When there’s not a lot of space to work with, putting the creative polish on interior design becomes all the more essential. Each square metre of space must be considered for storage and for style. It becomes imperative to pair back to what is relevant, and what negatively disrupts the sense of space. As we tour these four modern home designs under 40 square metres, it becomes clear that a sleek minimalist aesthetic is useful though not limiting in colour palette. We discover how the neoclassical style translates into compact living spaces and how even the tiniest living quarters can feel like a fresh summer holiday.
Visualizer:JD Architects
Small walls can be transformed to make grand statements with the installation of wood cladding or textured gypsum panels. In this 37 square metre apartment, wood grain has been employed to create the backdrop of a stylish media wall. Ribbed gypsum merges with the folds of plush window drapes.
A white tv unit floats weightlessly above a matching linear media storage cabinet. The modern coffee table offers more neat storage for hand-held devices or magazines.
The kitchen diner stands open to the lounge in the compact living space. A bespoke space-saving dining table wraps the end of the kitchen run, with a linear suspension light striking above its length to strengthen its presence.
A custom wooden ‘block’ has been fashioned to smoothly combine the end of the kitchen run with a bookcase that faces into the lounge. The warm grain provides an integral piece of cosy decor in a predominantly cool grey and white room.
White base units set out an L-shaped kitchen formation, which is topped and tailed in grey countertops and plinths.
A frameless mirror fills the end of the hallway to increase the sense of space and light.
The walls of the hallway are lined with practical storage solutions for coats, shoes and oversized items for the home.
A black front door disrupts the white paintwork and makes a colour link with the shoe storage cubbies along the floor line.
Moving into the bedroom, the expanse of headboard wall gains added interest from panelling cut at different widths.
The modern bedside table lamps are showcased against contemporary wood slats.
A shelf below the TV morphs into a dressing table by the window light.
A small cube vanity stool tucks beneath the floating dressing table. The vanity mirror crosses down behind the shelf, reflecting the room all the way to the floor.
The minimalist bathroom is furnished with linear elements that draw the illusion of a wider space.
Flush-fitting wall panels present a clean and sleek aesthetic.
The interior design moodboard shows how the soft neutral elements of the home are freshened with notes of green, and sharpened with black accents.
Each inch of the small living room is utilised for useful storage, in minimalist cabinet styles that do not overwhelm the space.
Designer:Nataliia Dmytrievna
This 33 square metre studio in Odessa is segmented by sections of golden yellow and wood tone.
An elegant room divider marks separation between the kitchen diner and bedroom area. The lightweight frame communicates the change in zone without severing the space.
Rather than confining the bed quietly to one corner of the room, the bed base proudly takes up centre stage in eye catching yellow upholstery.
Color matched drapes complement the bed design.
Visualizer:Yuliya Chudinovskikh
Our fourth home interior is a 38.2 square metre apartment with chic neoclassical features. Traditional wainscotting builds a sophisticated air for a small living room, where it’s overlaid with modern art.
The round coffee table is the perfect height to be pushed tight into the tiny sofa to free up floor area.
A modern swing arm wall lamp is mounted to wainscotting inside a glass wall bedroom.
A tinted glass vase supports a soft floral arrangement to bring in the natural element. A practical desk skims beneath the TV.
Wooden kitchen bar stools and a bank of coordinated units balance out cool white cabinets, a white island and white marble trimmings. The stylish collection of black kitchen pendants are Beat lights .
A vertical radiator fits narrow wall space by the window.
A volume of closets have been sided with drywall and baseboard to achieve a streamlined finish that balances out the width of the hallway.
Gold bathroom vanity lights bring a luxurious touch to the small space.
The glass wall of the bedroom opens by sliding rather than folding so that the retracted panels take up no floor space.
Visualizer:IvE-interior
In the south of Moscow, this 35 square metre sunny apartment design accommodates a living room, kitchen, bedroom, dressing room, bathroom, hallway and a balcony garden. Yellow accents thread through bright furniture, playful accent cushions, and even a tiny yellow glass vase on a small side table .
A glass partition shares light from the living room with the bedroom.
Tasteful bedroom pendant lights border colourful artwork.
A unique chandelier adds to the artistic flair of the bedroom scheme.
Frosted glass obscures the bedroom from the kitchen.
A bright blue kitchen paints a cheerful blue sky vibe.
The L-shape layout wraps a cosy dining area.
Yellow dining chair cushions bring sunshine to meal times.
Decorative vases splash the blue accent onto the round dining table .
A tall shelving unit makes extra room for indoor plants on the enclosed balcony.
A corner toilet solves an issue of limited space inside the bathroom, allowing the added installation of a washer-dryer.
