Located in Thevakkal village in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India, The ‘House That Rains Light’ is a beautiful biophilic home designed by LIJO.RENY.architects . The 274 square metre (2950 square foot) property features sky-lit vertical volumes, landscape voids and strategic fenestration to promote cross ventilation in the hot climate. The open concept construction also creates a unique shared living experience, where family members can remain connected even when in different rooms and on different floors. Huge green walls dramatically wrap around the modern façade to form shaded pergolas over a roof terrace. Multiple courtyards bring nature inside of the home, effectively erasing the exterior boundary.
Created for a young couple with two children, the project called for a family oriented home that is fun and free from conventions.
The 209.87 square metre build transcends its footprint with a shaded front yard that serves as not only a parking area, but a sociable sitting area and a play area for the kids. The typical compound wall and gate are dissolved so that play can overflow onto the quiet road when more space is in order for friends and sports. With outside space limited, the garden is pushed to the vertical plane with climbing vegetation over towering frames, which also construct shade and privacy.
Inside the home, bright colours create a buzz against the neutral structure in the form of modern furniture and coordinated decor elements.
Courtyards spring up from beds situated all around the living space to create a multi spatial and sensory experience for the homeowners’ children to thrive in.
Striped floor tiles create an ongoing motif throughout the home. The tiles set an unusual and permanent colour zoning technique, as the rest of the furniture in the vicinity follows suit with colour coordinated finishes, trims and fabrics.
The family wanted their home to show individuality and character, without overcomplicating or encroaching upon their simple living ideals.
Even though the entire main floor is open plan, the skylit courtyards break apart the visual to create interesting nooks and pathways.
The yellow accent colour is left behind at the lounge area, whilst a bright red colourway takes over the dining area.
The striped floor tiles switch hue to match the modern dining set.
A green table centerpiece harmonises with the surrounding plant beds.
The one wall kitchen stretches out behind the dining area, leading toward a shaded utility. An elongated window stripes along the backsplash, bringing in the flip side of the façade’s vertical garden.
A home workspace tucks into one end of the kitchen run, where it benefits from dual aspect windows.
Glossy white wall cabinets melt away into the white walls of the space, whilst industrial grey units weight the base.
Sunlight and moonlight rain down from the three perforated skylights.
The interior atmosphere changes with the time of day, the weather and the season as the streaks of light vary in length and intensity.
Upstairs, the towering fronds that shoot up from the landscape pockets tickle two facing bedroom balconies.
There is also another open family space on the first floor, which leads to a bathroom on one side and a balcony on the other.
Just like in the main living space, striped floor tiles set the colour theme of each bedroom too.
A yellow bed set and yellow accent chair expand the cheerful room palette.
The exterior green walls grow right over the openings of the kids’ bedroom balconies, bringing the wonder of butterflies and birds with the seasonal flowers.
Tactile leaves, the flash of colorful wings and the sound of bird song make magical childhood memories.
On a practical level, the climbing plants provide effective screening from the road, and filter the air and searing sunlight.
To complete the primary colour wheel, we leave the red and yellow bedrooms upstairs to explore the blue bedroom back down on the main floor.
The ground floor blue bedroom connects to the main lounge area, but can be closed off when required.
Another skylit courtyard grows a pretty bedroom view.
Because the bedroom is attached to the main living space, it becomes an extension for play.
Windows were positioned to ensure cross ventilation throughout the year, with the seasonal shift of wind.
In each colour coded space, a series of circular photographic prints feature one colour matched disc.
Ceilings are left raw in reflection of the cool grey floors.
Mirrored wardrobes bounce natural light deep into the bedrooms.
A red accent chair adds a bright visual stop at the end of a tiled runner.
The same colourful modern chair design is used throughout with sculptural effect.
The vertical & landscape voids and the stairwell helps control the temperature of the house during the tropical summers of the south.
An industrial bathroom illustrates the family’s love of simplicity.
A shower door opens to the fresh air.
Up on top, the roof is utilised as added outdoor area. The huge green walls wrap around and cover one third the roof to form shaded pockets of terrace–perfect for a quiet siesta or a friendly barbecue.
Wisps of greenery peek through the skylights.
Ground floor plan with open concept lounge, kitchen diner area, bedroom, bathrooms and courtyards, plus exterior shaded porch.
First floor plan with two bedrooms, spacious family room and bathrooms.
We’ve all got a good handle on what makes up the industrial style aesthetic; original brickwork, raw concrete finishes, surface mount electrical wiring and exposed ducting are the familiar subjects of the theme, but what about the many sub-styles? Today we’re unpacking what makes a crisp modern industrial style, how we can colour up a quirky pop art industrial interior, the cool crash of Scandi meets industrial, and a rather more eclectic take on the industrial vibe. Let’s take a look at how these lofts live up to their industrial sub-styles with tag graffiti walls, colour blocked zoning, mezzanine bedroom ideas , inspired kitchens and unique bathroom designs.
