For people who care about preserving historic buildings and take their inspiration from designs of the past, it is always distressing when an old building is renovated and/or entirely destroyed in the process of trying to make something old into something new. For their part, the team at Commune Design has made it their mission to not just restore historic, design-forward spaces but to transform them into spaces with all the modern amenities that still retain the spirit of the past, in addition to their commercial work on stores and hotels. In this post, we’ll look at four different, equally stunning examples of their California dreams come to life by way of incredible design.
The first space is a private residence on Amanda Drive in Studio City, California originally designed by Rudolf Schindler in 1948. This renovation took a tremendous amount of work, starting with the research into what the original design intended. Only after the team was able to strip away drywall, paint, tile, and other materials that had been slapped on top of the original look could they really get to work on their stunning restoration. With a beautiful frame for the space in the house itself, Commune was able to fill it with custom furnishings and interesting elements that give it a unique, timeless feel.
The next design is another California residence, this one in the Nichols Canyon area of Hollywood. The building was first built in 1961 by Buff & Hensmen. Commune restored the space to its original floorplan, including expansive windows that all slide or stack for maximum airflow. The unique exterior of the home was another stylistic addition and is made from reclaimed barn wood. In true Hollywood fashion, the home is remote controlled and energy efficient.
The third example from this talented team comes in the form of jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth’s West Hollywood shop that could easily be mistaken for a jewelry-lover’s home. From it’s stunning brick facade to the plush pink sofas and quirky displays for the designer’s wares, this is a luxury shopping experience from top to tail.
The final space we’re featuring is another Los Angeles residence renovation. The home was originally built in 1931 by a Japanese engineer. The team at Commune brought this home into a new century with the addition of reclaimed metal windows, clay finished walls and glazed concrete floor tiles. There is a distinct Spanish villa feel about this home, though the designers themselves call it a modern Japanese farmhouse. The outdoor entertaining spaces are the icing on this gorgeous cake.
One of the most fascinating parts of studying interior design is to see how one designer plays with different spaces. Each space tells a story and each is designed with a different concept in mind. In these four interiors by Juliya Butova , we explore a variety of shapes, colors, textures, and design elements that combine together to form family-friendly spaces. One might picture these spaces as a way for the designer to get in touch with her inner child.
The first apartment makes smart use of bright colors and simple shapes to create an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and modern, but entirely family-friendly. In the main living area, which showcases and open floor pan, neutrals are complemented by black metal lighting fixtures in unique shapes and pops of color in the artwork.
The large sectional offers ample space without making the room feel small or cramped. Each furniture piece is carefully curated to offer both form and function.
Along the opposite wall of the main living area, the same blue found in the art and sofa pillows shines as an accent wall behind the media center. There’s plenty of seating for entertaining in the kitchen and dining areas.
In one bedroom, the designer again plays with shapes and colors while adding in smart storage. Floor to ceiling storage closets line the room to keep it uncluttered. Pops of green and orange make the room feel warm and welcoming.
The hallway, while more subdued in its use of color, still plays with shapes through the pendant lights and use of mirrors to make the space feel larger and more open.
A gallery wall of art and a unique rug add interesting focal points to the otherwise minimalist room. Again, there’s a strong sense of play here.
In this child’s bedroom, bright colors and whimsical shapes show off the designer’s sense of fun. This is a room built for play and exploration. The desk along the wall offers a canvas for creation.
Geometry plays an important role throughout the space, as evidenced by the color blocking along the back wall and custom headboard. The room and all of it’s pieces while full of sharp angles and interesting shapes, surprisingly flows well.
Over the bed, fuschia and yellow pendant bulbs hang down like new ideas. Whimsical shapes in bright colors decorate the opposite wall. Smart storage lines the room for toys, books, clothing, and other belongings, so there’s no clutter.
In another design, Butova gives the apartment more of a calming and luxurious feel, with color choices and soft textures that are reminiscent of a spa escape while still remaining practical for everyday living. The kitchen and dining area showcases white walls, plenty of natural light and wood accents. It’s minimalist but feels far from sparse with textured curtains and uniquely shaped dining chairs.
Clever storage allows the space to feel uncluttered.
The dining and kitchen areas mirror each other. There is no clutter, both figuratively and visually. This is a soothing space.
In the living area, the palette of soothing whites, woods, and neutrals continues through.
Large windows with sheer panels allow light to flood the room, giving a sense of warmth in spite of the minimalist furnishings.
The woven wall is stunning and further accentuated by the room’s strategic lighting.
In the living area, the furnishings are a bit more whimsical. There’s a beautiful textured wall behind the sofa, a branch lamp, and woven rug that all create a very cozy feel in the room while sticking with the same color palette and feel as the rest of the home.
In a children’s bedroom, twin beds bank along each wall with smart storage built underneath. Matching chairs and bookcases ensure perfect symmetry.
Here, as in the other spaces, whites and woods are carried throughout while curated furnishings are meant to add a bit of color. Soft window treatments keep the rooms from feeling stark.
Smart storage is found throughout the home. For example, in the children’s bedroom, built-in wood closets and under the bed drawers give plenty of room for clothes, toys, and other items.
In this interior, the designer again plays with texture, but takes a more natural feel. The textiles and colors found throughout are reminiscent of those found in a newly sprouted potted plant. In the bedroom, exotic looking pendant lights pair perfectly with pops of green from plants and a natural, almost burlap-type texture found in the bedding, curtains, and wall behind the headboard.
The bedroom plays with texture and shape here also, with a natural backdrop behind the headboard, layered linens, and an exotic looking set of pendant lights.
Interesting lighting, coupled with the greens and whites used in the space, make it feel fresh.
The main living area, while compact, feels fresh and bright.
The dining area also features the same palette and interesting use of shape.
The small footprint of the space itself presents a unique challenge in that it’s important to strike the right balance between furnishings and design elements. Here, they marry well as each curated piece captures that freshness the designer may have been going for.
In the hallway, mirrors make the space seem larger and more smart storage takes the stage in a pale green.
In the bathroom, a natural woven rug acts as a focal point in the otherwise minimal - but still beautiful - space.
Green accent tile in bathroom" width=“600” height=“800” /> The greens even work their way into the tile choices.
Greenery can be found in just about every room - whether it’s in the form of a topiary, a small houseplant, or a rug made from a natural woven fiber.
And finally, in this fourth interior, bright colors take center stage as the designer explores yet another whimsical side. The bright orange coverlet pops against the soft yellows, natural woods, and whites of the bedroom area. As for the windows and light potential? Simply sublime.
Color plays an important role throughout the space, with a neutral and clean backdrop to play off of in every room.
And, as shown in other spaces, storage is ample but low profile. Windows the outside take shape in both the use of media and the placement of furnishings around the large windows.
The designer has such a grasp of color and how light can play with different environments. Imagination is clear in every room.
Curtains too play a starring role in this space. With such dramatic windows, the use of these fabrics is a natural fit.
Yellows and blues complement the grays and whites in this other bedroom. Like the previous space, lots of light from the large windows gives this room an almost ethereal feel.
In the main living area, primary colors pop but aren’t glaring. There’s playfulness in the use of shapes and detailing.
Angles might be plentiful, but they never seem harsh. Like her other designs, she manages to soften even the most striking of silhouettes in a room with texture and color choices.
And as demonstrated in all of the other designs, there’s an appreciation for the idea of playing. Butova plays with colors, lights, shapes, textures, and materials to create spaces that are truly unique but always feel comforting.
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
