Tackling the design of tight living spaces can present frustrating challenges, but this collection of homes under 30 square metres offers a wealth of inspiration to get past creative roadblocks. Whilst we’re looking at decor palettes over cool grey and green spectrums, these well constructed layouts, lighting solutions and bespoke furniture designs can be translated into a multitude of colour preferences. We take a look at the fluid flow of some entirely open plan studio apartments, as well as how to segment small home layouts to include a private bedroom. Lack of space never has to equal lack of style or comfort, and this collection of tours prove it time and again.
Visualizer:Vogue Architects
A chic rug pulls together the deep green and brown accent colours of this sophisticated studio. Brass frame nesting coffee tables complement the warm tan tones.
The TV stand has been fashioned in the same walnut wood effect and black marble finishes as the neighbouring kitchen. The cohesivity of materials between zones builds flow through the small interior.
The open plan bedroom is an echo of the lounge decor scheme. A green upholstered bed is inspired by the green living room sofa, and the same area rug is repeated.
Copper elements add rich sheen to a dark and compact kitchen diner, elevating the small area into a luxe feature of the room. Find more inspiration for grey kitchens here.
A linear chandelier draws attention to the dining peninsula.
A comfortable lounge chair reclines by the bed, forming a second sitting area in the studio that’s perfect for reading… Or maybe more frequently used to throw down outfits from the nearby closet.
The glass wardrobe stretches the length of the platform bed , increasing the sense of space with it’s open aesthetic.
Visualizer:365 design
This 30 square metre grey, black and white interior has a much narrower footprint than the first apartment, so this time the bed hugs the wall in its own partial enclosure.
In place of a TV stand there is a double desk with a uniquely stepped silhouette. Black support legs and a black decorative vase tie the wooden desk into the dark colour palette that bedecks the rest of the room.
The headboard wall is also the bathroom wall, and so features a perforated light sharing design that resembles Swiss cheese.
A grey soffit exaggerates the size and grandeur of the window.
The sofa and matching ottoman form an L-shape border between the sleeping area and a stylish round coffee table set. Grey carpeting further defines the boundary of the lounge.
The black kitchen draws up the hallway, where it’s mirrored by dark storage cabinets on the opposite side of the walkway.
The desk’s stepped woodblock siding stacks an eye catching sculptural element, which performs a dividing roll between the workspace and the kitchen.
White herringbone tiles lighten the black kitchen volume.
Brightly lit nooks create mystery and drama in the midst of the hallway’s darkness.
Seamless stone cladding expands the feel of very limited bathroom space.
A boxed in bathroom vanity light shines a window-like lighting effect.
Visualizer:Daria Tarasenko
Measuring 29.7 square metres, this green and white interior is uplifted with a botanical theme.
A linear media unit floats in tandem with a green desk. A custom cut mirror erases the corner of the room.
White and gold kitchen pendant lights elevate the presence of a plain white dining bar.
The hallway of the home has been devised as one solid block of muted viridian green. A frameless mirror plays with its proportion.
Sage green tiles colour the shower enclosure, disrupting the mediocrity of a black and white base.
Large format marble wall tiles conjure a feeling of spaciousness.
Floor plan.
Visualizer:Xenia Liodi
Our penultimate design is one of two apartments that were carved out of a 95 square metre house. This 30 square metre space was designed for rental by one or two individuals, whilst the other 65 square metre apartment was reserved for the homeowner.
The interior has a cosy Scandinavian essence. Magazines deeply stack on a coffee table with storage , photographic art adorns the walls, and green plants become housemates. Bottle green paintwork wraps the perimeter of the lounge, whilst the kitchen is differentiated in soft white and oak.
Fitted storage makes the bedroom a practical space for the tenants. A boho vibe comes through the rug and bedroom pendant , which is an Ikea bamboo light .
Botanical prints make a pretty feature on a basic modern dresser .
The bathroom is a scene of grey scale tones, although wood effect tiles make a warm and spa-like feature of the shower enclosure.
Room by room mood boards.
Rental apartment floor plan.
Visualizer:Alina Ursova
Our final tour is an interior filled with blush pink and contrasting green accents. Scatter cushions introduce a playful element to a monochromatic sofa. The small scale of the room has been confidently ignored to opt for a piece of large scale modern art that flamboyantly colours white walls.
Storage and shelves touch the ceiling to make the most of vertical space.
The coffee table and adjacent dining table set a circular motif.
A delicate dining pendant light formally situates the open plan eating area.
The fruit bowl provides a useful table centrepiece, which frees up kitchen countertop.
A seafoam green accent wall paints a relaxing element inside the small bathroom.
