For fans of the crafty, Swedish furniture designer, every new catalog is like a sweet treat we just can’t wait to savor. Maybe it’s because Ikea’s designs are functional, affordable, yet sleek and stylish too. Maybe it’s because they can complement a pricier piece of furniture beautifully. Or maybe it’s the fact that they design the type of furniture a real home full of family, children, and pets should have. We love visiting the store to admire the tastefully put-together set-ups and to indulge in the Swedish meatballs. :) Whatever the reason you may be a fan, you’ll be excited to see the new 2012 catalog we are covering here. We have embedded a pdf of the catalog below. You can also download it from here . If you just prefer a quick look through, keep scrolling. We are sure many of you can admire and relate to the quote on their cover-page - “A home doesn’t need to be big, just smart.” And IKEA is a master at maximizing the use of space while still providing functionality and style. The cover-page is what IKEA’s philosophy stands for, and what the contents of the new catalog will maintain. Their catalogs feature spaces that actually look like they are inhabited by humans.
IKEA 2012 Living Rooms
The living room designs are comfortable, vibrant and stylish. With this white living room, we see the IKEA space-saving philosophy come into play again, with extensive shelving along the walls, as well as plenty of storage bins, and hanging lights. I personally enjoy the relieving pop of color the red and white polka dot couch provides. This all-white living room is a cozy, comfy charmer with its white fuzzy rug, and laid-back white furniture. It manages to be classic and rustic at the same time and the couches are all squarely placed around the coffee table , for organization and aesthetic purposes. This vibrantly furnished living room is the perfect play area combined with relaxation area, because of the exceptional organization of the room and the fun, yet relaxing color scheme. We love this room. Watch how the room is split into different’zones’. One zone is the reading/lounge zone characterized by the white lounge chair in the window alcove. The ottomans and couch and chair outline the sitting area. There is also a separate dining room in this relatively small living area. IKEA is amazing for the city-dweller, particularly, because of their make-use-of-every-inch style. This design is reminiscent of a tiny, New York City studio where space is minimal and challenging. The extensive use of shelves, storage bins, and smaller appliances make this space not only livable, but comfortable and functional as well.
2012 IKEA Bedrooms
The different IKEA bedroom designs seem to respond to the varying challenges posed by varying types of bedrooms–from the country bedroom to the city bedroom with no closets, to the attic bedroom, they have a solution for everyone. Here, we see a bedroom with no real closets, so IKEA proposes you buy a lot of their plastic storage shelves, and simply hang a curtain in front of them when you need to cover your “closet” up. They even suggest placing the desk along with the shelves, and using as many storage bins as possible. This white, country-style bedroom also works with no real closet, because the IKEA white closet dressers and regular dresser can hold your stuff for you. This idea will perhaps appeal to the fashion maven, with no real closet. You can use your clothes as decoration and accordingly, hang them on bars around your bedroom. A red skinny table serves as a desk or breakfast tray and is easily placed above the bed. For those of us with a bedroom and living room in one, IKEA shows us how to separate using benches and dividing furniture, all in a similar color scheme as the entire room.
IKEA 2012 Kitchens
IKEA seems to believe everyone should have a large kitchen, despite the space of the remaining rooms. And while we wholeheartedly agree, we are happy they are offering at least one take on their design for a much smaller, “city-size” kitchen below. As small as it is, this kitchen is absolutely adorable! Ikea suggests the use of many, many hanging shelves and racks for your kitchenwares, smaller tables that do not sacrifice the use of nice wood finishes, and brightening up the space with pops of color. This space meshes the kitchen with the dining area, yet with the extensive use of shelves, racks, and cupboards and simple design, the space does not look cluttered, but streamlined and semi-spacious. It also works to provide more flow and connection between the two spaces.
IKEA 2012 Workspaces
As for workspaces, IKEA covers them too, both large and tiny, vibrant and dark. This one has to be our favorite, because it is absolutely tiny yet adorable. If you look closely, you will see that they have made use of a small wall between two closet spaces, and simply hung curtains to frame or cover it when necessary. A tiny work desk, tiny laptop decorate the space along with a wall-shelf and board that holds items. It is made its own space with the use of an eye-catching black and white wallpaper print on the wall. This particularly caught our eye. A workspace inside the kitchen, all made possible by a large storage closet, that can be used to store dishes and glasswares, but that also has a fold-out desk a laptop can easily be placed on! Adding a desk that is the same height as the countertop before it, in a small corner of the room, saves space but also looks much nicer.
IKEA 2012 Kids Rooms
IKEA is making me seriously consider moving into a smaller apartment, in order to make it look as adorable and charming as they do! Here are their takes on kids’ rooms, especially those that are shared or baby rooms that are smaller than the norm. Check out how the wallpapers split at the middle of the room. The wall-attached lights also save room and easily provide nightly story-telling sessions. This room doubles as a play and sleep area. If you enjoyed this check out our post on other IKEA Catalogs: Previous IKEA Catalogs
recently collaborated with eBay’s Internal Workplace Resources Team to create a workplace prototype that lays emphasis on flexible work areas. The goal was to create spaces that could be reconfigured easily by teams to suit their needs. The design process began with a company-wide survey with more than 5,000 eBay employees sharing their opinions on their current work environments, and with a tour of other technology companies’ workplace design practices. The result is a collaborative, nurturing, and colorful work environment that is ergonomic, eco-friendly, and meant to foster employee and company well-being.
The new spaces also support alternative office strategies, with “visit” stations offering visitors from other campuses or companies to easily collaborate on-site, instead of at the exterior facility previously provided by eBay.
Screens like these in this sitting area, were installed to provide privacy for those seated employees without obstructing views. They also provide whiteboards and printer stations.
These desks are bench-like and shared, but for those engaged in sensitive work such as human resources, more private semi-enclosed offices were designed, using white noise technology to maintain acoustic privacy.
Hotel stations, team project areas, alcove talk and think areas were created to encourage both private and shared thinking and brainstorming. The new workspaces are meant to enhance communication and collaboration.
New conference and meeting rooms no longer require reservations and are all equipped with LED screens, not projectors, which staffers can use easily without the help of techies.
6x7 bench workstations are more affordable, and made with sustainable materials. The stations are lower in height, so as to use less artificial lighting, and more natural light coming in through windows.
The new modular work stations are flexible and easily reconfigured, thanks to Knoll furniture and Valerio design.
These mock-up rooms were created using seven different design companies to test program concepts.
The new prototype has already been implemented in eBay’s San Jose and Austin campuses and feedback has been received in 3-month increments from employees since the installation.
The new layout increases density per employee.
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
