On a beautiful green belt conservation area in the UK stands a wonderful 150 square metre lakehouse, created by architects Hamish & Lyons . The team were given the challenge to redevelop three disconnected flood prone outbuildings as add-on living space for the existing house. Emphasis was initially placed on the needs of the homeowners’ five boys, ages 5 to 15, though the final inspiring design magnetises in the whole family. Glass walls openly connect each new space with nature and tranquil waters, as well as uplifting daylight and tactile natural materials. The buildings are lifted high and dry above the swelling lake, which allows the residents to enjoy extended swimming underneath.
Due to the conservation status of the spectacular site, the flood zone and surrounding listed buildings, planning permission was heavily constrained. This led to a lengthy three year process and a grand total of five planning applications to get the final go-ahead. However, the vision was one worth fighting for.
The two new buildings have been seamlessly connected to the traditional family home by a floating glass walkway, which creates the feeling of exiting into the great outdoors without ever having to put on your shoes.
The glass link leads directly into the largest of the two volumes. This multifunctional garden room with a bathroom and bed deck has been claimed by the kids as an amazing playroom. The new volume can also be accessed from the patio of the main house, which gives access to a raised viewing deck over the property’s small private lake.
Glass walls take the lakeside view all the way up to the rafters of the pitched roof, pulling a panorama of green treetops inside. The second new structure is a self-contained guest house, which contains a living space with a full kitchen and dining area, a utility corridor, a bathroom and a bed deck.
Resembling a modern take on a Southeast Asian long house, the architecture creates a zen-like gateway into nature. The centre of the roofline cracks open with end-to-end skylights, drawing in a skyscape of passing clouds, the warmth of sunshine, or an evening sky of magical moonlight and twinkling stars.
Slender stilts lightly elevate the glass buildings clear of the lake and allow level access with the main floor of the original house. The tall stilts also also allow the family to swim right underneath the structures.
A fairytale-like pathway winds across the water’s surface to The Stepping Stone House, where it joins with the outer deck of the guest volume.
The new architecture removes visual constraints to peacefully merge the homeowners with the majestic landscape.
Inside the garden room/playroom, a sturdy wooden rectangle dining table and dining bench provides a practical spot for family meals and kids’ crafting sessions.
The dining area inside the smaller guest house employs a sunshine yellow colourway to evoke a welcoming atmosphere. Water jets form jovial dancing archways of water.
Prefabricated sections facilitated a brief construction period on site, like the oak panel cladding to the roof soffits that feature tapered ends to the visible face.
The two new buildings open up to each other via large sliding glass doors, and connect via a bridge over the small lake. At night, the spaces can be secured and screened behind blinds.
When darkness falls, exterior lighting installations gently highlight the surrounding mature trees to maintain the long views out to the vast garden. Bright lights safely illuminate the stepping stones.
The stepping stones are reached via a sheltered pathway around the site, which advances through a garden of primordial tree ferns that stand two to three metres high.
Natural materials unite the buildings with the tree covered landscape.
The stepping stones reach an outdoor staircase on the side of the guest house.
A cantilevered deck extends a peaceful place for reflection above the lake.
The pathway around the home meandres wildly to elongate the picturesque journey and maximise engagement with nature. Together with the snaking pathway, the bridged buildings complete one continuous circuit.
The old spatial arrangement of the home, annex, garden and additional outbuildings was not working for the family. The disconnected volumes were underused and frequently flooded. Garden areas between were regrettably unappreciated.
The disconnected annex has now been replaced by the largest of the two buildings, and fluidly linked to the main house with the glass walkway. Underused outbuildings were removed in favour of integral landscaping around the outskirts of the site. The guest house now stands in alignment with the new summer house/playroom (where the old annex once stood) with the connecting bridge between.
New decks provide further links with the main house to firmly establish flow.
The guest house floor plans illustrate the utility corridor that lies en route to the downstairs bathroom, along with a spacious open plan lounge area just off the kitchen diner. Upstairs, the bed deck has views down through the living room void, and out to the treetops.
Stepping Stone House side elevation, illustrating new volumes in relation to the existing main house. Thanks to this water centric project, the architectural team have now developed the design as a building system that can be applied to other lakeside sites, coastal sites or floodplains.
Guest house side elevation with outdoor staircase and deck.
Architecture climatology.
Section drawing through the roof eaves and specialist clerestory glazing assembly.
