Open concept apartments offer a sense of openness and visual freedom but certainly present stylistic challenges for designers and residents alike. Much like studio apartments, these spaces require a certain level of aesthetic cohesiveness while marking each functional space with its own sense of individuality – it’s all about balance. This tour presents three open concept apartments that get it right, each one beautifully visualized by Ukraine-based architect and interior designer Artyom Bezfamilniy . From casual to retro to minimalist, each one demonstrates how even restrictive layouts retain lots of opportunity for expression.
With a carefully planned layout and a refreshing interior theme, this apartment manages to feel bright and spacious despite its limited size. And that’s an impressive feat considering the dark accents used throughout! A living space occupies the larger portion of the room with a low-profile kitchenette tucked away near the entrance, each functional area managing to coexist peacefully with the next.
Architectural photography is a great accent for a home like this one, where exposed ceiling beams and contemporary materials demonstrate a love for the craft.
Contrasting materials help solidify the visual divide between each area. The kitchen embraces a high contrast theme of wood cabinetry with matte black accents, yet the living room adopts a more casual style with comfortable mid-range tones.
While some open concept layouts employ a kitchen island as a physical barrier, this home instead uses a dining table. Pulling away the chairs from the interior side instantly expands usable work space.
The living room is emphasized even further by the abrupt transition between ceiling and wall materials, with actual dimensional variation rather than a simple texture or color change.
Meanwhile, the kitchen is defined by more of an industrial aesthetic. Yet it doesn’t feel cold, thanks to the knotty wood cabinetry there to offer up warmer color accents.
The wooden cabinetry further serves to transform the utilitarian necessity of storage into an artful addition to the room.
And finally, a quick peek at the hallway that wraps around the bedroom and leads to the entry. One of the doors, of course, opens to the bathroom.
To maintain the minimalistic appeal of the apartment, the hallway offers abundant storage both high and low. A convenient sliding ladder allows access the higher shelves.
This next home is a little smaller and significantly more colorful. The color theme of wood, powder blue, and olive green give this space a cheerful retro atmosphere – rounded lighting and furniture act as subtle throwbacks as well.
Because the wood paneled accent wall grabs so much attention, it makes sense to keep things a little more simple on the other side of the room. These masks make a huge impression without feeling like visual clutter.
The cool thing about the accent wall is that anybody can achieve this look at a reasonable price, either by arranging authentically weathered reclaimed wood or by distressing new lumber by hand.
All decor choices tie back into wall color palette with ease.
The little kitchen takes the same color palette but takes turns heightening and subduing the colors within. The bright breakfast stools draw immediate attention, for example, but the inner cabinets take a subtle approach.
Wood utensil holders hang from a rail that runs the length of the backsplash, a creative and space-saving solution suited for a kitchen as compact as this one. A homeowner could even recreate the functionality with magnets!
And here’s a quick peek at a sleek classic style. This home foregoes the increasingly common approach of using a kitchen island as a divider, instead including the kitchen in an organic and inclusive way, almost like any ordinary appliance or piece of furniture.
The more utilitarian kitchen features line the wall near the entryway, clean and minimalistic. It offers plenty of storage but doesn’t look bulky thanks to the elimination of external handles in favor of modern hardware.
Subtle geometric themes inform every aspect of the design, from the gorgeous floorboards to the unique bookshelves and even the elegant angles of the floor lamp.
Contrast plays another important role – contrast between angles and curves, light and dark, openness and division.
Love books? Love stairs? These fifty unique designs make the most of that tight little cranny under your staircase. Use a block frame to hide books beneath, as they line sturdy shelves your feet walk over. Wrap a winding steel staircase around existing walls of bookshelves, immersing yourself in the reading experience. Put books within the stairs, as each level hides a few simply gorgeous reads. These creative, innovative and artistic features make the most of a good book collection and the most of awkward spaces left unutilised. Cater to stylish home décor for book lovers with these sets of book-hugging stairs and staircases.
Designer:Dreihausfrauen
Conjoining two apartments in Dusseldorf, Germany, this multi-functional white and wooden staircase lets you pick a book from beside the stairs and say hello to the neighbours. Its clever ceiling-height stretch creates a feature for two apartments and residential space-saver in one. The wide-open design leaves plenty of room for a lounge chair or rocking chair underneath.
