All interior designers want to create a space in which the furnishings, floorings, colors, and light exist in harmony. In the cold and sometimes dismal climates of Russia and Ukraine, the use of natural sunlight is that much more important. But interior designer Pavel Voytov manages to create spaces that feel as bright, sunny, and welcoming as any warm summer day. The designer uses many elements of modern design, including clean simple lines and limited color palettes, to create beautiful homes that are beautiful, modern, and also livable. In this post we will take a look inside eight of his designs for a big picture overview of his style and technique.
The first home makes creative use of vibrant colors, beginning with a luscious royal blue sofa in an otherwise calming, neutral living room. The blue couch living room also uses the interesting textures of wood paneling with the accent wall where the television is displayed.
In the kid’s room, the shocks of color don’t stop with bright splashes of yellow and teal, inspired by Cartoon Network favorite Adventure Time. The room also includes a requisite workspace for homework.
In the parent’s bedroom, color are much more subdued with whites and beiges falling from the soft heavy curtains and ending in the pristine hardwood floors. Though the design of this home is certainly modern, it never feels uncomfortable or cold.
The second home uses many of the same elements of simplicity, but takes a more subtle approach towards color. The living room in this open floor plan design is largely neutral, with just a bit of a nod to brightness with its rust colored armchair. It’s the perfect allusion to the fabulous interiors of the 1970’s without going so far as to feel antique or overdone.
This kitchen uses white and light wood, along with pretty, gauzy curtains to give the homeowner a beautiful spot to start the day. The breakfast bar is just as much as kitchen island, making it an easy place to pause for a drink or gab with the chef from the comfort of modern swivel bar stools .
Black and white design can look very modern, but runs to risk of kitschy, calling to mind a 1950’s diner. Instead of going full monochrome, Voytov uses black and white along with earthy tones of gray, beige, and brown which manage to envelop anyone who enters while staying sleek.
The bedroom stays with the same palette, bringing in a bit more white, which makes it a clean and lovely place to retreat at the end of the day.
The earth tones in the previous designs have tended more towards warm browns and beiges, but in this fourth home Voytov moves into the cooler dark gray tones with slate, concrete, and gunmetal. The aesthetics are modern but perhaps a bit more masculine and calming in their design.
The bedroom includes a chocolate brown duvet and creative ceiling-mounted mobile, giving a nod to Voytov’s artistic pursuit of sculpture. In the mast bath, an angular tub, elevated from the rest of the room is a bit of simple, modern luxury.
The next home is a bright and beachy, from the sand colored area rug (complete with zen-inspired textures) to the pretty ocean blue thrown on the simple sofa. Even the curtains seem inspired by the water with their heavy, blue texture that seems to cascade like a waterfall over the window.
In the home’s front room we have a fresh color scheme that uses a mossy green, which still manages to bring the calming beauty of nature indoors.
The kitchen and dining area are small but feel bigger than they are with use of a lot of white as well as diffused lighting that comes from overhead for a soft look throughout.
This next space again uses a structured armchair in the living room to break up the neutral color patterns. This time, the chair is a rich and delicious mustard color and has uniquely molded arms. Against the sandy shag carpet, this smooth chair acts as a stylistic focal point.
The setup of this apartment aims for contrast, putting the sofa and kitchen island directly opposed to one another, separating the relaxing living space from the sharp and smooth surfaces of the kitchen.
This next design is a bit different that most of Voytov’s other interiors. This home is decidedly softer with many more frills, pastels, and feminine touches. There are also many more accessories throughout, from throw pillows to vases to books perched on windowsills.
Despite the more elaborate feel overall, the home still employs the subtle colors and simplicity in the furnishings, walls, and fabrics with neutral tones and soft textures.
The final home is a return to Voytov’s typical style, with minimal furnishings, pleasing shades and beautiful indoor plants . The cool gray theme in the living room contrasts with electric yellow paintings and other accessories.
The size of a home can have a big impact on the design choices that make sense for that space. Even if two homeowners have similar sensibilities, their homes will take on very different styles if one is much larger than the other. The three homes featured in this post each have a two bedroom layout, but the overall square footage is much different, as are the aesthetics. However, looking at these three separate homes should be very inspirational and aspirational, since there is something for nearly everyone in spectrum of design elements on display here.
Designer:House Design
The first home from the interior designers at House Design, with photography from Hey! Cheese. It is a bright and playful design with plenty of gorgeous pastel color, inspired by those delicate, delicious cookies: the French macaron. The home, which the designers refer to as “The Wonderland Apartment” is 86 square meters (925 square feet) and was designed for the vibrant and positive personality of the teacher that lives there. It is clear from the pretty pinks, pale blues, and playful elements such as animal-themed pillows and asymmetrical objects, that this space is for someone who celebrates life and whatever it throws at her. Despite the fairly small size, the apartment feels incredibly open and welcoming, surely a lovely place to entertain friends or spend a cozy evening in.
Architect:Dervish Group
The second apartment is nearly the polar opposite of the first. It comes to us from the architects at the Dervish Group. Where the first apartment uses soft, feminine colors and a bit of mishmash for the furniture, the space is heavy on smooth wood finishes with black and white accents. The space is a 140 square meter (1506 square feet) home in Kiev, and was designed for a young couple. The central entertaining and living area includes a large media console that doubles as a storage space. In addition to the wood paneling, which is made from carefully selected walnut, natural materials used are stone, concrete, and glass. An canopy bed in the master bedroom is gorgeous and simple, letting plenty of attention focus on the room’s views and a restful night.
Designer:Donara Dolgopolskaya
The final home is even bigger than the second, coming from designer Donara Dolgopolskaya. Despite its bigger overall size, we can almost look at it as a marriage of the first two spaces in terms of its design. The space uses plenty of color, as the first apartment did, but those colors are chosen from the brighter, more pigmented end of the spectrum. From the mustard yellow chairs that flank the living room to the gorgeously rich jewel-toned duvet, the colors are perhaps a bit more grown up than macaron-pastels. Throughout the home, colors play with one another in contrast and complement while materials are kept simple: a (back)splash of exposed brick, a smooth and dark wood floor, a stunning but simple white marble bath. This home is luxurious and stylish, making the most of its two bedroom layout.
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
