When you think of a studio living situation, it might not conjure the most luxurious interior imagery–only feelings of restricted creativity and limitation. However, home is what you make of it, and the only limits are your imagination. These two little studios have style in spades, and two entirely different approaches. Studio number one is a daring interior with a marvellous mini kitchen design and a bathroom to rival the big boys. Design number two is a clean and breezy Scandinavian inspired home that evokes feelings of open and airy space that is unexpected from its small dimensions. Whether you’re one for dark drama or light natural beauty, there’s inspo here for you.
Designer:HE.D group| Visualizer:HE.D group
Going first to a studio apartment in Ukraine, Kyiv, we find ourselves in a warm wood panelled living room, like a cosy modern cabin.
A network of exposed electrical wires drop a pendant light at one end of a modern grey sofa design. A slimline floor reading lamp stands at the other side. Heavy drapes hang from a ceiling recess to conceal the rail, keeping everything tucked and tidy.
The round coffee table makes a colour statement in the centre of the small lounge. A bright red finish gives the room a blast of personality that disrupts the quiet wood and grey palette.
A minimalist workspace has been fashioned at one side of the lounge in a way that doesn’t close in the room. A white work surface floats between a built-in bookcase and a narrow room divider. The desk chair and pendant light are white against a white wall so as not to demand attention.
The TV is fixed onto a floor to ceiling wood panel, set in front of a glass wall bedroom design.
The bedroom’s glass wall allows natural light to filter through into the adjacent kitchen.
A full wall of granite tiles and a matching granite countertop set this small kitchen apart from the rest. Instead of seeing small spaces as restrictive, turn the negative into a positive and go all out with finishes than you wouldn’t dare to (or couldn’t afford to) in a large space.
Dark charcoal grey units back the unique galley kitchen . Choice wooden pieces lighten the drama.
Peninsula cabinets are faced with granite effect doors, so that the central mass looks as though it has formed right out of the floor and wall.
A freestanding faucet fills a distinctive kitchen sink. Bar stools make the kitchen peninsula into a dining table for the compact home.
More exposed electrical wires crown the kitchen and home entryway with a cool, laid-back industrial aesthetic.
Half of the open kitchen shelving units are backless to allow light to pass straight through from the bedroom windows, which creates an attractive feature and a suggestion of spaciousness.
Despite its small proportions, the layout of this studio apartment has made way for a generous walk-in closet by the home entryway.
The sliding bedroom partition meets at a corner point, which means that when the glass is drawn back the bedroom space is seamlessly amalgamated with the bigger picture. Electrics for the bedroom TV are housed in the same media wall as the lounge TV on the opposite side.
Unique bedside tables house bedtime reading in their stems.
A bedroom pendant light descends at one side of the platform bed.
Obscure glass provides an element of privacy.
Heavy drapes pool by the small side table .
The same wood frames out each zone of the studio.
The interior of the walk in wardrobe is just as stylish as the rest of the apartment, decked out in wood panels and white closet systems.
This small bathroom is filled with big ideas.
The same luxurious grey granite seen in the kitchen is used to cover the walls and floor of the bathroom.
A smoky shower screen divides the space.
Black fixtures dot stone clad walls.
Simple styling builds an effortlessly industrial vibe.
Designer:Nikita Zub & Anna Koroleva| Photographer:Maxim Maximov
Our second tour has a breezy Scandi appeal that appears spacious despite it’s limits. A sputnik chandelier hangs over the sofa, which is situated right by the end of the bed. Indoor plants place reminders of the great outdoors, and airy freedom.
The natural vibe transfers over to the kitchen and dining area in the form of raw timber elements.
Scandinavian dining chairs and the round dining table all have natural wooden legs, which tie in with wooden open kitchen shelving, plus a wood countertop and backsplash combo.
White coffee mugs and a wooden cutting board match with the palette of the kitchen and dining space–where a delicious looking loaf waits to go under the knife .
The small kitchen is only three units wide but in this limited space a sweet rustic style has been pulled up by the bootstraps.
Similar country-meets-Scandi style appears by the bedside, where a simple bedroom pendant light swings above timber legged tables.
A deep window reveal is fashioned into a window seat to take advantage of precious added space.
As bold and brave as they come, this small bathroom is painted solid black, both walls and ceiling. White geometric tiling in two sizes defines the main floor area from the shower floor, whilst neat squares of white back the enclosure.
A tiled recess inside the shower enclosure holds an array of monochrome soap dispensers and a mini glass vase .
Wooden accents enrich the black and white bathroom scheme.
