Sanitary fittings firm Hansgrohe employ from a glittering talent pool of the worlds best designers, big fish who infuse passion into everything they create, manifesting in vastly superior products that breathe freshness of life and new meaning into our spaces. The gorgeous designs featured here have graced the company’s portfolio for some time, but we are recently captivated by the latterly added videos that showcase the record of rockstar status designers themselves, and give them a platform on which they explicate the art of the thought process behind their groundbreaking product lines…
Spotlight on:Patricia Urquiola
is fondly dubbed as ‘Uragano Urquiola’, (Hurricane Urquiola) by the Italian press because of the sheer speed with which she muscled herself into the male dominated product design industry. Besides the numerous accolades she has won for her work, her influence has spread far and wide. She is even rumored to be the inspiration behind the naming of Ulquiorra Cifer, a character in the Japanese anime series Bleach! Here she discusses the Axor Urquiola collection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq6ArU9V1aA#t=1m43s
A departure from traditional norms, conventions and rigid structures, her design is a celebration of detail, variety, sensuality and vibrant energy. The entire collection is characterized by flowing transitions, soft shapes and gentle curves. Every single element has its own charming and endearing qualities.
Spotlight on:Philippe Starck
French designer Philippe Starck has produced some juicy designs in his time, including the iconic Juicy Salif lemon squeezer that has been displayed in New York’s Museum of Art, and was even produced in limited edition varieties of anthracite and gold plate, of which Starck says himself was “not meant to squeeze lemons” but “to start conversations.” The pioneering designer has a long list of successful furniture and lighting, and even pushes boundaries in vehicle conception and architecture. Starck takes his zest for design into just about every arena, including the bath. In this video, Philippe Starck describes the slick Axor Starck Shower Collection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGOc9ApcJgk
The bathroom is a place of beauty and awareness, a place where we can find ourselves. It is an aesthetic retreat for personal well-being, wherein water can be experienced through all the senses. Over a decade ago, the first Starck bathroom started a revolution. A place of mere hygienic functionality was turned into a new personal retreat. The bathroom as a living space was born - full of warmth and personality. This transformation continues. “It’s time to redefine the shower,“ says Philippe Starck. His new focus is on the shower as a central element of personal well-being in the bathroom. Again, design, functionality and space interact with each other in a stunning combination. The shower becomes a custom-made spa. The clarity and consistency of this expressive collection offer a bounty of design possibilities.
Spotlight on:Jean-Marie Massaud
Architect, inventor, and designer, Jean-Marie Massaud , is co-founder of the revolutionary Studio Massaud, alongside Daniel Pouzet, and is responsible for the architectural wonder of Estadio Chivas, the stadium designed to resemble an erupting volcano. Jean-Marie Massaud has many achievements, he was also awarded the “Grand Prix de la Salle de Bains d’Hotel 2012” (Hotel Bathroom Prize 2012) for his contribution to the universe of the hotel bathroom. Check out this video featuring the Axor Massaud collection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYBMNsBCwkw According to him:
More than ever before, we are living at a frantic pace, stressed and overstimulated. And more than ever, we are searching for retreats and places of tranquility. The bathroom is such a place. Nowhere else are we so in touch with ourselves - and at the same time so closely connected to the element water, source of all life. When I worked with Axor on the new bathroom collection, I had the vision of complete harmony between human beings, nature and technology. To achieve this harmony, the bathroom must become a living space, a place where we feel totally comfortable. Designing this room involves precise, detailed planning. One aspect of this is the use of natural, high quality materials. Another is the modern arrangement of areas for bodycare, relaxation and tranquility. There also is a space set apart for the toilet. Integrated into the rest of the home, bathroom and bedroom form a single unit. Separated from each other by sliding doors, if at all, both rooms simply flow into each other. The concepts presented in this brochure, visualised by my partner, Daniel Pouzet, make it clear that it is not the size of a room that matters, but its atmosphere and the character it conveys. This is why an Axor Massaud bathroom can be realised even in a small space. I have been inspired by nature. Now I invite you to be inspired by Axor Massaud.
Spotlight on:Pheonix Design
Overachieving duo founders of Phoenix Design , Andreas Haug and Tom Schönherr, have had a long and successful design partnership, recognized over the years with more than 400 design awards including the coveted “Lucky Strike Award”, and they are able to boast an enviable client list, including Mercedes Benz, Audi, Sharp, T-Mobile, Bosch, Grundig, Miele and many, many more. PuraVida collection by Phoenix Design, a perfect fusion of white and chrome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfm-hWfV9zw
Andreas Haug and Tom Schönherr [of Phoenix Design] describe their design philosophy as an attitude: the basic values are aesthetics and ethics, economy and ecology, precision and ergonomics. … Design in white conveys boldness, honesty and the courage to shine. White demands perfection in form… The focus is on the essential: the human encounter with fine design.
If you have some time to kill check out this compilation of Axor bathroom inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6aBCScGOKw
This collection of exteriors shows highly contemporary architecture within nature rich surroundings.
The box like architecture of these modern homes places heavy emphasis on straight man-made lines, which contrasts hugely with the organic lines of the natural surroundings. Foliage and flowers soften the look a little, cradling each building with a bed of greenery, but still they appear almost as viewing stations over the beauty, or a futuristic dwelling that floats several feet above a strange alien landscape.
Via Pascanas Putra
Other structures are in a more obvious empathy with their surroundings, not particularly in shape, but with obvious signs of green energy usage such as solar panels and wind turbines to provide power to the house with minimal detriment to the Earth.
Via BCN Architects , 3D Visualization
Via Avisgrafik Other modern homes carve out their own perfect piece of the natural world with finely manicured lawns and stepping stones, pebbled patios and clever water features, but all enjoy the peaceful views via floor to ceiling windows for optimum viewing.
Via Creative Colony
Via Hybrido Studio 3D
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
