At first glance, a laconic materials palette of cold grey concrete may not appear to lend itself greatly to fluctuations in character and atmosphere between the different rooms and functional spaces of a family home interior. However, it turns out that the cool concrete slab makes an excellent candidate for flexible functionality and an ideal canvas on which to create mixed moods. In these two inspirational home designs, the use and play of atmospheric light takes the role of a writer or artist, scripting and sculpting new scenes for life. Considered lighting schemes shape warmly welcoming lounge areas, sacred family dining spots, invigorating home workspaces, and preciously detailed connective spaces.
Designer:J.C design studio| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
A long fireplace glows across the concrete living room of our first inspirational home interior, creating a burning horizon like the setting sun.
A large swing arm wall lamp extends beside the leather sofa , where it’s best placed to highlight the furniture’s warm cognac colourway.
The lounge merges with the neighbouring kitchen via a wide concrete column that is fabulously lit by a halo of LEDs at its crown.
Textured wall panels and fluted door finishes playfully catch and cut the atmospheric light that features around the home, causing deep shadow play.
Perimeter lights carve visual borders around the open plan concrete interior.
One of the many advantages of concrete decor is that it can be moulded into bespoke furniture and ornamentation, such as this unique curving fireplace hearth. A stylish leather chair draws upon the cognac colour accent that is initiated in the sofa. A TV wall clad with bronze panels ties in with the warm hue.
The stone staircase design emerges from a series of raised and lowered concrete planes, and colliding linear and curved silhouettes. This architectural conclusion creates macro and micro perspectives, each as unique as a painting.
Inside the grey dining room , a stunning domed concrete ceiling integrates the owner’s love of ancient European church architecture under a layer of modernity. A Meshmatics chandelier, by Moooi, exudes delicate beauty in the centre of the dome, where its scattered light unexpectedly converges. At night, the light becomes a beacon of communion, where family members converge to share, discuss and comfort.
Instead of a standard sideboard , a dining room bar tends to the party with a show of brilliant golden light.
The concrete kitchen decor is warmed through by the contrasting tones of a bronze and brown stone covered kitchen island .
The custom-made kitchen bar resembles a luxe boutique.
The face of the bar is shaped into compartments that neatly enclose the legs of a row of diners.
A pair of chandeliers drip like molten glass in the corner of the kitchen, where they highlight a sculptural Spun chair designed by Thomas Heatherwick for Magis.
A slice of cool white LED light washes down a row of tall units at the back of the kitchen diner.
Glass blocks share light between the rooms of the textured, castle-like haven.
Inside the grey bedroom , decisive, neat lines achieve a calming atmosphere.
Ribbons of focussed light stripe the ceiling beams.
Interlaced stone steps give the bespoke bathtub elegant form.
Modern wall sconces paint geometric art onto the concrete bathroom walls.
A pedestal sink duo stand dead centre of the bold bathroom layout. A porthole bathroom mirror is suspended directly between the two.
A bespoke bench builds a unique window seat.
Light and shadow fluctuations create a sensory interior.
Designer:In Work| Photographer:Hey! Cheese
As we tiptoe into this treasure box of timeless elegance, we uncover a living room that’s adorned with decorative gems from world travels.
The intricate display shelving unit builds a grid pattern behind the sofa, which is lit evenly from above by a recessed light strip.
A Roman Composite column capital characteristically displays smooth volutes and curling acanthus leaves to make an eye-catching hero piece.
A quietly low-chromatic palette fashions a refined and stable space that relieves fatigue and daily pressures.
Low-key paintings and carvings bring additional muted tones and textures.
Wire mesh kitchen pendant lights descend from a beautiful dome in the concrete ceiling, where they illuminate a Wabi-sabi-style, deliberately imperfect dining table.
The concept of this home is based on the idea of a magic wooden box. This mental image heavily influences the centre of the space, from its visual temperature to the close connection between living room, study, bedroom, dressing room and multi-functional area, so that daily life may be “opened and closed” at the homeowners wish.
Sliding doors expand or limit shared space, facilitating coexistence or independence.
The darkly decorated multifunctional room has a contemplative nature, suited to introspection, meditation and active wellness pursuits.
Another iron shelving unit and subtle mood lighting drapes the home office with a serious expression.
Neatly arranged containers form a curious, exploratory character within the home.
Treasured items tell the story of the homeowners’ lives.
A wood clad ceiling is the stand out feature in the bedroom. The rich wood grain forms a dark canopy above the platform bed to cosy effect.
The minimalist bedroom decor makes “people” the prime element in the space, in order to nurture strong emotional connection.
Pocket doors close the peaceful bedroom from the attached workspace.
Inside the dressing room of the master suite, a bathroom mirror of interlinking circles draws the eye toward a stylish vanity area. The round mirrors offset the linearity of the modern furniture design.
