There is an assuring calm that comes in living the Japanese wabi-sabi ethos. Once we accept the transience and imperfection of life, we can come to appreciate unexpected beauty in weathered objects and raw materials we discover around us. In order to gently harness this peaceful aesthetic, we must shed ourselves of a perfectionist skin-deep society and instead embrace authenticity. This translates to interior design through furniture built from bare knotted timber, floors of rustic stone, pitted concrete walls and surfaces, woven rugs, and intriguing hand-made textiles. A lived-in look is nurtured rather than show-home chic, and a reassuring sense of peace and tranquility through simplicity.
Architect:Maria Marinina| Designer:Maria Marinina
We begin the first of our two home tours in the rustic living room of a 62 square metre interior. Natural stone floor tiles scatter irregular pattern, whilst the texture of raw concrete walls wash up against bare timber doors, trims, and a stunning vaulted ceiling. The combination of natural materials shape an ideal base of sublime imperfection.
A cane lounge chair rests at the edge of a woven area rug. A set of ribbed concrete coffee tables and a large concrete planter pull the cool wall theme to the floor.
The neutral lounge design stands in open plan with the kitchen diner, where a live edge wood dining table adds a rugged rustic charm.
Wooden hourglass stools complete the dining room’s rustic furniture ensemble. Another concrete planter brings a spray of wild greenery to the tabletop.
The split surface of the turned wood just adds to the charm of the stools, in true wabi-sabi essence.
A unique swing arm wall lamp pulls over the dining table, escaping the difficult logistics of a tier fall ceiling above it.
This half moon mirror and macrame cord creation adds depth to the small entryway of the home. Modern wall sconces hung either side of the decorative mirror bring a subtle industrial chic touch. A smart linen basket serves as a catch-all on the floor.
Colourful pattern draws the eye to the floor, where a red and grey woven mat is pulled up at the feet of an unusual modern bench seat.
An additional boho style wall hanging embellishes the other side of the entryway, where a stylish wooden sideboard sits. Dried grasses come together with the soft textiles in the home to build comforting layers.
A coat rail is suspended on straps from the home’s high ceiling. Wooden hangers hold each piece in a uniform arrangement that becomes hallway decoration in itself. Obscure glass doors swivel to give entry into the main living room.
Inside the kitchen, a single wooden shelf extends from a deliciously smooth wooden stripe in the wall. The grey stone backsplash and countertop match the floor tiles throughout the open plan.
A decorative vase and pestle & mortar create a unison of black accent pieces in the pale grey kitchen. The cutting board adds in a pool of warming wood tone.
Moving into the first bedroom we find a neat workspace with welcoming pink and red accents, and a stunning woodland view. A quirky perspex speech bubble gives the tranquil space a little boost of edge and personality. An enchanting mushroom table lamp teeters on top of the modern home office desk . See more unique table lamps .
Modern wall lights glow from within a recessed seating area beneath a bespoke lofted bed design.
The laundry basket in the bedroom is an alternative colourway from the one seen in the entry hall.
A balloon lamp draws the eye up to the scalloped edge of the raised bunk, and its knotted wood grain.
Layered padding constructs an irresistibly cosy headboard design, where a gold and grey swing arm wall lamp sheds reading light on each side.
Soft grey textile runs around the edge of the platform bed , above a frame of natural timber.
design is at play in the bathroom. A solid concrete basin lays heavily on a metal stand, and vanity mirrors extend on matching black metal brackets.
A tactile pitted concrete bathtub fills the other side of the room.
Floor plan.
Visualizer:Anastasiia Reznichenko
Our second and last featured project was entitled ‘Wabi-Sabi’ house by its designers. The Japanese influence here is clear in the furniture silhouettes, an uncluttered room layout, and a deeply rich colour palette.
The upholstered bench is an extended length that runs across the open plan living room on exposed timber legs.
The dining chairs are the same design as the lounge accent chairs. Six seats gather around a spectacular modern dining table that is set into curves of concrete.
A black and gold linear suspension light descends close to the tabletop.
The warm metal provides shining contrast with the cool concrete.
Light plays over the smooth polished surface.
Hessian panels drop a rustic patch into the kitchen.
The hessian lightly screens off open shelves and wall units in an L-shaped kitchen arrangement of wooden cabinets.
In the centre of the dark stained weathered wooden kitchen, a sleek concrete kitchen island makes a stand-alone piece.
Glass pendant lights swing low from high wooden rafters, their embers of light burning seductively across the reflective concrete.
Exposed electrical wiring draws black linework across the textured wall render, crisscrossing and catching at junction boxes.
A gold tap arcs from the concrete countertop of the island.
