When we think of increasing the sense of space in a smaller home, we don’t often think of whacking up the colour. Most often, we turn to plain, cool colour schemes to increase the visual dimension of a room. Colour becomes a feared entity, one that threatens to overcomplicate an already challenged space. But wait, when done juuust right, colour can be a great champion in the pursuit of perceived spaciousness. In these two examples, we’ll explore specifically the orange and blue colour combo that can transform an ordinary small room into an extraordinary spaced out layout, purely through distinction.
Visualizer:Golden Vision Studio
This 25 square metre flat in Lille, France. Was designed for an active young couple who find beauty in ordinary things. A soft white decor scheme was modelled around orange and blue uplifting elements to evoke a positive spirit. A minimalist art piece is the main focal point of the living room dining room combo . It’s solo geometric shape signifies simplicity and ease.
A long white modern sofa reclines beneath a matching white arc floor lamp. A pale rug softens the floor.
One small side table stands out in a happy shade of orange. This little splash of eye catching colour adds a substantial layer to the compact lounge, without encroaching on floor space.
The colourful table also makes an effective visual link with the wall art.
By the base of the floor lamp , we can see that the baseboards have been given a lick of orange paint to match too. This small addition works on almost a subconscious level to belt all of the colour accents around the room together.
The flat is divided into a kitchen with dining area, and a recreation zone with a dedicated reading corner. The reading nook is clearly defined by the incorporation of an inviting orange accent chair .
The comfortable reading chair pulls up close to a freestanding white bookcase in the reading nook . Books are arranged in modern blue magazine racks, and decorative items intersperse to fashion an attractive display.
A floral cushion lightly dresses the bold chair.
A white floating media cabinet melds quietly with the white wall. By keeping larger items of furniture light and knocked back, the brighter elements can shine without causing undue visual clutter.
An Eames bird peeps out from the TV unit.
White dining pendant lights descend on a brilliant blue dining table.
An orange teapot /flower jug increases the colour intensity of the table.
Sunlight and daisies bring added cheer to the colour saturated round dining table top.
The dining table is colour matched with an aqua blue fridge freezer.
Various orange trinkets pop up around the room, including this orange decorative vase and motivational art.
However, only a limited number of perfectly matching blue and orange elements are allowed to pop, whilst all others fall away gently in shades of white…
… Just like this subtle Menu JWDA table lamp .
The kitchen has an ergonomic layout. Fresh food from the fridge moves directly to the sink for washing, then onto its final destination on the cooking hob.
Orange kitchen cabinets appear to hover weightlessly just a few inches above the ground.
A white extractor hood pulls back from the limelight to let the line of orange units be the main attraction.
Orange flatware and a black coffee mug exhibit the home’s crockery colourways.
A new sprout of nature grows the homey feel.
Visualizer:Obrys Design
This stylish 78 square metre apartment was designed for a young couple and their beloved pet. The small open plan includes a compact lounge, and a kitchen with a bespoke dining island. A cosy circular rug separates the lounge from the culinary zone. A round coffee table echoes its outline.
Wooden panelling embraces walls and ceiling sections of the room like a warm hug.
The small living room is given added depth by the addition of a custom TV wall unit flanked by a burnt orange alcove.
Umber cushions and throws colour the sofa. Matching drapes hang knotted at the window, layered against loose grey counterparts.
A wooden recess in the TV wall gives pause for some decorative additions, and provides home for a console.
Blue artwork strikes down the orange alcove, lit at each side by modern wall sconces.
Copper railings stripe the front of the void in the TV wall.
Wood laminate flooring complements the light wood wall panelling.
Storage volumes are hidden in the woodwork.
A pet bed has been incorporated into the design of the unique kitchen island. The decorative copper bars used on the TV wall serve dual purpose here as a crate door. See cat furniture here.
On the opposite side of the pet bed there is regular kitchen storage.
A dining table extends directly from the edge of the island.
A vase and a modern fruit bowl provide the table centrepiece.
Orange paintwork and a coordinating kitchen backsplash colour the back of the room. The depth of colour elongates the space.
A white ceramic hob disappears into the countertop of the kitchen island. A white chimney extractor hood floats above.
Since the extractor hood has such a simplistic aesthetic, it becomes possible for the neighbouring dining pendant light to take the dominant role.
