On the top floor of a building that was erected in 1917, in Ukraine, a 212 square metre two level apartment has undergone a complete redevelopment. The interior overhaul involved the relocation of the staircase, in order to reconfigure an underused upper floor. Also, to increase the fun factor of the family home, a large metal slide was installed during the relinking of the first and second floors. This unusual design feature, which was painstakingly tailored to the interior structure by Ki Design , fits with other characterful elements of the unique design scheme. In comparison, the home palette is mild mannered in warm white, soft grey, graphite, and oak, with few intermittent spikes of aqua blue.
The homeowners conveyed their wishes to the design team: “We have enough activities and problems away from home, at home we rest. However, the apartment design shouldn’t absolutely be dull or boring in a year or so, it must contain some special catchy and ‘wow’ elements we’d admire for couple of months and then we’d hear “wows” from our guests. At the same time it should be calm and sweet inside.”
The slide arrangement proved to be a challenge for both the designers and the team of builders. Since the ceiling between the floors was load-bearing, there was a threat to the integrity of the entire building structure should there be removal of even a small part of it. The redevelopment team found themselves tightly limited for places that would accommodate this element. Long-term experiments were conducted, including the creation of full sized mockups. Finally, the optimal form and location for the fun feature slide was accomplished, and the chief wow factor element in the home was achieved.
The interior slide delivers family members to a set of custom built window seats that span two thirds of the living room wall.
A blue comfortable reading chair fills up the final corner of space next to the window seats, along with a matching footstool, and a tripod floor reading lamp .
The slide wraps a wall column clad in wood panelling, which interlocks in a beautiful arrangement. This divides the living room from the kitchen and a dining room.
A chrome arc floor lamp stretches high over the metal slide, to light the walkway behind the back of the sofa.
Geometric and graphic print scatter cushions make the wooden window seats more cosy.
Cross shaped cutouts add interest to the oak window seats.
A rustic small side table serves the modern sofa, in front of a roaring fireplace.
The modern fireplace sits within a whitewashed brick chimney breast. A cut log store towers at one side, and a bookcase climbs the other.
The entry into the kitchen–and the dining room situated off to the right in this image–is a vision of natural greenery thanks to the introduction of a vertical garden.
The living wall works to interlink a mezzanine landing with the lower floor, and marks the descent of the slide’s chute. Unique kitchen pendant lights dangle from the lofty ceiling of the double height space.
An aqua blue dining set nestles in a light box of windows.
All of the aqua blue color accents present in the scheme come in the form of textiles: upholstered dining chairs, the comfortable reading chair, bedroom sets and cushions.
One wall of the kitchen cabinetry is tucked beneath the staircase.
Because of the relocation of the staircase, the kitchen is no longer separated from the living room as it was in the old apartment layout. The new layout now means that the lower floor has is a sociable area with freeflow between the living room, kitchen and dining area. It’s also future-proofed with additional children’s rooms.
The benefit of being on the top floor of the building is that the apartment is able to have many skylights to provide copious amounts of natural light. An internal window lets the daylight flow between the landing and a home office.
The cluster of kitchen pendant lights also illuminate the upper floor.
Inside the home workspace , a bespoke desk has a cool angular design.
A bench seat underlines the internal window.
Also on the second floor is the master bedroom, with an adjoining dressing room and spacious shower room, plus an additional guest bedroom and a private bathroom.
Aqua blue colours the bed comforters in both the master and guest bedrooms. The same black modern wall sconce design punctuates the walls.
The bathrooms follow a more neutral palette.
A backlit vanity mirror crosses the wall above a natural toned vanity unit with a black vessel basin.
The second bathroom is freshened by a living wall installation.
The vertical planters attach to a wood panel above a built-in bathtub.
Hexagonal mirrors make a geometric statement piece above a modern pedestal basin.
The greenery makes a stunning pairing with the natural wood elements in the room.
A smaller bathroom is shaded with a grey-blue accent wall.
The home also contains technical rooms. There is a boiler room with heating and purifying equipment, a laundry room with a washing machine, tumble dryer and the ironing board. The equipment for the ‘smart home’ system is located in the dressing room.
Open risers on the staircase design keep the installation looking light and unobtrusive in the airy living space.
