Walnut is a hardwood with a rich and inviting tone, and can range in shades from mellow to dramatic. It has long been a popular choice for flooring. It’s also prolifically used as a style of veneer over kitchen cabinets, which can be either matte and understated or luxuriously glossy. Walnut is highly versatile and increasingly used not just for floors and furniture but as interior wall cladding too. We’ve sourced three beautiful modern homes that are abundant in walnut finish, which also demonstrate how this warming wood tone can be complemented by other room decor. Let’s explore walnut friendly upholstery and paint colours and carefully considered lighting schemes.
Visualizer:Andrey Kabanov
First up is a 140 square metre apartment that uses wide panels to create walnut accent walls. The rich dark tone is extremely striking and has been balanced out with a generous amount of white space around the rest of the room. A mid-grey sectional sofa sits in front of the wall, teamed with a gold floor lamp . The precious looking metal adds a lovely warmth to the setup. A peppering of black accents complement the weighty wood tone.
The interior doors of this home are of a matching dark walnut tone to the wall panelling.
A large wall clock add interest to a pale expanse that spans the upper half of an entertainment wall. Beneath this is a light grey marbled section that backs a black wall-mounted console unit.
The window blinds and curtains are a deep bottle green, and these are matched by a throw pillow on the sofa and various plants and flower foliage around the open plan living scheme. This natural tone works beautifully with the earthy walnut.
The flooring here appears to be a lighter walnut heartwood. The light floor keeps the home looking spacious and airy despite having large areas of deep brown over walls and a large walnut dining room table.
Six beige chairs with dark legs surround the long dining table. Over in the kitchen, flat fronted handle-free walnut cabinets hold an integrated mirror finish oven. The reflective surface works beautifully against the woodgrain.
Base cabinets, kitchen sink and countertops are black in contrast.
In the master suite, the contemporary design of the bedroom pendant lights looks sharp against a wooden accent wall .
The opposite wall is a soft and relaxing shade of grey.
A home office continues the quiet grey palette across walls, desk and a stylish ergonomic chair . We find a pop of green brought through from the living room scheme here too.
One more green cushion is resident in a sitting nook in the hallway. The nook is completely covered in dark walnut, making it stand out from surrounding white cupboards.
A floor to ceiling mirror adds light and sparkle behind a small white console.
The bathroom scheme is predominantly charcoal grey marble tiles, paired with softer grey.
An espresso coloured heated towel rail echoes a walnut door.
The cloakroom pulls from the same look book as the master bathroom.
Visualizer:Hilight
Wonderful walnut infused home number two is a predominantly white scene with just a sprinkling of black to keep things sharp and anchored.
The accent colour in this home is a bold teal, seen here in the area rug beneath the monochrome modular sofa and oversized white floor lamps .
All of the walnut in this open plan has been applied across only one side of the room.
The wood cladding encompasses two separate volumes.
The volume on the left hold a fireplace on one side, and continues around to form part of the kitchen.
A chunky white dining table sits below a white dining room light.
The wooden volume to the right is the hallway. A built-in seat and a cool lighting scheme make this a truly bespoke space.
A new colour is introduced in the games room. Three deep red bean bags sit ready and waiting in position.
A set of bookshelves behind make this a reading area too.
There is also book storage in and around stairs in this home. The staircase has beautiful walnut treads and sides.
Up in the attic space there is a home office decorated in teal and white.
The master suite has chocolate brown woven bedroom pendant lights . These ones are Random light .
The bed is upholstered in charcoal grey.
In the bathroom, soft lighting illuminates the perimeters.
Light lifts the edges of a textured wall.
Visualizer:KK Architects
Our last walnut rich interior is lifted by the introduction of mossy green, like this velvety sofa.
Beige curtains work well with the warmth of the walnut feature wall.
White cabinets lift the look of walnut in a kitchen, as does a clever LED lighting scheme.
Adjacent pale concrete gives walnut an edgy look.
The black cut-through design across the kitchen is echoed by an installation of black shelving.
Perimeter lighting showcases natural woodgrain.
The bed in here repeats the mossy look of the sofa out in the lounge.
A gold planter adds a fun yet sophisticated feature, as well as a touch of visually warmth. The plant itself adds a little colour and life.
The bathroom is a pale, clean scheme with no dark walnut present at all. Though the soft lighting around the mirrors over the vanity does provide continuity with the rest of the apartment.
A second bedroom introduces a splash of red, via a large piece of artwork. The vibrant tone gives a much needed blast of heat to pale grey and white decor.
This should keep you going until Spring gets here.
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
