Looks can be deceiving. If you were to look at a tiny area of 17.3 square meters, you could be forgiven for thinking there isn’t room to designate clear areas for dedicated study, sleeping and dressing, plus a full kitchen and bathroom. However, this Ukrainian studio apartment located in an old building at the centre of Odessa, proves that clever layout can achieve the seemingly impossible. The talent at Fateeva Design was approached when the current owners inherited the limited space. The restrictive dimensions had the owners stumped for ideas but the designers were confident it could be sleekly transformed into an ideal student rental.
Clever spatial solutions became key for this compact interior design challenge, which resulted in some very original thinking. Just for starters, the kitchen bench runs around in an L-shape layout, with the return able to be utilised as a study desk. The thing that makes this position so ingenious is that the generous desk area can easily be switched back into food prep space if and when the need arises. A practical wipe-clean white metro tile backsplash spans the entire length. A large set of wall shelves hold both culinary paraphernalia and work related items.
The run of kitchen base units comes to a stop beneath the study part of the countertop, in favour of a desk storage unit tucked at one side. A designer table lamp sits at the opposite end, which is the AJ Lamp . More task lighting is fixed along the underside of the ample wall shelves.
Marking a smooth transition between food and work zones is a smart black pitcher with matching coffee mug , to fuel long study hours. The smart drinks set complements the monochrome colourway of the furniture in the room. The long desk can also be used as a dining table, with even enough space to facilitate a companion too.
A unique notice board pushes out from the edge of the kitchen/study wall shelving unit, crossing over into the bedroom.
A slimline white kitchen extractor unit takes up very little wall space but is stylish in its simplicity; its lights illuminate the corner position of the cooking hob. A row of small black wall sconces line the top of the kitchen window, available to cast light over the kitchen sink when nighttime falls.
All the bespoke furniture hugs the perimeter of the room, in a neutral color scheme that keeps the space looking open and airy.
The desk chair is a slender design that can be tucked neatly beneath the worktop when not in use, leaving the central floor area clear. A short rattan laundry basket inhabits the remainder of the nook.
A shower room leads directly off the kitchen.
The desk drawer unit can be tucked deep in the corner to allow more leg space, and pulled out on its castors when access to its contents is needed. It’s mobile nature means that it could also be used as an extra surface in either the study or the kitchen.
The bedside drawer unit joins flush with the platform nature of the double bed. Deep storage volumes fill the bed base. Two modern wall sconces throw light from above the headboard, which runs around two sides of the bed. The white finish of the bedroom furniture is edged with black strips that mimic the design of the wall shelves over the study and kitchen, tying the areas nicely together in one united look.
A flat screen TV is wall mounted at the end of the bespoke double bed. The TV wall is actually the back of a closet, which divides the sleepspace from a hallway area.
The hallway area doubles as a dressing room, as this is where all of the home’s closets are housed. Large wardrobes line each side of the entryway, with cupboards installed across the top. The units to the left all back onto the shower room, with the second row of closets shieling the bedroom from view of the front door. A woven seated vanity stool sits at a bright yellow and black hallway console unit, in front of a large black framed mirror. A decorative vase and a couple of tealight holders make a welcoming display.
Small black floor tiles mark out the separated home entryway/dressing area. Laminate dark wood flooring covers the expanse of the main living room.
The window sill that dips behind the wood-look kitchen countertop is used as a spot to nestle some dry larder supplies in attractive glass jars, plus a couple of indoor herb planters . A white kettle and cooking hob matches with the white kitchen cabinets.
The shower room is covered head to toe in small white tiles, finished with black grout. The result is quite busy for the small space, but a wooden backsplash behind the vanity unit and toilet smooths out the look. SImple chrome fixtures and fitting dress the facilities.
The shower room is very small but pretty perfectly formed. It houses a shiny chrome heated towel rail, a modern wall hung toilet and a compact vanity unit with storage space for all of the everyday essentials.
A black toilet flush plate has been selected as a slight pause from the chrome fittings. This is matched by a pair of black candlesticks and another black pitcher.
Imagine the frothy feeling of a warm bubble bath against your skin. The feeling is decadent and relaxing. Now, what do you see when you open your eyes? If your existing bathroom decor doesn’t reflect that image, or evoke that same pampered feeling, then perhaps it’s time to reassess your surroundings. This extensive collection of 50 luxury bathrooms is filled with high end inspiration on how to create yourself a truly sumptuous space. From show stopping bathtubs and sleek vanity units, to enviable bathroom decor and carefully curated accessory ideas, this gallery of images and tips has you covered.
Visualizer:Giri Dwi Cahya
Frame your hero piece. Two unique plant stands frame an elegant freestanding bathtub.
Visualizer:Nataliya Yahela
Blur the border between a garden and a bathroom. Standing a bathtub on a floor of pebbles creates a natural flow between inside and outside spaces. Grow an indoor garden of potted plants with long fronds to keep the theme going.
Visualizer:Anastasia Bushkova
Create a tree mural. Even if you’re not lucky enough to have a bathroom picture window to a private garden, you could place a tree mural behind your bathtub. This unique nature themed feature wall is a tile design that shows small sections of tree.
Visualizer:Sergio Goroshko
Set the mood with lighting. Forget harsh overhead lighting when it’s time to sink beneath the bubbles. When it comes to relaxation, soft glowing lamps are where it’s at. Hot bath, book in hand, coffee. Bliss.
Visualizer:Black Razor
Time for task lighting. When there’s no time for relaxing in the tub you will be thankful for some focussed task lighting, particularly around the vanity. This particular swing arm wall lamp has an interesting placement though - perhaps there’s some bathroom reading going on in a spot other than the tub…
Visualizer:Artem Shelipov
Get creative with plants. The owner of this bathroom must really love plants . Things may get a bit tickly in that crowded shower enclosure.
Visualizer:ONI Render
Vanity countertops should be both practical and beautiful. When filling your vanity top with soap dispensers and the like, consider adding in a decorative vase for an elegant finishing touch.
Visualizer:Mia Design Studio
A bonsai tree grows directly out of this vanity countertop.
Visualizer:LUSUS Studio
Suspend lighting over the tub. Nothing else has quite the same decadence in a bathroom like a piece of statement lighting suspended over a freestanding bathtub; be it a sparkling chandelier or shining globe pendant lights .
Visualizer:La Alegría Dhifaoui Samiha
Zone with different flooring materials. The border to this wet zone is accentuated by a geometric section of wood flooring, which continues upward as bathroom TV wall decor.
Visualizer:Andrey Avdeenko
Bring walls to life. Another way to bring the outdoors inside is to create a vertical garden wall.
Visualizer:Viktoria Faynblat
Create a courtyard. If your garden is overlooked you may be feeling a little shy about installing a clear bathroom window to take in the view! Consider building a privacy wall outside the window and craft a mini garden within its confines.
Designer:Patricia Urquiola
Make it his and hers. We’ve all seen twin vanity units but how about twin bathtubs? Patricia Urquiola created this for the Hangrohe Axor brand as a departure from traditional norms. Her charming collection is characterized by flowing transitions and curves. An abundance of indoor plants add in natural pattern and texture. Altogether, a superbly planned large bathroom .
Designer:Jean-Marie Massaud
Introduce softness to your bathroom scheme. Jean-Marie Massaud, another star designer for Hansgrohe Axor, added in smooth pebble poufs to break away from a bathroom’s typically hard surfaces.
Visualizer:Evgeny Garchu
Layer a bathtub in front of a shower unit. When tackling the challenge of rearranging a bathroom, the layout can be restricted by window placements and deciding whether the longest wall should be awarded to the bath or a spacious shower unit. Why not have it all by layering a tub in front of a shower screen? This modern chandelier helps visually anchor the tub in its central spot.
Visualizer:Heder Perdigão
Change bathroom colours to suit your mood. Colour changing LEDs enable you to swap out your bathroom colour scheme at the touch of a button; they can even cycle through the entire rainbow all by themselves whilst you relax in the tub.
Designer:Patricia Urquiola| Source:Four Seasons, Milan
Install a sunken bath. Take inspiration from the Four Seasons spa room, in Milan.
Visualizer:TOTL Studio
Cosy up with a bathroom fireplace. A roaring open fire and a bubble bath? Oh yes, please.
Visualizer:TOL’KO interiors
Don’t be afraid of colourful bathroom furniture. Bathroom furniture has become colour shy in recent years, but it’s not against the law to make a departure from all that is neutral. Try changing out white cupboard doors for something with more personality; you could choose floor tiles to carry the new colour underfoot too. Do balance out your gorgeous new accents with some softer pieces too though, like this grey unit and vanity stool .
Visualizer:SFN Architecture
Colour with copper. Copper accessories can be sourced for every single room of the house now, and look equally spectacular in the bathroom. Bring in this trendy metallic via a mirror frame, candle holders, lighting, faucets and planters .
Designer:A.T.O Studio
Make it a double. A twin vanity unit can be accessorised with a single large mirror, though doubling up mirrors and modern wall sconces certainly draws more attention to the luxury of having two individual wash zones.
Visualizer:Andrey Korniychuk
Lighting around this double sink bathroom vanity shines from around the mirror frames themselves.
Visualizer:Joanna Kubieniec & Głogowscy Architektura
Sharpen up. Create a high end minimalist bathroom by selecting crisp linear pieces.
Visualizer:ArsVisual Group
Warm up with wooden accents. If an all white bathroom scheme feels a little cold, just a few wooden accent pieces can go a long way in visually warming the room.
Visualizer:Tawfeek Kalagi
Dark wooden decor creates a sumptuous look; flickering tea light holders enrich the theme.
Visualizer:Ahmed Morsy
Candles are a go to accessory for any bathroom scheme, be it minimalistic or seductive.
Visualizer:Studioart
Make a plain basin look special with a unique faucet . Ok, so this bathroom sink is anything but boring. However, the waterfall faucet certainly does add to its splendour.
Visualizer:Stanislav Kaminskyi
Let’s say it though, unique sinks stake their own place in a bathroom, with or without the help of an unusual faucet.
Visualizer:Nour Ammar
Light up your love of concrete. Concrete bathrooms are a cool trend, but do add in some warming lighting to keep the look inviting.
Visualizer:M3 Architects
Forget walls and doors, have a floating bathroom. A sprawling master suite doesn’t have to be divided into a bedroom, a dressing room and a bathroom. This design implements only partially dividing walls to house essential plumbing. The shower surround is almost completely invisible.
Designer:Philippe Starck
Design a bathroom as you would a living space. Philippe Starck, another star designer for the Hansgrohe Axor brand, sparked a bathroom revolution that saw this room of mere hygienic functionality turned into a new personal retreat. The bathroom became an extension of living space in the home - a crumbling boundary that continues to be pushed.
Visualizer:Anastasiia Sholopova
Marble finishes look marvellous. Marble decor has spanned the ages, and marble wall tiles, flooring, bathtubs and vanities will always have a place in bathroom design. Light up the look of this elegantly veined material with beautiful IC Lights S Pendant like the IC Lights S Pendant. A cheaper replica of this is available here .
Designer:ArchObraz| Photographer:Andrey Avdeenko
Tiny contrasts can cut through a bland scheme. This plain grey and white minimalist bathroom receives a lift from a couple of strawberry red towels, which pay bright contrast to the green of a flourishing Snake plant .
Source:PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore
Love nature - not just in decor. Notice how the unique trash cans actually represent recyclable and non recyclable, assisting with responsible waste disposal to keep our planet healthy.
Designer:A.T.O Studio
Set feature walls aglow. This backlit mirror sends out subtle illumination over a wooden vanity wall.
Visualizer:Denis Fomin
Add a table next to a freestanding bath. You don’t want to be hanging over the side of the tub to reach for your bathtime potions. Choose an elegant table to house a pretty display of soap and lotion dispensers .
Visualizer:Shahid Jamal
Mosaics aren’t just bathroom border tiles. Use a mosaic tile in its intended form, as eye-catching artwork.
Designer:Ahmed Mady
Evoke grandeur with ornate accessories. Luxury hotel bathrooms are often filled with ornate vanity mirrors and sculpture that can be translated into our very own luxury home bathroom.
Visualizer:Ahmed Mady
Highlight furniture fretwork. If your furniture or mirror frames are blessed with intricate fretwork, new backlighting could be all that’s needed to make your bathroom a standout space.
Visualizer:Alina Pipoyan
Is it the vertical garden or the spectacular pendant light that’s the focal point of this decor? Well, nobody said you were only allowed one hero piece.
Visualizer:Dima Karma
The hero of this room is most certainly the imposing garden statue art mural, softly lit by small bathroom pendant lights at one side and a floor lamp at the other.
Visualizer:Double Aye
Bathroom window shutters suit traditional and modern decor alike. This eclectic minimalist bathroom, influenced by Wabi-Sabi, uses shutters to add a spike of classic French-Italian flavour.
Visualizer:Double Aye
Curate a rustic bathroom scheme by selecting highly textured, natural elements. Team the rustic pieces with some modern furniture to keep the look current, like these sleek sinks from By Coccoon .
Visualizer:Playtime
Play up to lofty proportions. This vaulted ceiling looks even taller thanks to a low sunken bathtub and an elongated pendant light.
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
Marble can be colourful too. Check out this molten yellow wet wall.
Visualizer:Covet House
Set the stage. A show stopping Koi bathtub is set on a raised platform, which gives the piece the prominence it deserves. It also houses all of the not so glamorous pipework too.
Visualizer:Covet House
More stunning bathtubs from Maison Valentina .
Visualizer:Home d
A unique vanity can transform a small bathroom.
Designer:Haji Guliyev & Ulker Mirzaliyeva| Visualizer:Vusal Abbasov
Decorative floor edging draws attention to a beautiful layout.
Visualizer:Mohanad Al Homsi
Splash the cash on the bath. The price for this hammock bathtub is available only on request, but a little birdie tells us that you’d have to part with a stack of dollars in the low 5 figures…
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
