When you think of brick walls you typically think of lofts, country homes, maybe even bungalows. But brick walls are now used in a variety of spaces as faux and accent walls, and even to bring some charm into more modern spaces. That’s exactly what we have to show you here — two designers who have made their modern and sleek spaces a bit more characteristic with exposed brick walls. As we often talk about on here, opposites attract. So whether you’ve got brick walls in your space, or you’re thinking of adding an accent wall, browse these spaces and get inspired and see what makes these spaces work.
Visualizer:Maks Marukhin
While the brick walls are that characteristically red, muddy, and warm color, the rest of the space is offset in cool grays to contrast. By not totally playing into the warm color of the wall, it helps it stand out and makes the space feel less dated.
The dark brick wall pops against all that natural light surrounding it. When you have a brick wall, make sure to find ways to help it stand out. Whether that’s having it next to some bright windows or set against light colored walls, it should contrast.
This space is divided up beautifully. The white airy kitchen pops with all that natural light flowing in, and from the darker more neutral living room you’re eye is drawn right into that space.
We’re obsessed with these deep blue walls. The color has gray undertones, and the eggshell finish gives it just enough sheen. The blue looks incredible against that red brick, and really ties in well with the grays of the living space.
Warm and cool tones collide in this entryway. The built in closets pop against the brick, but match the tiles and ashy wood floors which flow into the rest of the space.
Talk about focal piece. This art isn’t just big, it’s bold. It’s framed beautifully on a large scale wall, and lit up with proper lighting.
The skylight also brings in some beautiful light to the space, making it feel less stark.
If you have the luxury of such a big hallway, do it right. Don’t neglect this space, or treat it like dead space. Brighten it up with artwork, good lighting, and give it your own flare.
Built ins are a great storage solution, and their customizability means you can have them not only fit your space perfectly, but reflect the rest of the design like they’ve done here.
These open shelves add a bit of personality to this corner. If you’re designing your own builtins consider adding a detail like this to display some of your treasures.
Once again you can see this brilliant blue color. It’s colorful yet neutral, and a great example of how to bring some muted color into your own space.
From here you can see how they’ve tied in the gray from the living space into the kitchen. Not only is the gray in the chairs and light fixtures, but it’s in the cabinets too, which really pop against all that white and marble.
Skylights are found again in the kitchen — as if this space doesn’t have enough light already! Skylights don’t have to be those big square port-holes of the 90’s. Today you can get them sleek and long, or really any shape you need to reflect the rest of your space.
From here you can see how they’ve tied in the gray from the living space into the kitchen. Not only is the gray in the chairs and light fixtures, but it’s in the cabinets too, which really pop against all that white and marble.
The marble countertops and backsplash add a much needed organic feel to the space.
Visualizer:IQOSA
This next space is just as modern and sleek, but plays on the warmer tones within the brick walls.
They’ve done this by using a beige color pallet, with warm grays also construed throughout the space. This living area feels both cozy and modern.
This stone accent wall is a great contrast to the brick — it’s slick, cool colored, and the texture is inverted. It mirrors the brick wall and adds some nice dimension to the space.
The beige couch picks up on the warm undertones of the brick without totally enhancing the reds and brown within it. To make the bricks seem less red, don’t use surrounding colors that have red undertones themselves.
Check out that kitchen! The ashy wood used for the cabinets works wonderfully with the gray in the rest of the space, as well as the beige rug and couch in the living room.
While this space boasts tons of natural light, they’ve decided to make this space feel cozier by adding these darker and sheer curtains. This allows all that natural light to come streaming in, but at the same time gives the homeowners a chance to cozy up and watch a movie in the dark.
From the kitchen you can really see how that natural light from the open dining room really lights the entire space. That stark white corner really pops against the rest of the warm space.
The kitchen continues this cozy, chic, and modern feel with a concrete cascading countertop island and those ashy and dark gray countertops. Plus, they’ve incorporated the brick right into the kitchen, totally tying the two spaces together.
From the kitchen you can really see these cool and warm colors collide. And while they may contrast, they flow together perfectly. So don’t be afraid to mix and match in your own space. The key is to keep colors with similar undertones together, and work around one singular focal, like the brick wall.