Each measuring under 120 square metres, these three modern home designs use a base of fresh white and light golden wooden tone to build an uplifting homey vibe. We begin our trio of tours with a home that employs smooth caramel and smoky grey accents to bring added warmth and depth. Next comes a bold royal blue and bright orange accented space with a sense of youthful fun and energy. Last of all we’ll show you around a sophisticated home that’s stylishly decorated with mixed metals and burnt sienna infusions. Each tour is topped off with floor plans so you can drink up all of the inspirational details.
Designer:Rina Lovko Studio
This 119 square metre family home concept is designed for a Park Avenue apartment in Kiev, Ukraine. Minimalistic and elegant, the white and light wood interior is timeless. Smoky grey and rich caramel accents make smooth tonal additions.
The white decor makes a projector friendly living room. Tiles differentiate a feature wall behind the caramel sofa.
A round coffee table scoops into the centre of the lounge, serving one side of the elongated modern sofa arrangement.
A swing arm wall lamp extends over the dining table in place of a traditional pendant light. The dining set itself is a uniquely fashioned group of swivel pedestal bucket chairs and a comfy dining sofa.
Another wall of creamy tiles makes a backsplash for the hob in the minimalist kitchen.
Sleek white closets line a bright modern foyer, with one of the doors concealing the entry to a walk-in module. Gold frame mirrors hide away more secret storage, making good use of a shallow niche by the door. A solid wood entryway bench makes a final tasteful addition.
Decor grows darker inside the master bedroom, with smoky grey walls and a colour coordinated platform bed.
Wooden bedsides break the grey monotony. Black wall lamps extend reading light over the pillows.
A cushiony lounge chair and small coffee table form another comfy reading nook over by the window.
In the bathroom, a unique trapezium vanity unit makes an eye-catching hero piece.
A curved shower rail draws the curtain closed around a walk-in shower, raised on a concrete wet zone.
The other side of the raised concrete platform houses a black wall-hung toilet with a concealed cistern.
A mint accent sneaks into the decor palette of the kid’s room, which gives the space an enlivened youthful air.
A modern wall sconce affixes to the head of a custom made floor bed design, high at the top of a towering bookcase.
In the next kids room, cargo netting adds safety and fun styling to the play bunk. Find more ideas for kids’ beds here.
Three bed floor plan.
Designer:Sens Studio
Our next home tour is a small 118 square metre house in Priozersk, Russia. A royal blue element enters the white, light wood and pale grey decor in the form of a deep modern sofa . Fun orange accents play across the TV stand.
A textured area rug stays neutral in grey.
A second rug is positioned perpendicular to the first in a layered effect. A modern coffee table brings a chunky white accent that aligns with the fireplace.
The elevated TV stand allows natural light from the window to flow in around it. A small seating area takes in the garden view.
An umbrella dining room pendant light drops over a crisp white dining set.
White Eames Eiffel chairs bring in a design classic.
A copper kitchen extractor hood is the crowning glory of the space, gleaming over a clean white kitchen island. The warm copper balances out the orange accent in the attached lounge area.
A single plum dressing chair brings a pop of colour to the neutral bedroom.
In the bathroom, the orange accent returns. Orange shelves and a matching plinth bring added interest to a run of simple white vanity cupboards. Orange grout draws a diamond formation across the tiled walls and floor.
Mirrored panels exaggerate the size of the window behind a double sink bathroom vanity .
Floor plan.
Designer:Zrobym
Our last white and light wood interior is a 113 square metre home in Minsk, Belarus. A chrome planter adds a glam accessory to the sophisticated lounge design.
The decor scheme encompasses the mixed metal trend to build layers of luxe.
A stylish black floor reading lamp and lounge chair draw elegant silhouettes in front of a floor to ceiling window.
A modern chandelier drops a chain of illumination over the dining area.
The table’s clear perspex base creates a floating effect, and leaves the chic white marble floor completely uninterrupted. Burnt sienna cushions accent modern dining chairs .
A decorative wall mirror marks the end of a wood slatted hallway. Even the doors to the bathroom and hallway closet have been clad in camouflaging slats.
The wood slat element makes it into the master bedroom over a huge headboard feature wall, which frames a luxurious white marble slab.
The burnt sienna colourway is dashed into the bedroom decor via accent pillows and a tinted glass bedside table lamp .
Tinted glass closet doors fashion a unique and functional feature.
A designer desk chair is teamed with a floating wood desk design that merges into recessed bookshelves.
In the bathroom, the basin and bathtub set chunky stone volumes into the scheme, which coordinate with oversized stone floor tiles.
The kids room has a neat floor bed design with storage drawers and an integrated tower of toy shelves. Wood panelling completes the united composition.
Floor plan.
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