Concrete and colourful accents bring character and energy to these two dark home interiors. Red, blue and red coloured accents come in the shape of bespoke furniture, modern soft furnishings, wall art and unique decor highlights. In creative home interior number one you will see a kitchen that is decorated with concrete and outlined in yellow, with yellow plinths and yellow lined wine storage nooks. Yellow recesses house ceiling spotlights, window reveals get the colour treatment, and even a fire extinguisher receives an artistic touch. The second home is a bit of a darker colour story that goes more sparingly with colourful accents, but cool concrete features prevail.
Designer:Roman Plyus
A yellow frame blazes around this black kitchen. It’s only thin but it thrums an electrifying visual current that brings the dark installation to life.
A concrete kitchen island is set in the centre of the kitchen diner space, and more cool render sweeps around the lower half of the room. A piece of artwork accentuates the midline wall feature with its depicted horizon.
Polished concrete floor tiles define the border of the kitchen diner from the floor of the adjacent glass wall bedroom. Sliding doors allow the two spaces to become one connected living space.
A low eating surface is integrated around the edge of the concrete kitchen island, so that the comfort of regular height dining chairs can be enjoyed in place of tall kitchen bar stools.
A Drop chair accompanies the two other dining chairs at the kitchen table. This sleek chair silhouette repeats in the bedroom space too.
Sheer window blinds protect the bedroom from the prying eyes of the city. A yellow and black double vanity table has been built around a wide concrete structural column, where it becomes a dividing element between the two vanity stations. Yellow window sills stripe the outer edge of the room.
A bespoke four poster bed has been crafted to fit and follow right beneath the sloped ceiling pitch. The bed’s bright yellow frame colour accentuates its uniquely angled outline.
Spotlights are set back into a yellow recess in the ceiling, where they shine brightly over a run of wardrobes with a yellow stripe.
The double vanity table design incorporates a yellow lid at each station, which open up to reveal a mirror inside.
A unique lounge chair , a distinctive coffee table design and a piece of modern sculpture evoke an intriguing art gallery vibe.
The modern sculpture draws further attention to the unconventional yellow window reveal.
Sculptural pendants tumble downward from the kitchen light above the dining island, threading dark metallic rings through the high ceiling space.
The concrete casing around the kitchen island has been cast at geometric angles to throw off any conventionality. Yellow units are held within the cool cast, bursting with visual warmth on the opposite side to the stark black dining shelf.
Yellow plinths underline the black kitchen units, and yellow lined wine storage cubbies dot the border. Upper cabinet doors are ribbed to bring textural contrast above a softly lit backsplash.
A black fruit bowl blends into the black backsplash and countertop.
Integrated appliances keep the kitchen run sleek.
Yellow accents spill out into the home entryway, where they engulf the walls, ceiling and doors.
A long wall mirror widens the effect of the solid yellow hallway.
Even the fire extinguisher has been given its own unique colourful coat, with wavy blue streaks and yellow painted dots.
A red accent cushion highlights a recessed hallway seat by the entry door. A yellow power socket stands by for charging.
Colourful artwork brightens up the black wall inside the recess.
Art pulls the yellow, red and blue accents of the home altogether.
More sculptural figurines emerge from the concrete.
Visualizer:Anna Vasyliuk
This second interior slides a little darker down the scale in terms of colour balance. Blue and yellow accents in this space are fewer and further between, resulting in a more knocked back, subdued finish. Just two blue scatter cushions brighten a long black sectional sofa . A single piece of art colours the concrete wall.
A round coffee table set makes tonal contrast in the centre of the living room rug.
The lounge stands wide open to the home entryway, so a shelving unit has been introduced to divide the space without blocking any of the natural light. It also maintains the wonderful sense of open space and connection.
The sectional sofa backs straight onto a black marble covered kitchen island.
Opposite the sofa, a simple shelf slices beneath the wall mounted TV. The slimline shelf incorporates a line of LEDs under its surface, which add a warm glow to the concrete feature wall.
The entryway table has a chic linear silhouette, finished in black powder coating to match the front door.
Umber kitchen accessories add a moment of warmth to the black glossy dining island.
Matching umber kitchen bar stools peep from the opposite side of the central island, so that diners can watch TV over dinner.
Vertical lights strike down raw concrete decor.
A linear suspension light makes a subtle addition over the bold kitchen island.
Two slimline bedroom pendant lights hang low, pushing focussed light over bedside shelves.
The tufted headboard design is elongated to back the bedside shelf additions.
A grey and white bed set looks crisp against the sharp platform bed design.
Glass closet doors let light diffuse through.
Decorative glass bricks build a design feature, and share light between spaces.
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
