In opening up unused attic space, designers at Ruetemple Studio were able to unleash the stunning potential of a dark house in Yamkino, Moscow, Russia. In reconstructing the interior of the house, the space upstairs became a lofty dual height room that is filled with natural daylight. A mezzanine tier is accessible from the bedroom past a series of architectural columns, where you’ll find a creative workshop, rest areas and library. The stairs to the newly purposed attic are disguised as a bedroom podium, a built-in seat by the fireplace and a wooden countertop. Bright white decor fills the space along with sharp black elements warmed by natural wood.
The original architecture of the house had the bedroom ceilings sewn up. By revealing the hidden roof space, the interior was expanded and brightened and the energy completely transformed.
The bedroom ceiling height increased to a towering 6 metres. 5 attic windows, along with a panoramic window that opens out onto a balcony, wash the room with light.
The balcony window looks out over a green view of mature pine trees. The skylight looks up to the clouds and the stars. At floor level, the podium was built to help zone the space.
The wooden podium separates the room entrance and dressing area from the sleeping and relaxation spots. The podium is also the first stair in a camouflaged staircase that climbs up to the mezzanine tier; the second stair is merged with a built-in seat design situated by the woodburning stove, and the third step appears as a countertop. The bespoke seat by the fireside is created by simply adding a small seat pad and scatter cushions on top of wooden boxing.
A coffee bar also rises out of the podiums edge by the bedside, teamed with two black bar stools positioned off the podium. It has storage drawers included, and could also be utilised as a desk or a dressing table.
The warm wooden texture of the podium installation makes the sleep space and relaxation zone feel cosy.
White painted walls and ceilings visually expand the space.
Black candles match black coffee mugs on the bar.
Black electrical cables are strewn across the white backdrop, suspending bedroom pendant lights at various intervals and heights.
Warm wood wraps around the entire head of the bed, forming a complete perimeter around the sleep space, broken only by the window.
The mezzanine has a glass balustrade to keep the space feeling open and the energy free-flowing. There is a special atmosphere here beneath the skylights, the sun and the stars. It is the type of quiet creative place that one feels drawn to, as a workshop or a place to be still and dream.
There is a small bookshelf that runs the width of the headboard and descends the height of the coffee bar. Past the bar area there is a set of fitted closets that stand flush with the tier-fall. A horizontal radiator bridges the wall below the skylight.
Upstairs, various floor lamps add focussed task lighting to the workshop and relaxation space.
A few delicate indoor plants add a life affirming spray of greenery around the interior.
A single chair by a beautiful window view and crackling stove makes an ideal reading spot .
Right by the fireside there is an interior window that looks directly into an adjacent room.
The toasty heat from the roaring woodburning stove sends heat rising up to the open workshop.
On reaching the mezzanine level we are met with a floor bed. This can be used as a simple relaxation spot for reading beneath the eaves, or as a guest sleeper. A bespoke built-in bookcase utilises the awkward sloping space in the roof. For more designs like this, check out these ideas for attic bedrooms .
Underneath the mezzanine level there is a room that is completely separate from the bedroom - though it is visually linked by the interior window that we observed by the fireside in the master bedroom. This room also has its own balcony doors that overlook the lush pines. A large white vertical radiator is installed by the glass doors to heat the room.
Back up in the workshop, slender floor reading lamps illuminate a set of two chairs and a coffee table, which are located at the opposite end of the mezzanine to where the floor bed is situated. It’s here that we find a bespoke white desk below an installation of more shelves. A selection of books and small planters fill the white cube shaped cubbies. A black desk chair completes the monochrome look.
The modern chair designs in the small seating area bring black, white and wood tone together in one piece. A monochrome geometric area rug brings a splash of pattern to the decor.
The design team also updated the facade of the home. White render now covers the raw brickwork; contrasting black detail makes the exterior echo the monochrome interior scheme of the freshly altered bedroom. A new dark gray roof has been applied to sharpen the look further, in which we can see 3 of the 5 skylights from this side. From the exterior view we can also see that the balcony of the master bedroom and that of the additional side room is one linked entity.
