When we think of cliffside homes, we generally cantilevered craftsmans in the Hollywood Hills or stunning seascapes viewed from sweeping balconies. This space from the architects at OPA , known as Casa Brutale, quite literally turns that vision on its head. Although set beside the sea and indeed perched upon a cliff, the house is actually carved out of the earth, with three walls surrounded entirely by the cliff itself. The resulting structure is a nod to Brutalist stylings in concrete and glass, while also realizing an architect’s vision with a completely unique home.
The house does not protrude from the ground, with the upper portion lying flush with the surrounding dirt. Instead, the home’s volume is set inside the earth with glass and water covering the exposed spaces.
A window stretching from floor to ceiling (or floor to ground, depending on your perspective) looks out onto the water. But above the main interior living area is another water view: directly into the private swimming pool. Swimmers can look down into the home while the ripples of the pool cast shadows and light into the interior.
Indeed, shadows, light, water, and natural elements are all part of the core of this space’s soul. Concrete, glass, and wood make up the majority of the structure while the surrounding earth and swimming pool provide natural insulation and cooling effects.
The house can be entered via elevator or by staircase, only after descending 50 steps towards the Aegean sea. Once inside, an interior concrete staircase carries guests up towards the private bedroom areas and down into the main living space.
Most important to the experience of this house is the landscape that surrounds it. Not only does it inspire the design, it quite literally embraces the structure, holding it in place and allowing inhabitants to meld with and live within nature.
Loft apartments always have a distinct feel. Their openness, combined with their usual amounts of streaming light, makes them instantly appealing for most urban dwellers. Who wouldn’t want more light and a sense of more space in what’s usually a more crowded area? But lofts can also feel a bit cookie cutter, especially when the original space has been mass-converted to support loft living. A dozen or more lofts with the same feel and layout can feel stifling. This loft, designed by Indot, takes the idea of a traditional loft and plays with it using geometry, color, and texture. Don’t think that lofts are just limited to red exposed brick and neutrally painted walls.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The main living area of this loft shows in just a few shots why this is more than your average apartment.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
Featuring light woods and whitewashed brick, this loft feels positively clean and airy. There’s thoughtful storage, a playful blue accent wall, and a striking black iron staircase leading up to the lofted area. It’s very modern, with each furnishing carefully curated.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
Industrially-inspired oil rubbed bronze fixtures lend light over the living and workspaces, connecting the same look found in the staircase. Blue, black, and neutral white woods complement each other throughout the main living space.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The office area connects to the main area seamlessly, with a large open work area that’s ideal for everything from laptops to crafting projects. Behind the desk, open wall shelving that can be personalized to hold media, keepsakes, storage boxes, or anything else that might be needed.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
From another angle looking from the main living area to the kitchen, you’ll find an open bar and countertop of striking white. At the end, a simple bench with a playful pop of teal on the upholstery.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The steps leading up to the second floor loft are works of art in their own right. Wood and black metal cut through the white of the walls and are complemented by the glass sheets alongside the railings. A whimsical yet industrial collection of pendant lights soften the overall look.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
A closet blends seamlessly into the wall in the main living area. The foyer is simple and compact.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The lofted bedroom takes advantage of the natural light spilling in from the windows in the kitchen and main living area.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The bedroom is soothing with tones of gray and tan. Soft textures of wood, wall, and linens make the space feel welcoming.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
Light spills in from the tall windows and floods the room. The spaces between the steps are especially clever, as it allows for the light to continue its travels.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
From the front door, this view shows the openness and brightness of the space. But it still feels cozy.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
From above, you’ll see a cheery burst of yellow from the seat, as well as the clean white counters of the kitchen. Buffet dining that is simple, functional, and still very stylish.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The galley kitchen, while simple, is efficient and well-designed.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
A vanity table placed at the corner of the sleeping area allows the light to flow in for makeup application at its best.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
Behind the staircase, there’s additional open storage if needed.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The media center showcases a smart design for a flat screen, as well as built in shelving for additional media and devices.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
Who wouldn’t love those pops of orange? And at the main level, you’ll see open storage which is being used as a bar. Once can easily imagine this couple entertaining.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
Open closet storage allows for plenty of space for belongings, but, should you choose, you can hide that dressing area.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
A simple curtain pulls over the closet, creating texture as a floor to ceiling “wall” while eliminating visual clutter.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The color palette of light woods, white walls, and black fixtures carries through on both levels.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The loft takes advantage of glass to act as a divider, which ensures the light flows seamlessly throughout the space.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The space is incredibly functional, even with a smaller footprint. You’ll notice a long kitchen with modern cabinetry and appliances, as well as colorful seating at both levels to break up the room visually.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
A ductless air conditioning unit is visible above the bedroom vanity table and because of the open design, we’d imagine this loft stays pretty cool.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
A great space for a couple, this loft allows both parties their space in complete comfort.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
At night, a blend of industrial fixtures and recessed lighting work together to create a calming atmosphere.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The blue of the wall in the downstairs area suddenly looks richer and more dynamic with the change in lighting.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
It’s almost as if the wall, like the sky, goes from day to night.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
It never feels too bright or too stark. Instead, it’s soothing.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
A beautiful loft that’s far from the conventional. That’s what this space is all about.
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
