When you consider your interior design choices, you will most certainly think of color, furniture, and window treatments. But too many amateur home designers leave lighting as an afterthought. Lighting does more than let you read after dark or make sure you can see the beautiful meal you prepared, the right lighting design can truly transform a space. There is a reason that lighting is so critical in photography and cinematography – lighting enhances features and creates atmosphere in a way that no other design element can. The homes featured in this post each utilize lighting to add that extra je ne sais quoi to already beautiful designs, elevating them and making them something special.
Visualizer:KDVA Architects
The right interior lighting means more than being able to see the book you’re reading or not bumping into furniture.
In this first space, a 124 square meter (1334 square feet) home in Moscow, Russia, recessed lighting is used to great effect. A mini living room lamp provides focussed task light over the sofa.
The overhead lighting in this home casts a neutral downlight that works perfect for ambiance, bouncing off white walls and flooring.
A neutral color scheme works well with creative lighting design, allowing even sunlight to highlight the disparate textures of the space.
As sunlight streams into the main living area, it illuminates a smooth floor, soft sofa, matte countertops, and even the decorative vases .
The use of modern dining chairs matches with the rest of the color scheme, while recessed overhead lighting pulls focus on the contents of the dining table.
In the bedroom, a unique bedside spotlight offers an alternative solution to the standard floor reading lamp , with a bit more flair.
Using kids’ beds that are separated by a half wall rather than bunkbeds makes this bedroom feel more sophisticated while windowsill planters take full advantage of natural lighting.
Lighting 2 person workspaces can be tricky, but a simple desk lamp will always come in handy.
In the bathroom, the lighting is kept simple and soft.
Everyone wants to look their best in front of their bathroom vanity mirror and the subtle overhead lighting does just that.
Visualizer:Espace Studio
The next space uses a tone that is much brighter than the first, but similar lighting choices.
Recessed lighting above the entertainment center as well as underneath some of the cabinetry creates a very modern effect.
One of the most important features of good lighting is the ability to adjust it for the time of day and mood.
The use of dimmer switches and bulbs of different colors makes it easier to create the feeling you really want in a space.
and eclectic dining room pendant lights draw focus on this communal space in the house.
In the bedroom, matching bedside lamps flank the bed.
Nestled inside the recessed headboard area, the unique bedside lamps complement the overall natural, calm vibe of the bedroom perfectly.
In the kids’ room, recessed overhead downlighting illuminates the unique wall shelf built into the minty green wall.
Lighting can even be used to make eye-catching wall decorations, as seen here.
Great lighting can and should be part of kids decor as well, with this room focusing largely on the use of natural light.
Window treatments come into play as well, with shades and blinds letting through different amounts of light depending on how they are arranged.
Simple white bathroom design with both ambient and spotlighting make it a versatile space for relaxing and getting ready.
Visualizer:Espace Studio
The third space is an 80 square meter (861 square feet) home located in Zhukoffsky Zhukovsky, Dnipro, Ukraine.
The agreeable design of this space, with plenty of cool colors, clean lines, and simple decor like a large wall clock , was made to please people of different tastes.
The lighting in the main living space consists of overhead spotlights that can be angled differently depending on whether the occupants want to highlight their green accent colors or their large white coffee table .
The spotlights also perfectly highlight the trinkets on display in the unique shelving unit as well as the planter table.
Oversized pendant lights in the dining area cast a soft and flattering glow for dinner guests.
The wood on wood look of the Scandinavian style chairs and the light wood flooring is ideal for the natural light that comes in from the dining room window.
Moving into the private spaces, bedroom pendant lights and an indoor plant add warmth to this bedroom.
The lights are suspended on either side of the bed and add a pop of color along with a comforting glow.
Visualizer:Square 83
The final space is a 377 square meter (4057 square feet) townhouse located in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Lighting is used in this space to call attention to the complementary textures, as this unique floor lamp does for the patterned sofa.
The natural light is not as prevalent in this home as it is in some others so artificial lighting must step in.
Indeed the lighting in this space can change the entire look of the room, with the same gray pattern sofa looking alternately white and blue depending on the angle of the light.
The bedroom uses its own unique lighting scheme against its pink accents, including a bright orb of a table lamp for the vanity.
The use of many spotlights adds a great deal of interest to this space, making it feel playful and energetic.
In the en suite bath, a glowing light serves dual purpose as art and light source.
The sleek bathroom design includes a minimalist faucet along with flattering lighting.
Finally, sun streaming into a bedroom is the best way to brighten up the space and to wake up each day.
Love the natural look, but crave the fine, polished aesthetic of an inner-city apartment? My, have we got an interior for you. This dark and dreamy interior combines rough rocks with polished wood, black slats and high-sheen acrylic, as designed by One Work and photographed by Hey!Cheese Photography . Watch TV against a rock face, looking out to city views. Show guests to a dining table through black slats, lit by state-of-the-art idea lamps. Make your office LED-lit, wooden-slatted and marble-topped. Take a style trip to a darker vision, with our latest modern apartment tour where wood, stone and black reign king.
