Modern spaces can be flat and fruitless when it comes to picking out interesting architectural features. They can also lack warmth when geared toward the minimalist aesthetic, which can prove a challenge to counteract. When you’ve fallen in love with a streamlined home, how exactly do you go about building a welcoming atmosphere that’s a pleasure to come home to? These two home design visualisations by Rolig Design are great examples of how to load flat spaces with depth, without calling for textured wall panels or floating fixtures. These examples will largely leave your new silky smooth walls alone, and put the bulk of your expenditure toward pieces that could even move home with you.

This snug brown modern sofa instantly conjures up imagery of cosy afternoons lounging under a blanket with a great book, or stretched out with popcorn on movie nights. Three modern wall sconces become architectural-like features where there are none.

Large pieces of artwork propped casually behind a sofa or chair build a layered look that evokes a homey lived-in feel.

Two marble coffee tables situated in an interlocking arrangement expand a lounge layout into the larger room space, rather than leaving it apologetically hugging tight to the wall.

A soft area rug is effective in dampening the echo in a spacious living room, which makes the place feel a whole lot less like a big old museum or gallery.

Placing a modern fruit bowl on the coffee table brings in the offering of food, which is always a welcoming touch.

Flooring is the largest area of decor after the walls, so it’s an ideal place to introduce warmth when you’ve already opted for cool paintwork. Herringbone wood flooring ups the visual temperature of a space whilst adding exquisite texture too.

This linear chandelier matches with the wall sconces in the lounge area, and artwork from the same collection features here too. The commonality between zone decor builds a comforting continuity in the home, an identity.

Curvaceous lines give the dining table an approachable, practical aesthetic. The Gubi Beetle chair echoes the same vibe–modern yet soft. Hanging curtains from way up in the ceiling line, all the way down to the floor will infinitely improve the cosiness factor in any room. It doesn’t matter what size the windows or the patio door, go full height for full plush factor.

An umber rug burns a heat that will fire up a creamy neutral decor palette, without demolishing its calm neutral foundations.

When wainscotting is considered too decorative, a plain half height wall can provide just a hint of the wall panelling aesthetic without the fanfare.

Use different tones within the same colour family to create depth.

Chunky kitchen bar stools evoke the family feel more so than spindally designs. These robust little numbers look like they could happily take some knocks and not be too worse for wear, which makes everybody feel way more relaxed.

Refinement can come into the kitchen in other ways, like a metallic kitchen backsplash , a gold faucet, and golden cabinet hardware.

A stone kitchen island builds a look of solidity and permanence.

A cool stone finish makes a perfect contrasting backdrop to accompanying warm wooden elements.

Greige kitchen cabinets provide just enough tint to differentiate them from crisp white painted walls, without causing the kitchen to stand out too jarringly in an open plan living room. Flat fronted drawer units maintain the streamlined finish of a minimalist home.

The devil is in the detail. Even the tiniest touches add their own splash of special.

Moving on to example number two. Wall panelling doesn’t have to be overly decorative, smooth slabs can still bring in texture via wood grain effect. A backdrop like this instantly warms without having to consider a colour scheme as such.

Once wall cladding is in place, every other decor items looks masterfully layered.

The umber colourway brings great depth as accent wall decor, and makes furniture items look comfortable and inviting.

Melding a dining table with a wall clad in the same material creates a focal point that is bespoke to the home.

The table no longer looks as though it is crammed close to a wall, but rather that it is part of the wall.

Creating a colour theme for framing and metalwork in the room will unite a minimalist scheme. Choosing black base notes will anchor light decor.

Two-toned cabinets bring added interest to a flat minimalist kitchen .

Shape can be added via installation of soffits and open kitchen shelving.

Tucked away tiny spaces can become the gems of a home design. Go darker with wall shades in these nooks and corners to define and embolden them.

A minimalist workspace can be worked into covered balcony areas, disused closets, alcoves, or the space under the stairs.

Turn awkward dead spaces into cosy hangouts and reading nooks with the easy introduction of a plush pouf or cushioned storage bench.

Bespoke hallway furniture is truly transformational. Not only can it solve a home’s storage problems of clothing or equipment overspill, but it can become the home of beautiful bench seats and decorative hanging nooks.

Pampas grass is a quick cheat to adding texture to any space, even by the front door.

Pick out a huge decorative vase and throw in a few stems.

Black marble furniture looks stunning against umber decor . Couple the two together to make an instant impression in a home entryway.

Glass partition walls tease curiosity.

Umber shades fashion a cozy bedroom .

Think outside the box on everyday items. A vanity mirror doesn’t have to be wall mounted, or stand on the dressing table, it can descend unexpectedly from the ceiling.

Pay due attention to window reveals; instead of just touching up the paintwork, install cladding that matches with other materials in the room.

Black fixtures and fittings in a pale bathroom build stark contrast.

Black trimmed doors suggest architectural interest.

Perspective drawing, showcasing bedroom design.

Perspective drawing, with focus on living room spaces.
If you are okay with knowing the time in five minute windows, this modern clock from Sharper Image will blow you away.

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