A tower of shelving brings dark contrast into orange home entryway decor.
Orange accents crisply define a shoe and coat nook by the door.
Unique decor components make up this 93.5 square metre apartment redesign, by Azovskiy Pahomova , in Dnepr, Ukraine. The new homeowners are a creative young couple with a small child, who wanted their new home to reflect their personality and interests. White painted walls became the neutral backdrop for brighter elements of furniture and decor to become their own works of art. The pale decoration also helped to visually push out the walls, amplify the natural light available, and evoke a refreshingly spacious and airy feel. A large open plan living room design became the heart of the home, where everyone can come together even when doing individual activities in different zones.
Photographer:Andrey Avdeenko
A double sided modern sofa design is the hero piece of furniture in the open plan family living space. This single piece of furniture connects the lounge area with the dining kitchen, and allows conversations to take place easily in each direction.
The floor area is pretty evenly split in the living room dining room combo , leaving plenty of space for the littlest member of the family to run around freely wherever their parents are hanging out.
Warm shades of beige and natural woodtone stand out against white painted living room walls, and a fresh white kitchen. Black elements in the room provide the weight and bulk needed to balance out the airy scheme.
A small side table with a white finish overlaps the edge of the large black sofa; monochrome bolster cushions amalgamate the black and white colourways together in one piece.
A beige cube pouf adds texture to the lounge furniture arrangement.
The long dining table is pulled close behind the sofa, so that the young family of three can all sit along one side of it, and maybe watch a little TV over dinner.
Custom made wall shelves climb the wall beside the sofa, up either side of a window. Wood panelling fills the void behind the shelves, and another piece runs beneath the window sill to cohesively connect the two towers. The display shelves are a casual drop spot for books, knick-knacks and keepsakes.
A spherical glass vase holds a natural spray of colour on top of a mirrored media unit. The glass doors reflect the natural oak flooring in the room, forming an illusion that the space runs on even further.
The trick is repeated in a tall wall mirror on the TV wall, which also helps to maximise the amount of natural light inside the room.
Multi-directional spotlights shine bright at sundown.
A huge piece of art is propped casually behind a designer accent chair.
The chair and small side table are like a piece of art in themselves, with their unusual form and finish.
A wire frame vase decoration perches on top of the eye-catching side table, as though mocking the need for an ‘actual’ decorative vase.
A linear suspension light hangs above the dining table, and a set of white teapots .
Sunlight flows into the one wall kitchen area. A family of indoor plants sit by the windows to soak up the rays.
Dark modern dining chairs contrast with the crisp white dining table.
White glass backsplashes add sheen along the one wall kitchen . A white chimney extractor maintains the uncluttered minimalist vibe.
An Alessi Juicy Salif citrus squeezer stands like a mini art sculpture on the ice white kitchen bench. A black American-style fridge freezer blocks off the end of the pale kitchen run.
Moving into a white bedroom design, which is the master, we find a simple pared back furniture arrangement of only a bed and two side tables.
White wardrobes go almost unnoticed along one side of the room.
A triangular window area in the bedroom stands separated from the rest of the scheme, almost like a little room on its own.
A shaggy blue accent chair and stacked floor lamp design couple up to make a cosy reading nook.
Shelves of toy animals make a grey and white bathroom into an inviting space for a kid–sometimes a bit of persuasion is needed to take a bath!
Fitted bathroom furniture ensures that there is plenty of practical storage inside of the limited space.
Grey tiles run along the back of the vanity, and serve as a smart mount for a wall hung faucet design. A frameless vanity mirror sleekly tops off the look.
The kid’s study is a light and welcoming environment with bright accessories and a generous desk/play surface.
A kids’ swivel chair seats junior at a safe height.
Dog decals add a fun finishing touch to the base of closet doors, and to the desk area. Dog fabric on the seat cushion of a toy storage bench ties in with the canine theme.
On the other side of the room, pups keep on playing in decal detail around the bed.
A small powder room is tiled in bright blue tiles.
Houndstooth fabric covers the seat of an entryway bench , which is a fabric that threads through to bolster cushions on the lounge sofa.
An entryway table is incorporated onto the same piece of furniture, providing an ideal grab and go spot for keys.
Floor plan illustrating the open plan family living space as the main hub of the home, from which all the other rooms branch.
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
