frame.
Visualizer:Pavel Pisanko
Turn up the volume on pattern. A white decor scheme doesn’t have to be plain. Black polka dots on the feature wall and zig-zag designs on the mid century modern dresser add playful appeal.
Source:Ivy Muse
Turn your white house into a greenhouse.
Visualizer:Filip Sapojnicov
Pretty pastel pink accents look divine on white.
Visualizer:AM Studio
The white interior door next to this makeup vanity is kitted out with white door hardware for a clean finish. Other doors - like the drawers in the closet and on the vanity table - remain free of handles or hardware for sleek minimalist appeal.
Visualizer:Odair Santos
Every nook has a wooden lining - or at least this reading nook does anyway.
Visualizer:KUOO Architects
A tinted shower screen sections the white space in this luxury bathroom.
Visualizer:365 Design
Charcoal floor tiles ground this light bathroom scheme.
Visualizer:Zrobym
Be brave with chunky base notes of black to counterbalance white.
Visualizer:Home D
An all-white bathroom always looks clean and hygienic. However, a few natural elements like a unique laundry basket and a leather strap mirror pull in a little style. Note the beautifully distressed white painted floor too - gorgeous!
Small studio apartments have the bedroom area situated right alongside the kitchen diner and lounge area - usually without divide. However, these compact open plan homes use glazed panels and doors to create separated glass wall bedrooms . The clear nature of the medium means that the sleep space can still be viewed as part of the whole, thus maximising the compact dimensions of the space. A glass bedroom partition not only makes the change of purpose clear cut, but also creates a light cocoon around the sleep space to give it the feeling of a safe haven; they can even help reduce noise to aid better sleep.
Designer:Alexandra Bertova & Daria Savitskaia| Visualizer:Daria Savitskaia
Our first apartment is located in the heart of St. Petersburg, Russia, with an area of just 46 square metres. Sombre accents of deep bottle green and black contrast against a pure white decor scheme. A swing arm wall lamp is the Flos Mod 265 lamp cuts across a gallery wall where artwork introduces new hues, including a vivid run of yellow. For more ideas like this, check out these living rooms with large wall art .
Behind the solid gallery wall, retractable glass doors give entry to the bedroom area. Glass panels take the divide all the way to the ceiling.
The headboard wall is decorated with a large bedroom neon sign , whilst the bedsides are lit by modern bedroom pendant lights . A closet system spans one entire wall, with shelves and rails left open to the room.
Depending on how much light and privacy is required for the time of day, a selection can be made between sheer window voiles or heavy drapes to veil the bedroom.
A black kitchen diner occupies one corner of the apartment. Tubular kitchen pendant lights are strung out around the prep area from one central ceiling outlet.
A window seat acts as a space saving banquette bench in the dining area.
The designer floor lamp that lights a reading chair in the corner is the AJ floor lamp . A black tray table matches the coating of the lamp and the chair legs.
White ceramics and colourful glassware have been used to lighten the look of the solid black kitchen .
A duck egg blue Smeg toaster looks bright against the black tile backsplash.
An arrangement of hallway furniture and a full length mirror create a useful entryway. Ample storage and drop zones are provided by a stylish wall mounted console unit, a wall shelf and a decorative wall hook that you can get from here .
The grey and white bathroom has a trendy concrete floor.
The look of the bathroom is transformed by modern wall sconces and coloured light.
Tealight holders add twinkle to the vanity.
A black framed round bathroom mirror matches the black faucet.
LED lighting brightens recessed shelves.
The one bedroom home plan shows how a small space can be divided to great effect.
Visualizer:Trang Chuột
Our second studio apartment with a glass wall bedroom adopts an earthy palette. Two modern coffee tables stand in front of a brown leather sofa, set against a deep taupe wall. With a feline friend in the house, that bespoke platform bed could harbor some stylish cat furniture solutions, like hiding nooks.
The glass bedroom partition does not reach the ceiling in this instance. The ceiling space over the lounge has a recessed lighting feature, in a rectangle shape that frames a central pendant light.
Two dining room pendant lights have a different design to mark the change of area and purpose.
The dining set is a combination of white, wood and black finishes to complement the adjacent kitchen.
A light green vanity unit and matching toilet add an unexpected twist to the bathroom scheme. Concrete tiles cover the floor.
Visualizer:Doan Nguyen
Our third and last studio with glass bedroom installation is a slightly more grand affair. The glass bedroom wall makes a striking backdrop to a sophisticated lounge. A high end modern chandelier hovers over a dark brown leather sofa and a sprawling hide rug.
A black and white mid century coffee table set reflects the circular theme on the ceiling.
Sleek herringbone flooring runs seamlessly beneath the glazed divide. The heavy black framing of the glass wall adds drama, and intrigue as to what lies beyond it.
Four outdoor style chairs border a more simplified square dining table. A slatted wall treatment decorates the dining room wall, and runs on as TV wall decor. A large piece of wall art anchors the dining set in its position, as does a simple dining pendant light suspended low over the tabletop.
A narrow fretwork panel marks the start of the kitchen. Black units form an L-shaped kitchen design, with one single bright yellow shelving unit set into the line of wall cupboards to break the dark plane.
Two more fretwork panels provide visual stops at the other end of the open plan room.
Black decor covers the bedroom. The dark scheme is lifted by the greenery of botanical artwork and indoor plants like the stunning peace lily plant on a bedside console. Glass bedroom pendant lights throw light over a concrete headboard feature wall.
Venetian window blinds can be dropped to provide privacy in the bedroom when required. A glass closet resides at one end of the bedroom, accessed via open sides.
A glass wall bathroom continues the open glassy theme.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
