Family Compound For Two Brothers In China [video]

Flowing Garden House is a large, luxury family compound, built for two entrepreneur brothers in the city of Zhangzhou, China. Created by architectural firm More Than Arch Studio , the 1700 square metre home stands apart from the majority of modern houses in China. This home is composed of three parts, which include a private unit for each brother’s family and a communal space for family gatherings, fitness and more. The social spaces centre around a peaceful courtyard design with a huge pond and majestic trees. The hope for this unique home design is that it will become a hub for extended family, and be the home fire that forges memories for generations to come.

It is a huge pond design that gives this home a feeling of close family connection. The central pond courtyard kindles a blanketing sense of serenity that flows into each branch of the house.

At night, the courtyard is a warm and welcoming space under soft exterior lighting. Focussed LED spotlights dance across the stone steps that lead down to the pond to create a pretty, tiered effect and promote safety in low light.

The concrete steps around the pond serve as a place to sit and contemplate by the waters edge.

The modern steps descend into the water, building an abstract design under the clear surface.

LED strips follow the wider edge of the pond, achieving a bold, contemporary look.

Mature trees thrive around the perimeter of the courtyard, creating height, texture, and natural beauty.

A traditional Chinese tea room opens up fully to the calming courtyard view. Tea drinking is elemental in Southern Fujian, as well as an integral part of hospitality.

With bi-fold doors drawn back, the tea room design is extended by a narrow terrace that leads to the water’s edge.

An indoor heated pool is placed in the basement, with lounge areas and meeting places situated alongside it.

A sunken courtyard blesses the basement areas with natural light and a beautiful natural panorama.

The material palette throughout the home compound remains consistent in warm wood grain and board-formed concrete. The palette is softened slightly in the two private residential volumes to create a comfortable vibe, where raw concrete walls are minimised by beige stucco.

In the larger, more open social spaces, cool, textural concrete rules with little additional decoration. Bamboo ceilings create a warm counterbalance.

Interior lighting is focussed and atmospheric.

A huge skylight brings sunlight to the basement swimming pool.

Fair-faced concrete and open walkways build a monumental aesthetic through the home compound.

The residential units that belong to each brother and their family are merged into one building but are entirely separate inside. They are entered via two independent, staggered entrance halls from a ribbon courtyard to establish privacy.

The combined home is equipped with a grand dining room, which is granted the best views of the internal courtyard design. The space is furnished with two round wooden dining tables each with ten wooden dining chairs to accommodate family and friends during the festivals. A smaller courtyard backs the room to create an open flow.

Fireplaces create a heartwarming glow, serving as an attraction for cosy gatherings.

The scale of respective spaces are distinct from each other to conjure contrasting moods.

The ribbon courtyard links all areas, threading an outdoor tour.

From stone steps at the northeast entrance, under shaded eaves, and through a series of narrow and wider spatial arrangements, the courtyard pathway is a private trail of tranquillity.

Via the south side of the building, a lower corridor reaches the terrace where the whole view fully unfolds.

For many years, the use of courtyards has been commonplace in local houses to improve environmental conditions and accomplish natural division between private and communal spaces.

Plants that flourish over time become earthed in family memories and in future generations.

Light wells touch each interior space with a hint of nature.

Porthole windows align to allow line of sight to pass through from one space to the next.

Guest bedrooms are arranged above the north side of the leisure zone.

Room sizes are compact and cosy, with serene garden views to the south.

Bedrooms are given an outdoor connection with a small courtyard .

Both of the master bedrooms are situated upon the south facing side of the second floor, which is faced toward woodland that leads to the sea.

Other than some land to the south, where the sea is narrowly observable through the trees, there are no remarkable views to be had, since the height of the building is restricted to just ten metres. This makes the courtyard and landscaped pathways all the more precious.

The 30-metre-wide dense forest belt serves as a windbreak and shield from typhoons. The 3-acre, rectangular residential plot has its shorter sides at the north and south. Neighbouring buildings stand to the east and west.

The entrance is on the north side of the road, which meanders into the social leisure space. The south of the home compound is the private residential area. The division of the two independent residential units fluidly forms the ribbon courtyard.

Just off the northernmost corridor, multi-function rooms within the two units can be used as a casual dining room, for arts, as a reading room, or for games.

The basement is equipped with a living room, home theatre, a snug, a laundry room, and spare bedrooms.