A slick modern villa, designed by the QBI studio in Vietnam, cuts into the blue sky from lush green gardens. Led by architect Tran Le Quoc Binh, the project has a unique and youthful look that was based not only around great style but on the individual personality of the homeowners and how they use their living quarters. A balance had to be reached between artistic ideas and practicality in order to form a beautifully functional home. The facia with its angular volumes, portholes and letterbox windows is intriguing and inviting, filling us with wonder for what lies within.
Photographer:Quang Dam
The modern home exterior appears like a series over overlaid geometric shapes, resting on a sky blue canvas.
Each roof area plays host to grasses and green plants, which make the new build appear as though it has stood here forever, becoming one with the landscape.
A modern outdoor chair and stool are settled upon an exposed patio that runs the length of the build. A lush green lawn rushes up to meet with the pure white path.
The patio design merges with a deck around the side of the house, next to a pool with feature waterfall.
An al fresco dining area resides on the pool patio beneath an outdoor modern wall sconce , which means the outdoor eating spot can be used well into a dark evening. Added glow comes from the interior spaces through large patio doors. The interior dining area runs directly adjacent to its outside alternative.
Borders of lush exotic plants surround the bright blue swimming pool and bubbling waterfall feature.
The azure pool shimmers in the sunlight.
On the other side of the glass, the home interior is a sophisticated yet fresh scheme decorated in contrasting wood tones with crisp white walls and ceilings.
The living room ceiling is largely covered by an impressive and eye-catching piece of sculptural wirework. The tangle of gold coloured wire is echoed by a work of modern art on the tv wall. A long wooden unit has been wall mounted below the tv, providing storage for media items and shelf space on which to display floral arrangements and other decorative vases. More flowers appear on the glass coffee table in the centre of the living room, and on a blue side table by the sofa.
A colourful area rug anchors the living room seating arrangement in its place. Mixed hued scatter cushions on the grey leather sofa and chairs pick out the different shades in the rug’s weave.
Wirework shadows and tree reflections from the garden project over the pure white walls of the spacious interior. The glow of interior lights dance across glossy floors.
The back of the living room cuts away at an angle to reveal an open walkway into a formal dining room. The room houses an impressive Live Edge dining table that can seat up to 10 diners.
Display shelves in the dining room can be viewed from the living room on the opposite side. The twinkling dining room pendant lights shine right on through the open display case.
The flooring in the dining room is of a darker tone to the floor in the lounge, which grants the two spaces their own identity. The dining room ceiling is wood clad to match the floor, and to create a cosier, more intimate social spot.
It’s in the dining room that we find the porthole window first seen on the home’s facade, along with a letterbox picture window. Patio doors on the second aspect keep the room light and bright. There are another set of doors at the opposite end to make a cooling through-breeze.
There is another porthole window in the upper half of the double height living room, running level with the mezzanine landing. Here, the ornate staircase balustrade becomes a contemporary clear glass barrier; the transparency keeps the space open and visually dramatic.
A unique ceiling fan swirls on a wood slat ceiling in the kitchen.
The L-shaped kitchen with island serves as a casual dining spot.
There is a communal study area upstairs, in an open plan library that is passed by the staircase.
A rocking chair sits in front of filtered sunlight and views through a wood slat wall.
The ornate staircase design gives the interior a flourish of classic beauty.
The master bedroom has been split into two halves. In the sleep space, a white and wood winged headboard is set between two matching units with glass bedside table lamps .
Behind the headboard a mid century modern dresser acts as a room divider. The second half of the bedroom has been made into a study.
A comfortable reading chair has been set by the desk, along with a floor reading lamp .
A walk-in wardrobe with island is finished in blue and rich wood tone - a subtle colour story that runs through the entire home.
Blue display shelves decorate the wall just outside of the bathroom, where a makeup vanity fills the first half of the room.
The second part of the bathroom is accessed below a panel of stained glass, and is home to a freestanding bathtub that stands out on a bed of pebbles.
Exotic planting surrounds the beautiful bathtub . A niche above a waterfall faucet is home to an array of soap dispensers .
More high ceilings upstairs create the opportunity for another mezzanine level.
There is a home theatre in the villa.
The second sofa in the home cinema has been raised to provide a less obstructed view via the people in font.
A garden statue sits by a Koi fish pond.
Exterior lights make the home and garden a welcoming place by night.
When lit, the planting becomes a dramatic part of the architecture.
The build looks intriguing from the street.
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
