Asian Interior Design Trends In Two Modern Homes [with Floor Plans]

Many style guides tend to focus on the historical side of Asian interior styling, often highlighting homes decorated with ornate antiques and bold symbolic colors. But what about interiors created with modern design fans in mind? These two beautiful homes – both located in Taiwan – demonstrate the sophisticated and minimalistic interior design trends popular in East Asia today. Each home incorporates the best of both international inspiration and traditional local influences, with a mix of furniture and fixtures from all over the world. Both are perfectly gorgeous and worth checking out.

Designer:Allness Design, Taipei

This next home was renovated to suit the needs of a young family with two children. The owners desired open public spaces to improve family interactivity, especially between the living room and the kitchen. Alternatively, private spaces were added to provide quiet and concentration for specific tasks.

Multiple varieties of dark stone give the bathroom a sophisticated textural palette, a lovely way to incorporate natural materials within a monochromatic color theme. Such a relaxing space – an ideal place to wash away the worries of the day.

The hallway is sparsely lit and looks exceptionally refined with high quality wood paneling in a sumptuously dark finish. Light wood flooring prevents the space from looking too imposing, the perfect balance.

Yet the library room is not only for books – it also contains the owner’s impressive collection of wooden stamps in all shapes and sizes. The sliding display wall looks almost weightless with its lovely cove lighting.

The small library is an especially interesting space. A spacious table in the middle of the room makes it easy for the entire family to read and study together, turning a practice that is normally solitary into something everyone can enjoy together.

The new layout of the home includes straight lines of transit to make navigation more convenient.

A small elegant office hides behind the entertainment console, making it easy for a working parent to interact with the children without sacrificing the quiet and concentration needed to get things done. Dark jade and muted wood tones foster a relaxing and tranquil environment.

The bluish-gray carpet and pale green pillow show that even the most subtle accents can add dimensionality to a natural color theme without overwhelming the emphasis on stylish neutrals. Glossy white panels brighten areas that might otherwise suffer from a lack of natural light.

Natural colors and smooth organic forms foster an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. Recessed lights provide even illumination, and a cantilever task lamp provides extra light over the neat sectional sofa.

Designer:爱 设计

The first home, located in Taipei, features a gorgeous contrast of natural accents against a very refined industrial backdrop. The living room makes a bold statement with a stunning accent panel made of rusted iron against a rough concrete wall, all illuminated with technical modern lighting.

Linear design also defines the stone-clad bathroom, further emphasizing the rounded triangular sinks.

This monochromatic bedroom offers an especially relaxing refuge from the worries of the world. The linear effects are quite pleasing – horizontal stone effect wall cladding draws the eye horizontally to the curtains, where crisp vertical pleats frame the view.

A quiet study room contains very little furniture, the only decoration consisting of sentimental antiques. Poufs provide comfortable yet simple seating and slatted blinds offer privacy from the numerous surrounding apartment units.

Diamond weave screens made of coated metal take the place of doors allowing for a nearly seamless transition between rooms, preserving the field of view and allowing the passage of light.

This shot offers another look at the diverse yet wonderfully coordinated colors and textures.

Such a wonderful variety of textures on display here: matte, gloss, burled wood… Each element contributes.

Perhaps the most vibrant piece of furniture, the live edge table, brings a wealth of grounded organic energy to the dining area – yet the rest of the room features exceptionally strong industrial tones in the form of metallic accents. Here, another mirrored wall catches the reflection of the large living room window and efficaciously brightens the space.

Public spaces are open yet well defined. A raised ceiling in matte charcoal helps to delineate the open living room space. The dining and kitchen, on the other hand, enjoys the rustic treatment of playfully misaligned wood panels.

Color is sparingly used yet carefully balanced. Note the black set of dining chairs, punctuated by a singular white chair and a singular red chair. To the right, a lone blue pillow pops out from its neutral surroundings.

Most of the furniture takes advantage of thin wire legs for a light yet industrial look, whereas the substantial sofa offers a softer aesthetic rounded out by a textural white rug. This home uses mirrors extensively to heighten the sense of spaciousness in addition to maximizing natural light, demonstrated by the reflective backing on the integrated bookshelf.

The extraordinary Flint House by Skene Catling de la Peña has just been named Britain’s House of the Year by the Royal Institute of British Architects, and it’s hard to imagine a construction more worthy of the honor. Commissioned by Lord Rothschild and located on the expansive grounds of a Buckinghamshire estate, it effortlessly adapts to the distinctive surrounding landscape, both in terms of its stepped profile and rugged material composition. Stone, water, fire, and earth all come together to breathe life into the pristine interior volumes - enjoy this intriguing and otherworldly home (inside and out) through the photo tour below.

Architect:Skene Catling de la Peña

Natural cladding reflects the minerals buried in the earth below. A gradient of stone begins with large flint nodules becoming smaller and more orderly as the wall ascends, terminating in a peak of smooth chalk slabs at the apex of the triangular structure.

A smaller reflection of the home houses a private studio and archive for the occupants.

Where each structure stops, a small crop of existing trees continues the angular trajectory. Public spaces occupy the ground floor of the home with private areas above, allowing for a gorgeous view of the timber from the master bedroom.

Flat surfaces are clad with a composite called terrazzo, carefully formulated to match the gradient of the flint and chalk exterior – this effect makes it looks the building itself has been carved out from the surrounding earth.

Garden terraces fill the voids left by the windows, allowing sunlight to flood the interior.

The gardens are the result of collaboration between celebrated author and landscape architect Mary Keen, and the quietly prestigious garden designer Pip Morrison. Natural grasses echo the views on the horizon, and seem like a low-maintenance choice ideal for a property that is only used occasionally such as this one.

Parallel windows contribute to the weightless aesthetic and allow a transformative lighting experience as the sun crosses overhead.

In contrast to the dark and mysterious walls outside, the interior abounds with clean white surfaces radiant with sunlight. Renowned interior designer David Mlinaric oversaw this portion of the project, filling the home with classic furniture and gorgeous artwork in contrast to the ultra-contemporary setting in which they reside.

Living spaces are marked by comfortable low ceilings to create a sense of intimacy, whereas major transit paths enjoy double-height ceilings.

Full-height glass walls reveal portions of the flint cladding and the interior water features they surround. Here, it’s possible to see through the fireplace into the living room on the other side of the structural wall.

The staircase is smartly aligned with the window downstairs allowing for a bright and spacious atmosphere despite the narrow walls.

Bold contrasting colors lend the bedroom a distinctive aesthetic. A round mirror above the bed offers a convex reflection of the landscape outside.

Water flows through a secluded interior grotto, reflected by the mirrored black ceiling above. The fireplace – when lit – would create a powerfully stunning effect as the flames danced across the water and illuminated the stones with dancing waves orange and yellow.

It’s all about perspective. This view demonstrates the perfect alignment of the far roof with the treetops in the distance. This home is absolutely gorgeous from any angle.

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