Today we’re going to tour three interiors that illustrate how to use lighting and textures to add extra interest to dark decor. Dark decor can be bold, dramatic and seductive, but it can also fall flat and be downright depressing if you don’t get it right. The trick is to send a little current of excitement though it, which can be achieved by pulling texture out of those walls, and lighting them up oh-so perfectly. There are countless ways you can do this, and this little trio of tours has a good handful to show us. Check out smart black slatted panels, stunning stone feature walls, and some drop dead gorgeous lighting installations.
Visualizer:Stephen Tsimbalyuk
With an area of 65 square metres, our first home was designed for a young couple located in Reykjavik, Iceland. The interior speaks of cool professionalism, wrapped up in a dapper grey package. Grey slats cut down the living room wall like a pinstripe suit.
The slatted wall is lit at one end to exaggerate the abrupt change between a smooth plaster wall and the textured section. A sleek black square coffee table is set down on a heavily textured rug.
Opposite the sofa, a rugged stone feature wall undulates the length of the living room, climbing toward a mountain range outside of the windows. A flat screen TV floats in front of the rock face.
A unique dining table hangs from the ceiling of a small dark kitchen diner, surrounded by four black dining chairs in the shadows.
In place of candles, a tiny fireplace burns openly in the centre of the fascinating dining table set .
The burning hoop of a modern dining pendant light adds to the glow in the grey dining room.
A grey L-shaped kitchen wraps around the dining area.
Recessed lighting diffuses over the adjacent rock feature wall.
Slatted cabinet doors line the longest wall of the kitchen, throwing a mysterious shuttered effect over the kitchen paraphernalia within.
The mountainous feature wall treatment is repeated inside a dramatic grey bedroom design, lit from the top and the baseline by recessed LED strip lights. The warm white glow accentuates every peak, pit and roll of the rock face.
A bedside lamp adds to the illumination of the impressive bedroom accent wall , as does a beautiful bedroom pendant light by an ensuite bathtub.
The bespoke black headboard design runs the full width of the bedroom and ensuite bathing area, where it becomes a shelf for fresh towels.
On the opposite side of the room to the black bath, there stands a unique black pedestal basin, and a shower enclosure behind tinted glass.
The floor of the wet area is tiled in large format grey slabs.
A rustic side table is cut from a rough tree log.
Entry to a backlit walk-in wardrobe is made via the washbasin area.
A double workspace features a desk that is in the same vein as the dining room table.
The workstation is suspended from the ceiling, which keeps the floor space looking incredibly open.
The floor plan reveals the location of the separate WC just off the bedroom.
Visualizer:Stephen Tsimbalyuk
We take a trip to Paris for our next apartment tour, where we find grey living room decor spliced with wood effect wall panels.
The small lounge leads straight onto a formal dining room, where the walls are mostly overtaken by windows. Heavy grey drapes gather at the edges of the glass, brushing at the wood laminate floors with their hem.
A grey kitchen peers through an opening on the other side of the room. The walls around the wide doorway have been painted in a matching shade to create one solid cohesive volume.
Three lamps burn brightly along the black dining pendant light . Behind, a wood panelled wall is lit from one side to accentuate a clean transition from grey paintwork.
Handle-free units keep the small kitchen looking sleek and streamlined. Soft lighting gives it a welcoming vibe.
Flooring changes from wood to tile in the hallway.
Recessed spotlights illuminate the walkway.
In the master bedroom, a headboard feature has been created with a high panel and some recessed LED strip lights.
A glass closet opens up on the opposite side of the room to the window, reflecting the light and the view.
Custom fit closet systems flank the walls of the walk-in wardrobe.
The sliding glass doors allow the daylight to enter the closet, but ceiling spotlights brighten the clothing selection process.
In the shade of a grey bathroom, a tiny niche burns brightly.
Anthracite towel rungs hide out in a shadowy corner.
A backlit panel supports a wall hung toilet.
Towels and a rattan laundry basket jostle beneath a made-to-measure vanity.
Visualizer:Hi Light
High contrast monochrome decor fills our last home tour, which is enlivened with lush green plants. The indoor greenery is a reflection of the homes special location amongst the trees. Glossy black walls reflect daylight from the windows and the forest panorama.
Stunning wirework pendant lights cluster over the white sofa, creating a light canopy.
Lantern pendant lights emit a soft diffused light in the dining room, above a glossy white dining set.
More plants give their texture to a minimalist white galley kitchen design, where their leaves and tendrils overspill from a bespoke built-in planter along the ice white countertop.
