Skylights can completely change the feel of a room. They don’t just let in more natural light, they also create a much more open feeling of space. By adding glass to a low ceiling you can make it feel higher, seeing the sky through a high ceiling gives it the illusion of being part of an outdoor space. A window above your bed allows you to gaze at the stars or passing clouds, and one above a dining room could have you eating beneath the trees. There are tons of ways in which to enjoy a skylight into your home, and we’ve put together an inspirational gallery with 37 of our most favourite installations.
Designer:Horacio Cherniavsky, Viviana Pozzoli| Via:Arch Daily
Everything feels more zen under the sun and trees. This skylight design folds around from flat roof top position into a vertical window. The continuous cutout of the wall into the roofline opens up a seamless view of the trees and their overhanging branches.
Visualizer:Doan Nguyen
It’s not just us humans that thrive in the sunshine, indoor plants will flourish under a well placed skylight. Just be careful that their new growth won’t completely block out your share of the light too.
Visualizer:Adi S
Rooflights can present the possibility of opening up a modern living room into loft space to create a mezzanine level - adding a whole heap more of square footage to your home.
Visualizer:Halo Studio
Skylights really finish off the airy look of a white walled contemporary living room, and can completely replace conventional windows in order to acquire more wall space for furniture or bookcases.
Photographer:Dirk Van Overwalle
A single skylight can be enough to pleasantly light the shadowy end of an extremely long room.
Designer:Micasa
Even if a room already has a lot of windows, opening up the ceiling can still change the dynamics. An octagonal roof lantern brings extra sunshine into the very centre of this yellow accent living room with dual aspect windows.
Visualizer:Andriy Maheha
These flat roof skylights push light through a large an open plan room, casting sunny reflections over a glossy white kitchen all the way in the back.
Photographer:Hey!Cheese
Increase daylight and view by combining roof elements with a conventional window line.
Photographer:Chris Snook
A rectangular roof lantern will flood a large room in natural light, all the way into its corners. The glazed lantern also makes a stunning architectural feature.
Designer:Vanillawood
The dark wooden ceiling in this book lover’s living room draws special attention to the bright box of light overhead. The added natural light is perfect for reading.
Visualizer:Alpha Idea
Think in multiples for real wow factor. Change up the size, shape and positioning for a truly unique effect.
Designer:Studio Lagom
Light is an essential part of courtyard design . An overhead light source gives the perfect natural sunbeam effect.
Visualizer:Berga&Gonzalez
Chunky natural roof beams look beautiful for sure, but they can also feel a little heavy and close the room in. Removing part of the roof beams in favour of a skylight will lighten and brighten, and ultimately enrich the look.
Designer:Thompson Bradford Architects
A linear skylight across a modern kitchen looks the business. Shadows get lighter, colours get brighter.
Visualizer:Nurik Karanavidani
A skylight only makes a luxurious bathroom look even more luxurious.
Visualizer:Third Aesthetic
Edge to edge glass makes a ceiling completely disappear.
Visualizer:Andriy Maheha
The effect of roof glass above this double sink bathroom vanity is doubled by a large vanity mirror.
Designer:Square Feet Architects
A huge expanse of roof glass is supported by glass struts above this modern dining room , to give a crystal clear result. Strip lights highlight the border of the installation.
Photographer:Virtual Imaging 360
How about some stained glass to colour your day?
Visualizer:Berezen Studio
This round skylight echoes the shape of a circular island in a white kitchen below.
Architect:Bolton Chalkin
A flat skylight serves the full length of this modern kitchen /diner/lounge space. Pendant lights are strewn across the glass for nightfall.
Visualizer:Peter Ang
Combining several flat, sloped and vertical elements gives this plain white bedroom a massively dramatic look.
Visualizer:Głogowscy Architektura
Position a roof cutaway flush against a wall, like this one along the headboard wall of a modern bedroom .
Source:Wayfair
This platform bed sleeps in a treetop breeze.
Designer:RueTemple
Another light filled mezzanine facilitated by skylights - but this time the extra level has been added to a bedroom.
Via:Sigma Homes
Rooflights are a must under the eaves.
Designer:Martin Architects
Double-bank velux windows to elongate the line of light.
Via:Designing A Room For A Young Girl
This kid’s bedroom scheme has a dreamy view of fluffy clouds - not just the cute cloud wall stickers - but real cloud formations floating overhead to watch and imagine shapes in.
Visualizer:Kateryna Rudenko
A dark bedroom benefits from an elongated cutaway of both ceiling and wall.
Designer:Studio Pure
Even narrow letterboxes of light can make all the difference in a shadowy space.
Designer:Skylab
If you’re the type that likes to really stand out from the crowd, and have something in your home that no one else has, then you could commission a bespoke design that is tailored specifically to your space. Take inspiration from the unique angular window design in this modern home office .
