Whoever said that homes decorated exclusively in black and white have to be minimalistic? Even without vivid and exuberant colors, there are still plenty of other ways to show creativity and individuality through decor. The three homes featured in this post make the most of their monochromatic color themes by incorporating an abundance of art ranging from fine paintings to pop art prints and impressive sculptures. If you’re a collector of creative items or want to expand your current collection, these homes might inspire some interesting techniques for displaying artwork you love. Let’s take a look!
The kitchen is streamlined and unobtrusive even in such close proximity with the living room. A decal or mural of a man reading a book peeks out from the uppermost left corner.
Because the entrance didn’t have any natural lighting to begin with, the designers took the risky leap of painting the walls matte black – transforming what could have been a weakness into a bold and beautiful strength.
Tiles create an interesting contrast, both in terms of hue and texture. The white tiles have a dimpled surface, whereas the black tiles feature a glossy sheen.
Diverse patterns are eclectic but unified through the same black and white theme. One point to note is that the turquoise doesn’t appear in any of the geometric blocks – it’s used strictly as a solid accent to avoid overwhelming the eye.
Both the table mat and the utility cart are from IKEA as well, from the PANNÅ and RASKOG lines respectively. This angle also reveals the oh-so-subtle textural treatment applied to the white walls on the right.
Of course, no IKEA-themed room would be complete without the Maskros pendant lamp.
Turquoise is a fabulous accent color for a small space like this. It’s bright, playful, and makes a huge impression even when used in sparing amounts.
Colorful prints of cities and bird line the walls. The coordinated filing boxes on the upper shelves are a cool idea, a clever way to extend the amount of available storage without breaking the strict color theme of the room.
Immediately eye-catching, the living room centers on a geometric Lappljung Ruta rug. The magazine side table is from IKEA’s PS line by Polish designer Tomek Rygalik – the lamp is actually part of the table itself, an extension of one of the rear table legs.
Designer:M1TOS
This chic Scandinavian-style apartment is the work of M1TOS. It occupies only 53 meters squared yet feels as free and open as the sky. From the lovingly distressed whitewashed floors to the affordable IKEA furniture and decor, this is a look almost anyone could emulate given the motivation.
The attention to framing and proportion is incredible. Overall, the composition of this black and white interior is just as artful as the objects that inhabit it.
Designer:Boom Project
This first home by Boom Project is located in an apartment in Odessa, Ukraine. It makes a huge first impression with a watercolor spanning the entire length of the sofa, centering the room and uniting the black and white interior palette.
Remember the charcoal stripe in the first home? This interpretation of the gray full-wall stripe delivers some tempting inspiration as well. This time, it terminates in a black accent wall that wraps around the corner and evenly splits the matte panel.
Most of the wood occupies a single stripe down the middle of the room, consisting of the shelving system and the dining table. Lovely white vases offer a decorative geometric touch.
Artistic elements on the shelf include shapely vases, colorful boxes, a geometric carafe , the iconic Eames house bird, and a few clever nods to typography. The table features an empty hourglass sculpture.
Designer:Boom Project
Another high contrast apartment concept from Boom Design – it’s a little more minimal than the last, but still quite homey and decorative. This one uses wood elements more sparingly and shows a stronger trend toward stark black and white rather than full grayscale.
Matte black cabinetry makes the light gray worktops and backsplash seem radiant in comparison. A mirror to the left reflects some light back into the kitchen and makes the room feel larger. The wooden slat divider on the right lends a creative touch and would be simple to emulate.
The small home is surprisingly bright despite its primarily dark decor thanks to its substantial windows and bright white wall and ceiling. The simple interior palette actually provides a kind of blank canvas to allow the artwork to take center stage.
Gallery lighting is a hot trend right now, but here it actually serves its namesake purpose – illuminating the rows of pop art prints on either side. A low shelf to the left holds a few intriguing black and white photographs in line with the interior theme.
A long stripe of textural black material hides recessed light strips, enhancing its contrast to the lighter concrete walls behind it.
It’s easy to see that this home is anything but minimalistic. It’s intended to be enjoyed, rather than serving strictly as a curation project – each space gains its energy from the signs of life and living.
A steel and wood table and shelving system creates an implied wall between the living room and the kitchen. The shelves host a little indoor garden on the sunny side, and even the voids offer room for ornamentation including a weeping fig tree and a series of hanging pendant lamps.
Have you ever felt torn between a handful of intriguing design ideas and just wish you could “preview” the end result of both choices at the same time? That’s what interior visualizers do every day – and their work is so fun to see! In this post, the designer Duc TayOne explores two different Art Deco interiors within the context of a singular layout. Because Art Deco is already a fairly rare style in contemporary decor, it’s exciting to see multiple interpretations side by side. So if you’ve been thinking about adding a touch of 20s-era decadence to your digs, this just might be the post you’ve been waiting for!
Let’s start with kitchen. This stylish space features a highly updated approach to Art Deco, contrasting modern black and white stripes with luxury materials like brass and marble. An oversized print immediately locks eyes with the viewer and utilizes a cool Renaissance-meets-pop-art style.
Visualizer:Duc TayOne
The plates are from the Tema E Variazioni collection by Piero Fornasetti. Each features the distinctive visage of opera singer and noted socialite Lina Cavalieri, a subject that captured the fascination of Piero throughout his artistic career.
A collection of objets d’art creates a miniature gallery any guest would love to peruse. The striped marble vases are from the Melange collection by Kelly Wearstler and the white calacatta lips are part of the Classic Little Kiss line by the same designer.
And here is the same kitchen, visualized with a softer palette of rose-tinted wood. The furniture and decorations remain largely the same but the curvaceous touches seem to make a world of difference. This version might even be considered to sit more on the Art Nouveau side, especially with the addition of a flowery ring chandelier.
Another gorgeous series of prints from Piero Fornasetti – since breakfast stools are one of the few pieces of furniture almost guaranteed a 360 degree view, it only makes sense to ensure they look fabulous from any angle.
The bedroom is light and playfully decorated with iconic portraits of Marilyn Monroe, a personification of the golden age of Art Deco style.
Crisscross ottomans from Christopher Guy offer a little extra seating at the end of the bed.
More artistic collectibles are smartly displayed in the office. That innovative cantilever desk is also worth a mention! It’s a nice ultra-modern contrast to the delicate floral carpet.
What an interesting take! Note the miniature version of the bedroom displayed alongside the laptop.
Miniaturized versions of furniture from all throughout the house occupy places of honor in the display cubbies.
A few of the pieces featured in the background include chairs from Christopher Guy, including Eureka (bottom left) and Musette (upper right).
The modest gym shares its room with a dressing vanity. Expansive mirrors traverse either side of the room to make it feel so much larger.
A full hairdressing station occupies the opposite side.
Portraits of celebrities hang alongside the shelving unit to inspire the occupants in all things fitness and style.
This time, we are treated to two different takes on the same bedroom, both centered on the iconic Teddy Bear Chair by Hans J. Wegner. This first bedroom takes a monochromatic approach with natural accents and a lovely collection of candleholders.
The second bedroom concept uses a lighter and more organic style, utilizing ornate classic furniture and a striped lamp that ties back into the main kitchen concept at the beginning of this post.
Two different takes on the same side table – in the second visualization, the lamp creates more an emphasis on the table itself whereas it serves as more of a functional accessory in the first.
And still more stripes! How often do you see a wardrobe that ties flawlessly into an interior design theme? With creative experimental visualizations, anything is possible.
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
