The Shkrub House is a project by Sergey Makhno Architects , for the family of Sergey Makhno himself. Located in Kozyn, a village in the suburbs of Kyiv, Ukraine, the unusual home measures in at 370 square metres. It was here that Sergey Makhno began his architectural journey more than 15 years ago, before he chose to live here. The new house design is evolved from two distinct aesthetics, one being a contemporary Ukrainian style sprung from old traditions, and the second being the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi that finds beauty and harmony in imperfection. A modernised take on a thatched roof overhangs wooden wall slats across the exterior, building character, though nothing compares to what lies within…
Sergey Makhno reflects on the journey of his home design: “Thanks to Japan, I learned to love Ukraine. When I went to Japan for the first time and saw how they appreciate their heritage, I understood that Ukrainian culture is extremely rich but we rarely rate it highly. Japan has given my country back to me. It has opened my eyes and, most importantly, my heart to the wealth I have always had–my homeland. Even if I wanted to do Japanese design–it would not work. Because I’m Ukrainian. I create Ukrainian design transmitted through the lens of Japanese perception of beautiful”. A sculptural figure, “Rain” by Nazar Bilyk, gazes up at the family home, guarding the family.
A Zen garden springs up around the modern exterior . Much of the garden flourished without human hand, growing on wasteland around the site over the course of a few months–apt to the Japanese belief that the stone itself must choose where to lie. The natural habitat drew in squirrels and nightingales to live amongst it. An awesome window breaks the interior open to the outside.
The home is almost completely surrounded by a minimalist concrete enclosure. It has two entrances, one from the façade and another from the courtyard that the family have fallen in love with. Entering the home via the courtyard walks you past an attractive terrace that is illuminated with designer lamps created by Sergey Makhno.
A stone path enters the garden gallery through Japanese maples and cherry trees.
Thatching and wood are architectural materials traditional in both Ukrainian and Japanese cultures, and so became a fitting choice for this melded design.
characterise each corner of the site.
250 Tons of stones, and several perspectives shape the garden.
A giant rockery provokes layered foliage.
Majestic garden statues and traditional Ukrainian zoomorphic pottery is viewed amongst fragrant conifer and freshly mown herbs.
A stone doorstep continues the Zen garden theme.
The front entrance of the house stands strong like a fortress, with thatched turrets turned on their heads.
Solar panels perch on the rooftop.
The family wanted an interior that felt like home, rather than a show home. The main focus of this design was not the color of the flooring or the like, but beautiful kids’ noise. Whichever way you plan a modern interior to disguise the craziness of life with kids, life with kids prevails in all its glory. Everything inside this place means something dear to the homeowners, right down to the rug pattern, which was created by middle son Hikaru before he turned 2 years old.
The interior clay wall effect is executed in an ancient technique used in Ukraine for traditional hut building. The wall and ceiling are decorated with wood sourced from eleven old abandoned houses, which is not only uniquely beautiful but wonderfully ecological.
A rustic coffee table is sympathetic to the organic shape of the walls, and to the massive antique ceramic jug collection that fills one wall from floor to high ceiling. Makhno found a love for Ukrainian ceramics as a child, whilst playing in the yard of his grandparents’ house in the village. He found his very first ceramic jugs here, cleaned them up and enthusiastically searched to expand his collection that includes clay products from Trypillia, 5–2nd Millenium BC.
The cool clay walls absorb phone signals and all the worries tied along with.
The living space is divided into three parts, which includes an open plan kitchen, dining area, and a lounge.
Accents of red and teal add to the warmth of the natural decor.
Huge windows bring the garden inside.
The two floors were united, giving the gift of space and light.
An open fireplace heats the huge expanse.
The simple yet warm dining area is the family’s favorite place. Every seat at the table offers a great view, either to the living room, garden or terrace.
Japanese tea ceremonies hold a special place in the heart of Sergey Makhno, and in this home it is the teacup that reins supreme over the wine glass.
The dining area on the terrace is another special spot, filled with unique pieces.
A colossal dining table pendant lamp hovers above chunky modern dining chairs .
A live edge dining table meanders toward a lesser wall of pottery.
Sunlight plays over deeply textured walls.
