Although minimalistic studio apartment styles might seem easier to coordinate, there’s limit to the creativity that a constricted space can inspire. Small spaces aren’t impossible to work with: in fact, having fewer options can help residents tailor their taste for an even more powerful impact. This post looks at four ultra-compact apartments and examines the defining touches that make each space its own unique world. If you recently downsized or hope to downsize in the future, these inspiring small studio designs might offer some ideas you can apply in your own home.
Designer:Polygon
At just 44 square meters, this apartment required a very tailored approach to interior decor. Thankfully, the designer bucked the status quo and decided to embrace an eclectic look, featuring a wide variety of textures ranging from modern to regionally inspired and even geometric. Burnt sienna tones bring to mind the rich intensity of spice stands and flaming sunsets, engaging all of the senses with one smart design.
Furniture remains modern but the playful selection does include a few iconic designs, like the 1951 Contour Armchair by Grant Featherston.
Limited space required a creative approach to layout. Sliding slats provide privacy for the small bedroom tucked away next to the living space.
Another famous chair selection includes the Cherner Chair originally designed by Norman Cherner.
In the kitchen, geometric tiles blend seamlessly with the wood floors. Another interesting feature includes the fish scale backsplash tile – a throwback to the Art Deco style.
Around the corner from the living area, a small entryway shakes things up with a bold floor pattern.
Circular details bring out the fluidity of the design, and retro primary colors bring out the warmth of the wooden elements.
Eclectic tiles are totally in! This bathroom uses a combination of modern mosaics, stone-textured tiles, and wood effect paneling.
Designer:Natalie Dubrovska
Next is a lovely home for a young couple. It’s modern, cozy, and lively all at the same time – and even more importantly, this design highlights the experiences and interests of the couple’s shared life. While the social views look ordinary enough at first glance, only further exploration can uncover the distinctive features that make this residence feel magical.
The living space includes a kitchen and a modern curved dining bar, all reflected in the floor-length mirror on the dark accent wall on the far end of the room. And the stairwell is nothing short of artistic.
Although tucked into a small area, the kitchen isn’t missing a single feature or convenience. Those glass-fronted shelves are a unique touch that preserves the “open” look without risking dusty dishes.
Upstairs, a little bedroom makes the most of its floor space with dramatic mirrored closets. Round features soften the neutral interior’s effect.
Minimalist artwork and concrete pendant lights defy expectations and bring character to the space.
Who would be able to resist spending their mornings sitting on the cozy padded bench and soaking up the beautiful outdoors view?
The bathroom includes a few surprising features as well. The vanity is a nice touch, especially its position near the window: imagine taking your seasonal makeup inspiration directly from the landscape.
Designer:Nataliia Liventsova
Greyscale interiors can exude creativity too! This living room takes an inspiring approach to everything from furniture arrangements to decor choices. It’s a chic and playful little pad, filled with typography and delicate accent colors and surprises around every corner.
One of the most imaginative spaces is this windows-side bench, filled with charismatic pillows that reflect the resident’s personality. Storage space hides beneath: a must-have in any studio apartment.
Reflective surfaces are just one recurring feature that lends a sense of whimsy to this residence. The tea set on the dining table certainly helps too!
Multi-level tables are an extremely handy feature for apartments as small as this one.
Several socialization zones share the same space. Guests can either watch television, congregate near the window, or sit on the bed.
A singular shag rug warms the feet at each social space simultaneously.
One side of the sofa faces toward the media center, and the other side serves as a dining bench. Doubling functionality is always a smart tactic for compact spaces.
Reflective work surfaces make the kitchen shine. The acrylic backsplash is a look almost any home could pull off, but the mismatched chairs are a skillful move.
The bedroom shares the open living space without much conflict. Sliding curtains allow for privacy whenever guests might sleep over on the sofa.
And don’t forget to appreciate this ultra-smart laundry niche! It looks like a convenient addition to any apartment.
Near the entryway, stools and shelves provide the comforts that make leaving home easier than ever.
In the bathroom, luxury marble and warm wood tones create a space that invites relaxation no matter the circumstances of the day.
Designer:Daria Kazanceva| Visualizer:Maria Fadeeva
Now here’s one of the boldest small apartments we’ve ever had the pleasure to feature! Green, red, and harvest gold join their intermediary complements in a compact apartment interior that feels full of energy and personality. Something captures the imagination anywhere the eye turns.
Formal dining furniture occupies a spot directly behind the sofa, with the kitchen to the left and the bed near the television.
What an interesting color theme! Very few objects share the same exact hue, giving the entire interior a certain carefree aesthetic.
Geometric patterns give order to an otherwise very experimental aesthetic.
In the bathroom, olive green tiles meet orange walls for an exciting twist. The washer/dryer utilizes the extra space beneath the sink to save precious square footage.
Scandinavian decor has proven to be an important influence on contemporary design. But this isn’t exactly a new trend – you’ll notice ample Nordic elements in the creative forms and materials of Mid Century Modern designs, in the powerful simplicity of the Minimalist movement, and in the casual lightness of chic cottage styles popular today. This post explores five interiors based on the light and airy side of Scandinavian interior design , each one unique in its own way. If you’re been looking for the perfect Nordic decor inspiration , this post should offer several options to investigate.
