Never let the modest size of your home restrict your sense of style–someone somewhere must once have said. If they didn’t, then we’ve just said it, right then. So let’s get serious. Serious about the brave punch of style that each of these four little interior designs have whacked into their truly restricted dimensions. From big bright colour pops and large kitsch art prints to oversized statement lighting and expanses of bold patterned tiling, these little gems have got it all and more to boot. Modest room proportions don’t mean that everything in them has to be modestly proportioned! In fact, the designers of these four homes would probably argue quite to the contrary.
Visualizer:Fotis Kazantzidis
Kicking off the small home style scene is this 31 square metre studio apartment in Stockholm, Sweden. Hanging right in the centre like a chic sleek disco ball is a copper globe pendant light . The metallic surface reflects the room, creating a smaller skewed version of the furniture, artwork and indoor plants .
Beneath the copper lighting is a cluster of gold coffee tables with black glass tops at varying heights. The combination is a glamorous look that goes well with beauty themed artwork and loud animal print cushion.
The bed is pushed to one side of the studio apartment, nestled in an alcove. Its made up with layered cushions in a solid monochrome fashion. A couple of cacti decorate the space toward the foot of the bed, including one very large version that has to be sat on the floor in front of a full length mirror.
The kitchen area contains an eating area with a couple of modern ghost chairs.
Beyond the bijoux dining spot lies a white minimalist kitchen that has been given the golden touch. Golden door-knobs decorate each of the units, and a matching golden faucet stands at a jet black kitchen sink.
Pale wooden cutting boards protect a smooth white countertop.
stand in front of a beautifully marbled backsplash.
Visualizer:Phúc Nguyễn
Our second small apartment with big ideas is a vision of wood tone and white. The vertical space of this small home has been utilised by installing a loft bed. On the opposite wall, two long shelves have been mounted high on the wall.
At the foot of a white ladder that leads up to the loft bed, the kitchen area is small but perfectly formed. Each surface of the honey coloured home is brightened by a fresh green house plant to breathe lots of life into the decor.
A neat wooden coffee table holds another small plant and the obligatory cup of hot beverage.
The home entryway has a window space that peeps through into the studio apartment. The first item beyond the entryway is a large unique floor lamp that stands tall in defiance of the tiny proportions of the home.
Visualizer:STANISLAV ANANEV
Small stylish space number three, located in Moscow, is packed wall to wall and right through the centre. Large kitsch art prints set an individualistic tone right off the bat. The colour in the artwork has been picked up in the warm looking curtains at the window. A modern light stretches its long reaching arms across the entire upper space of the lounge. The small loveseat is stuffed with cosy cushions and throws.
An adjustable shelving unit with lower storage volumes stands in the centre of the small space, creating a tall room divide between the living room and dining room. It also makes an ideal entertainment unit for a small TV set. Other shelves hold a selection of books and keepsakes. A patterned area rug adds further definition to the perimeter of the lounge.
The eating area has a huge dining pendant light, another unusual choice for a small space.
Running adjacent to the lounge and dining areas is the kitchen. Wooden wall units contrast with white base units.
The walls of the bathroom are painted in the same ruddy hues found out in the compact living area, a very rich colour for a tiny room.
The floor is tiled with a striking monochrome design.
A vertical radiator slots into a narrow space, bringing in a stripe of unique contemporary design. The bathroom basin is mounted directly above a washing machine in order to combat space limitations.
Visualizer:Dezest
The fourth and last interior is 50 square metres of industrial home decor , located in Dnipro, Kiev, Ukraine.
Here, cheerful yellow accents brighten a scheme of white, wood tone, emerald green and burgundy.
A swing arm wall lamp teamed with a stylish armchair makes a cool modern reading area. This one is a Lampe Gras Model 214 .
The home office takes advantage of natural light coming from dual aspect large windows. The stylish desk chair matches a grey built in bookcase. Beneath the wood and metal desk, the floor is tiled with heavy pattern.
A narrow nook has been clad in wood tongue-and-groove planks to create a cosy cabin atmosphere around a double bed. The headboard is a bold monochrome houndstooth print.
decorate a small corner.
The bathroom holds a multitude of brave style choices, including a bright blue towel heater, golden pendant lights and geometric mirrors.
Down on the floor things get even bolder, with a busy tile design in black, white and roof red.
Every table needs a lamp – but where do you find the best of the best? Forget night-time jaunts to IKEA – we’ve uncovered some of the lighting world’s best-kept secrets in our top 50 list. Enjoy an intelligent table lamp on your late night in, with a rounded wooden plinth clamped to your desk. Take Victorian style into the 21st Century, with a brass fuse propping up a bulb in crystal. Find out why the Piccola lamp has a base in lambskin leather. Make your home glow with beautiful, well-designed table lamps for your office, living room or bedroom, with our top 50.
