This is a project built on contrast, carefully created by Cartelle Design . The young married homeowners in Milan, Italy, presented two very different tastes in interiors. The taste clash between the couple resulted in the design team having to seek a way to combine cool minimalism with cosy country house chic. It was important to the owners that the interior maintained that special summer house on the lake kind of feel, so it was decided that warm natural wood and soft texturing would be teamed with cold technological functionality. The result is bright space that is crisp with practicality, yet seasoned with charming beach house touches and character.
The home has an area of 112 square metres, with the biggest single chunk of it allocated to an airy open plan family room. This common area is divided into two floor levels, with a change in flooring materials accentuating the zoning. Natural wood defines the raised floor level of the warm lounge zone, whilst cool grey large format tiles cover the kitchen diner floor.
A blue modern sofa plus a blue striped and tasselled throw brings out a modern maritime feel. Behind and above the sofa, some fun ropework continues the theme, and lightly screens off the stairwell. Died pampas grass complements the natural golden tone.
A black square coffee table stands by the nautical sofa ensemble, pushing the style into the field of minimalism. A cosy knitted floor pouf adds texture and swings the balance back to cosy again.
Flames crackle inside a modern fireplace, situated right by the arm of the sofa to make it the hot spot of the home on a chilly afternoon. A compartment stores firewood beside the stove. Open shelves around the fireplace bring life and decoration to the room, giving the place a welcoming and friendly ambiance.
A comfortable swivel chair is seated at the other side of the elevated lounge area, beneath the bookshelves. A run of upper cabinets conceal a multitude of belongings behind obscured glass.
Seating has been sandwiched between two bookcases to create a reading nook at the window.
Dark treads on white risers give the staircase a crisp and clean aesthetic. The house is almost completely free of ceiling light fittings - instead, illumination is provided by wall sconces and lamps to evoke a more intimate atmosphere.
A dark wood dining set appears heavily anchored in the middle of the light, white room.
Stunning mountain views await beyond a set of patio doors that lead out onto a balcony. A white dining room pendant light extends out from the wall; this is an original fixture that was installed in this house at the end of the 1960s by previous owners. The light was preserved as a linking element between the past and present.
A low level shelf runs the length of the dining room, displaying works of art.
Two black kitchen bar stools are seated at a concrete peninsula. Wine storage is suspended from the ceiling above, which serves as both a functional and decorative piece.
Black, wood, metal and concrete volumes present a minimalist style galley kitchen . It was in this area that practical features were put first.
There is an integrated wine cooler concealed within the peninsula cabinetry beneath those wine glasses , to please a wine enthusiast homeowner.
Pillowy bedclothes look dreamily inviting in the master bed. Bedroom pendant lights have been suspended on different lengths of electrical wire, to play on the different heights of the bedside tables.
A wooden bookshelf embraces the cozy bedroom layout like a warm hug.
Cool white walls and a lofty roof height is offset by rich wooden ceiling panels and beams.
A Moroccan floor pouf settles by the window, next to low level bookshelves.
Dried flowers complement a rustic wooden vanity table in the bathroom.
The breezy blue accent wall provides a wonderfully cool contrast behind the rich wood double sink bathroom vanity . A modern wall sconce set directs task lighting where it’s most needed.
Above a toilet and bidet set, a decorative wall mirror has a sunbeam-like frame.
The natural toned mirror frame contrasts warmly against the cold grey concrete walls and shower enclosure.
The second bedroom we visit in the home has its white decor scheme warmed by a ruddy brown platform bed . Wall art presents a matching hue above the headboard.
Blue accent cushions, a blue area rug and pouf balance out the warmer tones in the room.
More dried botanicals make an appearance in here, presented in a clear glass vase .
Dual aspect windows pull in the mountain view.
Another bathroom decorated with a sky blue wall and a wooden vanity - though this time the vanity is of a much more modern and minimal nature. A rattan laundry basket slots below the bathroom sink to bring in more natural texture.
Beige shower tiles match the hue of the vessel basin on the vanity.
A third bathroom follows the same smooth blue and sandy colour scheme.
Moving into the kids’ bedroom, the kids’ beds have been stacked in a bespoke bunk design that has storage in its base. To accommodate the different ideas of two children, fishy decorations jostle with elephant decor .
A comfy window seat underlines the view.
The wooden drawers of the bunk beds have been replicated in the adjacent wardrobe design.
gives the room a colourful and fun feel.
A white flush plate makes a clean match with the toilet.
Black framework around the shower provides definition inside the soft blue and cream bathroom decor.