Inside the pink accent bedroom, small modern wall sconces disappear into densely patterned botanical wallpaper. White bedside tables merge with the pale wall treatment so as not to overwhelm the room.
A floating dresser merges with a workspace at the foot of the bed.
Red and blue accents thread an appealing upbeat vibe through light modern interiors. The vibrancy is contagious, lifting the mood of those who would live there or just come to visit. Interiors with richness and solidity of colour communicate warmth and strength of character, keeping the eye moving and the mind guessing. Take a look at these two takes on the theme, from a totally unique space with custom made pieces, to a stylishly “off the peg” studio design. Two different approaches on two different budgets, but both with bold aspirations. Let us know whether you’d go the extra mile and sink the money, or if you’d celebrate pieces already ripe for the picking.
Visualizer:HE.D group
Our first modern home design is located in Kyiv, Ukraine. A white TV panel floats against a concrete living room wall, where LED ribbon draws bright attention to the difference in tone and texture. Two soft grey modern sofas edge the lounge area with simple silhouettes.
A red console unit/bookcase brings the only flash of loud colour to the predominantly grey lounge, A modern wall light stripes the wall above one side of the unit, whilst a matching floor reading lamp illuminates the other end.
A single coffee table book tops the clean white square coffee table between the sofas.
The dining area stands directly adjacent to the lounge, colourfully defined by an azure table.
The living room dining room combo is finished off with a comfortable reading nook, which comprises a custom built window seat and bookcase tower.
The window seat also serves as a banquette bench at the pedestal dining table . Modern dining room lights descend on sleek rigid rods, presented in a white colourway to coordinate with the clean white dining chairs.
There is a second dining area over at the unique kitchen island , where modern black bar stools wrap two sides.
The striking black and white colourway of the island provides an explosion of pattern in front of the dark red kitchen design.
and an elegant freestanding faucet have been selected in a matt black finish to complement the kitchen bar stools .
The kitchen sink is a bespoke red volume that slots beautifully into the end of the stone island.
The oven housing unit is a stand alone piece, making it appear almost sculptural in the solid burgundy backdrop.
Giant black pigmented chips in the stone countertop present almost like a cow hide print.
The same black and white stone has been used in the creation of a balcony bar, this time within a cool blue setting inspired by the sky over the city.
The frame of the glass wall bedroom has been powder coated with a blue finish too, making fresh contrast with the neighbouring red kitchen scheme.
Inside the bedroom, the blue flow continues into soft drapes that pool onto pale wood laminate floor.
The bedroom pendant light is the same design as those featured out in the dining area, to create cohesion through the glass wall. See more stylish bedroom pendant lights here.
A blue floor bed design spreads the accent colour wide across the room.
The headboard upholstery is knocked back in pale grey to meld with the bare walls.
Sliding doors by the home entryway reveal a large walk in wardrobe . The interior is fitted with a bespoke blue closet system and comprehensive lighting.
The bathroom is a totally unique space, characterised by strong red and blue elements. A solid surface stone bathtub tones with the walls of the room, allowing a crisp white bath faucet to really stand out.
A white towel ladder sets an ice white accent against the adjacent wall, along with a curvaceous white glass shower screen.
A dropped ceiling panel above the shower enclosure smoothly echoes the shape of the shower screen, albeit on the opposite plane.
Recessed LEDs accentuate the curved enclosure. Black fixtures sit darkly against textured tile.
Custom bathroom furniture brings in the bold blue language of the apartment design, communicated through a unique bathroom vanity unit and a coordinated storage volume.
Black and white stone forms the unusual bathroom sink, its wild pattern caged inside blue framework.
A huge half circle mirror pushes behind the bathtub, reflecting the room and the light.
The modern toilet bellies out into the room, ensuring that not one single piece of bathroom furniture or sanitaryware goes unsung.
The blue entry door becomes impressively enlarged by a matching blue border, threshold and suspended ceiling panel.
Floor plan.
Kitchen island concept.
Curved glass wall design for the bedroom.
Custom bathroom furniture designs.
Visualizer:Michał Cychol
If customised pieces or not in the budget, our next inspirational red and blue interior celebrates a more “off the peg” approach. The studio is coloured only by a blue sofa, teal lounge chair, sapphire dining chairs, and a very red bed. A couple of scatter cushions ensure that the separate pieces meld together as one cohesive scheme.
The round coffee table drops a dot of white marble into the lounge plan, connecting it with the white marble kitchen backsplash behind.
A pale teal accent cushion disrupts the red bed, giving it a light link with the lounge.
The L-shaped kitchen is a simple installation to allow it to fall back into the background of the busy room.
Artworks above the dining set and the bed are of one collection, and one red colourway.
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