More monochrome accessories bring pattern to a bathroom shelving unit.
Pale beige paintwork warms a narrow hallway through whilst keeping things light.
Mykonos, Greece is the setting for this luxurious modern rustic villa, which was designed and visualised by Buro511 . This is an unusual home that has been given a flexible layout thanks to a couple of large sectional sofa arrangements, and accompanying accent furniture for the open plan living room. The bedrooms are an unconventional amalgamation of stylish sleep zones and ensuite wet zones, and small bathrooms are positively spilling over with modern rustic character and chic contemporary charm. Wood slatted floor boards thread a unique style story through the home, acting as drainage and ventilation for the unconventional Mediterranean Villa.
A large modern rustic living room requires a large sofa, and this sectional grey design does an ideal job. Boxy wooden end tables split the upholstered couch into several different parts along the vast length of the room, which creates the perfect balance of rustic meets contemporary in Mediterranean design .
The sectional nature of the sofa means that the layout of the living room can be forever changing. It can be used as one whole family space, or split into multiple relaxation areas for different people partaking in different pastimes, or switched around to suit social gatherings and entertaining purposes.
Wooden framework builds an interesting backdrop across a TV wall at one end of the extensive room. The TV set is bedded into a recess at the centre of the installation to streamline the look. Wooden shutters flank every window in the room, perfect for blocking out the strong Mediterranean sunshine.
A black lounge chair is available to intermingle with the changing layout of the light grey modern sofa , to help balance out its bulk.
A layered circular coffee table design is a flexible piece that moves easily around the room to suit the changing landscape.
The formal grey sofa design makes smooth contrast with the cream coloured and textured Mediterranean render of the interior walls.
A solid cast concrete slab becomes a generously sized coffee table in the living room, adding to the deeply tactile nature of the scheme.
Next, we move through into an open plan dining area behind the large lounge. Thick wooden sleepers seem to float impossibly as the dining room table, in a cantilevered design linked to the kitchen island. Six modern wood dining chairs are cushioned with warm grey toned upholstery.
Mediterranean pottery adds authentic rustic decoration to just about every surface.
A grey one wall kitchen with an island runs along the back of the open plan room. Flat fronted, handle-free doors give the kitchen a sleek modern finish that plays second fiddle to the more characterful rustic pieces in the scheme. Matt gold fixtures add understated sheen to the design, and slatted wood floor boards lay out an unusual kitchen floor.
Inside the modern rustic bedroom , suspended black track lights add an edgy element to the neutral, natural decor. A plain glass door in a modern black frame reveals a traditional stone wall built outside.
Rustic stools dot the scheme, to be used flexibly as side tables and seats. A light rug is strewn at the foot of the platform bed.
The platform bed design has a weightless floating illusion, which extends out from a headboard wall with a minimalist modern bookshelf. A courtyard design brings greenery into the room palette. A bathroom sink and a shower pop up in front of the window so that the user may take in the gorgeous view whilst washing. A vanity mirror hovers lightly in front of the trees.
A taupe bedroom chair adds a moment of light colour in front of a solid wall of towering black closets.
Slatted floor boards and wall of textured render build a small rustic bathroom scheme. A grey toilet beds easily into the beige wall tone, whilst stark black fixtures provide points of interest. A wooden pedestal sink adds a warming, comforting element into the rugged room.
The second bedroom design features a simpler platform bed model, with a similarly soft grey upholstered headboard . Black wall sconces are set low above two matching bedside tables.
A monochrome rug design vibes with the solid wall of black wardrobes, and a tall black shelving unit by the door.
The black bedroom scheme absorbs the sun’s glare.
On the other side of the bedroom, an organically shaped wall mirror hangs above a linear wooden bathroom vanity. Wood slatted floor boards map out the ensuite’s splash zone.
A shower spills onto the wood slatted floor too, on the opposite side of a low concrete bench that is used to hold an array of toiletries and bathroom containers.
Another WC is textured with rustic render, and kitted out with a modern grey toilet pan.
A dark grey vanity contrasts with the light wall treatment, beneath a freshly modern and minimalist round wall mirror. Tall slit windows echo the linearity of the slatted wooden floor treatment in the room.
Inside a walk in wardrobe, the decor is dark and dramatic, with glowy lighting to highlight the garments in their hanging nooks and shelving cubbies. The same wood slatted flooring from the bedroom wet zones is utilised here inside the closet for ventilation.
Even the door and ceiling of the walk in is finished in solid black to create one all round, all enveloping aesthetic.
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
