Large open plan interiors can take a strong dose of colour, as illustrated by these three darkly decorated living spaces. A dark wall treatment can help generously proportioned spaces feel more cohesive and cosily contained. Black and grey perimeters take elements of the room into the shadows to let lighter pieces shine and hold main focus. We take a look at how pale sofas make an open plan lounge into a light heart of the room, whilst black kitchens and charcoal dining areas wait quietly in the shadows. You’ll also find a plethora of home lighting ideas to illuminate and dramatise, from concealed perimeter lights and recessed spotlights to chic chandeliers and stylish living room lamps .
Visualizer:ON Design
Sleek sophistication exudes from this 203 square metre penthouse interior in Moscow, Russia. A biscuit brown sofa arrangement sets out the borders of the lounge area, with a unique spherical floor lamp rising behind. Recessed track lights set frames of light over each zone.
A squarish coffee table fits into the centre of the space, introducing a splash of white marble. A huge grey area rug holds the pieces of the lounge together.
A charcoal kitchen and dark feature walls wrap the lightly toned lounge furniture setup. The darker outer areas fall away from main focus like shadows.
In place of a TV wall, a motorised projector screen drops down from the ceiling when desired.
With the projector screen retracted, a luxurious wall of black marble textures the living room.
Modern art props against the marble wall panels, building a stylishly layered effect.
The lights of the home twinkle brightly against the dark decor, like precious jewels.
A small side table pulls the black marble element to the centre of the layout, where it smoothly contrasts with the white marble coffee table.
Black window blinds stretch the dark decor right across the glass. Soft daylight plays gently over the contours of a classic bust displayed on a colour matched grey plinth.
A modern chandelier descends upon a modern grey and black dining set with a stunning chrome base.
The mirrored base brings added light to the shadowy dining room scheme, giving the grey dining set a much lighter look.
A light floor and ceiling prevents the shaded palette from feeling oppressive.
Moving toward the hallway, an indoor plant and an oscillating slat screen divide off a small sitting area. An inviting faux fur chair peeps out from behind.
Another mature indoor plant is given a home next to a comfortable reading chair in the window of the living room. A modern arrangement of stone tiles add elegant character to the supporting walls.
Black kitchen accessories camouflage quietly with the cabinets.
Visualizer:HotWalls
Our second inspirational dark living space is dominated by a rugged stone feature wall that climbs behind a wall mounted TV.
Illumination from recessed LED ribbons plays over the form the stone. A tall and slender floor lamp discreetly lights the modern sofa.
Light living room furniture makes contrast with the dark living room wall texture .
An ottoman coffee table arrangement combines the light and dark elements of the room.
The jagged houndstooth motif makes perfect partnership with the sharp stone feature wall. Houndstooth fabric brings pattern to a plain modern sofa, and sets a point of commonality that’s shared with the dining room.
In the dining area, chic houndstooth upholstery patterns six modern dining chairs to shake up the dark decor.
The dining table is attached to the kitchen island , where it is sandwiched directly beneath the stone countertop.
A long dining chandelier scatters tiny lights along the length of the table, like a constellation of stars.
Flat-fronted handle-free walnut cabinets conceal the kitchen behind the island.
When the slab doors are closed they take on the appearance of simple wall panelling.
Plentiful storage and a kitchen countertop hide behind the secretive covers.
Visualizer:Natalie Ruden
Our final living room design is a little more compact than the other two spaces, providing a taste of how dark decor can work inside more limited floor areas.
A pair of grey rug s lay down the dark element on top of light oak floorboards.
The graphite upholstery of the modern sofa is broken with lighter toned pillows. A long mirrored wall reflects every drop of natural light provided by the room’s large windows.
An oak media unit floats a light accent across a charcoal feature wall.
Dried wheat springs a golden brown flourish from decorative vases .
Modern dining pendant lights mark the eating area of the kitchen, which runs off the end of the kitchen island.
Indoor plants freshen the heavy interior. LED plinth lights and under cabinet lighting strike life into the flat black kitchen.
The black marble dining tabletop is contrasted by a matt black kitchen island, whilst the cabinets behind are set beneath matching stone.
A volume of paler larder units and an oven housing unit build light relief at the end of the kitchen run.
A stone modern fruit bowl tops the table.
Black slats build a room divider between the living room and a dark and moody hallway design with atmospheric lighting.
An indoor plant drinks in the sunlight on a balcony area.
A black wire frame lounge chair vibes with back window binds and a lightweight side table.
Perimeter lights pull dark walls out of the shadows.
Check out this unique two door cabinet piece with herringbone doors and a gold base.
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
