It’s always a shame to cover up traditional features during a renovation – but the allure of fresh modern design is hard to pass up. This post looks at two attractive interiors that embrace the best of both worlds by preserving classic architectural details while decorating with stylish modern furniture and lighting features. The color themes and materials transcend eras for a totally integrated style that pays homage to the history of the buildings in which they reside. Both interiors are the result of collaboration between architects Slava Balbek & Artem Zavarzin.
Architect:Slava Balbek & Artem Zavarzin
This living room is a fine example of modern decor within a subtly classic interior. Many of the traditional elements have been updated to suit the home’s new aesthetic – for example, the ceiling medallion is painted white, and the wall paneling is only preserved in select places (the grey wall to the extreme right, for example).
Even the floors are a crossover: the chevron arrangement is a timeless throwback, but light coloration and wide boards bring it right back up to speed. The chandelier is a midcentury design by Serge Mouille.
Harvest gold enjoyed its height of popularity in the 60s and 70s, but this modern kitchen demonstrates its potential staying power. It’s hard for any color to feel “outdated” within such a creative contemporary interior.
Desaturated artichoke green offers a cool contrast to the darker wood floor in the bedroom. This space also makes good use of traditional wall paneling, this time combined with industrial-inspired decor.
Glass panes integrate strong structural beams reminiscent of skyscraper windows, perfectly in line with this gentle approach to industrial appeal as embodied by the metallic wall lamps.
Just out of sight, beyond the glass panes, a freestanding tub awaits to wash away the worries of the day. The print imitates the ever-popular vertical garden effect. The pitch-black chandelier is easy to overlook but adds incredible ambiance.
Dark wood, luggage-style boxes, and gorgeous green glass add vintage charm to this beautiful walk-in. The chest of drawers is actually a more convenient alternative to deeper drawers when it comes to organizing accessories.
What an adorable bedroom! This is perhaps the most up-to-date room of them all; the paneled door is the only remaining hint of traditional interior architecture.
The cute modern chandelier , on the other hand, is a playful take on the early 1900s De Stijl color theme popularized by Piet Mondrian – except this design uses circles rather than Mondrian’s iconic squares.
Simple framing transforms an ordinary bunkbed design into an adorable little house with storage and room to play on the ground floor. Two beds occupy the first floor, and a bassinet keeps baby cozy near the wall.
The neat climbing wall must be a fantastic motivation for the young ones to finish homework so they can play and exercise. It’s an adorable room all around, and uses space so efficiently it’s hard not to take note of the layout.
Here’s a peek at the unique and stylish family bathroom. The shower and bathroom are distinguished by the transition from white to olive green, blurred by a rough strip where the colors mesh.
Black fixtures keep things simple yet undeniably dramatic.
The same black fixtures appear in the other bathroom as well. It has the same exact layout – in fact, this image could be an alternate design for the first bathroom.
It’s interesting to see how much of a difference a simple material and color swap can make. Almost everything else remains precisely the same.
Finally, the first tour ends with a look at the stylish laundry room. Broken tiles serve as a fascinating counter to the pristine new surfaces.
Designer:Alena Makagon, Artem Zavarzin, Alexander Ivasiv
Classic wall paneling plays an even more important role in this otherwise contemporary interior. Decorative corners add just the right amount of ornament while colorful modern furniture really steals the show. Dramatic light fixtures are another recurring theme – here, the Full Moon Lamp by Cedric Ragot occupies a space in front of the large abstract print propped against the wall.
Curved shapes soften the bright and modern dining arrangement. The chairs are from the Ginger Ale collection by Roberto Lazzeroni, the same design from the first home featured in this post.
Glass doors and highly polished stone wall cladding flood the kitchen with light. It’s interesting to see how the classic elements like the chevron floor and paneled ceiling grasp more attention than the more restrained modern furniture.
Quirky colors and unique design bring this staircase to the next level. Held up by an Atlas-style statue, it follows the current themes popular in the alternative Aesthetic movement.
The interplay between tradition and contemporary design is strongest in the bedroom. The tiled fireplace almost blends into the white walls but holds its own as a stunning if subtle focal point.
A freestanding wardrobe conceals storage cabinets and provides a little privacy for the small office to the left. Encased by glass on all sides, it remains transparent enough to avoid casting excessive shadows.
The wall lamps continue the brass accent theme. The scissor arm is a classic touch, and makes it easy to adjust the direction for reading before bed.
Careful proportion is an important part of this interior decor composition. The off-balanced rugs, the perfectly sized artwork, and the low bed and side tables all work together beautifully.
Gorgeous! The bathroom definitely does transitional style exceptionally well. Art Deco inspired lighting combines with a classic vanity and freestanding tub in this fresh retreat.
Nordic home designs are just as diverse as any other style – the foundational elements definitely leave ample room for individuality, experimentation, and growth. Minimalism is more popular than ever but it’s not the only option out there by far. This charismatic interior by Koj Design demonstrates this important sense of aesthetic versatility extremely well. Take a quick scroll through this inspiring house tour to gather some fresh ideas for your own Nordic-inspired decor aspirations. Each room is different, so there are plenty of great techniques to enjoy and adapt.
Visualizer:Koj Design
Although minimalism is a staple of “magazine Scandinavian” design, this home takes a more natural and realistic approach with interesting geometric themes and creative accessories that bring the interior to life.
Nothing about this interior feels too plain: from the geometric lights to the textile patterns, you’ll find plenty of character anywhere you look.
Many of the furniture choices are undeniably Nordic, like the Wishbone chairs by Danish designer Hans Wegner. Other pieces come from around the world, like the Modo chandelier from the Jason Miller design studio.
Eclectic artwork totally works in a home like this one. They stick to a primarily neutral palette to match the rest of the home, making the colorful artwork choices even more effective.
Here’s a peek at the tidy and well-organized entryway.
Although this home obviously has the flexibility to add built-in features, the leaning shelf is a great solution for renters and indecisive decorators. They’re versatile, quirky, and always fun.
Typographic details always draw the eye – like faces, text grabs attention immediately. The sign pointing toward the kitchen is an especially charming touch.
The compact kitchen benefits from smart organization techniques. Aren’t those spice and noodle jars attractive? Containers are a great way to free up space in the cabinets without compromising aesthetics.
Jar lights, tin planters, and wooden cladding create a rustic atmosphere on the cozy balcony.
Unique plants – although sometimes difficult to care for – always make a spectacular impression.
This bedroom has a lot going on – but in the best possible way. It has a tabletop garden that doubles as a bench, a study desk that doubles as a vanity, and a reading chair that doubles as space for guests to sit.
Grant Featherston may have been an Australian designer, but the sleek and smooth style of his Contour chair fits well within a Nordic-inspired interior.
Pegs and long cords make for the beginnings of a wonderful modular lighting system. This resident has added photographs for an even more personalized touch.
Serious work takes place in the office. It’s compact, but the expansive storage system ensures everything remains right within reach.
The shelves feature open backs to prevent the workspace from feeling too closed off from the world. Ambient lighting in the background surely calms the soul.
Blue and white is a popular color combination in Nordic-inspired design. In this bedroom, this palette pairs well with wood details to weave a free and natural theme.
Lacking storage space, this room makes great use of hanging racks to replace a bulky wardrobe or space-consuming closet.
Simple nature-inspired artwork completes the casual theme.
No home tour is truly complete without a quick look at the bathrooms! Wood and white make for a simple theme.
The second bathroom takes a more modern approach with hexagonal floor tiles, a smoothed concrete-clad tub, and eclectic wall patterns.
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
