When we think of the minimalist style, we think of clean simplicity and crisp lines. For sure these characteristics embody the minimalist way, but there is more than one way to crack an egg. These four home designs each explore an entirely different approach to minimalism in interiors, offering takes on abstract Russian minimalism, brutalist inspired spaces, mid century vibes and cutting edge modernity. We look at the use of shading within neutral spaces too, exploring a palette with deep tonal accents and black anchors, the contrast of concrete against natural timber elements, zoning with rich brown intervals, and ethereal white surrounds with the lightest whisper of grey.
Designer:Inga Harisova| Visualizer:Nikolay Limanskiy
Displaying links with Suprematism, this example of Russian minimalism uses abstract shape to construct a stylised modern living space. If you like this look, then be sure to check out this modern take on soviet minimalism too.
Designer lounge furniture gains due attention in simple surroundings. Decor items are pared back to only what is useful for sitting, lighting, or providing a surface to set things down on.
The only exception to the utilitarian rule of this room is a single decorative wall mirror . The organic shaped glass makes a tinted reflection of the wall light over the leather sofa .
Sheer white voiles softly diffuse sunlight from huge windows.
A chic reading area is fashioned with a chestnut accent lounge chair , shapely floor lamp and a small side table with a freshly filled water carafe .
The modern fireplace sweeps into view like a piece of sculptural abstract art. A groove splits the face of the unique chimney breast, slicing down to the narrow opening.
Earthy brown tones continue into the dining room, where a modern wooden dining table is paired with a set of contemporary brown dining chairs.
An accent chair and floor lamp elegantly furnish the corner of the dining room, along with a piece of textured wall art.
A minimalist dining room light contorts into an asymmetrical cross above the table.
The kitchen unfolds at one side of the room to make a complete entertaining space.
Bespoke wooden cabinets fill in a niche with useful storage space, which allows the minimalist room to remain perfectly clear.
The rectangle dining table is positioned to benefit from natural light at the tall window.
Glass modern fruit bowls reflect the daylight.
Wooden base units unite the one wall kitchen with the dining area, creating one cohesive and warm aesthetic.
Visualizer:Darya Litvinovich
In Minsk, Belarus, our second featured home displays more of a brutalist vibe.
White concrete floods the floors and builds the walls of this space. Highly modern furniture stands in block-like silhouettes, as though carved from concrete too.
The modern sofa forms a two-sided arrangement. It’s monolithic base juts out from beneath the cushions to form a wide side table.
An extraordinary sculptural dining room chandelier commands the open plan room, hanging a seemingly impossibly large form in the centre of the kitchen.
With one side of the sofa facing toward the kitchen diner, its reverse side faces toward a bedroom that is revealed from behind a portiere.
In the minimalist bedroom, a spherical tension pole lamp complements the dining room’s unique chandelier.
Visualizer:Mohamed Mousa
The Cumulus apartment is a 160 square metre home in Mivida, Cairo, Egypt. Brown accent colours and distinctive silhouettes give this space mid-century vibes. A curved back sofa is joined by curvaceous chairs, a round coffee table and wall art with a circular motif.
The dark looped legs of the round coffee table stand prominently against a pale area rug .
The floor melds lightly into the walls of the room, which are topped with classic crown molding.
dining room chandelier dominates a dark dining setup in the open plan.
The round pedestal dining table forms a black pool under the dramatic chandelier, encircled by matt black dining chairs.
Colour is unwelcome in the galley kitchen , where simple handle-free cabinets line up in clean quietude.
Caramel bedcovers enrich a light grey and white decor scheme. Wood bedside tables and tonal artwork extend the brown accent.
A winged bedstead has great presence in the second double bedroom, framed by dark drawer units and black bedside table lamp s.
Vertical tiles add interest to a white wetroom. An eye-catching black showerhead empties over a freestanding bathtub .
Visualizer:Eugene Shkilnyuk
Our final tour takes place in a modern minimalist home that’s decorated with the softest whisper of grey on white. The modern sofa bridges the tonal gap between white wall decor and a smokey area rug.
A grey throw and matching scatter cushions cosy up the sofa’s linear silhouette.
Light furniture and bare walls create an ethereal living room dining room combo .
A frameless interior door disappears in the plain white TV wall.
Smooth grey laminate flooring creates a tranquil base for the scheme.
A tray table is integrated into the sofa design, putting it right between the cushions and keeping the floor space clear.
Behind the lounge, an oversized dining room pendant light crowns a large dining island.
cabinets set out a clean white arrangement at the back of the room, separated from the home entryway by a shallow room divide.
A floating entryway shelf extends across a custom cut mirror on one side, and the end of the marble clad kitchen island on the other to create seamless flow.
Light and love exude from these two family focussed home interiors, created by DSEN . Wide open living spaces encourage family members to come together and interact whilst partaking in separate activities, whether that be cooking or catching up on a little TV. In each of these large open plan living rooms, there is also an additional function added to the standard lounge kitchen diner combo. Family home number one includes a very open modern home office, where mum or dad can get a little work done without being locked far away. In the second welcoming family home, it’s all about creating memories together in an elegant open plan music room.
Photographer:Hey! Cheese
A double height window brings sunlight rushing into the open plan living room of our first modern family home interior. Dark grey curtains frame and accentuate its impressive height.
A second large window cracks open a home workspace behind the lounge, making a single story room feel just as light and loved.
Greenery fills a natural timber round coffee table in front of the modern sofa , creating an interior garden to compensate for the grey built-up view.
Under the staircase, the space has been utilised as storage and as a TV wall. Wood cladding melds the multipurpose pieces together as one stylish accent.
A glass balustrade makes a light addition to the top of the wood clad wall, with white hardware pulling it together.
The open mezzanine landing creates a valuable connection, allowing family members on the upper and lower stories to communicate easily.
A curved protrusion on the landing forms a romantic balcony-like addition.
The mezzanine also serves as a mounting point for lighting over the double height lounge. Down in the living room, indoor plants revel in the generous spill of natural sunlight.
Wood grain elements move the eye around the predominantly white space, creating a reassuring flow of warmth and natural texture.
In the modern home office , an L-shaped installation of bookcases pull around the desk like a warm hug. A comfortable reading chair and floor lamp make a cosy addition to the workspace.
Drawer inserts optimise the bookcase storage, providing convenient stow away spots for stationery.
A stylish table lamp and a glass vase subtly decorate the desktop.
A much smaller book cabinet furnishes the opposite end of the lounge. Exterior book ledges sweetly display a child’s favourite books.
Over in the kitchen diner section of the open plan living room, a white dining room pendant light crisply announces the family eating area.
A single platform bed and a modern dressing table put wooden accents into the first bedroom. A frosted glass closet reveals a very organised clothing collection.
A number of unique planters dot the space.
The concrete planters and unique plant stands build layers of texture.
Plant life wakes up a tranquil kids bedroom design too.
Sporadic inclusions of soft colour enliven the white and wood tone modern kid’s room .
Climbing holds scale a wood clad statement wall. A wooden kid’s chair and table set complement the fun feature.
Our second family focussed home interior is a wide open city apartment with wall to wall windows. A long floating tv stand draws attention to the generous room dimensions.
There is no area rug present in the living room, which makes the space feel even bigger. A set of contrasting coffee tables and a side table drift in the sea of open space.
The area behind the sofa has been fashioned into a music room.
Bespoke bookshelves and subtle wall units frame a treasured electric piano.
The music area sits back into the walls, giving it a streamlined appearance that doesn’t encroach upon the adjacent lounge.
A family friendly kitchen diner occupies the final aspect of the large room. The white walls and ceiling ensure that natural light bounces all the way to the back.
The wood laminate floor has been cut away to define the kitchen diner space from the lounge and music room. A sweeping pathway creates a faux hallway effect.
Two Muuto Ambit dining room pendant lights pair up to throw spotlight onto the rectangle dining table.
Mismatched dining chairs create an eclectic look–like a modern take on The Three Bears house…
…Though in this Scandinavian style dining setup, Goldilocks would have to break Baby Bear’s dining bench .
A wall of kitchen cabinets are fitted flush up to a soffit behind the dining area, which gives the installation a clean custom finish.
A Hay Analog wall clock passes the time upon sleek white wall panelling.
The kitchen countertop is a unique curved design that cuts around the corner of the arrangement. A ribbed fascia adds an interesting design element into the room.
Beige base cabinets warm up the inside of the kitchen prep area. Indoor plants add colour and softness to the space.
Brass trims add a luxe touch to open kitchen shelves and cabinet hardware.
A made-to-measure headboard has modern wall sconces added for a smart hotel-like finish. Small bedside tables are delicately adorned with decorative vases and greenery.
Black framed windows add some weight to the light bedroom decor scheme.
The bedroom door is camouflaged within a wood effect wardrobe run.
In the single bedroom, a double workspace makes a perfect setup for mum or dad to help out with homework.
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