Intriguing artwork stops footfall at every turn.
The house is actually equipped with two kitchens. The minimalist kitchen that stands in open plan with the living room is furnished with a contrasting wooden table that was a flea market find.
Several generations of Hutsul have dined at this 1935 table, which now stands in lieu of an island in this modern kitchen .
Sleek furniture contrasts against a rugged canvas.
The second kitchen is a closed space that was designed according to Ukrainian traditions.
An authentic “mysnyk” is mounted above the table, which is shelves for dishes.
Sergey Makhno ceramic tiles colour the backsplash. An exit to the garden gives a feeling of free-flowing energy.
The name of the house, “Shkrub”, is a fictitious word that Sergey and his wife Vlada affectionately call one another, which simply put means love. “It is respect and patience. It is home. It is sons. It is 10 years together”. It is how they are named in each other’s phone books.
Years of memories paint a personal touch around the home.
The staircase to the second floor is edged with glass balustrades.
The red and teal touches thread through the entire interior.
Ginger “Tetrapods”, a designer tile by Sergey Makhno Architects, mark the ascent to the second floor. These attention grabbing tiles were inspired by the massive concrete tetrapods that are installed on coastlines to resist wave impact and prevent beach erosion.
Upstairs, a gallery hall leads to the bedrooms. 16th century ceramic tiles provide decor up here, and guardian angels watch over the doors of the children’s bedrooms.
As Sergey’s parents are frequent guests in this house, one of the bedrooms has been dedicated to their stay. The connection between grandchild and grandparent is strong, and in Ukraine it is believed that grandparents love grandchildren more than children. Decor in the grandparents’ room is very simple and restrained. A low Japanese style bed skims the floor, beneath plain yet strong bedroom pendant lights .
Sculptural tiles fill the headboard wall, accentuated by ambient light.
Separate zones make up the master suite: The relax and recreation area, a study, a shower room and bathroom. Here the headboard wall of a tatami bed represents a clay cliff, symbolising primeval beauty, in a unique technique implemented by the Kelsis studio.
Cobalt blue artwork powerfully disrupts the naturally neutral palette of the room.
The study area in the master bedroom has a window that looks down over the living room and into the garden.
Metal lamps designed by Sergey Makhno Architects studio.
This dramatically dark bedroom scheme belongs to Sergey’s eldest son, Ivan, who is away studying in Italy with a view to continue his father’s business.
A Sumi-e-style monochrome art piece depicts distant landscapes at the head of the bed, which is traditional in the wabi-sabi philosophy.
500 year old oak covers the floor.
and ceramic art-toys DIDO decorate Ivan’s room, which were created by his father.
Low bedsides wing the tatami bed.
Sergey Makhno Architects lights softly illuminate the moody black decor.
Wallpaper in the shared kids’ room was designed by Sergey Makhno, with chaotic blues spots dashed onto craft paper. Ukranian animals were then painted on by famous Ukrainian artist and ceramist, Serhii Radko.
Mustard yellow wall paint contrasts brightly with the blue mural wall.
The animals in the wall mural symbolise family.
Moving into the final kid’s room, a bespoke storage wall has archways built into it, where special toys can be kept out on display.
The biggest archway arcs over the bed, with book nooks recessed into each side.
Kid’s spaces were designed to encourage amazing imaginations and free creativity.
A walk in closet looks like a high-end fashion boutique.
Quirky accessories colour a monochrome bathroom…
… But it’s the unique bathtub and sink that stand out as hero pieces.
Another show-stopping bathroom basin puts a splash of teal up against a bright yellow tile wall.
This creative use of copper is designer tiles by Sergey Makhno, which decorate the guest bathroom.
Two versions of “Grass” and “Earthquake” tiles fill the walls around the vanity.
Thatch detail.
Ground floor plan.
First floor plan.
Perspective drawing.
The rustic modern interior of this 215 square metre home, visualised by Olovo , feels just like a cosy cuddle. Walls of wood build a warm and shipshape decor. Deep muted green and blue accents add comforting colour and visual weight amongst larger expanses of light neutrals. The modest proportions and low sloping ceilings of the upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms give the interior a nesty feel. To counteract the closeness of low ceilings and the embrace of endless wood tone, furniture is kept mostly white or light; room layouts are precisely planned to squeeze the most out of every space–and all is implemented in the most stylish possible way.