Visualizer:Artem Tafy
Our first focus is on the modern industrial aesthetic, where clean and crisp lines contrast with raw and rugged elements. In this 46 square metre tourist rental in Petergof, Russia, fresh white cladding smooths over an exposed brick interior. A floating tv stand stretches a thin linear volume across the room, which is utilised as desk space at one end.
A huge indoor plant drives a dark green accent into the predominantly neutral modern scheme.
Small white radiators meld with the simple white baseline, and a solid white swivel chair blends in quietly by the desk space. With elements clear and contemporary around the lower half of the room, the crown of the room carries an authentic warehouse vibe, with a bare concrete ceiling and exposed ducting.
The brick beige and basic white backdrop is shaken alive with the introduction of a mood boosting powder blue dining area. A colour coordinated dining pendant light spotlights the small dining table arrangement.
A blue graffiti wall complements the dining furniture whilst maintaining an untamed urban street vibe.
The graffiti wall wraps around the corner of the room into the compact kitchen area. What appears to be a small L-shaped kitchen actually has a third wall of cabinets tucked neatly behind the staircase to the mezzanine. The space beneath the stairs is fully employed as custom closet space.
Up on the mezzanine, a glass wall bedroom design receives natural light from the living room’s towering arched windows.
A swing arm wall lamp illuminates tag graffiti across the headboard wall, and issues reading light into the compact cozy bedroom .
The beautiful blue colour theme returns inside the small bathroom, with solid blue walls and secretive storage unit doors. A deep farmhouse sink beds a sharp white accent into the modern blue vanity unit.
Large wall tiles break apart the blue behind the bathtub .
Visualizer:Pavel Alekseev
Next, we move to a pop-art industrial style loft in Moscow. Blue bookshelves create a box frame around the large living room window. A graphic rug takes the blue accent to the floor.
A small rocking chair and swing seat make a place for chatting in motion. Scribble effect cabinet doors paint an arty vibe under the stairs. A geo rug layers in a burst of yellow, which is complemented by a lemon chevron cushion over on the window seat.
Yellow bursts lead the eye to the kitchen next, where a bright SMEG fridge contrasts cheerfully against charcoal grey walls.
The yellow element is absorbed into the industrial aesthetic via faux “road markings” painted across the kitchen floor and along the home entryway.
A humorous “stop hunger” message has been stenciled by the fridge door. Pop art unfolds as a comic strip across the kitchen backsplash.
Directional chevrons show the way from the foyer into the apartment.
As we approach the top of the mezzanine staircase, the steps change from unfinished timber to aqua blue painted treads. A cornflower blue bedroom awaits at the end of the trail.
Anglepoise wall lights solve the issue of limited space around the bed.
Dual-colour paintwork camouflages the bathroom door.
Visualizer:LVI Studio
Our third sub-style is the Scandinavian industrial combo. An industrial pallet coffee table is adorned with a very Scandi selection of mini trees and a chess set centrepiece. Cushions and tasselled throws add hygge vibes to the leather sofa .
A planter is set into one side of a rustic dining table; a delicate tree reaches up into the double room height.
Metal dining chairs tie in with the attached industrial style kitchen design.
The square balcony has been fashioned into an outdoor room.
A sofa and modern outdoor chairs create a lounge area, whilst stools line up to make a relaxed dining spot with a great view.
Upstairs, a mezzanine closet runs off the glass wall bedroom.
Tonal grey decor and oak flooring creates a calming palette.
The living room pendant lights twinkle just outside the industrial bedroom .
The narrow bathroom is packed with cool industrial style elements to create an atmospheric retreat.
A slatted shower screen adds a unique touch.
Visualizer:Lena Budantseva
Our final tour takes place in an apartment for a young family, in Minsk, with an eclectic industrial style. Black base notes anchor golden woodgrain accents. A maroon modern sofa diversifies the colour scheme.
In front of the maroon sofa, a simple wooden TV stand is set down next to sleek black tensioned shelves.
A black coffee table matches the sleek bookcase.
A small indoor tree gently divides the lounge from the kitchen diner.
Creamy sofa scatter cushions are matched by a chic modern lounge chair by the window. Decorative vases scatter the cream accent onto the bookshelves.
and an eclectic array of crockery builds the light decorative element into the black and oak kitchen design.
In the bedroom, industrial style lighting and bold art make an unusual mix with a soft and dreamy bed set.
Industrial wall sconces and rustic stools flank the marshmallowy bed.
Concrete walls surround a double sink bathroom vanity , whilst wood effect tiles warm the shower area.
A unique towel radiator weaves down the raw concrete wall.
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
