Perched atop a commanding hill on a 50-acre Australian estate, this 640-square-meter home by Michael Lumby Architecture and Nielsen Jenkins reimagines the Australian Farmhouse concept. Spectacular views of vineyards, Philip Island, and Western Port Bay surround it, but exposure to coastal weather necessitated a design that embraced a large, sheltered courtyard garden at its core. This prominent courtyard becomes the heart of the home, offering a meditative refuge. The house itself is spatially flexible, opening up to host extended family, then closing off behind the courtyard wall to become an intimate one-bedroom haven when guests leave. Every room offers garden views, creating an immersive connection with nature.
The home expands over a single level, set beneath a sleek roof design that also forms an integral part of the interior design. One-meter thick walls plant boldly into the natural environment, framing breathtaking vistas of the rolling green landscape.
Inside the home, the black roof creates a cozy canopy, broken by beams of natural light at the peak. A tan leather sofa warmly contrasts the dark canopy. Its concrete base forms part of a raised room perimeter, which gives the living room an intimate atmosphere. Wood logs are stacked in an alcove by the fireplace, building a natural accent in the cool gray concrete decor scheme.
Floor-to-ceiling windows break open the home interior to far-flung views of the beautiful countryside. Wide, concrete sills make impromptu window seats upon which to soak up the vista.
A second living space is comfortably furnished with a charcoal gray tufted sofa , which darkly complements a bold, black fireplace wall.
Commanding walls and deep eaves give the reimagined farmhouse a strong presence on the natural landscape. Mature trees and shrubs anchor down the borders of the bold, modern home design, giving it roots.
A contemplative home workspace features a bespoke, fitted desk design and a towering bookcase installation. Black metal library ladders reach the top of the wooden bookcase, making the most of the vertical space.
A wide window gives the home workspace a peaceful view of the garden to soothe a stressed mind.
gives the modern kitchen a farmhouse feel, cheerfully displaying crockery, cookbooks, glassware, and serveware.
Outdoor living spaces make the most of the sprawling panorama. An outdoor kitchen with a grill serves the social outdoor dining room, which gets plenty of use when family calls around.
The thick walls frame private courtyards, providing even intimate spaces with a pleasing outlook.
Within the private courtyard, there is another eating area with a concrete table and bench, plus several modern outdoor chairs . The large house has only two permanent residents but the flexible floor plan and outdoor social areas accommodate frequently visiting family members and their children over the holidays.
A unique bathroom design conveys the modern farmhouse aesthetic. A green courtyard view reflects a stunning courtyard that unfolds beyond the edge-to-edge window.
Every room has a garden outlook, many of which were shaped around pre-existing trees. You will also find a series of pools around the property, which make circular points of interest across the topography.
The contemporary architecture is cut away at key points, forming a lens through which to experience the natural beauty of the site.
Because the site has no council mains, all of the domestic water is collected by the roof and then stored in circular concrete water tanks, as is omnipresent in farming infrastructure.
The circular water tank storage sparks a common motif across the garden, which is communicated in the round swimming pool, a series of ponds, birdbaths, and a circular fire pit.
Boundary walls split to welcome in the serene horizon.
Countryside and coastal views wash toward the home but the arrangement of the property is designed to comfortably counter the coastal conditions.
The large and sheltered central courtyard garden serves as the most important space on the property.
While the pool terrace looks out over the world at large, the central courtyard offers protection from the open outlook, forming a protected heart of the home after nightfall.
Concrete stepping stones seem to break off from the patio, floating across a shallow body of water to form a quaint pathway.
Towering treetops close in over the high walls around the home, giving the large outdoor spaces a sense of secrecy.
The trees also provide blissful shade from the Australian sunshine.
After guests leave the farmhouse, three-quarters of the house can be shut down behind the courtyard wall, leaving the ancillary functions. The front wing then becomes a simple one-bedroom pavilion with the main living space.
An old driveway with Elms was repurposed as the pedestrian entry.
Pre-existing lilly-pilly trees make a windbreak to the north of the pool and punctuate the exterior layout.
Borders are planted with soft grasses that ripple in the breeze.
The single-story farmhouse sits flatly at the top of the hill, perched upon a carpet of green.
A wall of trees edges the property.
Home design.
Home plan.
The floor plan illustrates the extent of the central courtyard program and the living spaces and private volumes that surround it. We can also observe how smaller, more private courtyards are interwoven around the property to always maintain close communication with nature. The large outer terrace connects with the swimming pool and the wider landscape.
A restrained palette of warm, soft colors and natural materials sets the foundation for this spacious and expressive interior aesthetic. Visualized by QUADER Architecture , the modern, minimalist interior features unique design elements that elevate each individual area, including a rugged stone TV wall in the living room, a waterfall island with a rustic stone support in the kitchen, and a curved wood-slatted headboard wall in the master bedroom. Bursts of terracotta turn up the visual heat, adding an intensity to the decor palette and threading a cohesive color story. The floor plan is divided into four clear parts, consisting of a stylish home entryway, an airy living room, a master suite, and a wellness/self-care zone.
A terracotta sofa outlines the modern living room with a warm embrace of color. The visual heat is counterbalanced by a cool, stone TV wall with a deeply rugged texture that gives added dimension to the room. See more ideas for decorating a red couch living room .
A modern fireplace thinly underlines the heavyweight TV wall, contributing a flickering focal point to the dramatic feature wall. A low wooden console unit smoothly finishes the media wall, brightening the overall aesthetic with a natural, light beige wood tone. Perimeter lighting atmospherically illuminates the living room and subtly separates the sitting area from a walkway.
The LED light strip flows directly into an open-plan kitchen and dining zone behind the couch. A final ribbon of LED light brightens the kitchen prep area and highlights a luxe white marble backsplash.
A unique end table wraps the corner of the terracotta couch, providing storage space for books and a display surface for decorative items.
The marble hearth is adorned with a black bearbrick statue. Its small stature is reflected in a full-length frameless mirror, which also increases the sense of spaciousness in the living room.
In the kitchen, a fabulous white marble waterfall countertop flows over the kitchen island. Three upholstered bar stools furnish the overhanging breakfast bar. A glass vase filled with florals makes a fresh kitchen island centerpiece.
Dark walnut kitchen cabinets and clean white counterparts draw an L-shaped arrangement around the statement dining island.
A linear suspension light adds to the luxe kitchen aesthetic with a lustrous gold finish.
One end of the marble kitchen island is supported by an extraordinary stone support leg, giving it a striking presence in the room.
The kitchen sink is situated on the kitchen island, which allows the homeowner to look out over the living room as they prepare the meal or take care of the dishes.
The home entryway is a stylish area with a cohesive range of convenient storage options. A garment rail awaits coats, a floating console unit catches keys and handbags, and a lower shelf keeps shoes picked up off the floor.
A large hallway mirror is framed by tactile stone tiles behind a gray upholstered entryway bench . A terracotta stool adds a pop of color interest.
Inside the master bedroom, a unique round mirror calls attention to a small vanity area with a terracotta vanity stool.
A gray tufted headboard is backed by matching gray paneling and a contrasting wood-slatted panel that forms a curvaceous hold around the bed frame.
The wood slat feature subtly separates the sleeping area from a column of decorative shelving. LED ribbons illuminate the display shelves, reflecting brightly in a mirrored backdrop. A stone side table nestles into the curvy embrace of the headboard feature wall.
The bedroom TV wall is accentuated by rich terracotta panels. Soft white panels flank either side of the statement TV mount.
A laundry area is amalgamated with the walk-in wardrobe. Glass doors front the clothes storage and a washing machine/tumble dryer tower. Solid wood doors hide away other laundry paraphernalia and out-of-season clothing.
The glass wardrobe is backlit with softly glowing LED strips.
A frameless full-length mirror is fitted inside the door of the walk-in closet, giving the homeowner a place to assess their outfit.
The powder room is clad in textural gray stone tiles. A wood-clad toilet cistern concealment wall adds a warm contrast to the cool gray decor scheme and white bathroom fittings. Floor-to-ceiling strip lights accentuate the height of the small room, pushing out the compact dimensions.
Strip lights add to the weightless effect of the small bathroom vanity unit. A large bathroom vanity mirror opens up the narrow space. Fresh hand towels are stored on a floating wooden drawer unit beneath the stone basin.
The main bathroom has a much lighter color scheme, clad with light beige wall tiles. Walnut bathroom furniture adds depth and contrast. A glass vase filled with greenery adds a burst of natural freshness under an illuminated mirror.
A wood-slatted room divider draws briefly between the bathroom vanity area and the toilet, creating zoning. A unique vessel basin makes a statement on the simple wooden vanity unit. A clean white countertop completes the modern ensemble.
A recessed shelf holds toiletries within easy reach of the freestanding bathtub. Hidden LED strips light up the selection of bottles on the shelf and outline the top of the tiled wall.
Natural rock tables make a more decorative holding point for soap, lotions, and potions. Matching green soap dispensers package all of the homeowner’s favorite products as one cohesive collection.
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
