Want to live amidst tourist-worthy greenery – but not in a refuge or tent? This luxury residence in the Portugese Riviera is surrounded by the Sintra Cascais National Park, the premier Oitaros Dunes golf course and an abundance of crystal-clear pools. Soaring overhead on entrance and lying flat beside guests, four exterior pools create a modern moat around this concrete and wooden gem, a modern contrast to its natural surroundings. Simple block furniture gives space to winding wooden staircases, glass-walled corridors and designer slats, making this 1,100sqm home of four bedrooms and five bathrooms part abode, part ultra-relaxing retreat.
As we first enter, our eyes meet pools – both above and below the first storey. Framed in metal and wood, their glass bottoms provide a feeling of serenity, which is easily achieved by relaxing in one of the first storey’s block sofas. Wooden plank decks hold white acrylic tables and chairs for a day time feast, while a flurry of teal chairs bring in more colour and prepare for dinner. Open walls bring in the Sintra Cascais National Park, a visual appetizer set on Lisbon’s scenic Estoril Coast. A set of wooden slats and winding staircases nestled in green walls let us know there’s more in store.
At every turn, green surrounds the home, reminding us of its National Park location. Juxtaposed with the home’s thick concrete, wild grasses push up dandelions. Sides of windows reveal lush pockets of grass and wide walking trails, as tall trees make a natural frame. As wooden beams create exterior corridors, creepers line the ground beneath. Even the street number carves its way into a manicured hedge, as mown lawns offer little sand patches for raking, Japanese-style.
Concrete ridges structure the home’s intersecting pools, creating a feeling of zen. Soaring over the first floor in a series of beams, they provide shelter to eating spaces while keeping the main area open. Holding glass-bottomed swimming pools within their sturdy frames, they add an industrial touch softened by the expansive blue sky, National Park trees and never-ending sources of green. During sunlight, sun shines through the glass bottoms and onto the pool beneath, illuminating the spiral staircase to the garage and berry-filled green walls. At night, the pools light up their centre through beaming LEDs, a visual spectacle made even more striking by a view of the stars and comforting concrete wall frames.
Green pokes its nose through the home in surprising spots. Leading along the exterior’s wooden planks, a veritable lawn surrounds the driveway’s concrete squares, as trees pop their heads over concrete plinths. A tree grows through wooden planks at the entrance, a feature carefully manicured by metal-grate hedges. To the side of the home, a small space in sand provides room for a sapling.
Green makes its presence known in the exterior’s layout, too. Lush lawns fill the space between the main pool area and interior living rooms. Forming a border, green plains and trees separate what is National Park from what is Wall House, our luxury residence. Before the main entrance, taller trees shadow the view, providing a stunning landscape with a hint more privacy. A tree at the entrance marks a strong pillar, foreshadowing the strong concrete beams that make this house a modern home.
Wooden rafters provide a style staple between the concrete beams. Simultaneously shedding light and shading from the sun, they skyrocket over the top of first and second level living areas. On the top level, navy block lounges retain their colour, as wooden beams provide shelter with a view. The main pool area criss-crosses swimmers in large concrete beam reflections and a dazzling array of thin rafter shadows, visible in patterns on the deck.
The thick concrete structures of the home ensure its space is made open, too. L-shaped pool openings offer an easy entrance point from a round of golf, or leisurely swing between the trees. A four-pillar design means wide rectangles of clear air surround the pools, offering a refreshing swim during sunrise or sunset. Looking from just inside the concrete pillars, the pools appear to float in mid-air, providing a sense of spaciousness and calm. Ceilinged only by pools, a few light-coloured rafters and the wide open sky, the home’s architecture makes it easy for its owners to cool down underneath, or soak up more of the sun, in the building’s feature pools.
Inside the interior, the design remains smart yet minimalist. A kitchen complete with island functions as the exterior does, creating ample room around its central feature. Bathed in white from top to toe, silver stools, chrome appliances and simple cupboards make food the central focus in a timeless and classic space.
Using a combination of wood, concrete and metal, the interior’s connecting spaces create design out of function. LED lights line the wooden passageways between bedrooms and living rooms, with black metal acting as a mast. Twisting down to the garage, a wood and metal spiral staircase drops into greenery, providing an inspirational view on the journey down.
Throughout the interior, the décor remains light and white. White cupboards, floors and ceilings line the hallways beside relaxation areas, made larger by glass. Topped by concrete, high glass walls provide views of the lawn and pools, forming small booths peopled by minimalist black furniture and a zebra rug. Light wood lines the floors, providing warmth, while bathroom areas keep it simple in standing glass panels, block porcelain amenities and carved-in toiletry inlets. The exterior’s wooden slats provide a design feature down the hallways, creating accordions of light through metal wine racks and across gleaming staircases.
