When it comes to our concept of what constitutes a home - its living room, its bedrooms, its dining areas - it really depends on how we grow up. The suburban child may grow up with her own bedroom, canopy bed , and private en suite bath while a child in the city is used to sharing a bedroom with her sister and a bathroom with her parents. But still, most of us find the maximum comfort level with walls that separate the distinct areas of the home, particularly the bedroom. The designs featured here take the comfortable idea of a separate bedroom and challenge it. They are studio apartments with living and sleeping areas closely intertwined, if not completely overlapping. The designers have managed to make this concept comfortable through the use of meticulously chosen furniture, cozy design elements, and careful consideration as to how the residents of these homes will move through and exist in them comfortably, without the need for more walls.
Designer:Artem Shelipov
The first apartment, from designer Artem Shelipov, is a 33 square meter (355 square feet) studio designed for a young man living by himself. The main room acts as both living and sleeping room with a large convertible piece of furniture taking center stage. It can easily move from sofa with central coffee table to relaxing bedroom with just a few motions.
Because of the small space, the designer has chosen to use only a few different materials, creating comfort rather than clutter. The minimalist design is keeps everything from the walls to the lighting simple and sleek.
The small kitchen, with its retro-inspired bar chairs and ultra-minimalist cabinetry is just enough space to cook for one or two, with no unnecessary accoutrements.
A simple bathroom stays true to the design style, but utilizes warm wood and chrome that sets it a bit apart from the rest of the home’s dark grey and cream elements.
Visualizer:Taner Candan
The second apartment comes from visualizer Taner Candan and is much brighter and more feminine than the first. The focal point of this beautiful studio is a cozy bed that sits perched atop a custom wood window box, meaning the lucky owner gets to wake with the sunrise everyday. The window box also gives the illusion of a separate bedroom without closing off the small space at all.
Soft textures and boisterous patterns keep the spirit of the small apartment lively and celebratory at every turn.
Visualizer:Anjey Babych
This third apartment, from visualizer Anjey Babych, has some similarities to the last but with even more colorful and artistic elements. Although the studio layout still leaves the bedroom and living areas connected, the design here allows for temporary separation, through the use of curtains and half walls.
The natural wood flooring and paneling, coupled with the whimsical art on the walls, keeps the feeling light and airy, making the entire space seem quite large.
Designer:Tomas Scikala
The final apartment is from designer Tomas Scikala and almost marries the calming and monochromatic atmosphere of the first apartment with the colorful splashiness of the next two. The furnishings and walls are largely neutral, with the slanted roof beams being a highlight of the space.
However, splashes of color and pattern throughout bring in a bit of life and personality. Further, a wood slat room divider keeps the bed separate from the small living area, making everything quite cozy and inviting.
In a tiny apartment, everything must have its place and stay there. When you’re working with just a few square meters of floor space, there is no room for a spontaneous floor lamp purchase or a flea market bean bag. From concept to design to the actual living in the apartment, you have to be meticulous. The two apartments features in this post are just that. Each item has a purpose and a place. Frivolity is not an option, but style is required.
Designer:Felipe Campolina
The first apartment, from designer Felipe Campolina of ArchViz is a masculine take on small space design. The apartment is just 29 square meters (312 square feet) but still manages to include the conveniences necessary for a modern bachelor life.
A neutral color scheme helps the space feel more open, despite the fact that a couple of small windows are the only view to the outside world. And those windows don’t even open all the way.
The use of natural wood with white and gray also means it is easy to add and subtract from the design when necessary, without overthinking it. It’s the perfect blank canvas for an intimate dinner, for instance, since it lets the colors of the meal take over instantly.
While the bedroom (such as it is) is technically part of the same space as the living room, a privacy curtain can be drawn closed if necessary, or left open to keep the space feeling full.
As far as apartment bathrooms go, this one is not too bad considering the overall area of this place. A classic white design works perfectly with the corner shower and surprisingly spacious countertop.
Designer:Art Studio Design
The second apartment lends a more feminine air to the idea of small spaces. The detailed design of this 20 square meter (322 square feet) comes from Art Studio Design as intended for a young female designer.
A purple area rug and matching living room lamp make a colourful splash.
More than simply sliding a curtain over an open doorway, this space makes more creative use of the space it does have, starting with the tall white cabinetry that lines the wall. These massive storage spaces actually become the walls, giving the apartment a modern feel while disguising this essential design element.
Mirrored wall dividers slide around easily, shutting off portions of the apartment that are not in use and giving a clean and intimate feel to those that are.
The dining room table is on casters, rolling out of the way when it isn’t needed so that the entire kitchen area can be cordoned off.
Even the bed hides away when not in use. This contemporary answer to the murphy bed is far from old fashioned.
The purple color scheme that pervades the apartment, even into the bathroom, is deep enough that it doesn’t not come off as immature or “girly,” instead giving a distinctly sophisticated but still feminine impression.
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