Cocotte Table Lamp
Serge Mouille’s famed lamp can sit at the exact height you’d like to read at. Buy the original – with its accompanying authenticity certificate – or get a more-cost efficient version here .
Serge Mouille Tripod Desk Lamp
Another creation by designer Mouille, this insect-like light from 1954 uses its original molds, proportions, materials and techniques. Buy its French-made, steel-tubed form complete with its own individual stamp and number.
Massaud Table Lamp w083
Made from cast aluminium and silicone, this table lamp from fellow French designer Jean-Marie Massaud verges on art. Almost weightless, it defies gravity with its impressive stretch and lean.
Artemide Tizio Desk Lamp
Want something more modern? This 2008 lamp by Richard Sapper counterbalances the weight between its arms and head, providing a light that stretches as far as you need it to. Buy it in black or white, or polycarbonate or painted metal, with the additional option of a tilting head.
Artemide Tolomeo Lamp
Combine the old and the new. Michele de Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina collaborated on this tall designer table lamp in 1987. With a base and cantilevered arms in polished aluminium, its much larger form is replicated in cheaper materials here .
Spar Junior Table Lamp
Made in New Zealand from a 2012 design, the only thing junior about this table lamp is its height in comparison to its bigger brother. Utilise its spun aluminium and steel cantilever – with mesmerizing red cord – to light your desk with a three-year warranty.
Giraffa Desk Lamp
Looking for copper desk lamps ? This nifty version features a 360-degree rotating shade, 50K light capacity and an ambient dimmer.
Foscarini Fork Table Lamp
Love a larger lamp shade? This design by Diesel uses hand-welded coated steel and brass eyelets. Unique touches such as jean-style stitching, a 360-degree head and hand-tailored linen make this Italian-made find a winner for the office.
Ceramic K Lamp
A surprising find in ceramic, this lamp fuses iconic British craftsmanship with modern-day needs. Available in terracotta or earthenware, its cute-as-pie form is handmade and assembled in England’s Stoke-on-Trent.
Atollo Desk Lamp
Get an art-piece lamp. These metal creations in black and white look simply fabulous on any living room table – and come with a one-year warranty. Find cheaper replicas on Ebay .
Panthella Mini LED Table Lamp
Like the Atollo’s shape, but prefer it more slim-line? This creation by the famed Verner Panton, now made in Denmark, can be set to one of three light intensities inside its spun aluminium shade.
Artemide Mia Table Lamp
Not a fan of conventional bases? These painted aluminium finds make tall-standing cylinders where bases used to be, creating a softer glow. Buy it in black, white, pastel pink or grey.
Flowerpot VP4 Table Lamp
Butter wouldn’t melt in this gorgeous floral design by Verner Panton. First concepted in 1969, this classic table lamp comes in painted metal, polished brass or copper from its native Denmark.
Bell Table Lamp
After a designer golden table lamp? Plated and pressed steel forms this mushroom-esque find, created by Tom Dixon in 2014.
IC T1 High Table Lamp
Think outside the square. This brass and blown-glass lamp by Michael Anastassiades pivots a dimmer off its edge.
Artemide Eclisse Table Lamp
Little people live inside these innovative lamps. Vico Magistretti’s design from 1967 comes in a variety of coloured metal, with the possibility of mounting on a wall.
Copycat Table Lamp
Italian-made simplicity could make a splash in your living room. This Michael Anastassiades creation is made with hand-blown glass, an opal diffuser and finish of 24-carat gold, copper or polished aluminium.
Curl Table Lamp
Get the lamp that none of your neighbours would think of. Sebastian Bergne’s Italian-made curl lights from its base, using a dimmer and diffuser to change the mood.
Ribbon Light
Inspired by the contours of paper craft and origami, Claire Norcross’ design won a ‘Best in Lighting’ award from Elle Decoration in 2006. Its flow of natural or black-painted copper is the perfect companion for a bedside table. Find a more affordable version here .
Oda Small Lamp
Harness the element of fire. Sebastian Herkner’s “balloon full of light“ references the famous water tower series by German photographers Bernd and Hilla Becher. Buy its replica here .
Marset FollowMe Plus Table Lamp
Looking for a lamp form that’s all your own? This unusual Marset fixture with an arch in oak is one designer wooden table lamp we couldn’t miss off our list.
Punk Table Lamp
Pretty in coppered-pink, this table lamp packs a punch with its steel base and solid walnut switch. Stand it atop your home or work office for a snazzier way to get through your workload.
Flos Snoopy Table Lamp Black
Piccola Table Lamp
Buy a shade unlike any other. The first design by Pablo Pardo, this innovative light tilts to any angle on a base of lambskin leather. To buy it is to own a design in MoMA San Francisco’s permanent collection.
