The engineering team put 300 days of difficult trials into the construction process of this imaginative space, designed by SOAR Design Studio . The team worked with the owners of the property to complete a house with a unique flair. The piece went on to win the 2019 Japan Good Design Award, operated by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. Traditional ’rules’ and definitions were cast aside in favour of a new and exciting way of coexisting. Open space, flexible purpose, and vague floor boundaries, were offered in bridging separation of common and private areas. A labyrinth of sorts, navigating both the horizontal and vertical planes.
Photographer:Hey! Cheese
The ambiguous living room promotes movement and interaction between the inhabitants. Bespoke furniture adds layers of intrigue to the floor plan. A simple bench seat offers a place to pause and read a book, look out onto the garden, lay down for a while, or sit in tandem for a chat.
Transient zones lead to novel interactions. The floating base of the staircase equates to another bench seat, whilst a low landing makes an elevated perch just low enough for comfortable exchanges with the ground floor.
Family life takes place surrounded by the changing of the seasons that tap against vast window panes. Regenerating trees and ephemeral weather shift the mood of the interior.
The interior is full of surprises. Groundbreaking suspension structures allow all private bedrooms to float independently and consecutively above the ground floor.
Free and organic common space on the ground floor is open to possibilities.
The configuration liberalises everyday life, shaping a new philosophy that dissolves public and private bubbles.
Rooms are no longer separated and defined.
There is a simplicity in the industrial style decor of the interior, yet it is full of atmosphere.
A single lounge chair injects modern chic into a small sitting area, situated by an entire wall of bespoke bookcases. A couple of lidded baskets make a convenient storage spot, and stack to serve as a side table too.
A second book stack creates a layered library setup, a room within a room. Small ornaments are interspersed between the tomes. Indoor plants add intervals of life and change.
The steel and wood staircase winds up toward the upper shelves of the made-to-measure bookcase wall. At the top, the treads finally morph into a long mezzanine library, where a watercolour painting marks a peaceful break in the book shelves.
Wood planks have been applied across part of the ceiling space to compliment the natural timber book stacks, as well as to accentuate interesting angles in the architecture.
Concrete flooring runs smoothly through the living space, connecting the library/lounge area with a formal dining setting.
A rattan basket stores linens by the bench seat, easy to grab when needing to chase the chill off.
Vague mezzanine suspensions uniquely interact with the creative and differentiated living space.
The oak wall shelves grow warm character in the industrial space. A rich walnut platform extends from the base of the central tower, a woodgrain island in a sea of concrete.
Internal windows connect concealed volumes with the open common space.
The revolutionary multi-level living environment hangs bedrooms aloft in an independent yet connecting configuration, like treehouses.
Shelves placed along the balustrades establish landing areas as more than mere connective passageways. These rests become living spaces, offering alternative surroundings for study and reflection. Down on the ground floor, plant stand s shake up the furniture layout, bringing feathered foliage to sharp edges.
The well-spaced structural system provides a creative way of living for modern families that is a complete departure from traditional architecture.
The floating trait of the upper volumes builds a living space that feels filled with movement and action.
The wooden ‘islands’ of the living room blend with the first floor floating characteristic.
A fissure between two suspended bedrooms cracks open directly above the rectangle dining table. The divide leaves a perfect gap for a dining room suspension light to fall dramatically all the way through.
Scenes of the garden border provide a calming green backdrop for the dining room.
Modern dining chairs flank the table three by three.
A minimalist centrepiece of pure white candles tops the table.
The disc-like dining room pendant light smoothly compliments the curved back dining chair design.
A black and grey kitchen cuts into a background of partially rendered exposed brickwork. A white SMEG fridge freezer blends with the light plaster.
The kitchen run pulls around in a large L-shaped configuration.
Black door and window surrounds frame garden views on three sides of the living room.
Connection with the outdoors prevails upstairs on the mezzanine library, and on to the private bedrooms.
Clerestory windows bring added light into the bathroom, to complement a low window down by a unique sunken bathtub .
Edison bulbs stylise lighting solutions.
Fluidity of space presents unique interplay.
Novel lamps add to the warm glow that subtly emits throughout the house.
Imperfections in the concrete walls only add wabi-sabi beauty.
The place seems to evoke a thirst for knowledge, truth and education. Besides the award winning suspension volumes, it’s the bookstacks and reading nooks that build the most important structure in this home. Technology and TV takes a back seat to all that is on the written page.
Another industrial meets wabi-sabi moment.
