Who could have too much Scandinavian decor inspiration ? This post tours three small apartments with one bedroom, each decorated in simple and sleek Nordic style with bright and spacious appeal. These spaces would make the most of their long winter months thanks to the bright white-heavy interiors and streamlined furniture. In fact, their limited floor plans actually emphasize the cozy Scandinavian themes – these are homes that where the walls embrace the soul, where layered textiles and intimate lighting just beg for a comfortable reading session in the evening.
Visualizer:Sachin Mahajan| Source:Alvhem: Makleri & Interior
This small apartment in Sweden is a comfortable and casual take on modern Nordic decor – streamlined furniture reduces the visual weight of the room for a light and airy aesthetic. White makes up the majority of the color palette to take advantage of the scant northern sun, while the more comfortable furniture pieces stand out with exceptional warmth thanks to their rich earthy tones.
Transparent accent furniture allows for a clear line of sight across the open layout interior.
The transparent effect is obvious with the acrylic lounge chairs, but the wire breakfast stools and the decorative birdcage demonstrate this smart technique too.
A stripe of horizontal floorboards marks the transition between spaces. It’s fun to note that even the floors tie back into the overall decor style – a sleek and modern take on Scandinavian chic.
Although serious collectors may not approve of this home library method, the result does look very cool – and the tall stacks even double as convenient tables!
Houseplants are a crucial part of any Scandinavian interior. Year-round springtime is only possible indoors.
Windowsill houseplants are especially common in Nordic decor. Because northern winters are so long and the daylight hours so short, this is often the only way to make sure that non-native plants remain healthy.
Low-poly stags combine a taste of the North with sleek modern design. There are plenty of paper folding guides online so you can create something similar right at home.
A look back across the living space leads the eye to the bedroom.
Immediately, ruffles of all patterns clearly announce this room as a cozy and chic refuge from the worries of the world.
The room enjoys lavish decoration already, so the other sources of ornament take a simpler approach. Typography is a nice minimalistic choice for a space like this.
A sweet and simple office occupies the corner of the room, tucked into an enviable spot near the window and radiator. The desk itself is a classic cottage style with traditional ring-type handles.
An artful view like this one makes deskwork feel so much more pleasant.
Visualizer:Sachin Mahajan
This cottage-inspired Scandinavian home includes traditional elements next to sleek modern influences. Distressed wood floors immediately set the scene as a chic and casual style, with patterned pillows to up the sense of playfulness. On the other hand, the typographic decor and bold contemporary lighting bring the entire interior back up-to-date.
Outside of the spray of flowers on the table, the rest of the decor sticks with black and white. This interior is going to feel bright even on the darker days of winter.
These incredible pendant lights are from famous Italian product designer Michele De Lucchi.
And the ceramic stove, of course, is a truly traditional icon of the far North. These stoves are just as useful as they are beautiful – the ceramic absorbs the heat and slowly radiates it throughout the day and night.
A small formal dining room occupies the space between the living room and the kitchen. It’s separated enough to block out a bit of noise from the living area, but still open enough to preserve the line of sight all the way across the home.
Low pendant lights illuminate the table well enough for relaxed reading and intimate dinners alike.
The kitchen hosts a more casual eat-in dining area. Grey and wood accents temper the stark black and white interior design theme.
This space looks out toward the entryway and living room.
Small typographical details bring character to the walls. A collage of photography on the refrigerator is a very charming touch.
It’s so easy to find neat decor ideas throughout the kitchen, with a wealth of ideas on the countertop alone. The ceramic storage jars are cute, and the wire mug rack would make a fun DIY project for the weekend.
And, of course, the geometric tiles present a modern impression right on entry.
French doors swing open to give the bedroom a studio’s view over the main living spaces.
Simple decor leaves plenty of room for bold details but requires careful use of the floorplan – this open clothes rack, for example, boasts a much freer aesthetic than a full-scale wardrobe would.
Perforated stars offer a relaxing and subtle source of light for the evenings. The modern floor lamps to either side of the bed provide a more focused beam for reading. And, of course, the ceramic stove is not to be missed.
It’s hard not to love this super-streamlined desk arrangement. The stool, architects lamp, and simple table allow the artwork to take center stage.
The view out of the bedroom infinitely increases the perceived feeling of spaciousness throughout the home.
Bedroom closet space enjoys the warmth of a carpet for shiver-free dressing in the morning.
Despite the darkness and cold of Nordic winters, this home feels like a cozy space to spend them.
Visualizer:Quân Xiền
This apartment design caters to the needs of a newly married couple, designed with a minimalist approach (lots of room to grow) and ample houseplants to bring the outdoors inside. The retro furniture designs are beautifully Nordic – the home of many icons of Mid-Century Modern design.
Pastel colors pop around every corner. Soft red, mint green, powder blue, and a sunny light yellow make the space feel lightweight but not boring.