Two rustic-industrial interiors show us how to create a characterful home that provides a cool change from the norm, with a relaxed kind of vibe. See how to make a place that is packed with patina, and how to embrace exposed elements like raw concrete, bare brickwork and revealed ducting. For those of us who like life a little more colourful, fear not! The rustic-industrial style inside these two homes is not all about the grey and baron; cheery colourful accents are scattered about the rooms in some unexpected places. As we tour through, we’ll discover refreshing blue and green elements, and even some beautiful pattern.
Designer:Shmidt Studio| Visualizer:Shmidt Studio
Our first tour takes place inside a 54 square metre mini loft. A projector screen drops down from its ceiling mount, in front of a rustic shiplap wall. A linear module crosses the floor beneath the screen, with the appearance of a media cabinet but serves as a hearth for a small modern fireplace.
The other side of the rustic living room is home to a sofa with chaise, and a home workspace with plentiful storage cabinets.
When the projector screen is retracted into its ceiling mount, propeller wall decor is revealed on the shiplap wall, giving it some industrial flavour. There is also a set of wall mounted bookcases, which are broken into sections by the wood wall cladding.
A ridged area rug textures the floor.
provide a layered look in the centre of the rug. The sofa has a mix of brown and grey sections to break up its expanse, and add a little relaxed rustic character.
The grey finish of the industrial style kitchen units is designed to match the raw concrete wall behind. The warmer tones coming from the backsplash and countertop tie in with the adjacent red brick wall. Warm lighting has been added below the base units to accentuate their floating effect. Exposed ducting from the cooker hood pushes up the industrial style factor.
Directional track lights shine down over the dining area. There is no low hanging pendant light here, but shiny wine glasses hang over the table to evoke a comparable decorative effect. The glasses are held in a wall mounted wine storage rack, conveniently placed right by the table.
Chartreuse dining chairs make a strong statement in the grey kitchen diner.
The laminate flooring carries a patinated effect that melds well with the rustic-industrial decor.
The same floor treatment is carried through into the hallway.
The interior doors have been given a rustic paint job.
Moving into the industrial bedroom we discover more exposed brickwork, which acts as a headboard feature wall. industrial style lighting highlights its rugged texture.
Bifold doors conceal the closet.
Decorative panels edge the brick wall at one side of the bed, behind a bedside table lamp . Sage green paintwork frames the window.
The soft grey bed set looks extra cosy against the raw brick.
Opposite the foot of the bed, an entire wall of storage is broken into pieces by wood tone, dark grey and white finishes.
More closet space is found out in the hallway.
Wall hooks on a blue pegboard wall hold the coats.
A secret utility area is hidden behind a set of bifold doors at the end of the hallway.
Another hint of blue strikes inside the cloakroom.
The vanity unit inside the main bathroom is a rustic wooden affair.
The effect of the vanity is matched by a wooden bath caddy.
The single blue door on the cloakroom vanity unit has its effect doubled in a floor to ceiling mirror.
Visualizer:Tran Tu Thien
Next up, we find a warm and welcoming rustic-industrial interior, decorated in tan and soft grey. The tan sofa matches the tones of a raw brick feature wall in the adjoined kitchen diner. The natural tone is also echoed in a rattan floor pouf , which is something similar to this .
A glossy grey media unit is adorned with a glass vase at one end, next to a leaning shelving unit. Inspirational wall art decorates the entryway to the living room, next to a set of cheerful blue louvre doors. Beautifully patterned tiles cross the kitchen backsplash, bringing personality to the whole room.
The sputnik chandelier over the dining table has an industrial vibe, with its angular frame and oversized bulbs.
The kitchen runs in an L-shaped arrangement. Two industrial style swivel swivel bar stools sit at its peninsula.
A gold swing arm wall lamp brightens each bedside in the master bedroom; green wardrobe doors complement their lustrous tone. The bed is layered in pale neutral, soft grey and black linen, and piled high with comfy scatter cushions to offset the harder industrial elements in the room.
There is an industrial home office in the corner of the bedroom, where shiplap climbs the wall. Storage nooks occupy the space underneath one side of the L-shaped desk . Matching shelving nooks provide more office storage up on the wall, and all the way up to the ceiling.
Rustic shiplap also provides the covering for the headboard feature wall. Here, the wooden planks have been set into a shallow recess in the wall to hide the cut ends. Over in the window niche, a cosy reading nook has been fashioned with a storage seat and some extra scatter cushions. A monochrome gallery wall stylishly connects the gap between the reading nook and the small side table by the bed.
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
