On the Indonesian island of Bali, Ubud is a town that serves as an arts and cultural center for the island. It’s also a tourism hub that calls to mind images of rice terraces, beautiful beaches, and enchanting temple ceremonies. A visitor favorite, Ubud is home to popular music and dance shows, Balinese cultural activities, spas, and exotic resorts - one of which is the Bambu Indah . Founded in 2005 when owners John and Cynthia Hardy brought eleven antique Javanese bridal homes to Bali, Bambu Indah is one of Ubud’s finest resorts, offering the charm and history of Indonesia with the luxurious comfort of a boutique hotel. Bambu Indah combines together the best of antique architecture and design with modern sustainability. Stroll along the flat stone paths through rice paddies before taking a swim in fresh pool of water. Then, visit the Bambu Indah spa for a traditional Balinese massage before retiring to one of the Javanese teak wood houses on the property. Each served as a bridal house for a Javanese nobleman and provides exceptional comfort in lovingly restored and luxurious furnishings.
The Udang House, for example, is one of the most unique vacation homes in Bali. Situated above a fresh shrimp pond, this Bambu Indah favorite showcases a tempered glass floor not unlike the one we saw on Patrick Blanc’s home office . Relax and watch the shrimp swim in the comfort of your house - a once in a lifetime experience. This bedroom shot intrigued us so much that we ended up looking for the photographer behind it. We were not disappointed. Check out the making of this scene in the video featured at the end of the article.
Other properties throughout Bambu Indah have features like glass tiled roofing, lavish Moroccan rugs, Indonesian fabrics, Burmese lacquerware, antiques, four poster beds, porches for lounging and meditation, or a private bale for dining.
In several of the properties, indoor/outdoor showers allow you to commune with nature. Natural features like bambu, smoothed river stones, and century old teak are worked in elegantly. Abundant greenery surrounds the homes - it’s truly a sight to behold.
Bambu Inda is an incredible escape for the traveler seeking solitude and peace. Perhaps a writer, working on a novel, or a thinker, needing a place for reflection. For those who love nature, it’s a spiritual experience. For couples, it’s an ideal honeymoon destination or romantic getaway. Families too will fall in love with this gem in Ubud.
“Shooting the glass-floored Shrimp House was a first on many fronts. First time wrangling fish on an interior shoot. And first time kicking out Cameron Diaz. (She was upgraded.)”
Photography: DjunaPix Hat tip: BlessThisStuff
Nestled in the Lions Head Nature Reserve, Nettleton 199 has captivated audiences in the blogosphere and beyond with a seamless flow between the natural and the modern that can only be found in the work of architect and designer, Stefan Antoni . This hugely popular house has wooed readers the world over when it was first noticed. Now, it’s up for sale and ready to make yet another impression. The home sits on a panoramic view of Clifton’s four famous beaches and a soothing Atlantic, with a mere 50 homes to call its neighbor in the pristine cul-de-sac of Nettleton Road - South Africa’s most prestigious address. In the foyer, a glass elevator and set of sweeping stairs guides you to an entertainment level that offers elegant walnut paneling, exquisite gallery space, and 6 meters of double volume space. It’s exceptional for any host or hostess, with separate direct access for a butler and staff at the courtyard level for additional privacy and convenience.
It offers five bedrooms: A master and second bedroom, each with king beds and en-suite baths and showers, and a third, fourth, and fifth each with queen beds and en-suite baths and showers. All bathrooms feature luxury amenities and heated towel racks for additional comfort.
There’s even an entire open level that can be suited to whatever your heart desires: a gym, an entertaining space, or a gaming room. Love movies? The comfortable and elegantly appointed cinema room will become your own private theater.
Above the entertainment level of the house sits the lavish Presidential Suite, with a master bedroom, ocean-facing bathroom, and luxurious dressing room. A private den offers a full view of Clifton’s beaches in an opulent mix of stone, wood, and marble. At this level you’ll also find a serene garden positioned against a mountain backdrop. A trickling waterfall offers a calm oasis in the space.
The sheltered garage of Nettleton 199 can accommodate up to four large vehicles, or a selection of motorcraft or even a small boat. Ample parking off-street for guests, two guest bathrooms, two kitchens, two lounges, and family room makes this property an ultimate host.
Never missing a detail, this property also showcases state of the art features for both convenience and safety including fully automated curtains and lighting systems, elevator access to all floors, electric fencing and armed response team, and a state of the art alarm system with CCTV surveillance. A laundry room, control room, and storage room offer utility.
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
