An ingenious interior design was required to please the bright outlook of a young couple located in the city of Dnipro, Ukraine. Their 115 square metre apartment was lacking in natural light due to its long layout, plunging the back of the home into shade. Designers at Dezest met the challenge with a range of lighting solutions, including a kitchen backsplash of LED lit panels, recessed perimeter lighting that throws a bright glow down each wall, and a borrowed light arrangement via french doors to a guest room. Despite the dark disposition of the home, the team hasn’t shied away from deliciously deep blue colour inserts or the utility of living greens.
In rebellion of the lack of light, the design team implemented a royal blue living room scheme. Upholstered blue panels make up the tv wall decor, opposite a wall of blue geometric pattern. A feeling of cleanliness comes from smooth white walls around the cosy colour inserts. Blue scatter cushions bridge the gap in the middle, dressing a light grey L-shaped sofa and a matching footstool. The lounge furniture arrangement is pulled together by a plush grey area rug. Modern ceiling lights are poised for switch-on in a square track above.
A hanging bubble chair is suspended by the sofa, its acrylic case allows daylight from the windows to pass through via sheer white drapes. It’s blue seat cushions complement the colour theme in the rest of the room.
The open plan living room runs straight into a U-shaped kitchen diner, which is predominantly pure white with just a few base notes of rich stained wood. In the early stages of the interior design process, the design team faced the problem of a long wall without any window openings. As the rear of the room presented itself as the best option for situating the kitchen, a set of French doors were installed to the adjacent guest room to facilitate an exchange of borrowed light.
An Eames style lounge chair is nestled by the edge of the kitchen installation, beneath a black swing arm wall lamp . If you’d like to create your own little reading corner like this, take a look at these comfortable reading chairs for inspiration.
The kitchen peninsula stops short of the width of the room to allow space for a full sized dining table. The wood table seats six diners between the kitchen layout and the lounge area. A row of five dining room pendant lights dangle from a wood clad soffit overhead. The soffit design descends as an open shelving unit at the end of the room, to display a small selection of glasses and items of crockery.
A decorative vase is set on a table runner as a simple yet elegant table centrepiece. The mid century modern style chairs are replicas of the Eames Eiffel chair.
Black tiles form a border around the edge of the kitchen diner space. The rest of the floor is a grey micro cement.
A run of LED lit panels make up the backsplash to dispel all shadows in the white kitchen. A set of open kitchen shelves have been given a blue finish to tie in with the colour story in the rest of the open plan room.
The French doors to the guest room can be left open to extend the area of open plan living space.
The guest room also contains the home office, which is equipped with a built-in desk and attached shelving unit. Two beautiful geometric pendant lights dangle over the worktop.
Bespoke white storage cabinets line one side of the entry hallway, with a comfortable seat recessed in the middle. The hall seat is upholstered in plush blue fabric, and lit by spotlights in its upper frame.
An illuminated mirror covers an angled wall in the hallway, mounted flush from edge to edge, making the narrow space feel larger.
The bedroom is a super cosy scheme of dynamic lighting solutions. Strip lights run around the edge of the bedframe to cast a glow over the entire base and attached bedside units. The dreamy golden light shines through a knitted throw draped across the end of the bed. Bespoke window seats follow the same illuminated edge design. More LEDs have been installed inside the border of a recessed wooden headboard feature, which reaches all the way up to and over the ceiling.
The neat black bedroom pendant light that is suspended over each bedside storage unit is the Panton VP6 .
A second study desk resides in the corner of the bedroom, backed in wood to match the towering headboard.
The desk design is part of the all encompassing bedroom furniture installation that runs as one continuous piece around the entire room.
The cushioned window seats serve as a perfect reading nook .
Diamond pattern tiles lead into a luxurious bathroom scheme of gloss white and wood furniture and living greens.
A living wall ascends behind the double sink bathroom vanity , illuminated from either side by white LEDs. Two bathroom pendant lights hang in front.
A separate WC has a floor of plain white tiles at the foot of powder blue-grey walls. A bespoke corner cut vanity unit is wedged into the small space, topped with a vessel sink. A lighting strip slices up the wall and across the ceiling space, where a hanging terrarium drops into view.
In minimalist apartments that are short on space, it’s important to add personality to keep the living areas from feeling too stark. In these two apartments, pops of color make for eclectic living spaces that offer utility and style in a small package. Designed and visualized by Polish firm Zarysy , this first apartment in the Krakow area of Poland measures in at 48,2 square meters shows that a smaller space can still have personality and utility. In this view of the view of the living area, you can see the large windows and doorway leading out to a balcony, giving plenty of light to the open design.
The modern coffee table in a round shape and curved accent chair sit on a plush pink rug that matches the pops of pink in the kitchen tile.