The distinguishing refined colour palette and laconic forms of traditional Japanese interiors meet extraordinary design solutions in these three inspirational home concepts. The most seductive of our three interior examples, our first Japanese home design is large and luxurious. Many traditional elements of Japanese design come to the forefront here but chiefly with a creative modern twist. Our second concept is layered with contemporary craftsmanship and reimagined classics to achieve a sleek combination of style, class, and sophistication. Our final tour takes place inside a compact modern home where unique and quirky pieces bring a fresh and fun vibe. Standout silhouettes build a sculptural thread between elegant Shōji screens and en vogue motifs.

Visualizer:Koma Visualization

The large and luxurious living space of our first Japanese home interior features end-to-end glass across opposite aspects. The facing openings create a pure flow of nature from the sunny garden in the South to the shaded narrow courtyard to the North. When the glass is retracted, there is blissful airflow for an outdoor experience whilst under cool cover.

A tea room design occupies the same space as the lounge. The tea table rises shallowly out of the wooden floor, in a Horigotatsu table fashion that allows legs to be stretched out in a recess underneath. The traditional concept is given a modern twist with sharp lines and sleek styling.

Authentic tatami mats border the tea room and lounge, which not only adds softness underfoot but serves to dampen the acoustics of the large and lofty room

The dining room doubles as a home library with built-in bookcases along one entire wall.

A ​​teppanyaki setup makes a dynamic sociable setting.

An internal courtyard is surrounded by terraces on three sides, offering places of sunlight and shade.

There is another, smaller courtyard attached to the home workspace so that the homeowner can feel as though they are within the serenity of nature even when toiling.

Outdoor uplights throw a golden glow across the wood clad home exterior and onto wooden overhangs that surround the courtyards.

The master bedroom is a zen inspired design with a close and tangible connection to the courtyard. The bed design is a unique frame with attached bedside shelves and a consolidated home workspace behind the headboard. Large format, black stone tiles run the length of the bedroom toward an open plan ensuite.

Inside the ensuite bathroom, a beautiful wooden bathtub basks in the sunlight.

A matching wood bench is aligned alongside the tub, creating a drop zone for clothes and toiletries.

A hot tub beds down between rocks to achieve a natural look.

Visualizer:Ann Bilichenko

In this modern Japanese interior design, an upholstered modular sofa crosses a floor of traditional tatami mats.

A throw pillow provides comfy seating at the opposite side of a bold coffee table design. See more unique coffee tables .

The most eye-catching part of the open plan living space are two boldly oversized dining room pendant lights . Despite their enormous size, their white paper shades give them a light aesthetic that complements Shoji screen doors. Small stools give the dining set a clean look.

An elephant figurine adds sculptural interest in the front entryway, next to an elegant indoor plant.

Linen table runners dress a simple wooden dining table .

A shallow fruit bowl makes an understated table centrepiece. See more ideas for modern fruit bowls .

Visualizer:Creamy Rebel

Our final interior design and CGI images are of a small Tokyo apartment inspired by Japanese aesthetics.

A backdrop of Shoji screens is outshone by a quirky ​​ Etcetera Lounge Chair , by Jan Ekselius for Swedish brand Artilleriet.

An outrageous faux fur sofa makes a fabulous statement on the opposite side of the lounge area.

The striking lighting trio above the coffee table are Formakami pendants by Jaime Hayón for &Tradition.

Behind the extraordinary couch design, a cork wall makes a textural backdrop.

Black stucco and black window frames create dark contrast with the pale furniture pieces.

A trendy racetrack-shaped dining table pulls another dark element into the living room.

Two gloss black dining room pendant lights hang low over the black wood and concrete table.

A one wall kitchen follows a lighter palette with natural timber base units and fresh white uppers. A raw grey concrete backsplash and a matching countertop cut through the kitchen run, highlighted by a ribbon of LEDs.

The white minimalist bedroom gains character from a circular recess in the wall stucco above the bed.

Small, black bedroom pendant lights and two matching black metal bedside units flank the bed with stark black accents. A majestic, white coated Bonsai tree sculpture tops a tall stack of bedside reading material. Scatter cushions casually make up cosy reading nooks at each side of the room.

Shoji doors give the wardrobe a hint of ancient Japan.

The platform bed lays light wood tone upon the crisp white bedroom rug.

A grey bed runner coordinates with the polished concrete floor. Black track lights echo the stark black window frames.

In the bathroom, a round mirror ties in with the curves of a racetrack-shaped vanity unit. The vanity pendant light matches the style of the bedroom pendants to achieve one cohesive aesthetic throughout.

Inside the shower area, a unique backlit wall feature adds a mysterious, frosted glow to the dark and moody grey stucco. Perimeter LEDs add a wash of practical task lighting into the slatted enclosure.

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