Damo Table Lamp
Tip your hat off to this shade. Inspired by Buddhist sage Bodhi Dharma, its sturdy base and tilted top comes in copper, chrome, black and white options.
Conic Table Lamp
Make your shade that little bit steeper. This 2015 lamp by Thomas Bentzen adds a touch of the flamboyant in powder-coated steel.
AJ Table Lamp
Need to focus your light on something specific? The iconic AJ lamp, a brainchild of Arne Jacobsen, was designed for Copenhagen’s Raddison Blu more than fifty years ago. Find the cheaper replica here .
Tom Dixon Beat Table Lamp
Love the look of the oh-so-stylish Beat lights? Made with ‘beat’ brass and cast iron, Tom Dixon’s field trip to India discovered their methods of Indian metal manufacturing.
Tab Table Lamp
Earning the prestigious Wallpaper Design Award, this piece’s Italian-made aluminium and porcelain reflector is a handy aide to any office table.
Mantis BS3 Table Lamp
Part of a series paying homage to Alexander Calder, Bernard Schottlander’s 1951 piece has stood the test of time. Obsessed with lights using counterweights, repousse and chasing techniques, this piece evidences the resilient nature of this Jewish refugee.
Dove Table Lamp
Want a lamp that’s as light as a feather? This long and lean piece stretches across two large pages.
Pixo Optical Task Lamp
Available in five colours, this piece by Pablo Pardo boasts a minimal footprint. Its LED task light features full-range dimming and a USB port for your mobile devices.
Balfour Desk Lamp
Pivot your light to exactly the right angle. This 14-inch modern designer brass table lamp can aim at any point you please.
Anglepoise Original Lamp 1227
Make your office look super modern. This adjustable chrome lamp boasts tension springs on an aluminium and cast-iron base.
Bellevue Table Lamp
Another classic by Arne Jacobsen, the AJ3 was inspired by mass-produced tubular steel and modernist Bauhaus architecture. Now almost a century old, its 45-degree cut shade still shields eyes from glare – as do its cheaper replicas, available here .
Grasshopper Table Lamp
Available in five oh-so-cool colours, the 1948 Grasshopper by Greta Grossman glows white from its inside. Its Danish-made form features a powder-coated steel shade, solid brass stem and rotating ball joint, which makes the most out of its bulb’s steady stream. Buy its replica for less here .
Conic LED Lamp
Used to seeing wood on the base? Reverse your expectations with this brushed nickel lamp by George Kovacs. Complete with a bi-conical head, angled stem and 96-inch cord, its three-year warranty can withstand long nights at the office.
Rabbit Lamp
Hide a rabbit under your shade. Swedish design collaborative Front dreamed up this little creature, made from polyester and PVC. Find its more affordable replica here .
Lee Broom Crystal Bulb Table Lamp
The table lamp version of Lee Broom’s award-winning pendants, these snazzy brass-stemmed lights hold cut-lead crystal bulbs. Choose from a clear or frosted hue for a modern twist on the old-time.
Deadstock Catherine Table Light
Using factory-salvaged steel, First Canadian Place carrara marble and machined brass, the different parts of this unusual light have many a story to tell.
Scantling Table Lamp Replica
An archaic word used to define a wood’s size, the Scantling as designed by Mathias Hahn looks more cutting-edge than old-fashioned. Paired with white-lacquered iron and a fully-rotating shade, you can find cheaper replicas here .
Funiculi Table Lamp
Like the look of floor lamps, but not their size? This scaled-down version of Lluis Porqueras’ iconic floor lamp might be hard to pass up. Set its lacquered iron upon your bedside table.
Rook Table Lamp
Like the stouter look? This walnut criss-cross lamp with thick white shade could tickle your fancy.
Leo Desk Lamp
Representing the ‘golden age’ of Italian lighting in the 60’s and 70’s, the Leo’s die-cast aluminium body and chrome finish is simply fit for a king.
Clamp Task Lamp
Buying for an architect or draftsman? This unique wooden fixture by Dana Cannam clamps to your desk and cantilevers to position. Buy it in white oak or walnut.
Superlight LED Table Lamp
Long, lean and fully-dimmable, Matthew Boyko and Peter Stathis’ slender aluminium creation can be swung up and around on its three axes.
Eos Tripod Table Lamp
Uovo Table Lamp
Searching for a long lost egg? Find it in this Archivio Storico lamp, first designed in 1972.
Fora Outdoor Table Lamp
Want a light that works inside and out? This outdoor designer table lamp from Spanish designers Alex Fernández Camps and Gonzalo Milà uses an open-weave outer shade for protection from high winds.
Flyte Levitating Lamp
Want a lamp that’s pure magic? The Flyte uses magnetic levitation and induction to hover its bulb over solid walnut.
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
