There’s getting away from it all - and then there’s getting away from it ALL. The homeowner of this luxury summer villa has a whole private island to themselves; it doesn’t get much more private than that. Situated in Sweden on Grötskär Island, Villa Kymmendo was purpose built in a simple but artistic style in 2009. The single story contemporary masterpiece, a project by Jordens Arkitekter , is 2,152 square feet (199.93 square metres) with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The walls of the home are a continual expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows, with balconies and terraces on which to step out and take in the sea air, or revel in sunsets to the west.
Photographer:Lindman Photography
Craggy pines surround the home, stretching out over the rocks leading to the water’s edge. The untamed natural terrain and a lapping lagoon form a place of serenity that is separate from the rest of the world. On the rocky shore, a single bedroom guesthouse stands just a short walk away from the main summerhouse. There is also a sauna house on the island, situated on one of the piers. Moored to the shore line are a selection of boats - a necessity to travel to and from the mainland.
The spacious contemporary build is settled over a grassy knoll. The widest deck is held up on slim struts. A roof extension shades half of the deck from rainfall or the blazing sun.
Floating concrete steps lead down from the white terrace, passing down onto the wild grass.
The linear build appears to float just above the undulating landscape, becoming part of the sky.
The rest of the world disappears across the water, beyond the trees.
A seamless indoor-outdoor living experience is created by maintaining the same level between exterior balconies and terraces with interior flooring. The same colour is also continued, over living room floor tiles, wall and ceiling decor. White curtains in light fabric subtly dress the large windows, ready to be drawn closed at night for a cosier feel. The light window dressing can also be used to cool the interior by filtering out bright sunshine during hot summer days. All of the interior lighting is recessed into the ceiling for a minimalist aesthetic.
A series of spotlights are also recessed into an exterior overhang that shelters the narrow surrounding terraces.
On a wider balcony, an open sundeck has been created with an al fresco dining area. The outdoor wooden dining table is large enough to seat ten diners. The outdoor dining chairs match two contemporary sun loungers.
The floor-to-ceiling windows retract, sliding away to open up each room to the elements. Glazed doors are also used to separate interior spaces, which retract to allow the space to flow as one airy and sociable open space during daylight hours. Opaque green privacy curtains can be shut across the interior glass doors as the day draws to a close.
The living spaces are able to grow in area, by becoming one with the exterior ledge when the glass doors are drawn back.
An open plan layout encompasses all of the communal living spaces, including the living room, generous kitchen and six seat dining room. The interior design features clean lines to match the property’s exterior, which allows the far stretching views to dominate.
The colour palette used for the interior is inspired by nature. Deep earthy brown leather sofas span each side of the living room, placed at either side of a rug made up of terracotta, sand, leafy shades of green, berry reds and cool sky blue. A trio of coffee tables are fixed on castors to allow them to be easily relocated to wherever they are required around the spacious seating area.
The main bedrooms are located to the rear of the home to create more privacy. The interior flooring and exterior terrace here are clad in matching wooden plank. A built-in wardrobe blends with the white wall.
A small worktop is fitted into a nook in one of the bedrooms. This space could be used either as a dressing table or as an occasional home office area. A silver wall sconce lights the wooden nook.
This longer desk area has enough room for two to set up work. A run of storage cupboards above the worktop provides concealed space in which to neatly hide away files and office supplies. The black wooden desk chairs have light woven seats that contrast with the orange notes of wood tone used to create desk furniture. The same warm wood tone is used throughout the home, including the kitchen cabinets.
A multi-faceted fireplace is perched right upon the thick white granite worktop of the kitchen island.
Bespoke built-in bunk beds offer a double bed on the lower level and a single to the upper. A set of storage drawers are situated beneath to save space.
The wooden bathroom vanity has an overhanging rectangle basin. A wall mounted faucet keeps the countertop clear.
A wooden deck is home to a boat.
An aerial view of the property shows how the private island curves around in a ‘C’ shape.
The landscape is large enough to hold several homes…
… But there is not a neighbour in sight. The downside is that you could never get a takeaway delivered!
Aspiring writers and avid readers alike are sure to admire this inspiring selection of three writer’s home designs. These amazing places are absolutely stacked to the rafters with towering bookcases, bespoke bookshelves and expansive home library setups that could make just about anyone yearn to write - or turn - those pages. Peruse the stacks of a contemporary retreat along the hot Caribbean coast of Costa Rica; find a secret door hidden among the tomes and artwork in a modernised open plan apartment in Athens; escape to another world in the pages of one of the hundreds of books stored throughout a unique space located in the Ukraine.
