This incredible home could make anyone feel like a kid again. HAO Design Studio completed this apartment renovation dedicated to play, imagination, and of course… LEGO! At first glance it looks like any other modern family apartment – sleek materials and contemporary forms and wide open spaces – but the magic is in the details. LEGO patterns show up in the most surprising places and unassuming objects reveal fascinating multipurpose functionality. This kid-friendly apartment is anything but ordinary. Collectors and enthusiasts are sure to find a few inspiring project ideas in the photo tour below.
Architect:HAO Design| Photographer:Hey!Cheese
The living room centers around the innovative LEGO Play Pond, a circular sofa partially submerged into the floor. Primary colors echo the original palette of the building blocks that longtime LEGO fans grew to love.
In other homes, the television would serve as the primary source of entertainment… but any young kid would surely find the ball pit to be the main attraction in this fun-filled design.
Even the shelves and writing desk are fabulously unique, boldly curved to coordinate with the aesthetic of the Play Pond. The surfboard-shaped desk folds up to reveal extra space for entertainment or playtime.
Recessed pods provide another place for imaginative play. These niches also serve as extra storage for toys!
Seriously, what adult hasn’t dreamed of ball pit for grownups? In this home, there are no age limits or height restrictions on genuine nostalgic fun.
This view depicts the area to the immediate right of the front door. A wall made up of iconic green LEGO base plates allows for endless reconfiguration and self-expression. The picture frames idea would make an amazing DIY project – and the little shelves and key hooks are pretty ingenious too.
Pool-inspired handrails make the home extra accessible to small children. The ladder in front of the green wall makes it easy for young ones to create new building block artwork for the home.
Huge LEGO-inspired blocks support one half of the marble table. The juxtaposition of playful materials and luxury stone is impossible to ignore.
A chalkboard wall in the kitchen reminds residents to snack it up with everybody’s favorite cookie connoisseur.
The famous Van Gogh self-portrait is another one of those elements that flawlessly combines the best of both adult tastes and childlike wonder. Milano-based artist Marco Sodano created this piece as part of his series themed “all children are authentic artists with LEGO”.
All the bright colors really pop against the neutral background.
From this angle, it’s easier to see how the design team created visual separation between the living room and the dining area by switching from smooth white surfaces to textural concrete.
The sideboard shelves don’t currently feature any decorations, but they’re prime real estate for completed LEGO projects.
After a long day filled with play and excitement, a bedroom in lovely relaxing tones allow the mind and eyes a comfortable respite.
A peek into the office reveals the only place in the home not decked out with bright colors and LEGO bricks – except for one large display figure for inspiration.
Large LEGO heads are scattered throughout the house but they’re especially useful in the bedroom. The top lifts off to reveal a storage space perfect for jewelry, keys, and other frequently-accessed objects.
Like in the living room, the bedroom also offers plenty of integrated storage and open shelving in bright primary colors.
Molded dining chairs really fit the theme well. Each one features colors of actual LEGO bricks, although not part of the original palette of primaries.
Toys everywhere! A dedicated collector could have a lot of fun with this theme.
Ninjago Kai is a must-have for any LEGO collection, and this display figure definitely makes a nice addition to the overall theme. There are just too many things to love about this home and its carefully curated decorations.
The nursery is absolutely adorable, decked out with plenty of whimsical oversized objects. The LEGO-inspired storage would be appropriate for any children’s bedroom even without the building block theme, especially considering the popularity of geometric motifs these days.
Another great DIY project idea: drill four holes in any small stool to make it cute as a button. Wrap some thick string or ribbon through the holes in the shape of an X for an added decorative touch.
Natural colors are always a great choice for a young child’s bedroom. These bright hues are sure to stimulate and delight, and will prove a sustainable choice for quite a few years to come. It’s hard to go wrong with this palette – it invokes images of bright sunshine, clear blue skies, and soft grass.
Sliding cabinet doors allow parents to minimize light and distraction at bedtime.
An adorable balloon pendant light provides soft lighting for nighttime checkups from the parents. It’s just too cute!
Classic beach chair for the parents…
… and a cute-as-can-be seat for the tot.
Looking for this mid-century style fan? It’s called the Aire Cirque, available from the Minka Group. Imagine this fan within a De Stijl-inspired interior, providing the perfect offset to a squared aesthetic.
Colorful ceiling fans display well when turned off yet provide a fascinating appeal at high speed.
Fun-filled interior elements aside, the view is incredible on its own.
Here’s a shot of one of the recessed storage pods in action.
The recessed storage pods aren’t just for the kids! This wine cooler would become a major talking point at any party - thankfully, it has a convenient lock to prevent the young ones from exploring.
Easy adjustability ensures the television mount can accommodate large movie-viewing parties and quiet family viewing alike.
The large display minifigures are such a charming photography prop!
This photo depicts how the LEGO blocks under the dining room table open as drawers. Hidden storage spaces are everywhere – perfect for a home so dependent on theme such as this one. Anyone can turn their drawers into building blocks with a few circular cutouts, a little glue, and some bright paint.
The Hey!Cheese photography studio is based in Taipei, Taiwan. If you’re not familiar with their work, this studio is known for creative and interactive shots like those found throughout this home tour. They’re definitely one of the most intriguing interior photography companies out there.
Were you allowed to play with LEGO at the table?
Without a doubt, a home like this would leave a child with fond memories that last a lifetime.
Playtime as a lifestyle – while many homeowners might not want a fully toy themed home, it’s still nice to imagine the possibilities. A child might outgrow such colorful motifs but the appreciation for building and creating rarely disappears entirely.