Check out those light fixtures! They look as though they’ve been drawn into the space. Lighting is a great opportunity to add some flare to your space, especially over the kitchen island.
This floating built in desk is both brilliant and functional. It’s got all the storage you need without taking up too much precious space.
If you’ve got the height, a canopy bed is a great way to accentuate your tall ceilings. Plus, the dark wood looks amazing against all that light colored wood on both the floors and lining the walls.
This house is full of accent walls! With plans on the left and stucco on the right, the bedroom plays into the same warm vs. cool contrast strewn throughout the home.
Wouldn’t you fancy curling up there at night? The way the bed builds up like a wedding cake is both fantastic and stunning, and once again the mix of cool grays and warm beiges totally compliment one another.
You can really see the stucco wall from here. Notice how they’ve illuminated it from the top — don’t be afraid to further accent your accent walls. Do whatever it takes to keep them the focal point!
The wonderfully warm and dark colors in the bathroom make it the perfect place to wash away the day.
The large steam shower is enclosed in just glass so that you can easily admire the rest of the space.
Tiles are a great way to add a bit of flare to your bathroom. You don’t have to be so natural, or so colorful. Try a neutral tile with a subtle pattern like these to give your space a bit more dimension and chicness without going overboard.
Designed for a couple with two young children, the architects at HAO Design wanted to build a space that could meet the current and future needs of an active family lifestyle. This home in Kaohsiung maintains a stylish yet unpretentious aesthetic, with a heavy emphasis on useful features that can adapt and evolve as time goes on. The layout strikes a smart balance between parenthood and romance, offering the best of open living while providing several quiet spaces enjoyable by adults and children alike. Creative storage solutions and multi-functional furniture make the most of every square foot to leave more room for fun and interaction. Plus, the interior architecture is out of this world!
Architect:HAO Design| Photographer:Hey!Cheese
The couple is passionate about cooking - while planning the home design, one of the most important requests by the clients was an open kitchen for a full view of the living and play areas.
In the living room, soft low furniture is exceptionally child-friendly. These casual choices allow for comfortable cuddles without making the little ones climb too far.
Interactive design, like the chalkboard wall just behind the sofa, ensures plenty of stimulating opportunities for self-expression and collaboration.
The seating area in front of the big picture window makes it easy for the parents and children to watch the active urban scenes below.
No matter the weather, the family can have intimate visual communication with the world outside. In fact, it’s the first thing the family sees as they walk in the door.
Because the living room doubles as a play area, parents can keep an eye on the children while they’re working or entertaining in the kitchen.
Later, as the children enter school, the parents can supervise homework and creative activities taking place at the desk to the right.
Although the living and kitchen areas feel unified, they remain visually defined thanks to the winding transition from concrete to bright white surfaces.
Did you notice the green panel peeking out from the entryway? It’s a LEGO mural! This would be a fantastic DIY project for families with children of any age.
Line of sight continues through the glass divider and the cutout shelving so parents can keep an eye on the kids while they’re building LEGO artwork.
Despite its fun theme, the entryway remains exceptionally functional for adults thanks to the wraparound bench.
Back in the kitchen, calming blue and green accents set the tone for cheerful family dining experiences.
Black tile, perforated paneling, and concrete walls give just a hint of industrial influence to suit the aesthetic preferences of the parents.
A mix of molded and wooden chairs gives off an artsy vibe, amplified by the beveled table they surround. Above, handsome UNFOLD pendants demonstrate a similar playful variation.
Verdant plant arrangements freshen the air and provide educational opportunities for the little ones.
Small hiding places give children a chance to express their creativity and engage in play either with the family or independently.
In the bedroom designed for the daughters, smart storage and playful shapes spark the imagination – cabinet cutouts and painted details almost make it feel like a castle!
Calm shades of green, yellow, and blue help soften the effect of the stylish concrete wall.
Cubbies to the left and swinging wardrobe doors to the right offer storage solutions that will grow with the children.
The adorable screw-top stool is from the Tom & Jerry line by Konstantin Grcic.
The parents get to enjoy a creative bedroom design too! Upholstered headboard panels zig and zag almost like a pastel mountain range or a creative city skyline.
A stunning break from the light and airy aesthetic of the rest of the home - this dressing room and master bath embody a dark and classic style.
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