Visualizer:aTng 糖
This crisp white interior combines organic and industrial materials for the perfect compromise between Scandinavian and urban design. Simple furniture and playful patterns contribute to the sense of wonder, with whimsical details revealing themselves at every turn.
Cool grey textiles center the living room, bordered by warmer accents on all sides. The occasional wooden detail makes the interior feel warm and inviting.
Despite its neutral color palette, this home bucks the trend of minimalist Scandinavian interiors and more readily embraces a more traditional homey-feeling atmosphere.
Books, potted plants, snapshots, and artwork are just a few of the elements that bring personality to each visible surface.
Bold tiles make the kitchen stand out from the rest of the home.
A quirky mural on the leftmost wall definitely alludes to Nordic pop art influences.
The bedroom looks extremely comfortable and cozy as well. It emphasizes textiles, starting with a thick cable-knit rug and building upward into smart coordinated layers.
Small boxes in every shade of grey and tan hide personal artifacts so the lovely arrangement of artwork and plants can take center stage.
Clever typographic artwork decorates area near this adorable sawhorse craft table, where the occupant can wear out a little creativity before bed.
Visualizer:Łukasz Głogowski
Scandinavian influence can flavor the aesthetics of a minimalist interior as well. Here, knotty wooden floors feel whimsical with just the right amount of classic and contemporary style and sharp geometric prints bring subtle character to the feature wall. This interior is wide open and forgoes extraneous decoration in favor of careful composition and smart design selections.
The living room plays with light and shadow, using a darker grey on the wall near the leftmost window. Straight ahead, a tangle of pendant lights cuts a casually messy profile against another window.
Like any well-built Nordic home, this space places a heavy emphasis on its central fireplace. Benches line the walls nearby to serve as extra seating and an attractive spot to stow extra firewood.
Residents can admire the outdoors from the comfort of this charming window seat, or perhaps read a book beneath the stars with illumination from the handsome Parentesi floor lamp.
Joined to the kitchen through the door on the left, the dining room occupies the sunniest part of the living room.
A mixture of Eames chairs adds controlled variation to the dining set. Minimalist candleholders set the mood for formal dining, and Aim Pendants provide spot lighting from above.
Because of its location overlooking the living room, the dining arrangement serves as a secondary gathering area when the hosts have a larger number of guests.
This view from the kitchen demonstrates how the staircase separates the public and private areas of the home. Here, the minimalistic influence is condensed – save for the delightful neon sign.
Visualizer:aTng 糖
When non-Scandinavians try to envision a Nordic interior style, one of the most common factors is lightness. Sunlight isn’t as harsh or as long lasting in the North, and winters do get quite dark and cold. It makes sense to style an interior in a way that takes the greatest advantage of whatever light may be available – many people address this issue by relying on a white color theme, while others go even further and choose streamlined furniture that won’t cast heavy shadows.
Like the tables, most of the other furniture maintains a slim and low profile for lightness. But the sofa is the heart of the room and makes an appropriately substantial visual impact through its plush form and darker colors.
Sleigh leg chairs, small plants, and spare decoration help facilitate the weightless look the designer worked hard to accomplish. This is an intensely curated interior, ideal for a minimalist.
Wireframe shapes, white-on-white framed artwork, and clear glass bottles contribute to the ethereal atmosphere even further.
The dining arrangement stands thin and spindly like delicate saplings in the winter, the live edge on the tabletop a reminder of what lies beneath a thin dusting of snow. The chairs are a classic Danish style.
Visualizer:Mark Hunter
Just look at that view! This home may incorporate a Nordic approach to design, but its atmosphere feels like a warm-weather retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows are probably somewhat uncommon the further north you travel whereas this interior puts everything on display with a spectacular panoramic view. At first glance, it seems endlessly spacious despite the living room and dining room sharing the same area.
The dining chairs to the left are from the Cover series by Copenhagen-based designer Thomas Bentzen and the breakfast stools are from the Nerd collection by German-born industrial designer David Geckeler.
Luxury stone worktops and backsplashes add just a hint of flavor to the otherwise pristine white kitchen.
Here’s a take on what the kitchen might look like without an island. This potential for alternative views is part of what makes digital visualization such a powerful architectural tool.
It’s nice to note that this island doesn’t have a recessed spot to put your legs while sitting on the stools – almost any island can become a secondary dining area!
Now, here’s a look at the extra-relaxing bedroom setup. Layers of fabric and red-tinted white walls make the entire atmosphere seem warm and comforting even though the decorations are a lovely cool blue.
Wood floors are a common theme in many Scandinavian interiors, comfortable on the feet even in cold weather. The bedroom doubles up with a plush grey rug.
Tasteful decorations use simple forms and colors to add character without overwhelming the interior theme.
Visualizer:Ksenia Mokhova
Vintage influences rule this interior! Bentwood furniture and industrial-inspired lighting bring classic charm to an otherwise modern interior, adding layers of context and aesthetic influence to appreciate. Merging industrial aesthetics with charming modern design is a great way to acknowledge the history of an urban building, and this home makes a big statement right from the start.
Lively, exciting garden views allow this interior to feel as open and free as can be.
Glossy white cabinets reflect as much bright light back into the kitchen as possible. It’s hard to go wrong with light wood.
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