A cushiony modern sofa dominates the compact rustic living room ; moss green and navy cushions and a brown throw bring a little colour to its light upholstery.
The wooden structure of the home is exposed across the living room, from edge to edge, and ceilings continue the cosy wooden decor theme.
A sleek square coffee table occupies the light grey rug in front of the modern sofa , filled with coffee table books and a simple frond centrepiece.
Creamy curtains soften the wood plank walls, flanking the multitude of windows that run the length of the open plan space. A large indoor plant stands as a visual buffer between the lounge and a family dining area.
A swivel chair also stands in the transition space between the two areas, in prime position to get toasty by the fire.
A wood log store underlines the modern fireplace and the TV wall, a practical and decorative solution. Check out these ideas for a modern fireplace screen .
The choice of green swivel chair brings out the living greenery in the room. Modern art adds a splash of exciting monochrome to mellow wood grain walls.
The kitchen stands open to the lounge and dining room, though it is neatly sectioned off by a supportive column of timber.
The modern dining set stands between dual aspect windows in the corner of the free-flowing living space.
A unique decorative vase and modern fruit bowl dress the wood, black, and tan dining table set .
Another dining area is made along the outer edge of the kitchen peninsula, where three bar stools line up opposite the hob cooking area.
Black kitchen bar stools stand out crisply against white kitchen units and worktops, and complement black breakfast bar pendant lights and integrated cookers.
The U-shaped kitchen arrangement places the kitchen sink perfectly under a big window in the cabin, where a unique glass carafe waits to be filled.
A sleek white chimney extractor descends quietly over the hob in the kitchen peninsula, hardly drawing any attention at all between the black kitchen pendant lights.
The entryway and staircase runs just off the kitchen.
White stairs twist around a wooden stairwell, lit by LED lights under the lip of each tread. Modern art adds interest to timber plank walls.
The master suite is an attic bedroom , just like the rest of the bedrooms in this house. Velux windows cut through a sloping wood ceiling to prevent it from feeling too oppressive, and to let in extra natural light.
There is also plenty of ambient light installations in this scheme, set into and around a bespoke padded headboard design.
A grey minimalist media console supports the TV. A walk in closet is revealed beside it.
The bathroom is combined with a laundry area–a convenient way to get clothes straight to the wash the moment they come off. Wood panelled walls are interrupted here, in favour of luxurious white marble tiling.
Beautiful bathroom vanity lights dangle over the countertop of the grey and white bathroom .
A wooden tray neatly holds soaps and facecloths close by the sink.
The house has a dedicated home office, where a small grey couch and swing arm wall lamp make a comfy spot to read.
A tan desk chair pulls up to a charcoal coloured desk with a sleek slimline table lamp . A large window provides plenty of brightness in daylight hours.
Just the essentials are kept out on the minimalist workspace ; a bank of shelving is recessed into the adjacent wall for files.
The first kid’s room is a magical place, where fairy lights twinkle in a dinky woodland treehouse–or so it feels like under the wooden rafters.
Pegboards make adjustable displays that the child can change up and out at will. A ladder provides another spot to wind some string lights–or just to throw the days clothes at.
A whimsical cloud mobile floats dreamily above the bed, standing out beautifully against the wood tone background. Handy shelving is set inside the eaves along the length of the bed.
Plump pillows and furry friends fill the cozy bedroom .
A little sheep makes a soft rocking chair .
The second bathroom is tinted pale grey from a swirling tile design.
Wood effect furniture fills the majority of the space in the small bathroom design, from a wide wall mounted vanity unit to a run of built in cupboards.
Black bathroom fixtures punctuate pale walls.
The second kid’s bedroom design is coloured with yellow accents.
A yellow beanbag chair pulls up to the TV.
fills a picture ledge and the top of a modern TV cabinet.
Backlit shelving burns brightly under bathroom eaves.
A round vanity mirror echoes the outline of a round vessel basin.
The walk in closet by the entryway comfortably houses all of the family’s outdoor clothing.
An entryway bench makes a convenient spot for putting on everybody’s shoes.
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
