You don’t need to have bags of space to live comfortably in style. This collection of four apartment tours has interiors that are all of modest proportions but that each have their own fabulous attributes. A large dose of their design boosts come from a scattering of small feature walls that either stand alone or butt up against each other for contrasting effect. Some are bespoke partial dividing walls that separate and conquer. By picking out small sections and dividing up wall space, a limited area is broken in a way that makes it appear larger, and rooms that were once devoid of architectural features become packed with interest.
Visualizer:Z.Design architecture
Our first home design, with an area of 66.3 square metres, is the most minimal of the four. Despite its minimalist aesthetic, the home still shows character through an installation of wood that extends from across the floor to cover an entire wall behind the television in the lounge. This feature wall brings a lot of warmth to the scheme, which is otherwise made up of large areas of white and scattered grey accents.
This transparent modern coffee table design keeps the area looking spacious, and shows off the wood tone beneath. Below the TV a concrete hearth brings a hint of industrial style to the scheme.
The sofa is of a modular design that allows for fluctuations in layout. It has deep seats but a low back and no armrests attached, which prevents the large piece of furniture from appearing too bulky for the small space. Behind it a section of concrete ties in with the hearth opposite.
In contrast to the wood covered lounge, the kitchen and dining area are decorated completely white. White floor and walls, white kitchen units, and a white dining table set .
Behind the white table and modern dining chairs , a pillar of concrete breaks the stark white canvas.
A small dining table light creates an interesting feature as it ascends the wall beside the eating area.
work well in an open plan layout as they always look clean and uncluttered. This plain white handle-free design benefits from some soft lighting located underneath the wall cabinets.
White panels make up the backsplash in the kitchen and extend all the way up to the ceiling. The effect of this treatment is that the matching white cabinets appear as though the are extruding from the wall.
The bedroom is of an incredibly unique and bespoke design, where a platform bed manifests almost like a drawer that has been pulled directly out of the wall. A huge spherical bedroom pendant light glows like a full moon above it.
At the head of the bed a glazed panel is installed as a transparent dividing wall. On the opposite side of this clear divide a study area has been created, where a computer desk and chair is pushed up to the glass. A generous built-in closet covers the back wall from floor to ceiling.
From above we can see how the extended side of the platform bed and the white linear desktop complement one another. The bedside table is of a contrasting circular design, which matches a nearby pouffe and the overhead orb pendant shade.
The minimalist bathroom has a pure white scheme.
Just a couple of wooden accents pepper the look.
Designer:Konzept Architekci| Visualizer:Nika Buzko
Modest size apartment design number 2, covering 42.4 square metres in Krakow, Poland, introduces a strong accent colour that is used liberally around the space.
Green inspiration has been taken from beyond the windowpane, and the black window frames inspire dark notes throughout the scheme too.
A black slatted wall and botanical artwork blends the indoors with the outdoor view.
The breakfast bar is backed with a green glass panel and the home entryway is an emerald hallway.
In the master bedroom suite a green headboard has been softly lit along its edge beneath a circular wall design.
Botanical art appears in this space too, continuing the theme.
Although not huge, the bathroom fits double bathroom vanity sinks and a walk-in shower.
An interesting lighting feature extends up one wall and across the ceiling.
Visualizer:Mottu
Our third tour is a modern concoction of grey, white and beige.
Concrete elements add an edgy feel to a cosy palette.
Just a singular small accent wall painted in a warm colour transforms an icy space.
Sliding doors are a good idea for small spaces, so that they do not encroach on limited floor space upon opening.
Cool concrete over the bathroom floor is juxtaposed by a warm beige ceiling.
A white vanity unit extends to include a set of drawers at one side for storing cosmetics, toiletries and spare towels. A wide full-length mirror on the door visually doubles the space.
Visualizer:Mariya Alferova
Our last home is a tiny studio apartment that has a strong monochrome theme running through, lifted by a good dose of rustic wood tone.
Beneath two industrial dining pendants , a wooden bar table runs directly into a wall decorated with chalkboard paint. The treated wall makes a handy place for scribbling grocery lists and meal plans.
The kitchen is just three grey units and two wood shelves that are matched by a wooden countertop. A console with a geometric patterned front provides extra interest and divides the cooking space from a desk area.
Four industrial bar stools provide a very sociable eating area in the tiny kitchen. Mirrors on the opposite side of the room reflect the kitchen to help the living space appear larger than its actual proportions.
A partial dividing wall has been created with a combination of vertical wood slats and horizontal shelves.. These let the natural light flow through from the lounge window into a second home office area. String lights provide ambient lighting over the lounge wall, which becomes a bedroom by night.
