Three spectacular holiday destinations from Greece are each expertly imagined by K Studio architects. This set of holiday dreams are all based around a deep love of traditional Cycladic culture. Indoor-outdoor living areas where family and friends can come together to enjoy the slow life and mother nature’s beauty has proved paramount. This wonderful Greek essence is present across expansive sundecks and pool terraces, and light filled airy interiors. Natural build materials of local stone, timber and limestone bridge the gap between the rustic traditional and the luxurious contemporary.
On the island of Santorini, a site with spectacular sunset views became the location of a new hotel for the successful Canaves resort brand.
The Canaves Oia Epitome is the first hotel in this part of the island that offers open unrestricted views without the spatial restrictions usually found within the Caldera.
Pretty gardens colour the site. Century old olive trees are employed by landscape designers to add interest and anchor spaces–we’re guessing this one would probably precede the two world wars!
An imposing U-shaped concrete and brick structure already existed, so the architects set about making adjustments without compromising the overall built area. It was broken into several smaller parts, which were redistributed around the site with room to breath.
A second restaurant was added, which was made accessible to non-residents via an extensive pergola entrance.
Build reconfiguration reset 24 room individual room designs. The perception of space was increased without actually making the suites any bigger. Enclosed and semi-enclosed living spaces were arranged, reminiscent of Cycladic culture.
A series of local stone-clad additions now blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, a perfect combination for the heat of the Greek summer. Stone walls fold around pool terraces to give privacy, and provide outdoor daybed platforms with shade and wind shelter.
The walls direct the viewpoint to the sea.
Inside, the hotel room palette is light, cool and comfortable.
Black accents tie the hotel interior with the black stone that builds its walls.
A stone shelter holds the external dining room, with an arched opening to frame the view.
Architectural arches are present throughout, communicating classic Mediterranean design .
The concrete patio is layered to include a sunken outdoor lounge.
The peaceful sitting area looks out to the sunset.
Each large 4-bedroom suite has a private villa-like feel, giving guests a sense of private, personal space.
Roof planting merges the hotel with its environment. A landscaping concept of strategically placed rocks has been designed to minimise the visible footprint of concrete structures.
Santorinian stone connects the build with its locality.
Villa Mandra in Mykonos, Greece, is almost entirely hidden from view on the ridge of the hill of Aleomandra. The 6-bedroom holiday house has been built for a young couple to enjoy with family and friends.
The Villa looks straight out to sea, and to the neighbouring island of Delos.
A stone-walled garden screens it from the road behind.
Its grounded viewpoint blends into sensitive landscaping.
The overwhelming intensity of the climate has is filtered through shades.
Two simple white volumes stand perfectly flat and smooth, and juxtaposed in texture by hand-built stone walls. Traditional lime-wash, stone and wood have been applied to the un-nostalgic architecture around a courtyard living space, to bridge Cycladic heritage with contemporary life.
The house rests with the idea of laid-back summer living, and mindful connection with family & friends.
Form follows emotion rather than function, with every space delivered as opportunity for reflection and freedom to be within nature. The outdoor dining table is just another one of these spots, privileged with spectacular views of the landscape and open water.
An outdoor sofa neighbours the large dining table, under an expansive chestnut pergola. A rug and some nesting coffee tables make up an inviting living room layout.
Another lounge awaits just inside, where the same peaceful neutral palette smooths across the sofa and natural timber coffee table. A black swing arm wall lamp adds a brief moment of sharp modernity.
A thriving indoor plant brings fresh nature inside the holiday house, next to an airy rattan lounge chair .
Shades of cream and brown paint a relaxing bedroom scheme.
Bedside wall sconces and a matching table lamp add brass accents.
Cream drapes billow romantically at the terrace door.
Simple wooden furniture is key in the character of the house.
Our last tour takes us to Kalesma, which is not so much a hotel but a village in the traditional Mykonian sense. The local saying foretells that when a couple marry they make a village, a home that will grow over the years with each generation…
… Kalesma is a reinterpretation of the extended family home concept, updating it to an intimate hospitality destination that allows guests to come connect with Cycladic culture.
The uppermost part of the site is assigned to communal areas, a wellness area and boutique, so that the views can be appreciated as the guests relax, swim and dine.
Accommodations include 25 suites and 2 villas, each with their own pool terrace. A small courtyard entryway provides a place to de-sand with an external shower.
The internal and external spaces of the suites are equal in size and fluidly connected.
A sunken bathtub stretches out by the view.
An outdoor chaise lounge overlooks a private pool area and a mesmerising view of the Aegean.
The ‘village’ of whitewashed studios and villas are scattered to pixelate the landscape. This hill on the north-west part of the island is positioned perfectly to enjoy views of both the sunrise in the east, and sunset in the west. A traditional circular stone Aloni has been repurposed as a meditative platform from which to enjoy nature’s daily show.