Architect:Gianni Botsford
‘Casa Kiké’ was designed as a retreat for a writer on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The brief called for a contemporary interior with clean modern lines with a sensitivity for local tradition and building materials. Corrugated sheets of steel clad the outside of the building, just like many other rural Costa Rican dwellings.
An intricate pattern of diagonal timber beams and columns make up the structural design and cut through each of the towering bookcases , adding unusual interest. All of the timber used throughout the home is locally grown hardwoods Laurel, Cachá or Surá. The architects reported: “We are bringing new architectural life to the Caribbean by reappraising the architectural heritage of the region and reviving indigenous techniques,” says Botsford. “However, by coupling them with modern design technologies and aesthetics, we have created an eco-architecture that is remarkably light, impacting on its surrounding only minimally both physically and environmentally.”
In front of the book stacks sits a writer’s desk equipped with a designer table lamp and an ergonomic leather desk chair.
A book-lined hallway stores more of the 17,000 tomes present in the home.
Multiple rows of louvered slats across the facade are a common and inexpensive part of local architecture. Slats can be opened on each end of the building to allow a sea breeze to flow right through.
The build is a twin-volume structure with one larger pavilion for daytime use and a smaller one for nighttime. A grand piano stands in within the larger volume that is used for work and contemplation.
The smaller pavilion, at two thirds the size, holds a bedroom and bathroom. It’s facade faces towards the jungle that backs the beach front.
A parallelogram shape of the pavillions promotes ventilation and keeps the glare of low sunlight out. It also screens the interiors from neighbouring properties and offers the best views.
The pavilions look like two bookends, shelved at either end of a wooden walkway that runs between them.
The home is perched on wooden stilts that raises it 1.2 metres above ground level.
An outdoor living space is created in a landscaped garden that includes a small pool and over 200 plants.
The two buildings are set far enough apart so that the smaller volume will benefit from the same amount of cool ocean breeze as the main building does, with the long walkway moving it out of the larger buildings ‘wind-shadow’.
The writer insisted that no trees be felled in the grounds of the existing one-storey typical Cahuita house. The older house still stands in the grounds and is utilised as a guest house as well as being the main kitchen.
The new artist’s retreat is the writer’s main residence.
Architect:Sotirios Anyfantis
A 90 square metre apartment was redesigned to fulfill the needs of a writer: “A place to write, a place to sleep, a lot of room for paintings and mainly libraries because I have too many books…” The designers created a bespoke sweeping curved bookcase as the home’s main structural element.
Thanks to the large openings and lack of beams in original layout of the building in Athens, designed by Ioannis Vikelas, an open plan concept could be realised. The lounge sits opposite the fireplace with a neat kitchen diner to one side. The window in the kitchen area was widened to increase natural light and an enhanced view of surrounding trees.
The two bedroom home contains furniture that is both a curation of favourite pieces belonging to the writer, and a series of new additions. This study area has a bespoke desk with matching built-in cabinets and shelves.
The library separates the living spaces from the master bedroom. The door to the bedroom is hidden amongst the shelves, picture gallery nooks and cabinets of the feature bookcase.
The dining area is comprised of a traditional white painted table and black modern dining chairs .
Slimline dining pendant lights hang low over the tabletop.
An open plan bathroom visually increases the space in the bedroom. A separate WC was implemented to accommodate visitors.
Recessed lighting brightens the bedrooms edge to edge.
Visualizer:Artem Trigubchak & Sivak + Partners
Our last apartment is home to a writer in the Ukraine. If you’re feeling inspired by this book stacked lounge, then be sure to check out our other living rooms for book lovers .
A swing arm wall lamp lights a reading couch in the living room.
A modern home office holds even more books along with rows of magazine files. Behind the stylish desk chair , base cabinets have a reflective finish.
create a lively vista behind a living room sofa.
There is even a library within the wall of a sophisticated kitchen diner.
The bedrooms bookshelves span the headboard wall, where a floor lamp provides reading light.
Only the bathroom goes unused in the storage of books, although the bathtub is sure to be utilised as a place for a relaxing read. If you’d like to create your own reading sanctuary with a bubble bath, here are some more beautiful bathrooms with bathtubs .
In a second bathroom design, a modern wall sconce lights a modern bathroom vanity .
A shower is at the opposite side, along with a rattan laundry basket and planter.
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