The living area opens into the bedroom with plenty of vertical cabinet storage, as well as the kitchen area and hallways, which uses matte grays as part of the neutral palette.
Tucked around the corner of the view is the bed, which gives the open floor plan a bit of privacy for sleeping. While compact, the space feels efficiently used and holds a playful charm.
The creative tilework of the one wall kitchen brings together the green and pink found in other areas of the space.
The diamonds and triangles in the floor and backsplash feel fresh and youthful. A two sided dining bar with modern kitchen bar stools complete the kitchen and dining area without making it feel crowded.
The light wood of the cabinets and even the cutting board cutting board add a natural sensibility to the sleek appliances.
Open shelving and flat cabinets against the cheery kitchen backsplash ensure that there’s enough room for essentials without making the space look cluttered.
One of the most interesting features of the space is that of the music area. Positioned in the entry of the bedroom, the long desk features plenty of space for both a digital keyboard and a computer.
One could easily imagine the composer hard at work before retiring to bed. Vertical shelving alongside the bed along with decorative sliding closet doors ensures that his or her belongings are safely stowed. Mirrors lend the appearance of an even larger space.
Instead of a headboard, this modern bedroom uses a large graphic with soft blues.
The grays, pinks, and light wood found in the rest of the apartment show up again in the bedroom chair , flooring, bedding, and draperies.
The entrance to the bedroom from the hallway and entryway is finished in a light seafoam green - a calming color choice for crossing into a space of respite.
In the hallway entryway, the long upholstered bench and large artwork adds pops of pink, used smartly as an accent color alongside the gray and green.
A small console table provides a bit of shoe storage while white decorative hanging hooks provide the perfect spot to stow jackets, hats, and scarves.
Natural woods continue to play center stage in the flooring and doors of the apartment.
The bathroom has almost a graphic artist feel with varied patterns, textures, and colors that still work beautifully with the rest of the space.
A natural wood vanity offers storage and utility for toiletries, but it’s the shower that draws the eye in. The black and white of the tile is clean, modern, and visually engaging as two patterns run along the back wall, side walls, and floor.
Unlike most bathrooms, this space uses table lamps on the vanity to shed a little extra light.
The pink accent color also makes an appearance as an accent wall in the bathroom, next to the clever litter box space.
In another design by the same firm in the Gdańsk area of Poland, this 66.6 square meter apartment showcases streaks of green and unique light fixtures within a neutral backdrop. The living room is anchored by a modern sofa . A coffee table, similar to this expandable one, offers ample space. A great room for entertaining.
In this open space, living and dining blend together seamlessly with a sleek one-wall kitchen. Soft dining pendant lights provide a natural divide over the table, which uses the same light wood found in the living room’s modern coffee table .
Large windows along the kitchen and living area walls let light stream into the space. White walls and ceilings make it feel airy and open, even though three key living spaces are combined into one room in a smart use of space.
A reading nook along the open bookshelves faces the entertaining area, offering extra seating when needed.
The herringbone pattern of the hardwood floors creates a focal point in the otherwise minimalist space. It contrasts nicely with the calm neutrals in the kitchen area.
The soft glow of the pendant lights makes the already bright apartment feel inviting. The kitchen offers a full view of the living area and dining table, making conversation during mealtimes effortless.
Flat cabinets in the same light wood of the dining table and white counter tops in this galley kitchen carry the lightness found in other areas of the space. While compact, it is functional with plenty of storage.
The hallway leading to the kitchen marries in the same smooth matte tile, drawing the eye toward the window.
This organized entryway with open shelving and a wall of decorative wall hooks offers practical storage and style.
A cozy ottoman below the wall pegs offers seating near the entry of the apartment.
The double workspace features the same herringbone hardwoods from the living room. It’s long and narrow, but a smart use of space with upper and lower storage.
Lighting beneath the cabinets and open shelf creates a warm glow over both workspaces.
In the minimalist bedroom, an upholstered wall feature acts as an unexpected headboard alternative. On either side of the bed, bedroom pendant lights cast soft glows over the green nightstands.
Also unique to this minimalist bedroom design is the neon light fixture along the wall opposite the bed.
It’s a functional stand-in for other wall art and adds additional light to the already cozy space.
Finally, in the bathroom, a pop of yellow adds personality over the modern bathroom vanity .
Like the yellow swing arm wall lamp , a shower bench in a similar sunshine shade makes this already bright and light shower feel cheerful.
The transparent glass wall offers a full view of the space, including the beautiful diamond tile pattern.
A green accent wall shows that unique wall clocks have a place in bathrooms as much as they do other rooms in a modern apartment. Overall, this is yet another example of how pops of color can make a neutral palette in a minimalist space feel so much more personal.
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