Using wooden panels above, stone tiles below and roughshod rocks to the side, our first view of the lounge is eclectic. Cold tones in a grey suede six-seater, shagpile rug and textured wallpaper mix with a warmer wooden ceiling, under-rafter LEDs and small bursts of coloured cushions. Looking past the cabinetry’s black acrylic, the scene separates into grey and white with a city view, or darker and more mysterious in the office beckoning beyond.
Making a half-turn, we find the lounge’s focal piece: the roughshod brick wall. Tying into the black theme with a flat-screen TV, its rustic exterior juxtaposes nicely with the living room’s other polished, high-sheen furnishings. A quick bounce off the wall reveals a wide city view, lit like a Christmas tree during day or night.
Step into the corridor, and a puzzle of black and wooden slats awaits. Across grey tiles and polished wooden floors, black push-doors become a slatted feature, opening up the dining room as an artistic wall piece. Framed both horizontally and vertically by gleaming wooden panels, the look piques interest in the rooms surrounding the corridor’s small space. A classic black bookcase with a Japanese, no-borders twist completes the scene, as mirrored-door cabinets beside and beneath increase the space and feeling of sophistication.
In the dining room, Drop Top Pendant Lights burn their coils over the table. Book-ended by a smooth bench in stone, these dining room pendant lights illuminate a solid wooden table and unique linen chairs, a hint of the bright in this mostly-dark interior. Looking to a pot plant on one end, a chrome fridge on the other, this space lets cooking and dining merge seamlessly – with a background TV left to entertain guests.
By combining many differing materials, the interior lets each space create its own character. At the corridor’s corner, high, glossy panels of black acrylic hide necessities and add modern polish. To its right, a whiter, brighter room is made possible using concrete walls, grey stone floors and a tree-bearing planter . In the office behind, LED-lit wooden panels create a relaxing vibe, matched by a bench in marble. An array of opening and shutting black compartments open and close off the dining room, a seductive space set on a polished wood floor.
As black, elongated doors turn to the side, the office’s LED-lit marble reminds we are walking in luxury. Drawn by the glow of a table lamp on the desk’s edge, our footsteps lead us past two woven ottomans and into a network of wooden slats, showcased in a feature wall and Venetian blinds. A turn behind reveals the central desk, a simple L-shape mirrored by drawers around its form. Joined by the dining room’s black cabinets and a timber ceiling platform, it links to the surrounding rooms through wooden slats, polished floors and hints of black stencilling. A back-mirrored door offers self-contemplation, while an Eames Bird replica on the bookshelf behind harks to a leaning mirror.
The main hallways show off the decor’s star ingredients. Large swathes of wood, in differing shades, line the ceiling’s unconventional rafters and pillars. Feature walls of wooden slats impress when illuminated, quickly turning to black when the lights go off. Veined stone tiles add natural sophistication, in classy yet unassuming grey. Glass doors and high-shine chrome make this game of smoke and mirrors part of the allure.
The bedroom takes on an aura of its own, in bolder colours and softer materials. Using the dining room’s polished floorboards, it makes a splash in a teal armchair and matching bedspread. High, linen-upholstered panels hark back to the grey of the living room, while a strip of mirror elongates the space without making a fuss. Unique bedside lamps offer orbs of light, this time through a Flos IC T1 Style l table lamp , a final punctuation to the room’s design.
The real treasure of the bedroom is the walk-in wardrobe, a sophisticated surprise next to its humbler neighbour. Opening up beside the teal comfortable reading chair and pumpkin orange throw, its black walls, LED-lit closets and striking mirrors remind of the majesty of the corridors. Matched by an array of polished woods, its many hangers and hide-away drawers make a feature of the best clothes, while hiding away the rest.
The ensuite appears light and bright – in grey. Using the corridor’s stone floors and stretching them up the walls’ full length, the space appears contemporary and clean. LED lights from beneath white ceiling shafts add drama, while glass doors keep the space open. Rounded white porcelain and chrome fixtures form the necessities.
A peek into the next bathroom reveals a slight twist. Opened up by a wooden door, it reveals a same-shade wooden cabinet, textured tiles, and a dazzling array of lights and mirrors. An oval-shaped toilet keeps company on the right; two small, rounded vases the space on the left.
Our final bathroom edges on the flashy, ultra-modern décor this apartment is famed for. Criss-crossed in an array of juxtaposed, natural vein tiles, its entrance and walls are a glossy black reminiscent of the dining room. Brilliant chrome makes mirrors on either side of the basin, while stone creates a cavity for a standing sink.
Leading out of the bathroom finds your eye in the corridor, with a view to the city – a perfect place for an end-of-tour night cap.
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
