Taking architectural chances is not uncommon in the homes we feature on this site, but this spacious house on Oak Pass in Beverly Hills is perhaps one of the most creative - and most beautiful. Aside from its stark and stylish modern choices, the house is built with an upside down program. Instead of ascending to the houses’ private spaces, bedrooms are hidden in the hillside and covered with a roof that grows edible herbs. This Walker Workshop home may not be the Beverly Hills opulence that you would expect, but it has its own brand of spectacular.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 1

The house is situated on 3.5 acres, overlooking Oak Pass. The house itself measures 8000 square feet (743 square meters), though its hidden design makes it appear smaller. The property is home to more than 130 oak trees, which were an integral part of designing the home. Not only did the architect and homeowners want a space that could easily look out upon this spectacular private forest, but they wanted an exterior that itself did not draw attention away from the beautiful natural surroundings.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 2

For instance, an infinity pool on the ground level rests just underneath a large oak. Perhaps not the perfect design for the pool filter, the aesthetics are truly amazing. A dip in this pool is a luxurious version of a backhills swimming hole, complete with modern concrete deck and stylish deck chairs.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 3 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 4 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 5 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 6 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 7 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 8 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 9 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 10 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 11 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 12 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 13 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 14 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 15 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 16

The underground portion of the home contains the bedrooms as well as an interior courtyard that opens up to the sky above and a sunken outdoor firepit for the balmy California nights.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 17 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 18 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 19 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 20 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 21 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 22 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 23 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 24 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 25 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 26 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 27 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 28

To take advantage of the west coast sunshine, oversized windows slide open to the fresh canyon air, plenty well filtered by the surrounding copse of trees. The exterior, in concrete and sleek wood, is ultra modern and yet manages to all but disappear into the hillside.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 29 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 30 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 31 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 32 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 33 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 34 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 35 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 36 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 37 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 38 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 39 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 40 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 41 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 42 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 43 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 44

Providing basic shelter is one of the most important things a parent can do. But these kids rooms do much more than provide basic shelter. With color, patterns, and custom furnishings, these rooms nurture creative thoughts from every angle. Along the way they manage to provide comfort and even organization from cozy study nooks to swinging hammock chairs to stunningly creative beds, these rooms would be the envy of everyone in the classroom and surely the sight of many boisterous sleepovers.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 45

Architect:Agnieszka Ufnal

The first room comes from architect Agnieszka Ufnal and takes its design inspiration from the hustle and bustle of New York City life, although in a serene way. The highly organized space, designed for a school-aged girl, uses swaths of bright yellow to create the kinetic feel of taxicabs in Times Square. When paired with simple line drawings and graphic wallpaper, the resulting room is both playful and sophisticated, much like a urban-dwelling child is expected to be.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 46 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 47 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 48 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 49 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 50 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 51 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 52

Designer:Juliya Butova

This next room takes the use of color to a new level although it manages its own affinity for yellow. In addition to the sunny chairs and blankets, the geometric pattern that plays on the accent wall and the area rug are extremely energetic. This space also includes a large desk and hanging shelves, making it easy for the room to grow along with its inhabitant.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 53

A cute teddy lounges in the corner kid’s chair .

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 54 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 55 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 56

Designer:Anton Saveliev

In the third room we have what can only be described as the most enviable child’s bed design we’ve ever seen. The hot air balloon-inspired look is straight out of a storybook and is sure to be the source of many sweet dreams. The airborne theme is carried through the rest of the room as well with a hanging biplane and a dangling hammock chair for the ultimate in coziness.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 57 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 58 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 59 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 60 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 61

Designer:Sergey Procopchuk

The final room is a bit more muted than the others in this post, but still manage to play with color and texture. The blue and white room calls to mind the colors of clouds and rainstorms, but plenty of natural light keeps things on the sunny side. A spotted area rug, bean bag chair, and bunk beds make this room an ideal retreat for a tween.

An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 62 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 63 An Upside Down House in the Woods Flips the Architectural Script - 64

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

modern dark kitchen - 65

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

black and white modern kitchen - 66

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

black and brown kitchen with statement island - 67

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

white and black modern kitchen - 68

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?

light and dark kitchen interior with long island - 69

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

tilted kitchen interior in black - 70

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

black kitchen with warm wooden tones - 71

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

white island in black modern kitchen - 72

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

black modern kitchen with marble - 73

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

mysterious black kitchen with marble island - 74

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

kitchen with accents of gold - 75

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

french style black kitchen - 76

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

black and wooden kitchen with table - 77

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

black kitchen with accessories - 78

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

all black matte kitchen - 79

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

black kitchen interior with stenciling - 80

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

black white and wooden kitchen with light - 81

Visualizer:Huso

18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients

modern black kitchen with gradients - 82

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

dark grey kitchen with textures - 83

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

black kitchen with island and dining table - 84

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

modern classic black kitchen - 85

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

intriguing black kitchen with pans - 86

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

black modern kitchen with industrial style - 87

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

modorn black kitchen with chunky pendant lights - 88

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

black kitchen with keepsakes - 89

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

compact black kitchen with marble backsplash - 90

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

black kitchen with patterned island - 91

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

black kitchen with patterned rug - 92

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

black kitchen with rod lighting - 93

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

dark grey open kitchen interior - 94

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

black and wooden tone kitchen with bar - 95

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

dark gray kitchen with art - 96

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

simple white and black kitchen with island - 97

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

black kitchen with textured backsplash - 98

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

matte black kitchen in front of living room - 99

Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin