Ever wondered how those magazine-worthy modern homes maintain such a clean and flawless interior? “Where do they put their STUFF?” It’s a good question! While freestanding bookshelves and standalone cabinets can actually contribute to the cluttered look, smart integrated storage looks like it actually belongs, as if it were part of the architecture itself – even if it isn’t truly built in. The four homes featured here each take their own unique approach to attractive storage , with plenty of ideas and inspiration to use within your own home. Who couldn’t use more storage techniques?
Designer:Andrew Sokruta
This colorful apartment in Kiev was designed by Andrew Sokruta – filled with oceanic and tropical hues throughout. Immediately, the most noticeable feature is the large volume that separates the kitchen from the hallway to the left. It houses some extra storage on the kitchen side in addition to providing a nice interior compartment for added useable space accessible from the hall.
On the entertainment wall, a versatile array of cabinetry allows functional space for storage. The shelves above house only the most presentable items, like coordinated books and driftwood art.
While the large dividing volume seems to take up an ample amount of floor space, just imagine how much visual real estate would have been occupied without the extra available storage. These tall cabinets could easily serve more than just the kitchen.
Designer:Azbuka Dom Design Studio| Visualizer:Stanislav Borozdinskiy
This apartment, designed by Azbuka Dom Design Studio and visualized by Stanislav Borozdinskiy, does not make a great show out of its integrated storage options. This space focuses more on sleek minimalism and fantastic design – of which the storage is just an effective facilitating factor.
Texture matching across materials is notoriously difficult to pull off. Here, concrete cladding and upholstered dining chairs seem to blend seamlessly. The soft fabric sofa serves as a sort of intermediary and does blend flawlessly under the right lighting conditions.
Large art prints capture attention from the background. Dining room furniture maintains a streamlined profile to allow the artwork to show through. “But where’s all the stuff?” Likely hiding behind any of the built-in cabinets!
Integrated kitchen storage allows for a brilliantly tailored display. Only the most attractive items are visible: quality olive oils, beautiful bowls, and a nice arrangement of spice holders.
A hidden entertainment area features surrounding storage solutions. The encompassing construction creates a more intimate area around the sofa - the shelves near the desk and the cabinets held within the entertainment console are almost invisible, the hallmark of an effective integrated storage scheme.
The bedroom, on the other hand, takes a more classical approach to storage. While the rest of the room makes brilliant use of modern colors and geometric forms, the closet enjoys a classic slat design.
Other natural-feeling storage solutions include the luggage-inspired side tables and the modern sideboard shelves housing the television.
Completely monochromatic – except for the bathroom vanity. This is a rare example where highlighting the storage can enhance the design of a room. Alternating glossy and matte tiles embrace this space with an abundance of luxury, while the wood-clad cabinets ground the space.
Designer:Stanislav Borozdinskiy
Another brilliant apartment from Stanislav Borozdinskiy – a home with simple furniture, iconic lighting from brilliant designers, and perfectly streamlined decor. Notice the abundance of integrated storage within the kitchen portion of this open floor plan, a volume clad in matte black that separates the two hallways from one another.
Lighting from Arik Levy creates a brilliant focal point with a geometric theme.
From the previous vantage points, the suspended range hood blended in to the kitchen unit behind it – matte on matte themes are a fantastic method of flattening an interior layout where it matters. This application allows the breakfast bar to stand out.
This view highlights the gorgeous lighter-than-air appeal of the Bertoia side chairs and WIREFLOW lamps.
Another living room centers on a smooth entertainment console. Moooi Random Lights, an Acapulco chair, and skew-legged occasional tables grant the space an unmissable designer appeal.
From this view, a nice variety of Muffin lamps (complete with faintly glowing Edison bulbs) stand next to a lightweight staircase partially shielded by a tinted glass wall.
Here, an incredible variety of lighting options opens the bedroom to a world of possibilities. Oda lamps by Sebastian Herkner set the mood next to the fireplace, and industrial Søren Rose bedside lamps create an implied headboard for the bed.
Visualizer:Nguyen Duy Thanh
Designed by Model Morden and visualized by Nguyen Duy Thanh, this apartment in Saigon places a heavy emphasis on bold shelves – note the cube shaped bookshelves to the left and right. This clever arrangement of exposed storage certainly helps distract from the concealed cabinets along the floor beneath.
Don’t you love the eclectic decor? Unique furniture mixed with iconic pieces from famous designers like Tom Dixon, Hans Wegner, etc.
Open storage shelves divide the living room from the piano space, and extra shelves hide beneath the staircase.
Such a colorful blue and yellow bedroom! Here, storage plays an interactive role in the design – yellow and black shelving systems perfectly coordinate with the framed art to the right.
Geometric themes rule the bedroom, from the highly textured wall cladding and lampshades to the playfully printed rug and accent pillows.
In the dining room, geometric motifs pull the cubic storage systems into the main design theme. Philippe Starck Ghost Chairs almost serve as an afterthought – as their transparent construction intended.
This incredible home could make anyone feel like a kid again. HAO Design Studio completed this apartment renovation dedicated to play, imagination, and of course… LEGO! At first glance it looks like any other modern family apartment – sleek materials and contemporary forms and wide open spaces – but the magic is in the details. LEGO patterns show up in the most surprising places and unassuming objects reveal fascinating multipurpose functionality. This kid-friendly apartment is anything but ordinary. Collectors and enthusiasts are sure to find a few inspiring project ideas in the photo tour below.
Architect:HAO Design| Photographer:Hey!Cheese
The living room centers around the innovative LEGO Play Pond, a circular sofa partially submerged into the floor. Primary colors echo the original palette of the building blocks that longtime LEGO fans grew to love.
In other homes, the television would serve as the primary source of entertainment… but any young kid would surely find the ball pit to be the main attraction in this fun-filled design.
Even the shelves and writing desk are fabulously unique, boldly curved to coordinate with the aesthetic of the Play Pond. The surfboard-shaped desk folds up to reveal extra space for entertainment or playtime.
Recessed pods provide another place for imaginative play. These niches also serve as extra storage for toys!
Seriously, what adult hasn’t dreamed of ball pit for grownups? In this home, there are no age limits or height restrictions on genuine nostalgic fun.
This view depicts the area to the immediate right of the front door. A wall made up of iconic green LEGO base plates allows for endless reconfiguration and self-expression. The picture frames idea would make an amazing DIY project – and the little shelves and key hooks are pretty ingenious too.
Pool-inspired handrails make the home extra accessible to small children. The ladder in front of the green wall makes it easy for young ones to create new building block artwork for the home.
Huge LEGO-inspired blocks support one half of the marble table. The juxtaposition of playful materials and luxury stone is impossible to ignore.
A chalkboard wall in the kitchen reminds residents to snack it up with everybody’s favorite cookie connoisseur.
The famous Van Gogh self-portrait is another one of those elements that flawlessly combines the best of both adult tastes and childlike wonder. Milano-based artist Marco Sodano created this piece as part of his series themed “all children are authentic artists with LEGO”.
All the bright colors really pop against the neutral background.
From this angle, it’s easier to see how the design team created visual separation between the living room and the dining area by switching from smooth white surfaces to textural concrete.
The sideboard shelves don’t currently feature any decorations, but they’re prime real estate for completed LEGO projects.
After a long day filled with play and excitement, a bedroom in lovely relaxing tones allow the mind and eyes a comfortable respite.
A peek into the office reveals the only place in the home not decked out with bright colors and LEGO bricks – except for one large display figure for inspiration.
Large LEGO heads are scattered throughout the house but they’re especially useful in the bedroom. The top lifts off to reveal a storage space perfect for jewelry, keys, and other frequently-accessed objects.
Like in the living room, the bedroom also offers plenty of integrated storage and open shelving in bright primary colors.
Molded dining chairs really fit the theme well. Each one features colors of actual LEGO bricks, although not part of the original palette of primaries.
Toys everywhere! A dedicated collector could have a lot of fun with this theme.
Ninjago Kai is a must-have for any LEGO collection, and this display figure definitely makes a nice addition to the overall theme. There are just too many things to love about this home and its carefully curated decorations.
The nursery is absolutely adorable, decked out with plenty of whimsical oversized objects. The LEGO-inspired storage would be appropriate for any children’s bedroom even without the building block theme, especially considering the popularity of geometric motifs these days.
Another great DIY project idea: drill four holes in any small stool to make it cute as a button. Wrap some thick string or ribbon through the holes in the shape of an X for an added decorative touch.
Natural colors are always a great choice for a young child’s bedroom. These bright hues are sure to stimulate and delight, and will prove a sustainable choice for quite a few years to come. It’s hard to go wrong with this palette – it invokes images of bright sunshine, clear blue skies, and soft grass.
Sliding cabinet doors allow parents to minimize light and distraction at bedtime.
An adorable balloon pendant light provides soft lighting for nighttime checkups from the parents. It’s just too cute!
Classic beach chair for the parents…
… and a cute-as-can-be seat for the tot.
Looking for this mid-century style fan? It’s called the Aire Cirque, available from the Minka Group. Imagine this fan within a De Stijl-inspired interior, providing the perfect offset to a squared aesthetic.
Colorful ceiling fans display well when turned off yet provide a fascinating appeal at high speed.
Fun-filled interior elements aside, the view is incredible on its own.
Here’s a shot of one of the recessed storage pods in action.
The recessed storage pods aren’t just for the kids! This wine cooler would become a major talking point at any party - thankfully, it has a convenient lock to prevent the young ones from exploring.
Easy adjustability ensures the television mount can accommodate large movie-viewing parties and quiet family viewing alike.
The large display minifigures are such a charming photography prop!
This photo depicts how the LEGO blocks under the dining room table open as drawers. Hidden storage spaces are everywhere – perfect for a home so dependent on theme such as this one. Anyone can turn their drawers into building blocks with a few circular cutouts, a little glue, and some bright paint.
The Hey!Cheese photography studio is based in Taipei, Taiwan. If you’re not familiar with their work, this studio is known for creative and interactive shots like those found throughout this home tour. They’re definitely one of the most intriguing interior photography companies out there.
Were you allowed to play with LEGO at the table?
Without a doubt, a home like this would leave a child with fond memories that last a lifetime.
Playtime as a lifestyle – while many homeowners might not want a fully toy themed home, it’s still nice to imagine the possibilities. A child might outgrow such colorful motifs but the appreciation for building and creating rarely disappears entirely.
The LEGO-inspired facade on the raised living room platform actually houses drawers for additional storage.
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