The view out is almost as enjoyable as the view in. Twisting down to a pea-green Porsche 911, the wood and metal staircase creates shadows over luscious flower beds, a living wall and a garage in glass. Mirrored wooden staircases to the front door give glimpses of the Portugese sun through their cracks, illuminating the concrete that makes this home a modern gem. If you are looking for some serious staircase inspiration be sure to check out our post: 25 Unique Staircase Designs To Take Center Stage In Your Home .
As you will see in this post, the Scandinavian design aesthetic can be an ideal choice for a young family. Because this particular style focuses on practicality and function but still leaves plenty of room for the whimsical colors and patterns that are so adorable in kids rooms it works perfectly for a young family. The natural wood that is so common in these styles is also a lovely choice that can be easy to clean and that goes with virtually anything should a family decide to change their overall interior as their child gets older.
Visualizer:Doan Nguyen
In the first home, indoor house plants and plant stands play perfectly with the green accent walls used in the main living area.
Further, the deep wood paneling and the green wall have a warm, natural feel to them while the white walls and furniture make sure that the space does not take a turn towards “cabin” or “den.”
The open design uses color to make it easier to flow from one space to the next – living room to dining room to kitchen. It’s perfect for entertaining and for a family that will need to move between spaces often.
The organized entryway is another great choice for a family because it has a place for shoes, jackets, and keys so that it’s easier to get out the door in the morning.
In the dining area, Scandinavian style chairs , in particular the Eames Eiffel Chair is a perfect choice. Comfortable, easy to clean, and a timeless style. The dining room pendants at varying heights are certainly a modern addition.
The color scheme from the dining chairs carries over into the kitchen with white and green kitchen bar stools while wood wine storage will certainly come in handy for new parents.
Moving into the master bedroom, a deep blue accent wall is from the same family as the green from the main living area, but the blue is even more soothing. Unique bedroom pendant lights and tropical leaves prints also have a calming influence.
The bedroom closet is hidden behind white folding doors, which is always useful when you don’t quite have time to hang everything up perfectly.
While natural light flooding into the bedroom can provide a serene wake up call, a toddler does an even better job.
In another bedroom, gray takes the place of blue. Bedside lamps and unique vases are the trinkets of choice in this bedroom.
And those lamps would have no place to site without some mid-century-inspired side tables .
While opaque closet doors are convenient, there is nothing like a sliding glass closet door to inspire organization.
In the kids room, we see a bit more brightness while still staying within the same color theme.
Wall decals bring a bit more liveliness into the design.
Visualizer:Viktoria Tsikhotska
In the second home, we can still clearly see the Scandinavian inspiration but there is a bit less in terms of color.
Instead, the decor in the main living area focuses much more on white, cream, grey, and natural wood.
A soft gray sectional sofa frames a unique coffee table , set atop a woven area rug.
On that coffee table, pretty blue vases add a bit of color.
The chevron stripe wood flooring is both trendy and timeless, harkening back to an earlier era with a modern finish.
are certainly a hallmark of Scandinavian design. The example seen here is simple and beautiful, bringing a bit of green in with the contents of its modern fruit bowl .
The modern dining chairs use the same color mixing idea as the first house, but with black and white, which feels a bit more forceful.
An indoor herb planter is ideal in a kitchen of this size with natural sunlight while concrete planters are a practical solution for the porch.
Another example of an organized entryway, this home features wall hooks for jackets as well as an umbrella stand and other storage for all the messy things that come with children.
Again, wood flooring and white paneled walls may attract the sticky fingerprints of children but they are also easy to clean.
French doors are not Scandinavian per se but they add a classic element to this space.
Downstairs, a playroom and storage area is an ideal place for kids to hang out and have a bit of privacy when they are older.
The playroom has a simple study desk as well as a personal climbing wall.
Bean bag chairs are a fun option for kids of any age and the colors chosen are bright but not loud.
A unique floor lamp is necessary in a space that needs to double as a homework spot.
In this simple bedroom, we get a bit of an industrial vibe with the iron bed frame.
The use of unique planters like this one is another way to bring interest into a room without a lot of extra clutter.
The sunny white bedroom is not large but the simplicity of the design is relaxing enough.
The colorful kid’s bed in the children’s room are cute and unique.
Fairy lights, polka dots, and splashes of color all make for fun kids decor while a house shaped display box makes for very cute shelving.
The color in the kids room works very well with the overall white and wood theme throughout the house.
Deer-inspired chairs are the height of whimsy and also give kids a place to sit and color or play.
Finally, a window seat is an adorable addition to any kids room since it encourages daydreaming and relaxing.
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
