Minimalist interiors can raise questions when it comes to lighting. The furniture and accessories have been honed down to the perfect level of sparse, so do you top off the refined scheme with a stand-out sputnik chandelier over the living room? How about a network of spotlights, or just put it all inside the walls? These two minimalist apartments, designed and visualised by Z Design , are great examples of how to make lighting a main feature, without it being a feature at all… Find rooms lit with recessed perimeter light strips, tucked around ceiling seams and baseboards, plus sleek installations of the latest single circuit track lighting systems with repositionable spotlights to cover all bases.
Flicking on the light switch in the first of our two minimalist apartments, each measuring just short of 90 square metres, we find a cool grey and wood tone living room that’s gently lit around the edges. Pools of light fall upon a modern sofa in the centre of the room, which is reached by the multi-directional spotlights of a black single circuit track, and a number of LED mini ceiling fixtures.
The soft lighting gives the grey living room a cosy and welcoming appeal, with no harsh illumination from large pendants. The deep texture of the lounge area rug is exaggerated in the glow.
Texture and home lighting go hand in hand, particularly in minimalist room schemes where additional decorative pieces are few and far between. In this apartment, the smooth and reflective curves of a small side table are highlighted, negating the need for lavish embellishments.
White blinds diffuse natural daylight.
The ribbed face of a wood slat wall is accentuated in light and shade.
A single circuit track lighting system cuts into the ceiling expanse, striking a black line above the TV wall.
The track continues down the hallway of the home, where its coupled with more mini LEDs.
There’s no pendant light swinging low over the dining table of the minimalist apartment either. Recessed track lighting prevails. The focal point comes instead in the form of deep decorative bowls in a table centrepiece.
Lack of a dining room pendant light does not mean a lack of late night dinner ambience though. Warm LED strip lights burn down from a seam around the ceiling of the open plan room, building a cosy and intimate atmosphere.
Another LED strip strikes beneath wall cabinets in the kitchen, giving crisp definition to their slab fronted handle-free aesthetic.
Whilst the kitchen is bright and fit for purpose, there is no jarring task light.
The white light becomes part of the wall decor, contrasting pleasingly with grey elements in the room scheme.
The cosy perimeter lighting sets the tone right from the front door.
Floor plan of the apartment.
In our second example, an impressive kitchen island and stylish kitchen bar stools have an immediate impact on the living room, but its baseboard lighting that sets the mood of the place.
Highly polished concrete floors reflect all light back up into the room.
Linear track lights run parallel over the kitchen island , holding a combination of repositionable spotlights and strips.
Ceiling perimeter lights trickle gentle light down a blank wall behind the kitchen island, and along a bank of tall kitchen units.
A projector screen pulls down over the blank kitchen wall for movie night. The subtle perimeter lighting causes no significant issue with the clarity of the projected image.
The effect of the baseboard lighting is doubled in the polished concrete floor.
Moving on into the minimalist bedroom , baseboard lighting runs directly underneath an elevated headboard design, making it appear weightless.
The repositionable track lights mean that the homeowners can choose to keep the glare away from one side of the bed whilst providing focussed light to the other, depending on the preference of the person.
Ceiling perimeter strips send a wash of warmth down plain pale grey walls.
This home holds a surprise colour scheme. A red bathroom design hits like a bolt of lightning when coming in from the cool grey surroundings in the rest of the home.
In here, the lighting intensifies the wall tile colour, transforming a simple room into an inferno.
Bright bathroom lighting boosts the colour contrast between bold wall tile and the clean white acrylic of a Japanese soaking tub and sanitaryware.
Back in the grey realm, lighting returns to its subdued form. A bespoke white platform bed lightens the grey bedroom with its presence too, filling the lower quarter of the room with an elongated headboard strip.
White poufs provide more light accents around the bedroom.
Black single circuit tracks are swapped out for the white version in the bedroom, to help cultivate a serene energy.
Sheer blinds provide privacy without blocking natural daylight altogether.
The second minimalist bathroom in the home hasn’t a red tile in sight. This time the same cool grey and white colour scheme favoured in the rest of the home is carried through.
However, the same hot ember-like LED strips burn where walls meet ceiling, and fizz from behind a landscape vanity mirror.
LED light washes around the wet zone.
The second bedroom is basic, with a home office.
The Mac Pro with Pro Display HDR swirls its own colourful illumination over the desk and computer chair .
LED strip lights ripple across the gloss closet fascia, like sunlight on water.
The LEDs are colour changing, so at night, a blue moon comes out.
The lit hallway looks futuristic, like a starship.
A control panel springs to life by the entry door.
Home plan.
The sheer grace in its form grants this lamp the spotlight this week.
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