Designer:Maxwan
Matching the wood of the ceiling rafters, this floating staircase matches bookshelves above and below the stairs. A few drawers and a desk let you hide away and study in a light yet secluded space
Designer:Studio Mieke Meijer
Dutch designer Just Haasnoot found inspiration from industrial building photography for this floating design. Halved into two oak and steel parts, the top half carries shoes, books and ornaments; the bottom half a desk, pot plants and a space for morning coffee.
Designer:NC2 Architecture
Steep and zigzagging, this unique wooden structure lets you reach over for a read mid-thigh workout. Doubling as a feature artwork, its vertical design makes a visual impact without impinging on room space.
Designer:General Assembly
Natural and black-painted wood coalesce in a block stairway with inbuilt shelves. Hide your books and knick knacks inside, for a stylish storage option.
Designer:Veran Émilie
An innovative use of space is awarded to this conjoint bedroom, bookcase, desk and staircase. As small wooden stairs lead up to the loft, books in oscillating partitions aid a good night’s sleep.
Designer:Fujimatsu Architect
Afforded more space, this desk, bookcase and staircase alternative oozes sophistication. White plaster and varnished wood lets you stop mid-climb for a scintillating read.
Designer:Gordon Walker
Mimic the lines of your staircase with wooden partitions holding books. Hanging over a nifty desk space, this design looks kitsch and study-friendly with extra cabinets for filing.
Designer:Wild Rabbits Architects
Connecting two separate apartments, this wood and steel creation offers a library of knowledge for two sets of tenants. The bottom and top of the staircase allow both dwellers to make the space their own.
Via:Reddit
Pleasing to the eye and book collection, this ascending wooden structure houses reads between each level of stair. The result is a polished, multi-functional feature without the slightest trace of clutter.
Designer:Marc Koehler Architects
A white pyramid bookcase doubles as a stairway to heaven in this minimalist design. A large chandelier dangles over, adding sophistication with a difference.
Photographer:Pia Winther
Bookcases are not just for books. This clever under-the-stairs unit hangs portraits, sit lamps and houses cabinets for all your storage needs.
Designer:Farrow Arcaro Design
Make a bookcase level with your staircase, making two seem like one. White and wood tricks the eye into seeing simplicity, whilst hiding display fans, kettles and novels.
Designer:Koch Architects
A rustic feel can be achieved with a conjoined staircase and library. Framed by wooden rafters, walls and railings, it evokes a wood cabin with a twist.
Designer:Kerr Construction
Abstract storage spaces combine art and functionality. Using two different wooden shades, books, ornaments and stationery are displayed, as a family staircase pops over the top.
Designer:Stephen Moser Architect
Make your staircase seem minimal, with overlapping library shelving. Simple Scandinavian panels hide books and vases, offering a seat to visitors before the climb.
Visualizer:Design+Weld
Fit for an art gallery, this winding, floating London staircase looks ethereal beside a column of books. Aspiring to a glass-railed loft, glossy white floors and concrete walls give it added prominence.
Visualizer:Jianxiong Liu
A library concept is the perfect avenue for stair ideas. This proposed concept creates a virtual treehouse complete with curved wooden bannisters, slatted railings and building-frame bookshelves.
Visualizer:Design+Weld
Don’t have room for a full-scale library? Extend the space you live in with simple white stairs framed by a wall of books.
Designer:Dekleva Gregoric Arhitekti
Another great use of space, these wooden blocks house books within steps. A block black desk gains access at an arm’s reach.
Designer:Process
Whichever way you look at this staircase, it serves two purposes. Books, ornaments and trinkets are offered from the side, back and front; an artpiece and staircase from the short road up.
Designer:L’atelier miel
Long wooden panes create a stable staircase with a few hidden inlets. A drinks cabinet to the side works well in the corner.
Designer:Studio Farris
The Jenga fan can’t go past this decidedly different design. Leading up to an office, interlocking blocks create a canopy over the entrance space.
Architect:Jochen Specht
Maintain simplicity by slotting colourful reads within wood. This light-coloured solution lets the bookcase be the hero, while the room fades into the background in muted, natural tones.
Visualizer:Studio 25
The die-hard hipster has everything they want in this under-stair library. As a metal bike hangs beside glass railings, simple nut bolts lead to a triangular space dotted with trinkets.
