Despite living in this digital age of eReaders, nothing compares to the age old experience of thumbing through actual pages, captivated in the familiar scent of paper and ink. Home libraries and reading nooks still hold their popularity because as human beings we just love to be amongst these paper banks of knowledge, adventure and romance. A large home library spanning multiple walls can feel like a big hug around its inhabitant and can hold a lifetime of reading that allows the owner to delve into past pockets of information; a manifestation of their learning and exploration. So, let’s explore various styles of living rooms for book lovers…
Designer:Paul Cremoux Studio
A perfect place to install a particularly towering library in an open plan living area has got to be around a staircase. The rising treads provide the perfect climb to the top of the tree of knowledge, allowing stops at each shelf along the way. If your staircase at home is of the more traditional variety and space is at a premium, then you could still utilise the unused space beneath it for your book collection. The exquisite Eames molded plywood chair plays the role of accent chairs here.
Visualizer:ArchAnts
Our living rooms are a ready made relaxation spot in which to lounge with a good book at the end of a long day, or over a lazy weekend. By moving a sofa just slightly away from the wall, in toward the centre of the room, ample space can be created for the installation of set of bookshelves behind it. Narrow book shelving won’t cause a huge subtraction of floor space from the room. You can soften the look with the placement of some decorative leafy indoor house plantsplant stands for added interest and to differ heights.
Visualizer:Alexey Gulesha
A bookcase can even be built to your own bespoke design by specialists. You could create a surround in which to hang your TV, for when you’re done with your reading. Don’t forget to install a librarians ladder for those high spots on your set of unique wall shelves too.
Designer:Michael Maher Design
These three art prints, mounted in front of the bookcase, break up the bank of books and create depth to the display. Try hanging your own collection of art prints on the outer edges of your shelving for a new look. This option also allows for you to enjoy your gallery without compromising on storage space, as you can still house many of your books behind the beloved artwork.
Designer:Elizabeth Roberts
Many people might think that they simply don’t have space in their living room for a large home library but try considering every single available space. Look vertically and don’t forget that the narrow gaps between things, like windows, can provide ample book storage space.
Visualizer:Uglyanitsa Alexander
A bespoke bookcase can be built right into the eaves, a great option if you are living under sloping ceilings. Strategically placed table lamps create various spots for reading.
Source:Evermotion
If you don’t have the spare cash for a bespoke bookcase then there are many great floating or freestanding options like these IKEA ones adorning Scandinavian living rooms .
Visualizer:Santiago Mañero
If you have a bit of solid DIY knowledge you could even install your own to fit an unused awkward space in your home.
Visualizer:Luis Cuenca
This towering bookcase gives great depth, interest and warmth to a long pale room. The books create a beautiful feature wall, just as patterned wallpaper or wooden panelling might do, whilst also having the added benefit of being useful.
Visualizer:Aristotle Gaddi
A bookcase can also create a handy and attractive floating dividing wall to section up a particularly long room, zoning one area from the next.
Visualizer:Andreas R. Myrup
In this living room library we see artifacts and treasured keepsakes peppering the bookcase to break up the sea of books.
Visualizer:Juraj Talcik
A dark gray shelving system creates a sophisticated look.
Visualizer:Federico Cedrone
Clever LED lighting can transform the look of your library shelving arrangement.
Visualizer:Federico Cedrone
You could pick out just your decorative items from your home library wall. This display is a tasteful combination of glass carafes , intricate vases, and geometric sculptures.
Visualizer:MB Render
A decorative panel has been used to link two bookcases together in this living room decor scheme.
Visualizer:Impress
If you’d prefer not to have all of you books on display, doors can be used to partially screen your collection.
Visualizer:Mobileffe
Beyond the opal glass Atollo Desk Lamp in this living room we can see sliding doors have been drawn back to reveal a complete library.
Visualizer:Andrew Chiniakov
A small mezzanine library has been created in this tiny home. Love those nesting coffee tables !
Visualizer:Vasiliy Nagaev
High ceilings allow for tall bookcases. Three rows of wooden bookcases have been used to fill the vertical space in this example.
Architect:Pitsou Kedem Architects
A white bookcase can help keep the book wall looking light.
Visualizer:Jose Martín Chuquisala
Book shelves don’t have to run end to end; interesting shapes and cubbies can be created.
Visualizer:Sergey Baskakov
There’s no room for knick-knacks and vases amongst this vast book collection!
Visualizer:HardwareOne
What’s cozier than a book by a roaring fireplace?
Photographer:Soopakorn Srisakul
In this industrial home decor the metal staircase works alongside a librarian’s ladder. A unique coffee table provides a place to stack your reading selection.
Source:IQOSA INTERIOR
Another example of zoning using a bookcase.