Four Spaces, visualised by Hung Le , serve as great inspiration as to how a blank white canvas can be layered upon to create a joyous homey living space. Using isolated sections of breezy colour, modern artwork and clever furniture layout, the modest scale of these four homes become irrelevant. Small wall spaces are dominated by bold typographical displays that feature quirky mindful quotes. Furniture fits flush to its location but does not overbear. Accessories are patterned and plentiful but surfaces do not appear overly cluttered. It’s a balance that’s not easily achieved, but these four home tours will guide you through it, one intricately styled room at a time.
The accent colour in our first home tour has been lifted straight from the house plant, with scatter cushions on the sofa matching its green waxy leaves. A subtle thread of blue runs through accessories here too.
Boiserie decorates the white walls, giving the place an air of sophistication. A polyptych nestles within one of the panels with a dreamy swirling fish design. The furniture in this space is also predominantly white with just a few wooden accents pushing through, like the base of this contemporary sofa.
In front of the sofa, a small round coffee table is finished in a darker hue, but is brightened by a white serving tray holding a clear glass pitcher . Beneath the table a monochrome rug brings interest to a white floor. The patterned rug is complemented by a geometric art print on the far wall by the indoor plant , which is a Fiddle Leaf fig .
The wall art and pendant light work to anchor the dining table set within an open plan scheme.
One black Eames armchair has been selected in offbeat contrast to three white ones.
A slim console table in the living room is crowned with a large round mirror and two wall sconces.
By the home entryway we find a small shoe bench adorned with a couple of cheerful scatter cushions. A quote decorates the wall above, dramatically lit by a spotlight. Built in cupboards with louvre doors provide a neat storage spot, and feature a small recessed shelf for stowing keys.
The second space follows a muted green scheme too but this time with a pop of cheerful yellow. Picture frames, overhead light and swing arm wall lamp create a network of black lines over a plain white wall. The Serge Mouille style double swing arm wall lamp makes the sofa into a practical reading spot for two bookworms, without cluttering up space with an additional floor lamp.
Despite limited proportions, this lounge doubles as a music room. To define the dual use of the area, wood tongue and groove planks have been installed behind a television, console unit and an in-line bookshelf. A picture and house plant sit above the keyboard to give it a standalone look.
To separate the dining spot and lounge in this small open plan living space, two entirely different styles of pendant lights have been used. In addition, one side of the dining table is actually a storage and display unit, which works to divide the area by creating a visual stop point.
The wooden unit gives the white dining table a cool asymmetric look. Two of the four Scandinavian style chairs at the table, these being the Salt Chair by Tom Kelley , have a ‘dipped’ paintwork effect that marries well with its quirkiness. Behind the dining area a sitting nook has been created within a bank of storage units. It’s clad in wood that matches with the table feature, and harbours a positive message in decorative wall letters.
The solid sides of the dining table help the room to appear simplified.
Base units in the kitchen have been given a lick of green paint to tie in with the colour story.
A black refrigerator adds weight to the light scheme.
Our third home interior has a dominant black and white design with just a hint of pale blue.
This is a slightly more minimalist look as the large black base notes need more space to ‘breathe’.
The dining table is ebony black with four white dining chairs, which are an About A Chair by Hay Replica .
The herringbone wood floor emanates a visual warmth over the room.
A mirrored panel increases the look of light and space.
Wooden bedroom pendant lights lift the look of monochrome decor.
The geometric look of the pendant shades is very sculptural, demanding as much attention as the wall prints.
The bedroom looks out over the living room through an interior glazed wall and door.
A second double bedroom is decked out with teal bed sheets, charcoal display unit and a set of white nesting tables that hold a bedside table lamp .
The doors of the wardrobe look like decorative wall panels.
The same wood runs through into the bathroom.
Lastly, this home blasts you with a cool splash of turquoise, like seaspray from a tropical ocean. Sandy hues are here too via a plentiful selection of light wood elements.
Geometric prints are a strong feature of this interior. Angular shapes are juxtaposed by large circles applied here and there over the walls.
A duo of coffee tables in a mid century modern triangular design nestle together to create a larger surface area.
The dining chairs are a selection of light turquoise and dipped wood and white finishes.
Patterned floor tiles make a feature of the home entryway.
Soft turquoise wall cabinets make a stunning addition in the kitchen.
Although different, the dining room pendant lights and the geometric living room light make a beautiful grouping thanks to a common wooden theme.
A window seat cushion carries the turquoise accent through into the master bedroom.
The home office uses a painted panelled wall to bring in colour.
Driftwood adds an easy breezy look to a bookcase.
A small plant pot brings the geometric theme into the room.
Hexagonal mosaic tiles cover the shower area.
Potted plants complete the look.
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
