Decorating your home can seem an infinite challenge. What colour scheme and theme will you go for? Which pieces in your current abode will you take or store away? Designing in black, white and wood can offer a simple, contemporary solution. These two interiors, both using black, white and IKEA-friendly pale wood, show how to use materials to their highest functionality. Drench your surfaces in texture, creating a classy finish. Make shapes with mirrors, rugs and chairs, letting individualism shine in your living space. These two well-designed finds show how make the most of simple colour schemes.

Visualizer:Pavel Voytov
Our first living space is drenched in block walls of black, white and light wood. Based on a paler wooden floor, this design draws in the eye with textured black kitchen panelling, adding both distinction and room demarcation. White bauble lights lead towards the lounge, where light wood furniture mixes with a white leather L-sofa and zig-zagged rug. As a detailed grey plinth segments areas, a row of white windows looks out to mountains beyond.

The finer elements create shapes in each living space. The living room boasts circles glowing on the wall, reflected in the mirror and carved for the coffee table . A space for reading hosts triangles in the room partition and quilted ottoman chair legs. Looking from the kitchen, the spaces tie together through the lines of the bookshelves, black and white striped rug and white quilted couch.

The kitchen adds drama with a strong presence of black and white. With one wall in full black and the other almost in full white, contrasts are created without blocking off the room. Similar grey partition shading complements a white dining table and chairs, artfully constructed in industrial mesh. A painted portrait and two curved, thin lights bring kitchen and dining areas together in harmony.

Around the corner, a meditation haven makes itself known. Warm colours mixed with white, light plywood and black glass are illuminated by standing candles, infusing the room with a calm aura. A potted plant in the corner beside darker-hued prints ties in the room to the remaining interior.

Two bedrooms and bathrooms give the interior diversity. The master bedroom shows its masculine side, with a heavy black futon bed with stark white bedding. LED-lit beside a chorus of lamps, the headboard’s geometric pattern is lightly etched into its surface, creating a bigger visual around the bed. A large, grey-quilted chair harks to the living area, while a chequered rug and muted-tone portrait tie its elements together.

The guest bedroom meets the master and meditation room halfway, with a lighter-shaded room featuring pieces in black. Roofed by wooden panelling, its white walls contrast with unusual dark wood, blending in the TV. Lighter bedding joined by grey makes the room contemporary, as do thin leaning mirrors, potted plants, triangular pops of orange and a light made of pipes. A floating desk and tucked away cupboard add functionality, as mushroom lamps lead to a relaxing white window seat.

The ensuite takes the living room’s circles and makes them oval - in an expanse of clean lines, the decorative wall mirror and shapely pendant light stand out. Incorporating an exposed brick wall, concrete ceiling, tiling and light wood, the design appears minimalist by painting in white. An under-bath bookshelf, darker wood towel rail and sculpted figure add character to a room white, bright and open.

The main bathroom opens with a pop of mint. A rainforest shower head peeps behind a tinted glass panel and above a marble step, as another oval mirror greets its gaze. Joined by a distressed concrete panel, exposed brick wall and steampunk light, the corridor behind opens up to another bookshelf-bottomed bath. A basin underneath adds a quirky punctuation to the space.

Visualizer:Yevhen Zahorodnii
Visualised by Yehven Zahorodnii, our second space boasts much less room – and much more innovation. A quarter-wall clad in plywood holds a TV in the living room. Extending through to a mid-grey wall with LED panelling, a grey-and-white block couch offers up teal cushions. A leaning fauna artwork and velveteen rug tie into two ornamental shelf legs, while thin, warm-coloured lamps drape over and beside seated spaces.

A place for breakfast is offered by three grey kitchen chairs. Juxtaposed with a white table and potted shelves, a textured black wall adds interest. A grey blind and white bench open up the space, letting in light from the city below. Light wood forms a corridor and cabinetry, making the room appear larger and hiding a kitchen sink behind closed doors.

Dreaming under a canopy of chiffon and lanterns, the bedroom stylises in black and white. A leaning abstract adds a cool, collected vibe, a poofy ottoman and desk functionality.

