Mid-century modern architecture and furniture design was widespread in the US during the post-World War II years but its interior design aesthetic is still loved across the world today. Here, we’ll look at mid-century modern interior design on two different scales. Home number one features a spacious open-plan living room with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, a large eat-in kitchen, and an airy entryway. Bedrooms are generously proportioned and the kids’ room even features a physical adventure space. Our second mid-century modern home design has a more compact scale with a tighter living room layout. Space-saving furniture choices fit neatly into each available nook, while built-in storage optimizes the home workspace.
Visualizer:Nataliia Kryvenko
This 450 sqm mid-century modern-style home in Lebedivka, Ukraine has a welcoming atmosphere that springs from a palette of warm accent hues. A muted red living room rug places pattern underneath a pale couch, while brown scatter cushions break up the upholstery. A round coffee table and a tripod floor lamp introduce natural wood tone.
Behind the couch, three large wicker pendant lights illuminate a mid-century modern-inspired dining set. Upholstered wooden dining chairs seat up to eight people around a racetrack-shaped wooden dining table.
A mid-century modern-style sofa table not only serves the couch but offers convenient storage to the dining area. A solid wood clad TV wall builds upon the mid-century vibe beneath clerestory windows.
The sunny kitchen design employs the same warming woodtone, while introducing a popular mid-century shade of olive green. The green cabinet colorway highlights an isolated L-shaped cabinet run, which is raised up from the floor on elegant legs.
A “crazy paving” kitchen floor design makes a loud mid-century style statement. It also offers a durable surface that can be easily washed free of food spills.
The central kitchen island features a round dining table extension, where three people can gather for breakfast or just for a cup of coffee. The red bar stools make a bold and playful contrast with the surrounding olive green kitchen units.
In the crazy-paved hallway, a mid-century storage unit is teamed with a stylish bench . The storage unit adds a fun pop of orange to the subdued decor palette.
Mirrored storage units make the hallway appear large and bright. Reeded glass clerestory windows share natural light from the home entryway with the neighboring hallway.
A slender console table marks the end of the home entryway, where crazy-paving ends and parquet flooring begins. The black table frame complements metal detailing on the staircase around the corner.
Windows surround the front door, giving it a surreal freestanding effect. The garden view is reflected in the row of mirrored coat closets, doubling its effect.
In the first bedroom, light blue accents create a calming aesthetic. A blue bed runner ties in with a blue upholstered headboard treatment. Artwork spreads a plethora of blue hues across the focal wall.
Beside the platform bed , the relaxing blue decor scheme is briefly interrupted by a hot pink rocking chair with an Eames-style Eiffel leg frame. A mid-century modern bookcase stands beside the rocking chair to fashion an inviting reading nook.
A modern sputnik chandelier speaks of its mid-century modern forerunners. Globe bedside table lamps match its spherical shades.
In the second bedroom, a neutral decor scheme takes over. A natural wood headboard, end of bed bench , and mid-century sideboard are complemented by a wood-clad ceiling treatment.
Bedside cabinets with tapered legs complete the mid century modern furniture arrangement.
A green garden vista uplifts the neutral bedroom scheme.
In the child’s room, a plywood kids’ bed and a tall bookcase are centrally situated to divide the long space in two.
On one side of the open bookcase, there is a comfy TV lounge where the child can snuggle up with a parent for one last show before bedtime. A built-in bench and a couple of bookshelves fashion a small reading nook. A craft table and kids’ stools give little artists the opportunity to create to their heart’s content.
Two huge, ground floor windows fill the kid’s room with sunshine and a pleasant view of the lush green garden.
Behind the bookcase, ladders lead to a set of monkey bars. A climbing wall offers more scope for physical play and adventure. A pad is placed at the bottom to drop onto; a couple of scatter cushions make it a cozy place to hang out and read too.
Visualizer:Anthony Flores
Our second featured mid-century modern-style home is on a smaller scale than the first. In this open plan living room, a small sofa seats just two. Built-in display shelves fill an awkward alcove and build a pleasing backdrop.
In front of the small couch, a mid century modern coffee table draws a classic reuleaux triangle silhouette. A wooden bookstand and a ceramic vase fashion a chic table centerpiece.
The opposite end of the narrow room is dedicated to the kitchen diner space. A small dining table comfortably seats four people.
Despite the apartment’s small size, the home workspace is equipped with an abundance of storage space. Built-in cabinets and shelves stretch from floor to ceiling, wrapping around two full walls. Paper storage boxes, books and vases fill the stacks.
An ergonomic swivel chair adds a pale pink accent beside the built-in wooden desk.
Cork memo boards display research and inspiration.
Furniture layout.
Floor plan.
Use these fringed round jute placemats to create a boho tablescape, or add a flourish beneath indoor plants, flower arrangements, and table lamps.
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
