Channel your inner zen with this gorgeous miniature zen garden that comes with a Yin-Yang tray and accompanying accessories.

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Although the popularity of Scandinavian design has seemingly reached an apex in recent years, the truth is that the elements of minimalism and functionality that make up the ethos have been around for much longer. No matter what type of home you have, taking elements of Scandinavian design and making them your own can be an extremely effective way to make your home a bit more comfortable, modern, and organized. In the five apartments featured here, we see the simple, calming elements that make this design style so appealing but also the warmth and practicality that make it so accessible. Take a look below.

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Visualizer:LVI Studio

This first space is a bright and spacious loft-style apartment. The main living area is overall simple, with common, friendly elements like indoor house plants and a cushy sofa.

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However, the Scandinavian elements are also apparent right away, most clearly in the stunning, minimalist chairs chosen to create a conversation space in the common area.

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The open plan from kitchen to living room to dining make the apartment feel large, while loft-style windows let in plenty of natural light.

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But even in a somewhat minimalist design, personality shines through in elements like a starburst sputnik chandelier or carefully decorated tabletops.

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Tall ceilings with beam elements are enviable while the arrangement of furnishings still gives the overall effect of coziness, which is certainly important in the Scandinavian style and culture.

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By placing decorative elements on the floor rather than on shelving, the walls are kept mostly bare and the ceiling feel even taller and more regal.

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The Scandinavian style chairs in the dining area are a beautiful complement to those in the living room, taking on many of the same shapes but in a lovely wood construction.

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The bedrooms are perhaps the simplest spaces in the apartment, again with mostly bare walls and not much square footage. Cozy bedding textures and a spring or two of greenery is all you need to find a peaceful night’s sleep in here.

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The small bedrooms do benefit from plenty of natural light, which both the occupant and the petite planters benefit from.

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Even a nursery can take advantage of the simplicity of the Scandinavian style, with carefully chosen toys and just a bit of warm decoration.

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A white and gray bathroom with a deep tub finishes this particular apartment. Simple, clean, and modern.

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Visualizer:Thi Cao

This next apartment has a more traditional home design, moving away from the loft style. Yet, the space still shared many elements with the first apartment, such as the inclusion of plant stands and a comfortable couch.

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The white and gray color scheme is certainly simple and easy to understanding, with splashes of natural green throughout.

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The use of unique coffee tables like these round, nesting tables is modern but also practical, giving more surfaces for resting drinks or books.

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The dining room pendants in use here complement the kitchen pendants over the breakfast bar and add a warm glow to the space.

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Wooden kitchen bar stools with black accents draw the eye to the uniquely patterned floor in the kitchen – a fun and daring element in an otherwise simple design.

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A closer view of the unique kitchen pendant lights shows that they are a bit offset from one another and do not match exactly, which adds a bit of whimsy to their effect.

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Visualizer:Aleksandr Andreychikov

The next apartment is a nice bridge between the first two. It does feature elements of a loft (including an actual lofted space) but also brings to mind the simplicity and warmth of a more traditional space.

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The use of the timeless Eames Eiffel Chair in the dining space may not be groundbreaking, but the pretty colors chosen are certainly nice.

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In the kitchen unique wall shelves are both practical and lovely, certainly in line with the Scandinavian ideals.

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The stairway up to the lofted bedroom is a bit sturdier than some of the loft entries that we see, which is nice.

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always add an artistic touch to a home and can be filled with virtually any color depending on the season.

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Of course, no home would be complete with a warm and welcoming place to break bread.

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Visualizer:Tu Nguyen Hoang

The next apartment uses many elements of the Scandinavian style, including natural wood, cool, neutral tones, and clean lines. In the living area, a Swiss cheese plant really livens things up.

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Floor lamps are a good way to give homeowners some choice in how a space is lit. The AJ Floor Lamp is a good, simple example.

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The use of mirrors in the entryway is both practical (making sure your hair looks all right before going out) and design-friendly (making a small hallway feel much bigger).

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A white tile bathroom with a caged bulb pendant light is a perfect serene way to finish this home tour.

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Source:Erik Olsson

The last apartment takes us back to the stark white with black contrast look that is somewhat common in the Scandinavian style.

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An Areca Palm in the living room gives just a subtle hint at tropical.

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The light wood floors are almost an afterthought but have quite a bit of character in this space.

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White cabinets act as the perfect perch for plants and a few trinkets.

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Glass wall separate the bedroom from the rest of the apartment, giving the illusion of more space and possibility of more privacy.

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Natural light is allowed to flood in from two directions with the glass walled design, even though the room itself is quite small it feels large.

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Cool grey walls are a welcoming, cozy color for a small bedroom.

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The dining are features large wall clocks as well as other rustic elements from a wood table to amber glass lights.

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Indeed, the dining room is a bit industrial style with its use of these black chairs and exposed wiring. The industrial style lighting is quite chic and modern.

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The kitchen is not nearly so industrial, with white cabinetry and wood countertops.

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A black and white tiled bathroom is small but also modern and perfect for this not-so-spacious apartment.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Visualizer:Huso

18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin