When it comes to designing comfortable homes when there is little square footage to work with, there are many places to look for a solution. Many designers start, understandably, with the ceiling. When you have vertical space to grow, the possibilities for design open up, from lofted beds to skylights, there are a litany of different ways to make a small space feel bigger and provide the occupant with all the necessary nooks and crannies. These four micro apartments each put their own spin on super small spaces, but the results are all equally beautiful.
Visualizer:Adrian Iancu
The first apartment from visualizer Adrian Iancu takes the vertical design idea and runs with it. A lofted bedroom area might seem like a natural solution for a super small space, but the design here is particularly well executed. A custom built staircase climbs up to the bedroom, using the same wood that makes up the compact kitchen and breakfast bar. By utilizing the same materials, the space actually feels bigger because of the cohesive colors. Of course, plenty of natural light is always ideal for a small space and this apartment has that, too.
The unique pendant lights are a great touch that brings more visual interest to the space.
Designer:Zucchini
The next apartment is a 25 square meter (269 square feet) one designed for housing one person. Sliding doors and small partitions help separate spaces in this home without using up too much space.
Visualizer:Nicholas Vashantsev
This next apartment measures just 15 square meters (161 square feet) which is tiny, even compared to other micro apartments. With no space to loft the bedroom, the designer here has gone with the next best option, which is a convertible bed that can function as both a sofa and a bed (some would call it a futon). Multipurpose objects like this, as well as hidden storage such as the creative sliding closet, are absolutely essential if an apartment this size is going to be livable.
Designer:Benoit Marc
The third apartment, from designer Benoit Marc, goes back to the lofted ideal with its tall ceilings. Like the first space, this one also uses natural wood element, for their aesthetic as well as ecological appeal. One way the apartment saves on space is by forgoing a traditional sofa and using portable, compact bean bag chairs for communal seating.
Visualizer:Anastasia Shamisova
The final space is a 28 square meter (301 square feet) studio apartment in Surgut, Russia, as designed for a young woman who is also a student. By creating a slightly elevated pace for the small kitchen, the studio immediately feels like it has more space by way of multiple rooms. A low wall separates the sleeping area from the rest of the apartment for at least the illusion of a bit of privacy.
A dining room should be a place where you can spend time every day and not get tired of your surroundings. Where the space is beautiful and welcoming for friends and family, but never detracts from the conversations or the food. The 25 dining rooms in this roundup are each beautiful and sleek with design elements that bring out the flavor in the home and foster memorable evenings.
Visualizer:Pavel Vetrov
When you bring greenery into a dining room, like here, you automatically turn your senses to the fresh and leafy possibilities of every meal while allowing guests to actually breathe fresher air.
Visualizer:Ofdesign
Simplicity is key in this dining room, with natural light that makes it a natural choice for breakfast and leisurely brunch.
Visualizer:Djamal Mustafaev
The way that this low, dark table is almost a mirror image of the elevated kitchen shelving gives this modern dining area a bit of a twisted Alice in Wonderland feel.
Visualizer:Artur Tamiola
As we see time and time again, it is hard to go wrong with molded chairs inspired by Eames. Here, the white version gives this dining table a light, bright, feminine feel. The table is ready for lemonade and macarons.
Photographer:Przemysław Kuciński
Of course, not everyone needs a full-size formal dining table set . Take a page from this book and stick with five chairs and a round table for a more intimate affair.
Visualizer:Nilo Aleo
Something about upholstered dining chairs and sea views just speaks of luxury. This space is perhaps not the most unique, but it would be a perfect beachside retreat.
Photographer:Przemysław Kuciński
Here, country chic is married to hipster cool at this dining table/breakfast bar. Careful splashes of color give the whole open space a youthful bounce. The yellow dining pendant lights are the Unfold Pendants by Muuto.
Visualizer:Pavel Vetrov
This dining room manages to feel both unfinished and completely polished. Perfect for a host that never wants guests to get too comfortable.
Visualizer:Maruf Madiyarov
The wooden modern dining chairs and the glass dining table here play nicely with the wooden wall design on the opposing wall. An open floor plan makes these kinds of complements necessary.
Visualizer:Maruf Madiyarov
In another take on a similar design, different color options give the room a different atmosphere.
Visualizer:Pavel Vetrov
Some homeowners simply prefer their dinner served cold. And there is nothing quite so cold as a long table with just two chairs.
Visualizer:Matas Maciulis
When you attach a dining table to a kitchen counter, you immediately create a convivial, celebratory spirit in a small space.
Visualizer:Matas Maciulis
The mid century inspiration is clear in this design, from the slightly mod dining chairs to the gray upholstered sofa.
Visualizer:Evgeny Zhdanov
Another entry for Eames chairs, these with an unmistakable red poppy color that is just about as joyful as chairs should be.
Visualizer:Matas Maciulis
For some, this much beige is boring. For others, its a soothing retreat.
Visualizer:Matas Maciulis
A small white dining table in a cozy white kitchen is quaint, simple, and perfectly fine. The black pitcher provides a great accent to the dining.
Visualizer:Vic Nguyen
With a bit of inspiration from an artist’s loft, this messy dining table looks to be just as comfortable cover in canvases as crudite.
Visualizer:Faraz Fadaian
An indoor/outdoor kitchen is a dream come true for those in warm climates (or those who are just tired of setting off the smoke alarm).
Visualizer:Sergejus Mažeika
Freshly renovated industrial spaces make for dining rooms that are easily swallowed up by vaulted ceilings. This glass table is happy to blend right in.
Visualizer:Konstiantyn Rekochynsky
Not so much a dining room as a bistro table in the corner, this space is highly European and oh-so-chic.
Visualizer:Alexander Simakov
With such a wine collection in full view, who could say no to another glass at this table?
Visualizer:Roman Gurbich
So much sun from every direction. It would be hard to leave this breakfast table with its trendy bohemian style.
Visualizer:Studio Archivizer
On the other end of the spectrum is this nearly futuristic space with chairs that pop and sleek, monochromatic design
Visualizer:Mikhail Rusakov
The room divider in this tiny dining room means you can watch TV or tune it out easily while you eat your cereal. A pair of globe pendant lights illuminate the table from above.
Architect:Roberto Murgia
Finally, a simple and spacious dining room design that would make every family eager to sit down together.
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
