After a hectic day of being out and about in the big bad world, it’s nice to have a cosy nest in which to hide away and snuggle up. Cosiness can be achieved through home decor in many different ways. Warming decor colours, sumptuous textures and luxurious furniture are just a few of them. Here, we have two shining examples of how warm LED lighting can make a dark grey home decor scheme appear welcoming and warm. The mood lighting gives each of the interiors a feeling of safe seclusion and warm hazy harmony. Crisp modern features and furniture give a simple minimalist vibe, adding to the feeling of uninterrupted relaxation.
Visualizer:Z.Design architecture
The first warm ambient apartment tour begins in an open plan living room, where a lounge and kitchen-diner space is combined. A selection of recessed spotlights are situated around the perimeter of the open room but its the under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen that really sets the lighting scene. Sandwiched beneath a row of wall cabinets and above the kitchen countertop, the glow from the concealed strip of LEDs creates a large letterbox of light.
A contemporary dining table light beams puddles of illumination over the eating surface, from an arrangement of long thin aluminium tubes.
The minimalist kitchen has a cool dish-draining feature that is set back from the kitchen counter, existing as a separate entity that runs the entire length of the work area. Numerous dish and food draining options are situated along a frame, allowing the countertop to stay dry and free from water stains.
LED lighting makes solid grey walls and kitchen units appear warm and glowing.
Beyond the dining room and into the lounge, a little natural daylight diffuses through window blinds onto a tall indoor plant .
Glazed walls surround a walk-in closet that doubles as a laundry room, thanks to a conveniently situated clothes washer and separate dryer.
Each hanging rail is lit from above by an LED strip.
The golden illumination makes the clothing garments look as though they are hanging inside an exclusive boutique. The stripes of bright light are practical as well as attractive too, as they allow clothing to be seen clearly for quick and easy selection.
The transparent lightbox closet flanks a hallway, where a long uplighter subtly blends in with the length of the wall.
In the bathroom we find the mirror above a vanity unit is backlit, emitting warm illumination from above and below the glass.
Recessed spotlights light the rest of the grey and white space.
Behind a screen lies a wet room area complete with a Japanese style soaking bath and a separate shower zone.
Soft pools of light make this a relaxing space.
A kids room adds a little fun Lego texture over grey decor.
Orange has been added into the mix to make the palette more kid friendly. Two chunky knit bean bags in orange and white make a great place to read, hang out or game beneath a small floor reading lamp .
often present a problem when it comes to deciding a layout for beds that doesn’t entirely eat up precious play and study space. In this layout, a cool bespoke bunk bed design has been built right into the end of the room. It incorporates a seat, kids’ night lights and more zesty orange.
don’t have to be large flashy designs. This subtle design quietly does its job over the bedside whilst incorporating an interesting wire feature up one wall.
Visualizer:Igor Sirotov
Our second dark grey home interior is warmly lit in the lounge area by a minimalist floor lamp.
White flatware sings out on a dark table arrangement.
Above the television the ceiling border drops golden light over the feature wall.
The generous dining area is illuminated by a chic black dining pendant light with a shallow profile.
A small amount of natural light weaves through voiles at a heavily curtained window.
The grey kitchen has a textured effect.
At the end of the dining room a glass fronted storage cupboard has been lit invitingly from within.
The home entryway holds a huge backlit mirror and a side lit staircase, giving the hallway a nightclub vibe.
The hard marble stair treads reflect the light, giving them a wet look.
The golden perimeter of the bedroom shines like the first beam of sunshine on a horizon…
…or the last stripe of sunlight at night.
A unique floor lamp lights the bedside.
In the bathroom a circular vanity mirror is lit like an eclipse.
The whole of the small bathroom is decorated in dark grey, including the floor, the vanity unit and an anthracite vertical radiator.
The children’s room clears the grey air with a much lighter and brighter look. The walls are still grey, but this time in a softer pale putty hue. Many elements of furniture and accessories have been selected in a solid white colourway to lift the scheme, including a novelty rack, desk chair and a swing arm wall lamp .
The stylish ergonomic chair is pushed up to a desk that fits perfectly into a window recess.
A small sofa provides a comfortable place to sit with friends.
We find another stylish ergonomic chair at a study area in a second kid’s room, along with two bean bags creating a chill out space.
This time we find purple and blue-green accent colours in a woven circular rug.