These three small apartment tours illustrate three very different ways of creatively utilising limited living space, all measuring under 50 square metres. The first tour is all set to show off how a super stylish space can be possible on a budget, featuring a glass wall bedroom and a surprising volume of storage. Tour number two is a pine filled picture of bespoke furniture and unique elevated viewing platforms that increase the square footage. Lastly we tour a high-end interior on a tiny footprint, which still manages to squeeze in a double workspace, a glass wall bedroom, and a chic little bathroom with a multitude of storage niches.
Designer:N.Team Design| Visualizer:N.Team Design
This 45 square meter one-room apartment was designed to be rented, and therefore only allowed a small project budget. The designers transformed the flat into a spacious studio with a combined kitchen and living room, a separated bedroom area, and a bathroom. A sectional couch, set of round coffee tables , and a floor reading lamp form the simple but stylish lounge.
A glass wall serves as a room divider between the living areas and the bedroom, whilst maintaining the complete visual area of the apartment.
Bespoke storage makes the most of every inch of space.
In the narrow home entryway, a rattan stool tucks neatly into a nook within the closets.
A sleek linear suspension lamp illuminates the dining end of a bench. The other end becomes a shelf below the wall mounted tv.
Bookshelves tower at the end of the kitchen installation, providing a pleasant focal point to the rest of the living area.
The support leg of the dining bench is transparent, which complements the aesthetic of the glass wall bedroom nearby. See more modern fruit bowls like this one here.
Inside the glass wall bedroom , an orange bed matches with the orange area rug in the lounge.
A black bathroom sink dominates the light grey and white bathroom scheme.
Black towel rungs stripe the adjacent concrete bathroom wall.
A black shower and toilet complete the black bathroom kit.
The floor plan illustrates the banks of plentiful storage installed in the limited space.
Architect:A6A
Our second tour is set over 49 square meters, in Bordeaux, France. It has been entitled ‘the pine flat’ by its designers, for obvious reasons. Bespoke furniture, wall panels and doors all swim with wood grain.
Green scatter cushions compliment the lumber interior. An arc floor lamp stretches over one block side of the timber sofa.
Neat modern wall sconces are mounted onto the timber headboard wall inside the bedroom. Wooden bedside cabinets are built into the bedframe.
Pine plywood panels engulf the room. Knotty pine planks fashion the door.
Back out in the main living space, a round dining table stands in front of the bespoke wooden couch, with four modern dining chairs .
populate the space, flourishing in the sunlight from high windows. The extra ceiling height offered by the eaves facilitates a double layered design, where platforms on top of deep storage volumes increase the surface of the small flat to an optimized 50 square metres. The platforms also provide access to the view.
The cool grey kitchen contrasts with the color and patterns of the surrounding wood. Stainless steel doors allow the storage space inside the kitchen island to be accessed from both sides.
A stainless steel sink is undermounted to the varnished concrete worktop.
An induction hob occupies the other end of the concrete countertop.
Industrial style kitchen pendant lights complement the steel and concrete kitchen materials.
Two tall timber doors stand beside the kitchen island, with cut-out holes for handles. One conceals the fridge and the other a bathroom.
This is a studio with lofted bed too; a ladder provides access to the elevated alcove.
The hideaway bedroom goes almost unnoticed from the main floor.
Pine panelwork continues inside the bathroom.
Steps lead up to a tucked away tub.
Floor plan illustrating the two bedrooms inside the tiny home, plus the deep storage volumes that double as platforms beneath the high windows.
Designer:Tyoma Atsone| Visualizer:Tyoma Atsone
Our last tour is a compact 38 square metre abode in Kharkov, Ukraine. The layout includes a living room dining room combo with a double workspace, and a glass wall bedroom.
A modular sofa backs onto a dining table. Its upholstery varies between different shades of grey to break up its visual bulk.
In front of the sofa, a small side table nestles into the crook of its L-shape.
Wood slats trim the lower half of the room beneath the windows, in continuation from the wood effect kitchen base units.
The dining chairs look into the lounge area, past the wine glasses .
A decorative wall mirror softly illuminates one wall of the living room.
A creative slatted lighting solution glows in the hallway, opposite a smooth grey coat closet and a shoe storage stool.
Inside the glass wall bedroom, a storage headboard is built into the closets. The black bookshelves contrast with clean white cupboard doors. Two modern wall sconces provide reading light inside the dark bed nook. A silver grey comforter gives the bed an inviting luxe look.
Cabinets above the desk and computer chair in the living room follow the same aesthetic as the bedroom storage units. Wooden drawers underline the desktops beneath each of the computer monitors, at either end of the workspace.
An illuminated vanity mirror glows inside a wood and white bathroom.
Concrete tiles speckle the floor.
The space around the toilet cistern is harnessed for clever bathroom storage. Candles and nicer toiletries can be displayed within a cut-through section above the loo, whilst excess items are tucked behind the face panel and accessed from the side.
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
