When you think of neutrals in an interior design context, which colors do you imagine? Beige and wood typically make a lovely duo, as do white and grey – but the homes in this post break up these archetypal pairings by demonstrating the beauty of wood cladding and grey together. If you’re looking for a neutral color combination that takes some risks but doesn’t feel over-the-top, these homes provide a nice baseline to consider. Wood elements and grey-based palettes definitely offer a flexible base to start with, allowing endless experimentation opportunities for those who want to introduce a third or even fourth accent color.
Visualizer:Nicolas JOUSLIN
Warm yellow toned wood, neutral grey furniture, and colorful artwork set the stage for this beautifully adaptable style. Its wide-open layout works well to accommodate the range of organic shades used throughout.
Although all of the walls are white, the kitchen cabinetry still exerts tremendous influence over the rest of the interior.
But check out this immense amount of storage – all of the kitchen, except for the backsplash, is framed with storage space. Even the island has open shelves and closed cabinetry.
In terms of material, marble and wood are always an interesting combination. It’s the clash between luxury and humility – always a fascinating juxtaposition.
Imagine dining before such an incredible view! The table arrangement keeps things simple, emphasizing the world outside.
Brass, white, and blue – this nautical combination can look extremely luxurious in the right context. This breathtaking social area ensures every guest will leave with fantastic memories.
Neutral pinstripes and warm colors contribute to the sense of rich texture that makes this bedroom special. Loose artwork draws the eye toward the grey concrete accent wall.
This designer table lamp is from the IC Collection by Michael Anastassiades.
Visualizer:le hanh
Dark and moody, this interior uses a deep grey to de-emphasize the furniture in context of the gorgeous interior material theme. The deep plum accents are an interesting touch – a subtle nod to the natural colors that draw the eye throughout the home.
The living room is otherwise minimal. Can you imagine decorating around that central beam? This arrangement doesn’t fully avoid it, but the aesthetic effect is dramatic.
On the other hand, the kitchen is beautifully utilitarian. Work surfaces progress logically, leaving plenty of workspace free for invention.
Wood floors, white cabinetry, stainless steel, and concrete pendants embrace the full spectrum of industrial materials adapted for modern interior design.
Visualizer:K BAND
So simple and comfortable! This interior centers on an overstuffed grey sofa that sits low to the floor, warmed by an area rug and surrounded by rich wood grain. All of the furniture sits low with the exception of the blue painting to the left – a sure and effective focal point.
Even the media wall continues the grey and wood theme. Unique storage supports introduce a touch of industrial influence.
The kitchen looks effortless: bright and airy. The only grey accent in this area is the tiled floor, while the work surfaces and walls remain white for easy clean-up.
Graphic prints, geometric decor, and simple furniture are all this dining room needs to make an incredible impression.
White and wood tea service completes the theme. It’s hard not to love a perfectly coordinated kitchen.
Brown and brick red join the color palette in the bedroom for warm and stylish appeal.
Light blue offers a comfortable counterbalance to the warm tones. Creative curtain arrangements are an oft-overlooked way to introduce color blocking to an interior.
Red lamp cord echoes the exposed brick that leads down the hallway. Extra storage ensures the bedroom remains neat and tidy in every circumstance.
Brick again becomes a major focal point in this clean and minimalistic bathroom. Typography offers the only other overt source of decoration.
Gorgeous design becomes even more important in a space as compact as this one.
The mirror is a famous design by Jacques Adnet. Leather straps hold the looking glass in place.
In this bathroom, eclectic blue tiles energize the space. Varied patterns make the limited color scheme feel endless.
An entryway offers the first and last impression a guest will gather. Colorful architectural and decor details capture the eye in a memorable way.
Visualizer:Anh Noi
Grey floors, curtains, and sofa set the decor theme against a backdrop of rich wood grain. A leather chair and marble countertop contribute to a luxurious aesthetic, while starburst pendant lights invoke magical modern inspiration. This open layout is certainly inspiring – especially for those who have an eye for detail.
Splashes of pale yellow offer a cheerful accent, serving as a modern contrast to the neutral tones and a perfect complement to the warm lumber cladding throughout.
A bold painting at the far left ties all of the color accents together.
The brass chandelier is the work of Lindsey Adelman – a master of fixtures that blur the line between industrial influence and luxury. This design offers a modern reinterpretation of the classic sputnik chandelier design.