Visualizer:Gushcho Timofey
are strategically placed to light up this adjustable shelving wall.
Visualizer:Phong Nguyen
An alcove is an ideal spot for a book wall. This unique ceiling fan provides an extra light source to aid easy reading.
Visualizer:Delightful
The Flos Mod 265 swing arm wall lamp appears to direct you toward the floating book shelves above the floating tv stand .
Visualizer:Deborah Berke Partners
Along with ample shelving and lighting, comfortable reading chairs are an absolute must.
Source:Cliff Ocean
A comfortable armchair provides a great spot to perch.
Source:Ikea
A window seat makes an ideal reading nook. A swing arm wall lamp ensures good illumination for night time reading as well.
Here we have the pleasure of tiptoeing around some gorgeous creative spaces from the Chinese side of the web. These work spaces appear to intertwine the clean and simple ethos of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism, where natural material and clean lines are key. Many of us have come to accept that our own craft rooms, sewing rooms and home offices must resemble a busy scene of organised chaos (or maybe even unorganised!) but it doesn’t have to be that way. These minimalist working environments may just inspire you to cut your work clutter by utilising elegant storage and soften it all with a understated hint of nature.
Visualizer:Duan
This creative studio is filled right up to its high ceilings with sewing supplies and related equipment. It would be easy for the sheer volume of necessary bits and pieces to overwhelm the space–and the workers who would use it. However, careful choices in storage have helped keep this a calm and organised place where creativity can reign.
It is also worth noting the very considered implementation of task lighting in this space; simple yet attractive pendant lights hang at a practical level, eliminating the need for desk lamps or standing lights that could add unnecessary clutter to an already packed room.
Also note how the top of the high shelving units are softened with a selection of plants. Certain common indoor plants can help filter unhealthy toxins from our air but if an indoor planting arrangement is allocated at a height not easily accessible then a selection of artificial planting may be more practical, as regular watering may become challenging. Faux greenery can still provide a positive effect on feelings of well-being. Alternatively, consider plants that require less regular watering like the cacti pictured.
We can see that this studio have also installed a wall planter. In this case it is part of a whimsical installation of carnival letters that light up a corner, with the wall planter forming the last of the letters. This kind of arrangement would look great in any space, perhaps even spelling out the family name in a living room or at the heart of the home in the kitchen.
When storing supplies, good organization is key. Here we see that storing like with like and color coordinating creates a cohesive look.
A rustic clothes rail creates a beautifully unique garment hanging area. The small designer table lamp radiates warm diffused light, a calming addition to the casual seating area nearby.
A built-in banquet bench provides a clean line solution to seating.
Furniture and accessories have been kept either white or in natural wood to keep the room light.
Wooden frames hold botanical prints to expand upon the natural elements in the room.
A simple ladder provides another option for hanging garments.
A painted desk allowing the wood grain to show through marries the clean white and natural wooden elements of the room together. The rustic stools provide an inviting place to perch and collaborate.
The quirky hand made Rosendahl Monkey in teak and limba, designed by Kay Bojesen, adorns the top of the refrigerator.
Mint green desk legs give a nod in hue to the botanical art.
placed across a window sill can create a garden view where one may lack beyond the glass.
Small dashes of black accent pieces can help to gently anchor a light color scheme.
These adorable bird figurines are a fun way of introducing another natural element to the room.
A mini fridge by your desk means cool refreshments without interruption to your workflow.
A mint green desk lamp matches the coated metal desk legs.
provide a perfect desk accessory.
Artfully arranged shelf displays can keep a home work area looking part of the room. The desk chair in use here is the Eames Moulded Plastic Chair .
Zoning of living and work areas can be achieved with the use of stylish area rugs.
Another take on the space, introducing more coffee tones.
Visualizer:贪恋s
In this scheme we see the introduction of pale wooden pieces of a sturdier silhouette. The workspace chair used here is the Muuto Nerd chair.
Matching pieces marry the two zones together.
The blonde wood works well against a monochrome backdrop.
make use of the vertical space. An art print propped against the wall adds further interest.
A chest of drawers can hide away both office supplies and items for the home.
are displayed in the living area.
A bedroom pendant light can be used over bedside cabinets rather than having the clutter of a regular reading lamp. This space is also decorated with another of the Fox Art Prints .
Adjustable shelving provides changeable storage solutions.
In this next space, a set of coffee tables mark a casual seating area, whilst the resident cat adopts the shelving as his own personal cat furniture !
Cushions bring pattern into the scheme.
A yellow fridge adds a splash of sunshine.
are a great solution where there is more than one person requiring a place to work from home, when space is limited and rooms are limited.
A wall rack holds plants and stationery.
Space saving technology with hidden wires provide the perfect finish for a minimalist work space.
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