Deviating from black and white, this large-format tile bathroom warms it up with golden-lit shelves holding trinkets. As a large porcelain bath invites in the viewer, a honeycomb wall links with a circular mirror and light-wooden under panel. A sprig in a vase adds life.

This design takes what lies beyond the walls of the home and extends it into every part of the living space. Created by FM.X Interior Design, natural materials and muted tones are used throughout. Just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown, this “returning hut” in Fujian, China takes the homeowner away from it all and into a world of serenity. From the tree-filled courtyard and square lattice pavers to the stone walled living room that overlooks it, the space creates an air of stillness as if the surrounding property has created a fortress and become a buffer between you and the world outside. To the natural stone rock incorporated into the design of the house this house was made for solitude, with a beautiful presentation.

Designer:FM. X Interior Design| Photographer:WU Yong Chang
The simple wood stepped staircase overlooks the stone-walled dining and living areas just below and stays clear of the space, as if not to disrupt the tranquility of the sun-filled room.

The rectangular rug over stone tile declares the space decorated with understated furnishings in muted colored textiles.

The two-story stone wall continues the theme of this design and works well against the natural materials. The two areas are well-defined by the rugs, one laying wall to wall and the other laying wall to window.

The sitting area flanked by two armless sofas and an armless chair practices restraint and invites you in to sit down with a good book, or simply gaze into the courtyard.

The designer uses various wood finishes to add interest. Here with the tables are one of the few use of curves in the home. The dining table gives an example of bringing the outdoors inside as it looks as if it was carved and simply placed on legs.

The décor throughout the home is simple. The pair of fruit and sprig of leaves in the vase is all this space needed and brings more of the garden inside. This design is all about peace.

The floor to ceiling windows offer ample lighting during the day, canned lighting is used by night.

The wall of glass between the living area and courtyard is not about keeping anything out, but bringing the elements in. The pavestones here share the same pattern as the window.

The geometric pattern of the lattice stepping stone design just beyond the glass continues here in the natural stone tile.

The dining area, or tea room, defined by the natural fiber rug gives seating for dinner, tea, and has a spaced carved out for a desk chair when the space is being used for work.

The home looks like a part of the scenery instead of an interruption in nature. Simple, sparse trees adorn the courtyard and this is carried into the home with the uncluttered living area.

Floor to ceiling linens drape the stone wall where it meets the glass and stone floors, softening the look.

The lines follow throughout the house, even in the horizontal steps that synchronize with the lines of the tile floor and stone wall.

The curved back chairs with seats of cane and simple lines lend themselves to the natural wood desk and keeps with the style of the home

Getting away doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good movie. This home theatre is fully equipped and uses simple grey upholstery in straight lines providing comfort without distracting from enjoyment of the film.

The diagonal white wall encloses the stairs and provides a continuum of white against the mixed tone woods.

The designer created a peaceful retreat with subdued lighting and linens, natural wood headboard which also functions as storage on the reverse, and functional night tables. Striped drapes provide shading and a nice tempering effect.

The focus here is the natural stone rock that sits just outside of the window, providing a view and privacy.

The stone wall continues upstairs beyond the landing in the bar area to the right that provides functional storage space.

The stone wall continues upstairs beyond the landing in the bar area to the right that provide functional storage space

Vessel sinks and stone counters sit atop the wood cabinets used for storage.

The bedroom is visible from the tub which incorporates the stone existing on the property. The seclusion of the home allows the fabulous view of the outdoors.

The bathing area seems to be incased in glass offering natural light for the entire area. This area offers a mix of materials from glass to brick, stone, and wood.

The natural stone sits beside the steps down to the bath. The shower is just off to the side.

Even the exquisite bath keeps with the lines, but once again we see the curves used in the commode and vessel sinks.

The simple wall not only separates the master from second bedroom but serves as a closet.

The entire first floor of the home houses the home theatre, living, and dining rooms. The second level is where you’ll find the bedrooms and bar area.

This shows the future plans of the home. There is more to come for this returning hut.
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