Lumber overwhelms the subtle grey accents in the kitchen. Brightness rules this space.
A formal dining space takes the wood emphasis to the next level. Just look at the rich grain on the edges of this table! The chairs are an iconic style by Nordic designer Hans J. Wegner.
If you’re ever looking for a way to make your neutral color theme more lively, natural wood is always an actionable solution.
Chinese decor and architecture is many things: sometimes humble and sometimes opulent, exciting or subdued, colorful and textural, and always thoughtful. This region’s trends have changed throughout history but there’s always room to re-explore the aesthetics of times past. This post looks at two modern Chinese home designs that take cues from traditional styles, blending old and new in a beautiful and refreshing way. Both homes are the work of designers based in China for new projects in the area. If you’re looking to introduce Asian decor in your own home, this pair of lovely interiors is sure to inspire.
Visualizer:Big nose
This home offers a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese decor, created by Shenzhen-based designer “Big Nose”. Warm neutral colors and artwork inspired by nature certainly take cues from classic Chinese design theory, while the modern textiles and contemporary furniture feel fresh and new.
Classic influences find their way into the very heart of the home. This includes the paneled walls, reminiscent of the decorative screens popularly used in Chinese homes since antiquity.
The open living room and kitchen maintains a unified theme of textural white furniture, beige walls, and wood trim. It’s sophisticated but still approachable.
Mudras are gestures said to facilitate the flow of energy through the body, often used to reinforce and communicate symbolic meanings in Hinduism and Buddhism. This lamp features the Karana mudra, intended to expel negative energy.
Orchids are perfect for an elegant home like this one. Later in this post, we’ll explore some of the reasons this flower is so popular in Chinese-inspired interiors.
If you’re looking for the five elements of the Chinese zodiac (Wu Xing), you’ll have to look for subtle abstract representations. Wood, fire, earth, metal, and water all shine through the patterns used throughout.
The master bedroom is warm and inviting, boasting a subdued sense of luxury thanks to the addition of gold textiles and artistic details. Each of the patterns have deep historical roots.
Orchids have a long and colorful history in Chinese culture: as an herbal medicine, as valuable gifts, as a booming international industry, and as a source of pride for competitive growers.
Although feng shui isn’t widely practiced anymore, practitioners often warned against hanging a mirror facing the bed. These mirrors reside on either side – a more acceptable placement.
Do you remember the mudra lamp from the living room? These symbols are a recurring and auspicious theme. This one represents the Vitarka Mudra.
Visualizer:Xiang Chen
Here’s a home with an even more modernized style. This delightful space is the work of Hangzhou-based designer Xiang Chen for a new project in Nanjing. This home feels bright and spacious despite its modest floor plan – it’s more minimalist than the previous home, but the magic is in the details.
In 1944, iconic Danish furniture designer Hans Wegner created a series of chairs inspired by Ming dynasty. The chair on the left is an example from this famous collection and a great demonstration of how this home combines modern and traditional influences.
Panoramic visualizations are difficult to parse at times, but this image does help give an idea of the home’s layout. It’s kind of neat how the flowing effect of the walls matches the textural backdrop behind the sofa.
Although the interior material theme feels cohesive throughout, this side-by-side view shows that each room emphasizes a different element. The bedroom uses wood boldly, the living room is light and airy, and the bathroom embraces stone details.
Here’s a clearer view of the dining room, separated from its neighboring rooms by sliding doors where appropriate. In terms of furniture selection, these choices would look wonderful in any modern home regardless of region.
A cozy office resides in a private nook off the kitchen. It’s beautifully appointed with subtle gold details. The horns, lotus flowers, and small pots are all auspicious symbols in Chinese decor.
In the bedroom, neutral tones stand out against vibrant wood floors. The lighting is soft and warm to facilitate a relaxing atmosphere in the day and night alike.
In context, the bedroom appears to have a darker theme than the adjoining dining room – but both spaces are pleasant and bright thanks to smart layering and color choices.
How cute! Here’s a look at a bedroom for the child. You’ll notice that it shares a door with the home office so parents can keep an eye on play and homework while finishing up the business of the day.
The tour ends with a look at the smooth stone bathroom, decorated with a singular watercolor painting with a subtle floral theme.
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