The LEGO-inspired facade on the raised living room platform actually houses drawers for additional storage.
Want to get that “effortlessly clean” look in your own kitchen? Natural materials and simple colors are a great place to start, and they have the added benefit of being easy to adapt to changing tastes. This post contains 25 kitchens with white and wood to inspire your next big redesign. It’s pretty fun to see how designers use these otherwise ordinary ingredients to create such a wide variety of distinctive and appealing kitchen styles. Both light and dark palettes are represented - ranging from organic to ultra modern themes - so you just might find something you like!
Visualizer:Delta Tracing
This kitchen employs wood elements very selectively. The two monolithic units to the left are especially interesting – aligned with small interior walls to separate the kitchen from the living room without impeding the natural light sources, connected by one horizontal piece of wood for visual interest.
Visualizer:Int2 Architecture
Industrial tile in the kitchen, delicate perforated wood panels in the dining room – the contrast is fascinating and beautiful.
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
The cyan, magenta, yellow, and blue colors chosen for the chalkboard wall enhances the modernistic theme. The steel hardware showing through on the corkscrew stools are admirable too, and it wouldn’t be too difficult to update existing furniture to get the look.
Visualizer:Julia Chaban
Here’s another kitchen that utilizes knotty wood for the cabinetry rather than pristine varieties. The charisma is evident even from a distance.
Visualizer:Jan Wadim
Wood elements are balanced well to lend a sense of visual weight and depth to the otherwise small apartment. The recessed kitchen counter is especially neat and cozy-looking, outfitted with vertical wood grain from top to bottom.
Visualizer:Nicolas JOUSLIN
A sleek wood shell wraps cuts a low profile around white cabinetry, standing out from the monochromatic color themes in the background.
Source:Snaidero
Stone floor slabs are the perfect neutral canvas for this white and wood kitchen, echoing the metallic material of the suspended range hood above.
Designer:IEVGENIIA BIRIUKOVA
It’s refreshing to see the super knotty and interesting lumber used here, especially considering the uniform wood grain trend so popular in minimalistic kitchens these days. The unique herb planters on the shelves is a wonderful natural touch.
Visualizer:Steve Brown
A sweet and simple kitchen with plenty of light elements, tucked away beneath a lowered ceiling.
Source:Due Pi
White upper cabinets and wall cabinets blend easily with the interior walls, and the wood clad lower cabinets harmonize with the flooring. The end result is a kitchen with a light and unobtrusive look – brightened by energetic yellow accents used selectively.
Source:Due Pi
This U-shaped kitchen island looks fabulous! Glossy white surfaces make up the worktops, but the dining table portion retains the traditional wood look.
Photographer:Rene van Dongen
Dark satin-finished wood is a great way to create the appeal of classic luxury. Here, the darker elements stand out against the brighter countertops for an eye-catching composition.
Visualizer:Red Home Visual
Industrial and classical elements come together to create a sophisticated space in this open kitchen. The walls are clad with dark wood, with lighter tones used on the cabinet faces. Stainless steel elements add bright highlights. Keep in mind that having an open shelving 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.
Visualizer:3D World Renderings
Minimalism always works great in a kitchen, provided it has enough storage potential, which this one definitely does. Using a lowered ceiling in a room without windows can sometimes make a space too dark but the use of light materials with a slight sheen helps to maximize the lighting from other sources.
Source:Due Pi
A stainless steel backsplash separates the dark vertical wood cabinetry and shelves from the matte white cabinetry below.
Visualizer:Delta Tracing
Like moodier atmospheres? Dark high-contrast wood cabinets pair well with the highly symmetrical cantilever countertop. A lovely Tom Dixon tea set really completes the look.
Visualizer:Amplitude Rendering
This kitchen is defined by its glossy white surfaces, helping it stand out from the rest of the living area.
Visualizer:Vũ Duy Khánh
White and rustic wood combine to create a space that looks modern yet has a certain classic appeal.
Visualizer:Para Design
Here, light and shadow make a dramatic play across the recessed portions of the diagonally patterned cabinets. Wood elements are used sparingly, enhancing their effect on the overall aesthetic. The suspended shelves are a neat idea – a cool way to add detached storage over a kitchen island.
Visualizer:Delta Tracing
A tubular double range hood contrasts nicely against the straight lines of the long wooden boards and minimalistic cabinetry.
Visualizer:Jenpol Sumatchaya
Here, white and wood elements stand out against a background of gray walls and stone floors. The geometric theme surrounding the dining space is worth mentioning – the chairs are from the Alchemia collection by Calligaris and the pendant light is the iconic Lampframe design by Herr Mandel.
Source:Due Pi
It would be hard to go wrong with such a nice view through expansive corner windows like those. Uncomplicated decor preserves the emphasis on the garden outside, and a nice blue rug enhances the connection with the sky.
Visualizer:Dervish Group
Industrial influences define this sleek space. The chairs and stools are from the Steelwood collection by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec – named after the strikingly unusual combination of materials used in their design.
Visualizer:Int2 Architecture
Fresh and creative. This kitchen contrasts dark and light materials for a powerful visual effect, echoed in the stylish dip-painted kitchen bar stools and powerful geometric artwork. The black and white print on the wall is the work of the hugely popular Jenny Liz Rome.
Visualizer:Martin Siegner
This gorgeous kitchen benefits from its unique position above the recessed living room, bordered by an expansive sliding glass window and flooded with abundant light. Full floor-to-ceiling cabinets clad with wood provide a nice natural balance to the wall of greenery surrounding the patio.
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