Decorative wall hooks cross the home entryway. A small monochrome pouf sits beneath.
Hexagonal tiles cover the floor.
This is the South Lake House, a 1200 square metre project located in Brasilia, Brazil, completed by architects Estúdio Cláudio Resmini . The 950 square metre residence was originally built in the 1980’s, but in 2017 the house received new owners and a new lease of life during a mass renovation. The level of degradation due to lack of maintenance called for intensive intervention. The architects wanted to preserve the original concept, form and strength of the triangular building design, but adapt it to present date. An open plan social living area was also embarked upon, which adjoined the kitchen, dining, lounge, and an additional playroom/toy library.
Now, the three story modern home exterior looks bang up to date. The uppermost triangular floor was successfully maintained, which is suspended with structural independence from the rest of the house.
On the open plan ground floor, at lake level, a laundry room and a suite for employees are detached from the intimate family area. Up at street level there is a more social entertaining zone. The private third floor contains five bedroom suites.
The goal for the renovation of the family space was to strengthen the link with the lake. This has been achieved by leveling the floor that extends out to a new pool area. A rich wooden frame surrounds the swimming pool, and a patio garden where concrete slabs are interrupted by squares of grass, and flower planters of differing heights.
Trailing plants break up the white concrete exterior between the two lower levels of the house. The new fresh white coating highlights the prismatic nature of the huge triangular volume, intensifying the linearity of the black windows.
The great swathes of glass reflect the passing clouds.
To offset the flat linearity of the top floor windows, a metal border was added, which also provides some shade from the morning sun in the brighter months. When it’s time to enjoy the sunshine, the homeowner can pull up a modern outdoor chair on the pool patio below.
The new design has achieved absolute fluidity between indoor and outdoor living spaces on the lake side.
There is a bar area attached to an outdoor kitchen at poolside. The gourmet space contains a barbecue grill and refrigerators.
An outdoor lounge nestles by the side of the pool too.
Blue lounge chairs and small side tables complement the glittering blue water of the swimming pool and of the lake beyond.
Smooth stone slabs floor the outdoor kitchen diner.
Large columns support a curvaceous overhanging ceiling.
The blue accent colour continues up on the first floor in the social gathering area. A retractable glass wall integrates the first floor living room with the terrace.
Out on the terrace, the balustrades and guard rails have been replaced by clear glass panels for a minimalist design that does not disrupt the expansive lake view.
Two long coffee tables stretch out between modern sofas and mid century modern chairs .
The indoor kitchen sits behind a wooden frame, which also serves as a breakfast bar.
A lower dining table extends from the central kitchen island. White dining room pendant lights illuminate its wooden surface.
A stainless steel cooker extractor hangs heavily above the marble island, matched by a stainless steel column.
The cool white marble kitchen island contrasts against warm wooden units behind.
More wood slabs clad a compact modern home office .
White feature panels cover the expanse of wall behind the desk.
An upholstered feature wall shapes the master bedroom scheme. LED perimeter lights shine down over its padded panels of differing neutral shades. The platform bed has been upholstered in matching fabric.
Mid century inspired pendant lights illuminate a floating bedside unit, which pushes out from between the cushioned wall panels.
A black countertop strikes across a wooden bathroom vanity in the master suite.
In the downstairs bathroom, a unique vanity unit appears to glow from within its amber volume.
Architectural fins create an atrium enroute to the social area.
A large curved wall hides the black and amber coloured cloakroom.
The kids’ zone is revealed by a circular cutout in the wall.
Children’s wall decals decorate the support column inside the toy library.
Jigsaw floor tiles provide a playful and colourful covering.
Concrete, stainless steel, wood and matte black units give the outdoor kitchen a fragmented and edgy appearance.
A gloss black backsplash matches the worktop.
Marble stairs climb the entryway to the home.
By night, the modern home exterior, its pool deck and patios are all aglow under an arrangement of outdoor lights.
Mature palm trees silhouette in the twilight.
The triangular architecture cuts sharply into the sky.
Floor plan and pool patio layout.
First floor living room floor plan and terrace.
Ground floor plan with open plan family living space. This plan also illustrates the parking zone on the property.
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
