The arid desert isn’t your typical landscape for a white picket fence, but these aren’t your typical family homes. These magnificent examples of modern architecture carve something special into these wide and wild landscapes, something that transforms the desolate and inhospitable country into a place that dreams are made of. Check out this series of four exceptional home tours that feature blissful outdoor pools to wash away the desert dust, and unique interiors that will wow. Would you choose an embedded mansion amongst the tent rock, a linear LA abode with cacti laden terraces, an arcing lair of elegance in the wilderness, or a brutalist feat of desert architecture?
Visualizer:Bartosz Domiczek
Tucked into the bedrock among striking tent rock formations, Hoodoo House is a mysterious arrangement of embedded volumes and protruding white vents.
The towering white vents communicate a sleek translation of the surrounding geology. They also serve a practical purpose in bringing diffused light into the deeply recessed rooms.
A spectacular pool stretches away from the Hoodoo House, carving a man-made crystal blue river through the red rocky desert. The shaded pool valley supports natural circulation of cooled air to the home.
Inside, a modular sofa continues the cool blue meets rocky red contrast, with a blue toned modular sofa and protruding rock face feature walls. Light shafts square up along the length of the room to increase the influx of natural daylight.
Blue pools permeate the interior of the house to counteract the dry desert ambiance.
A small waterfall rushes down into one of the pools, creating a refreshing soundtrack for the home.
The unique front door of the home has been erected in a minimalist interpretation of the tent rock formations.
Glowing lights add intrigue and mystery around the entryway, which continues within the home.
Home layout and side elevation.
Architect:Studio AR&D Architects| Visualizer:Hālō Studio
Our next luxury home is a linear stretch of modern architecture, situated in the hot LA climate. A landscape of cacti and rock brings the desert to its doors.
Large sheets of glass break up the home’s boxy volumes, breaking open interior spaces to magnificent mountainous views.
The L-shaped structure wraps a stepped terrace, which descends toward a two car garage.
Rich wood grain cocoons the luxurious home interior, which is furnished with shades of grey and tonal brown accents. An Oda floor lamp adds a designer touch by the large sectional sofa.
As is typical in Los Angeles, much of the entertaining is done outdoors. Expansive interior spaces open up to connect the two living zones.
The outdoor living areas spill onto the pool terrace, where family and friends can take a dip to cool down from the blazing sun.
An outdoor bar/dining table is situated poolside, perfect for a spot of R&R with an iced drink in hand.
When approaching the outdoor dining table from the raised patio off the house, a seat pad and scattered floor cushions create a relaxed aesthetic.
The dining table cantilevers over the bench seat and modern chairs .
An outdoor lounge area sits snug in the space behind the al fresco dining spot.
A built-in planter of cactuses adds a touch of desert chic to the table.
Stacked bowls add a rustic decoration to the stylish outdoor coffee table , which complements solid wood lounge chairs.
If the sun gets too much for outdoor recreation, a shaded kitchen awaits with open arms and a huge kitchen island for dining.
The kitchen’s stunning timber ceiling is extended across the architectural overhang.
Rustic wooden stools skip the indoor-outdoor boundary.
The rich ceiling feature continues on into the bedrooms in one cohesive sweep.
Dual aspect windows dissolve the corner of the master bedroom, making it one with layered desert landscaping.
A dipped sun terrace scoops up the pool’s blue waters.
The feature creates a cooling path of shallows across the patio.
Modern concrete crashes into natural rock to create textural contrast.
Desert plants have been bedded around the borders to feather the home’s harsh linear edges.
A cast concrete rocking chair adds a cool feature to the bedroom patio.
The clean cut swimming pool mirrors the clear sky.
Visualizer:Atelier Monolit
Our third tour takes place under glorious arches, a form that silently instills a hushed spiritual atmosphere. A round rug , coffee table and circular wall art echo the architecture’s curvature.
A round pedestal dining table confidently carries the shape theme amid contemporary green dining chairs.
A clustered dining room chandelier bursts over the table, framed by the view.
On the terrace, an angular outdoor chaise lounge counteracts a curvaceous pool design, and connects with the hot desert sands. A small lounge area is positioned close enough to the water’s edge to dip a toe.
Visualizer:Deniz Taylan
Our last featured home is a crisp concrete creation with an elegant pool terrace. Modern outdoor furniture makes comfortable exterior living spaces around the deck.
The brutalist house exterior is formed as one teetering volume over another, ending in opposing acute and obtuse angles.
The desert lines up obediently along the entry pathway, delicately framing the front entrance door.
The upper volume overhangs the backward sloping ground floor windows to afford them some shade without encroaching too far onto the spectacular view. Side windows slice along the length of both the living spaces and the bedrooms module to drink in the desert panorama.