Capturing the spirit of Wabi-Sabi in the home, with all of its sweet imperfections, leads to a sense of peace and a balanced sense of self. These four Japanese influenced interiors range from an ultra rustic aesthetic that toys with transience through aged wood, right through to a clean modern places with softer wabi-sabi moments. Raw timber, rustic stone, discoloured concrete, woven rugs, and hand-made rattan pieces thread through all the spaces in between, generating the reassuring lived-in look that defines the aesthetic.
Visualizer:Yana Prydalna
Rugged wooden pillars and beams dominate the first of our four home tours, alive with beautiful imperfections around their bark. The tree trunk structures build a sense of walking through the forest itself. A monochrome rug plants a freshness in the room that offsets the natural composition. The modernity is carried through in tidy contemporary seating and stylish throw cushions.
Double doors open the rustic living room out onto a terrace with a Japanese tea table.
The tree trunk support columns are like a living piece of the house, growing around the open plan.
A modern bench seat divides the lounge area from the kitchen diner. The cushions are a tonal addition that link the piece with the darker natural wood components.
Chocolate brown kitchen bar stools contrast richly with the light kitchen island. Three unique kitchen pendant lights add a sculptural element to the room, chic yet organic in silhouette.
A striking fireplace opens its fiery mouth beside a mesmerising mountain view.
Weather beaten wood and handmade macrame set a boho vibe in the bedroom. Sculptural bedroom pendant lights hang heavily at each side of the bed.
A natural rug encircles the bed area, and the circle theme is continued into the rustic ensuite bathroom by an illuminated vanity mirror. The glow from around its edge highlights the imperfection in the concrete wall, building texture and depth.
The soft light glitters across the bathtub .
Visualizer:Yana Prydalna
Cactuses give height to living room layout number two. Neutral couches rest easy amidst stony walls. Heat builds in an orange woven rug and matching accent cushions. A round coffee table set brings in black pit stops to balance out the black bulk of a wall mounted TV.
Oversize wicker bell pendants hang low in the vertical plane. Wooden sections carve out great sections of the ceiling.
Buddhist busts make a majestic display across a black console table .
line up in varying heights along the concrete window wall, bringing cactuses close to the sunshine. The modern fireplace has a 360º design, allowing it to blaze in two neighbouring living spaces. See ideas for modern fireplace screens here.
The opposite side of the fireplace wall is home to a kitchen diner. A terrazzo kitchen backsplash pulls together tones from the wooden cabinets and concrete floor. Dining chairs are teamed with a chunky wooden dining bench and a live-edge table to build a relaxed lived-in look.
A vase of twigs and some wooden chopping boards accessorise the room with natural charm.
Ceramic decorative vases stand tall on a floor bed design. Swing arm wall lamps cross a wall rug of uplifting blue.
Sand coloured walls add grit to a minimalist bathroom scheme. Modern wall sconces match with black bathroom furniture and fixtures.
Designer:Killing Matt Woods| Visualizer:Melissa More Flores
Our third home is an intimate yet utilitarian apartment, inspired by Brutalism and the local warehouse vernacular. A curved sofa sweeps in with a soft blue hue, which completely changes the dynamic of the square living room.
A square coffee table counteracts the sofas curve, bringing the layout back in line with a custom concrete topped console unit.
A tan accent chair floats between the lounge and the kitchen diner. A high-polish concrete floor exaggerates the textured effect of a ribbed kitchen island feature.
The concrete mezzanine balustrade provides a mount for a wall light, which descends elegantly over the circular island feature.
Ribbed wall units ripple across the back wall of the kitchen.
Matching panel work textures the side of the modern staircase.
A console table carries curves to complement the crescent sofa.
Visualizer:Prodan Design
Our last tour is a back to roots interior filled with natural texture and soft earth tones. A mix of new and traditional elements mingle minimalism, wabi-sabi and ethnic styles in peaceful harmony. A modern sofa and round coffee table settle on a tribal print rug. A vase of Pampas grass adds height and a gentle tactile element.
The room has a simple geometry. A low bench trims the base of a projection wall, a stack of display shelves cut into the corner, and roller blinds complete the wraparound linearity.
Walls, ceiling, doors, floor, and furniture all pull from the same colour palette, giving the eyes rest.
Raw timber builds the shelves , which give home to rustic bowls and pots.
The wooden floor of the lounge ends at concrete kitchen tile.
A white washed wood dining bench , table and chairs make a cool combination with the pale kitchen.
The L-shaped kitchen seems to extrude directly from colour matched walls.
The earthy master reminds us of the gorgeous bedroom in this Japanese inspired house .. A similar pairing of bedroom pendant lights brightens the bedside tables too.
A crisp white ceramic vase accessories one Japanese inspired table.
Wabi-sabi essence is dappled in the concrete bedroom walls.
A unique wall mirror , pouf and timber shelf make up a small vanity area in the corner of the room.
In contrast to soft neutrals throughout the rest of the interior, the bathroom is awash with black.
The kids’ room is a staggered layout of two sleep areas. Two poufs span a large floor rug.
An Ikea PS 2017 table lamp brightens a custom bedside unit.
A comfortable swivel chair and floating desk make a neat kids’ study area.
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