Each measuring up at just under 60 square metres, this collection of apartment designs offer inspiration for three quite different interior aesthetics. Our first tour takes place in a simple and airy home, where furniture is kept minimal and an open connection is established via a glass wall bedroom off the tasteful living space. Our second residential property is a comfy, cosily sophisticated studio apartment with a focus on textural layers and homey warmth. Our final visit takes us to a super suave home, which features a stunning custom wood slat statement wall with LED light feature. Floor plans are included at the end of each tour for your inspiration.
Visualizer:INT2 Architecture
Our first home tour brings us to a reconstructed tenement building in the center of Saint Petersburg, Russia, near New Holland Island. Horizontal color blocking holds together an airy 58 square metre minimalist interior with a sparing collection of mid century modern furniture . A small rug hugs close to the tufted sofa , leaving the majority of concrete floor space laid bare.
The rental apartment is divided into three functional areas, including an open plan kitchen living room dining room combo , the bedroom, and a hallway that doubles as a dressing room.
Rather than a TV stand , a mid century modern cabinet peacefully displays art in front of the sofa, lit by a small table lamp .
A rounded painted frame makes a grander spectacle of the front door. Wall hooks keep the entryway tidy and organised.
A glass dining room pendant light is elegantly strewn to the correct position over a round pedestal dining table . See more dining room pendant lights .
The mix and match dining set sits well within the mid-century meets industrial and classical interior aesthetics.
A black, wood and grey kitchen arrangement adds further depth to the long room. See more inspiration for grey kitchens here.
In the dressing area, large closets make use of the vertical plane. Like the economical panel moldings in the living room, the lower walls here have been painted to match the floor, which visually expands the space.
The glass partition isolates the bedroom as a peaceful sanctuary, without cutting off the open space.
Inside the bedroom, a mid century inspired platform bed is layered with neutral grey covers. A woven rug adds a warmer note that complements the wooden bedsides.
Whilst the wall panels present vertical moulding in the living room, in the glass wall bedroom they stretch into a simplified horizontal plane.
A modern desk and matching black chair set up a minimalist home workspace in the corner of the room.
The concrete screed floor, basic molded panel work and imperfect industrial finish is conducive to keeping repair costs low in a rental property.
A black ceiling weighs down clean white bathroom decor, A striped laundry basket brings the black accent to the floor.
Apartment floor plan.
Visualizer:Ilya Ionko
Our second featured home is a super sophisticated studio design, packed with cosy textural layers and homey warmth.
A deep, tufted sofa makes a cloud of comfort in the centre of the apartment, bedded on a lightly textured rug.
Interestingly, the kitchen wraps around the lounge, with full height cabinets and oven housing unit on one side of the couch and the kitchen island on the opposite. Two kitchen bar stools tag onto the end of the island to make a dining spot with a view of the TV.
Mature indoor plants layer in a fresh atmosphere, and provide a little screening for the bedroom area.
Studio floor plan.
Visualizer:Alfgram Koie
Our last interior design is a modern apartment located in Russia. A boxy sofa and nesting coffee tables put down a linear look in the lounge.
Moody blue and grey elements meet warm moments of wood tone.
An impressive dining chandelier competes with a stunning custom feature wall design, where wood slatted panels are cut through with an LED light feature and a river of mirror.
The kitchen is a delicious balance of soft oak and flat smoky grey. Wall cabinets are double banked up to the ceiling line to produce a made-to-measure aesthetic.
Oak flooring counterbalances cool grey walls and doors.
An American style fridge freezer stands out from the sleek grey and wood kitchen in basic black. See more ideas for grey kitchens .
A small pouf and a piece of wall art add notes of moody blue to black and grey home entryway decor. Black marble tiles dramatically define the threshold from the hallway.
A slender black pendant light illuminates a floating entryway shelf, whilst a modern wall sconce lights up the way into the living room.
Behind the entryway shelf, a full length mirror faces toward the front door for swift appearance checks on the fly.
In the grey bedroom , the rings of a modern chandelier create soft light over a winged bedstead. Sleek bedroom pendant lights illuminate the bedside cabinets.
A unique geometric statement wall rises behind the tufted headboard .
The cube bedside tables perfectly fit the space, keeping the look cosy and compact.
At the foot of the grey bed, a matching grey vanity stool is paired with a floating dressing table.
A slatted panel adds interest to the bedroom TV wall.
Even the walk-in wardrobe gets an atmospheric grey and black interior.
In the bathroom, white marble tiles create a light, luxe aesthetic. A black framed racetrack vanity mirror contrasts with the tile, and complements the shape of an elegant bathroom sink .
Wooden cabinets warm the clean white decor.
The bathtub stands out in a moment of smooth grey marble.
A smaller powder room, on the other side of the entryway, doubles as a laundry room.
Floor plan.
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