Presenting two modern white, grey and wood interiors, each with wonderfully welcoming vibes that make you want to wander right in and stay a while. These are homes with simple comforts in mind. Colour is calming, furniture is minimal. There is nothing overcomplicated to distract the eye and exhaust the mind yet there is a crisp and confident sense of style, one of complete peaceful self-assurance. Warm throws and rugs soften the simple lounge of the first, whilst a remarkable ensuite bathroom hides at the back. Concrete decor gives the second interior a cool industrial edge, but natural timber elements and lovingly selected pieces redress the warm balance.
Designer:Longwave Studio| Photographer:Andy’s Photo
A cosy faux sheepskin rug and strewn throws instantly send a message of “kick your shoes off at the door and prepare to get cosy.” A sunshine yellow cushion pads a rattan chair in the window, making up a perfectly light and comfy reading spot. A huge TV unit features bookcases in each end to put reading material close to hand. Looks like the four legged family member has claimed it as her very own cat furniture though!
are complemented by green throws, which vibe beautifully with the natural timber elements in the room.
Behind the grey sofa, the living room opens up into a dining room and good sized kitchen.
Natural wood grain units make up one wall of the kitchen design. Their finish melds smoothly with the wood laminate flooring and the adjacent dining table.
More storage cabinets fill the adjacent wall, this time finished in white to define the dining area. A grey Drop chair stands out against the colourless canvas. A white dining room pendant light plays on the shape of the round dining table .
A wooden bench makes a repositionable window seat.
Framed doors and drawer fronts build a high quality kitchen. Open kitchen shelving gives the design a homey appeal. Chrome appliances add in a little modern sheen.
colours a break in the L-shaped kitchen run.
The second leg of the kitchen is comprised of a white glossy island design, plus the hardest working countertop section that includes the hob.
The same wood laminate flooring threads throughout the apartment, uniting living spaces to hallways and bedrooms.
The only exception to the wood flooring rule is in the home entryway where it is replaced by a hard wearing large format black floor tile.
A wooden headboard wall warms up the white bedroom scheme. An open archway leads into a dressing room and an ensuite, and lets natural daylight flow through.
Obscure glass builds light permeable bathroom walls.
The bathroom can be accessed directly from the walkway into the bedroom or via the walk in wardrobe.
Wood frame double doors connect the dressing area to the ensuite; they form visual link with natural wooden elements inside of the peaceful bathroom.
The bathtub and shower occupy one screened off wet zone, which helps prevent steam from entering the open plan closet and bedroom.
There is a separate WC off the hallway.
A wood frame mirror complements a linear wooden vanity design. Grey and white mosaic tiles texture the backsplash, plain white counterparts coat the walls.
Designer:U Interior Design| Photographer:Andy’s Photo
This living room has a more minimalist soul.
Furniture is pared back but the pieces have been carefully selected for their unique and inviting qualities. The stunning modern sofa design features one flexed wooden arm, which serves as a two tier side table. Wooden feet lift the couch clear of the floor to promote a spacious and airy feel.
A driftwood ball and slatted side table add texture to the simple layout, accentuated by the soft light from a Scandi style floor lamp .
A slatted sideboard complements the construction of the side table.
Flooring is split to draw a boundary between the lounge and a connected kitchen.
A wood panelled ceiling counteracts a cool concrete surround.
White recessed spotlights pierce the perimeter of the wooden ceiling. A stylish linear suspension light drops over the dining table.
Built-in shelving makes a focal point at the end of a hallway to the bedroom and bathroom.
Tall cabinets mark a small divide between the home entry door and the lounge area.
The first visual upon entering the home is the kitchen diner.
A black seat pad crosses the dining bench , matching with the black linear suspension lamp over the table.
The black accent is pulled through the living room, via the legs of a small tray top table and in striking black window frames.
Wood slatted panels decorate the entry wall, balancing out the wood fronted storage cabinets on the opposite side of the door.
Small flourishes of greenery invigorate the neutral formula.
A block of black knives darkly punctuate an effortless white and wood kitchen volume.
Geometric floor tiles add personality to the restful interior.
Many elements of the living room design are interchangeable with the bedroom. The Scandi style floor lamp works as mood lighting here too, and the dining bench makes a light end of bed bench. The closets are of the same wood effect finish as the kitchen wall units. A swing arm wall lamp extends from the fitted units, lighting a small bedside table .
A compact desk slots in at the opposite bedside.
Oak flooring runs seamlessly from the living room into the bedroom, forming quiet cohesion.
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