Green immediately ends at the living room-kitchen boundary. Here, yellow rules the day.
The bedroom adopts natural themes as well, with another pastel retro palette for your inspiration. The botanical drawings definitely bring the space together.
Tiny blue and yellow accents further bring the colors of the springtime into the interior.
Iya Turabelidze of interior design company Concretica describes the styles depicted here as Soviet Minimalism. While many Westerners might be more familiar with the bold patterned wallpaper, ornamental rugs, and eclectic curio that decorated early Soviet era apartments, these homes represent a more streamlined approach that rose to prominence in the 60s when minimal modernism became the defining aesthetic of the USSR. These homes even take stylistic influence from pre-Soviet artistic movements like Constructivism and its adversary Suprematism. Art historians might find these spaces especially interesting.
This spacious semi-studio apartment makes a bold statement through simple lines and smooth curves, especially regarding the artistic modern furniture. Although spare in terms of ornament, the living room centers on a single amazing portrait attributed to a Dutch Golden Age painter named Salomon Mesdach – its traditional style updated with a gorgeous circular form. The emphasis on geometry and simplicity definitely lends itself well to the Suprematist revival style.
The layout is open and airy, illuminated by exceptionally tall windows. Curtains and a freestanding storage unit separate the combined living and dining area from the small bedroom to the right.
Rather than relying on conventional pendant lighting for the dining area, this interior takes a different approach with a swiveling wall-mounted lamp by Paolo Rizzatto. The chairs are the work of Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec.
Although the living room and bedroom are paired together much like a studio, the kitchen enjoys its own space accessible through a dramatic arched doorway.
In contrast to the warm pinks and wood tones of the living room, the kitchen enjoys a cooler greyscale aesthetic.
A single chair fits within a perfect niche sunken into the tiled kitchen island. It may accommodate breakfast for one or, alternatively, serve as a convenient spot to peel vegetables or other stationary tasks.
The mixed pendant lights are a fabulous way to add color – even better, the varied hues match the colors in the painting to the right, extending its impact on the room.
Arched mirrors and paneling define the bedroom area. While this home is certainly large enough to host a completely independent bedroom, the open configuration makes the entire layout feel more spacious.
Lacking any other form of ornamentation, the single brass nightstand offers a sense of luxury that profoundly influences the basic aesthetic of the bedroom.
With the curtain drawn, the bedroom suddenly feels more cozy and intimate.
Entryways are an underappreciated but infinitely important part of any home. This one combines the arched mirrors of the bedroom with the grainy tile of the kitchen, a little self-contained palette that unites the rest of the decor.
The bathroom is perhaps the boldest room of all. Composite tiles, a light pink faucet, and vivid blue cabinetry feel vintage and contemporary all at once.
When opened, the mirror offers a nod to the Empire Style – a direct contrast to the Suprematist minimalism that influences the rest of the home.
Subtle decor is not the goal here. This bathroom is sure to stick with guests long after they depart.
The layout itself is very practical. Open storage occupies a position equally accessible from the tub and the vanity, with an extra ledge near the tub to accommodate showers.
Entering the room almost overwhelms the eye with pattern and texture, but the view from the tub is far simpler and better suited to relaxation.
Ultra-streamlined Soviet aesthetics define this minimalist apartment style in Kiev. Concrete blocks, industrial textures, and strong red accents definitely bring to mind an aesthetic of the USSR’s past – but the updated modern interpretation would allow this home to fit within the standards of true modern industrial minimalism.
The apartment follows a layout in the shape of a “U”, with the living room transitioning to the dining room and kitchen around a simple bend. A cozy bedroom hides within the central concrete-clad volume.
Practical furniture allows the eye to focus on the more artistic additions, including this sculptural wall installation.
It’s hard to find a more minimalist or compact bedroom layout than this. The bed stretches from wall to wall, the headboard and footboard containing storage.
Gorgeous! This modern home combines a range of uniquely Soviet styles, mostly the bold color blocking of Suprematism with a dash of Empire ornament. Bold architectural features include the uniquely vaulted ceiling and the half-fan window, in addition to handy build-in storage solutions. Decor aligns with contemporary trends including the current emphasis on geometric patterns and shapes.
Here is a great view that demonstrates the variation in the ceiling. And, because this is an interior visualization, you may have noticed the rug pattern changed – both styles suit this interior quite well.
The kitchen is smart and compact. An island combines dining with workspace, and tall cabinetry remains accessible thanks to a sliding white ladder.
A blend of styles gives eclectic bedroom a wonderfully distinguished aesthetic. Ornate boiserie decorates the headboard wall, with geometric bedding and thick woven rugs bringing modernism to the material palette.
Hiding behind the headboard wall, a luxurious dressing space terminates with a full-length mirror. Expansive storage likely conceals the resident’s wardrobe.
Another full-length mirror allows the resident one last look before heading out for the day. This interior seems to emphasize utility at every turn.
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