The kids bed is tucked away from the play area.
Like cracking open a treasure chest, shimmering golden light spills out over this bathroom.
Bold monochrome tiling dominates the scheme.
Open plan home layouts can appear boxy and lacking in structural design features, so how can visual interest be added? In this home tour, created by designer Guan Pin from Asia, we take a walk through an apartment decked out in a palette of white, grey and woodtone decor. Different areas of the home have been defined with the dependable tricks of using furniture at right angles and laying down area rugs; it’s around the perimeter of these pieces where we find added features that work to break up what would otherwise be an expansive flat wall or a run of repetitive windows, features which keep the eye moving.
Beginning in the lounge area, we can instantly see that although the amount of furniture in the contemporary room is quite minimal, there is still plenty going on. The sofa design itself has its very own layering, with an integrated side table. A tall floor lamp with a large drum shade overhangs the modular sofa, bringing elegant height and structure. A richly stained wooden coffee table takes centre stage against a pale grey area rug.
An entire wall of regimented windows have been given a very unique treatment. Panels of grey window blinds float at random heights and depths, where each one is set in a different position to its neighbour. The effect is an architectural look that provides a level of privacy and light control.
Opposite the run of windows, a wide-spaced slatted wall has been constructed to partially screen the kitchen from the living room. The slatted design is echoed by a wooden end table over by the sofa, and more subtly by the ridged surface of a large charcoal coloured planter.
Varying materials have been selected for the furniture in the lounge. The pale grey softly upholstered sofa has been teamed with a pair of simple wooden Scandinavian style chairs , which are of a different hue to the wooden coffee table. The varying tones help prevent the scheme from falling flat.
To the side of the living room, a home study area has been created with a wooden desk that has a single chair at either side. A matching wooden tray acts as a spot for keeping refreshments within arms reach. Above the desk, a trio of white pendant shades elevate the area.
A selection of house plants have been dotted around the place to add a flash of colour and life.
Beyond the partial slatted wall, the kitchen also holds a dining area, defined by copper dining room pendant lights arranged on one fixture.
The dining set has levels, with a low profile bench placed at one side of the table and four chairs arranged at the other.
The slatted wall plays with light and shadow over the kitchen-dining room. Gloss fronted grey cabinets and glossy white fridge-freezer reflect the vertical linear pattern.
Wooden and copper interior elements add a large amount of visual warmth to a cool neutral decor scheme.
Behind the eating area, the kitchen is a collection of grey and white volumes arranged at differing heights.
The view from the dining chairs is another selection of contrasting storage units. Cutting through the centre of the end units is a large built-in fishtank. The illuminated aquarium landscaping matches with the greenery of the house plants.
The dining table is flanked with a white kitchen island.
The boundaries of where the kitchen begins and ends are blurred due to multitude of storage units that cover every solid wall of this home, in an array of finishes. Only the central island is clearly defined, with a generously sized modern fruit bowl.
Concrete slabs cover the walls of the entryway, giving it a weighty industrial ambiance in contrast to the airy white walls within.
Behind the home office, a large metal framed shelving unit holds a multitude of wooden shelves and cupboards.
The shelves are peppered with a collection of decorative vases , ornaments, pictures and house plants.
The lower cabinets hide away all of the paperwork so that the home interior is comprised of carefully considered layering rather than being carelessly cluttered.
Placing low hanging desk lighting in front of the tall chunky shelving unit creates great depth at this end of the open plan room.
The large display unit overhangs the window but the open ended design allows daylight to filter through unobstructed.
Built-in storage space is backed with charcoal grey paint, which makes it appear deeper than its actual proportions, and helps the lighter coloured cabinet construction materials to crisply stand out.
Textured wooden flooring runs throughout the entire space.
In the master bedroom, a deep divan bed has a floor lamp at its side, situated as a reading light. Wooden panels run the full width of the headboard wall, creating a feature on the plain wall.
Display cubbies are integrated into the bedroom closets.
A second bedroom holds an unusual platform bed design that extends beyond the end of the mattress, almost like a stage. Beneath the platform there is a selection of hidden storage. A bedside unit is also integrated onto the ‘stage’, as a buffer between the bed and the window. A separate bedside stool holds the bedside table lamp .
In this room there is also a layering of monochrome pattern, in the artwork, the decorative scatter cushions and the bed runner.
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