Photographer:Soopakorn Srisakul
Basement levels enjoy light from above via light wells. You can also send extra light flooding down the basement stairs by positioning a large skylight directly above it.
Architect:Chenchow Little
Draw attention to a downward light source by planting a tree in its beams.
Visualizer:Momentum Viz
All different types of spaces can be transformed by a skylight, from a long dingy hallway….
Visualizer:Yevhen Zahorodnii
… to the tiniest nook.
Source:Hugo Carter
Rooms with retractable doors blur the boundaries between indoors and out, but a glass roof really blows the space open to the great outdoors.
Striking black and white fashion photography dominates the walls of this home, which has been designed and visualised by ArtPartner . The subject of the two huge photographic prints bring abstract shape to plain walls, and are the inspiration for heavy black decor elements in the scheme. In the rest of the space, a wash of beige paint floods around the monochrome furniture and tile, alongside coordinating beige window drapes that gather into folds at the hem. Contrasting white walls bring a crispness to the rooms, and bold black track lights stripe the ceilings. In the bathroom, sculptural tiles extrude from the shower walls, bringing texture, intrigue and art.
The minimalist living room has a low slung modular sofa, served by an even lower coffee table. Two circular wall sconces could be mistaken for an art installation behind one side of the sofa. The first piece of fashion photography occupies the opposite side of the lounge.
A modern coffee table is topped with a grey tray that echoes the tables circular shape.
The fashion image is from WSJ Magazine, June 2013 edition. It was shot by Josh Olins as part of the ‘Shape Shifter’ story , and features supermodel Malgosia Bela with styling by Clare Richardson. Rather aptly, the high-fashion shot leads to the closet and dressing area in this home.
The closet has smoked glass casing that displays the garments within. It can be viewed from the living room, kitchen diner and home entryway.
The tv wall decor is a light arrangement of textured beige and white panels. Lightweight white shelving is strung upward and over the panels in an asymmetrical formation.
A long white media unit runs beneath the tv and wall shelves to store unsightly entertainment units and multi coloured accessories clean out of sight. Only black and white book jackets and matching monochrome ornaments remain out on display.
Pale wood floor planks match beige tones in the room, plus the fabric of the sectional sofa. A light grey area rug breaks up the swathe of beige, along with a black and white checkered throw that has been casually strewn across the chaise section of the couch.
A kitchen diner is installed at the back the open plan living room, with a much darker decor than the lounge. A light coloured minimalist dining set breaks up the dark scheme, placed right up alongside the black breakfast bar on the central island.
Black dining pendant lights are suspended low over the light wood dining table, matching the black kitchen units behind. A tall larder unit has been fitted with obscure glass doors and cabinet lighting; softened visuals of kitchen paraphernalia glow through.
Cream kitchen bar stools stand out against the black kitchen island. LED strip lights illuminate the edge of black wall cabinets against an all black tile wall. If you’d like more dark kitchen inspiration like this, take a look at these black kitchens .
More LED strip lights shine down from the kitchen soffit to illuminate the tile wall.
The vertical tile design is further accentuated by contrasting white grout. A stainless steel integrated oven stands out from black kitchen cabinets.
The second piece of large fashion photography is smoothed directly onto the headboard wall of a modern bedroom , where ambient track lighting cuts right through it.
The lighting strip continues all the way up and across the ceiling; it descends on the other side of the room where a second light strip travels up to complete the linear composition.
A large bedroom pendant light hangs by the bed, beside a smaller version of itself strung lower over a bedside unit.
At one side of the room, a curtain door is drawn back to reveal a closet. It’s dark interior contrasts with the rest of the light bedroom scheme.
A beige bedroom chair sits by the window, in front of beige drapes that pool on the floor.
The mattress is sunken into a black platform bed that is upholstered in soft suedette fabric.
A grey ridged rug feels sumptuous underfoot.
The small side table on one side of the bed has a pale base with charcoal top, whilst the same style unit at the other side is an inverse colourway, with a dark base and light top.
Coat hanging space is provided on a rail by the front door, with a makeup vanity by its side. The rail and the surround of the vanity area are all part of the same cubist style framework.
A soft and cushiony vanity seat sits at the small dressing table and tall vanity mirror .
Across the hallway, we rediscover the glass closet that is also visible from the living room on its other side.
Garment hanging rails, shelving and shoe racks glow under the cabinet lighting within the glass casing.
The neutral colour palette of the home continues in the bathroom.
Extruded sculptural tiles cover the shower wall.
The artistic tile design continues behind a modern bathroom vanity area. A caddy of black soap dispensers are suspended from black framework over the countertop, which crosses a large round vanity mirror.
More of the same black framework holds toiletry caddies inside the shower too.
A washroom with utility area has a unique vanity mirror that looks like a cut down version of the first, giving it a semi circular look. A round basin continues the shape theme.
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