There are many ways to style our beloved nests, but most of all we want them to feel welcoming, warm and cosy. This pair of single bedroom apartment interiors explores two different approaches to hitting a modern cosy vibe, in homes each measuring around the 80 square metre mark. Our first home is a mid century modern inspired interior, filled with plenty of warm retro vibes and a cheerful bright blue kitchen. Our second inspirational living space is a plant filled sage green space, textured with natural woven furniture, lighting and wall decor. We’ve included the layouts at the end of each cosy home tour for extra home styling inspiration.
Mid century modern silhouettes rule in this cosy 73.6 square metre home, located in Novosibirsk, Russia. Rich brown furniture hues warm a predominantly white mid century modern living room , peppered with lush plant greenery. A tasselled rug design sets down a playful base with an uplifting creamy colourway.
The lounge’s angular room shape encourages a conversational style furniture layout.
A glass wall shares natural light and a sense of space between the mid century modern lounge and its neighbouring kitchen diner.
A floor lamp with an oversized shade has been teamed up with a pale olive green armchair, forming a comfortable reading area up against the kitchen’s glass wall.
Retro accessories and books decorate the mid century modern furniture .
Small niches are filled with neatly styled vistas to give the home a much loved and lived in feel.
The most awkward angular space in the living room happens to be the perfect fit for an old piano and an antique rustic stool. A small decorative wall mirror adds a spot of light to the shaded nook.
The glass wall kitchen leaks its cheerful bright blue accent into the neutral lounge.
Black framed double doors swing open in a grand gesture that connects the two living spaces via the kitchen’s central dining island.
The solid wood herringbone floor seamlessly interlocks the two rooms.
Natural timber elements balance out the bright blue kitchen cabinets, and create a sunny quality.
Open kitchen shelves and easily accessible plate racks instill a homey atmosphere, where everyday life shapes design rather than bends to it.
The kitchen island provides a comfortably spacious rectangle dining table for family gatherings.
Moving on into the bedroom, a yellow ochre throw adds sunshine to a pine platform bed .
Mid century modern tension pole shelving units create an attractive frame all around the bedroom doorway.
A bedroom chair is layered with a soft cream throw and comfy accent cushion. An indoor plant freshens the natural palette.
An art print above the mid century modern dresser makes a neat height match with the full length bedroom mirror.
A glass vase of dried florals and an animal statuette make a tonal grouping with the art frame. Candles and plants break up the book library.
The narrow closet has been best utilised with a pull out clothes rail on wheels. A Henri Matisse Blue Nude II print serves as an echo of the kitchen’s colour theme.
In the bathroom, a black framed shower enclosure is a dead ringer for the kitchen’s glass wall design.
White metro tiles are repeated in this space too, to create one cohesive aesthetic through the apartment.
A unique faucet and elegant wall sconces introduce golden elements around the vanity.
Black and white tiles lay down a permanent doormat in the home entryway.
Apartment 3D perspective drawing.
Visualizer:Between The Walls
Our next interior is an 80 square metre two-room apartment for a young couple in Kyiv, Ukraine. indoor plants , botanical wall art and a muted green sofa colour the fresh living room scheme.
create a rustic wall display over an electric piano.
Sage green paintwork fills a statement wall opposite the sofa, which creates zoning for a modern home workspace. A low timber console unit and a tower of floating shelves serve as home office storage. The stylish desk chair is a Flow Slim chair designed by Jean-Marie Massaud.
The enclosed balcony has been fashioned into a chic little light-filled tea room. A grey teapot and cups set make a smart addition to the mini table. A pair of wireframe Bertoia style modern outdoor chairs sit lightly in the compact space.
Inside the kitchen, a small dining table and four woven chairs set out a bohemian style eating spot. The perfectly accompanying wicker dining room pendant light is the IKEA Sinnerlig .
A metal plant stand elevates a small leafy friend to table height.
Timber kitchen base units make a mellow match for the rattan dining arrangement.
White wall cabinets open up the top of the space, whilst a black fridge freezer balances out an integrated oven in the L-shaped kitchen .
A small jungle of indoor plants embrace the bedroom layout.
A comfortable reading chair roots an earthy brown accent by the window and a small side table .
Another birch IKEA FROSTA stool makes a bedside table on the other side.
A repetition of the living room home workspace is made inside the bedroom, with an identical tower of timber wall shelves making home for plants and books.
The same minimalist home office desk pairs with a Flow Slim desk chair by Jean-Marie Massaud.
A black desk lamp completes the twinning.
80 square metre apartment floor plan.
Perspective drawing.
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