Designer:Moon Hoon
Wide, space-filled stairs leave room for a library. This ascending set marks the stepping zone with blocks; a place for books and filing in the spaces inbetween.
Designer:PAUL CREMOUX studio
A feature wall bookcase makes an inspirational interior. Framed by pastel and Scandinavian finds, a white metal staircase zigzags over a high wall and wooden column filled with great reads.
Designer:One Girl Interiors
Only have a few books to display? This small set of stairs keeps it simple, as a wooden bookcase fills an awkward space with a nifty solution.
Designer:Platform 5 Architects
Create a piece of art with an unexpected shape. This wooden staircase mimics the stairs – atop an almost-full wall bookcase.
Designer:Andrea Mosca
Mimicking stairs, this compartmentalised bookcase completes the ultimate rumpus room. White walls, floor and a mirror hold white and mustard couches amidst two sets of wall-held reads.
Designer:Drexler Guinand Jauslin
Go for the smaller option in this mini wooden bookcase bathed in white. A juxtaposing staircase and railing emphasise the build-up to a dreamy reading session.
Designer:Rebecca Naughtin Architect
For the staircase with no space, two walls of books will do the trick. A simple design with sloping elements affords enough room for a library to shine.
Designer:Chioco Design
The high-ceilinged home adds a touch of luxury with a top-to-toe bookshelf. Metal railings echo a leaning ladder and window out to a view.
Designer:NC2 Architecture
Inject the Scandinavian with an exposed brick bookcase. Slatted wooden shelving mirrors the staircase for an integrated experience.
Designer:Design42
Create an aura of mystery with a book-lined stairway. Shuttered from adjoining rooms with an inside window, debate and dining is sought in the inlet below.
Visualizer:Design+Weld
Minimalism reigns king in this steel-frame structure. Its thin panels hold stairs to the right, a place for ornaments to the left.
Designer:Oliver Fourny
Suspended by cascading iron wires, this white and wooden staircase uses art to effect, without taking up space. A high bookcase to the side rises below the top step, for an interesting walk up and down the levels.
Designer:Craft Design
Jutting out beside the bookcase, this set of stairs creates an optical illusion for guests. Wide enough to fit a person walking beside it, the destination is a hidden sleepout atop a storage box.
Visualizer:IFJ Architecture
Skilfully utilise a cramped corner with a bed beside the staircase. Interspersed between each level, a row of books decorate a room swathed all in wood.
Source:El Meuble
An attic roof comes with its challenges. Meet them at full throttle with a sloping bookcase that walks beside guests on their journey down.
Designer:Siemasko + Verbridge
A two-storey bookcase has the perfect partner in this stairwell. Bound by wood and iron railings, a journey up or down greets the eye with walls of books and ladders, as if by chance.
Designer:Sergey Makhno Architects
Disrupt tradition with a black bookcase. Floating wooden stairs are supported by black pillars underneath, making two structures seem like one.
Designer:Stone Horse Design
The smaller library is hidden beneath this fusion staircase. Mid-wooden tones keep it industrial; thick steel railings industrial.
Designer:Edouard Brunet & François Martens| Photographer:Dennis De Smet| Via:Contemporist
Geometry plays with these stairs folding into squares and hexagons. A wooden storage space provides a seeming platform, grounding the design.
Designer:Jarmund/Vigsnæs AS Arkitekter MNAL
Fly into the sky with this bookcase-staircase hung as if by balloons. Two-stringed ropes pull up each level, while a large Chinese lantern illuminates the space.
Designer:Marc Cowan
Don’t need a staircase? Put your books in ascending display, for an easy pick of the right title.
Designer:Papazian R.A. - doon Architecture
Contemporary with a classic twist, this structure provides enough room for ample reads. Clad in white upon a wooden floor, its light hue doesn’t dominate the space.
Designer:Zminkowska Boise Architects
Lead up to a nook with books beside and beneath the stairs. Its comfy end point lights up pages with four beautiful French windows.
Designer:Stephen Moser Architect
Reward a stair climb with a few ravishing reads. This simplistic bookcase hides under the railings, maximising white space.
Source:Lighting Design International
Three walls of books remain light and airy, on walls lit by LEDs. Matching furniture and a block staircase provide several white spaces for book immersion.
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