A textured feature wall colours the room.
The double sink bathroom vanity marks the entryway into the ensuite.
Fresh, clean, airy and spacious, a white decor scheme achieves all of these desirable aesthetics but can sometimes project a cold and sterile environment. With that said, there are plenty of ways in which to offset the coolness of the clean white colour palette, and these two inspirational home interiors demonstrate one of the most subtle approaches to the task. In order to gently warm the look without compromising the minimalist mood, these white interior designs incorporate areas of light wood tone and a delicate blend of beige accents. Dainty black anchor points weight the breezy white decor palette in tiny doses, just enough to sharpen and define.
Visualizer:D3 Design
Measuring 140 square metres, this modern apartment in Chisinau, Moldova, features a white interior with industrial-style concrete statement walls. A modular sofa threads a warming beige accent through the centre of the open plan living space. Wood effect kitchen cabinets match the mellow hue.
At the other side of the large area rug , a TV wall is clad with attractive wood grain panelling to increase the visual temperature, and to neatly conceal media storage.
White upholstered dining chairs and an ice white dining table keep the look uber clean and bright over by the floor-to-ceiling windows. White wire mesh dining room pendant lights perfectly complement the airy aesthetic.
A luxurious white marble backsplash builds a half-height room divider between the living room sofa and a kitchen peninsula. A linear suspension light draws an even line of illumination along the kitchen countertop and provides reading light to the couch at the same time.
The pure white kitchen comes to an abrupt stop at a bold, raw concrete statement wall. A black shelving unit and black appliances add visual weight to the spacious white room.
The layout flows openly into the first bedroom.
A whisper of grey plays across the upholstered bed , which draws a colour connection with the raw concrete wall treatment. A modern wall light strikes a strong black line against a white headboard wall framed with traditional panel beading.
There is a portiere to give privacy to the bedroom when desired.
A low, linear bedside table lays subtly upon the oak floor boards.
Heavy drapes add an exaggerated sense of comfort into the cool bedroom design scheme.
The second bedroom in the apartment is lined with beautiful wood slatted wall panels.
The textured wall panels also provide a practical function, in that they provide acoustic value in the bedroom’s second role as a piano room .
In the third double bedroom, a yellow 4 poster bed hits like a beam of sunshine into the surrounding white and grey decor scheme.
Bespoke storage cabinets float above the bedside unit in a clean white finish.
Smooth grey wet walls in the shower area provide peaceful contrast with modern matt white shower fixtures.
The grey wall treatment flows around onto the adjacent wall, where a simple white wall hung toilet and bidet set are coordinated with a white vertical radiator
Designer:Daria Reznikova| Visualizer:Anastasia Overina
In the second of our two white interior designs, a wooden coffee table provides pleasing visual warmth.
A black and white woven area rug adds visual weight underneath the wood table.
Beige ceramic bud vases arch across the tabletop.
A wooden dining set establishes a material link with the coffee table across the open living room dining room combo .
Across the room, a modern media unit stripes a moment of wood tone across the TV wall. The contemporary little lamp on the console is the Ware table lamp by MSDS Studio for New Works.
The living space flows directly into a wide hallway that leads to the home entryway.
An entryway bench and full length mirror make up a convenient dressing area at one side of the entry hall. On the other side, an elegant entryway table neatly displays a delicate bud vase .
Built-in units stow away coats and bags
Back inside the kitchen diner, the round wooden dining table makes gentle contrast with a streamlined white kitchen.
A slimline dining pendant light keeps a low profile.
Beige drapes fall in luxurious folds at the dining room window.
A modern carafe , glass tumblers , and fruit bowl make a simple table centrepiece.
Black kitchen fixtures and integrated appliances punctuate the white minimalist kitchen .
A black console table , unique pendant light, and monochrome artwork fashion a smart vignette against a clean white entryway wall.
Black mini pendant lights flank the bed in the master.
The slender light stems drip brief contrast around a white upholstered bed and a plain white headboard wall.
A floor lamp matches with the stark black finish of the bedside pendant lights, and provides task light over a home workspace.
In the bedroom entryway, a full length mirror increases the sense of space
A black bedside table stands at each side of the room, complemented by a black and white area rug beneath the bed.
The walk-in wardrobe is a cosy cocoon of wooden closet units.
Wood slatted panels texture the bathroom vanity area, adding a honey coloured hue behind a clean white basin and a black bathroom mirror .
A beige modern bathroom vanity storage unit melds easily with the wood backdrop.
The wood slatted wall treatment returns in the shower room, behind another racetrack-shaped vanity mirror and a unique pedestal sink .
Concrete tiles subtly contrast the white wall hung toilet, and provide a cool industrial-style base for a contemporary black-framed shower enclosure.
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
