To appreciate the Mondrian look, let’s take a look at the De Stijl artistic movement: Dutch for “The Style” (aka Neoplasticism, “the new plastic art”) the Dutch body of work spans from 1917 to 1931. Strictly speaking, De Stijl works within constraints of only primary colours and non-colours, vertical and horizontal line compositions and strong asymmetricality to achieve pure abstraction. Though painter Piet Mondrian is perhaps most popularly known, the group was rich with artists and architects. The works of De Stijl went on to influence the Bauhaus style and cubism in interior design . Here, we’re featuring four homes that pay homage to the Mondrian style, plus a selection of other inspirational rooms decorated in the theme.
Visualizer:Daria Zinovatnaya
Straight horizontal and vertical lines, plus square and rectangular forms were key in the De Stijl movement, however curved lines were not completely unseen. This lounge decor presents a beautiful balance between the two by accentuating an arched doorway in primary colour paint–an easy way to bring a little Mondrian flavour into your scheme. More contrasting curves are introduced through coffee tables, chairs and abstract pattern in the rug.
An area of ‘non-colour’ is fashioned as a panel of black and white diagonal stripes over a compact one-wall kitchen . The black and white feature wall is accessorised with a black swing arm wall lamp. A circular chandelier adorns the centre of the room.
Another curvaceous light is suspended over the dining combination of mismatched chairs. At first glance, the dining table appears to be impossibly balanced on the point of a triangular leg formation, however, the other side of the table reveals a support. The De Stijl works always avoided symmetry, and instead found aesthetic balance by use of opposition. This embodies the second meaning of ‘stijl’ that is “a post, jamb or support”. The rectangle of tile below the table makes a practical cubist flourish that’s easy to mimic.
A partially dividing wall sections an ensuite bathroom from the master bedroom. The half height wall is topped with cubist framing holding panes of obscured glass. You could commision one of these for any space with the help of a capable carpenter or metalworker.
The opposite side of the cubist dividing wall acts as a headboard feature wall for a double bed. Again the bold colours of the room are balanced out by a black and white feature piece, this time in the form of a monochrome bedroom armchair.
Floating rectangular bedside units are reminiscent of the De Stijl group’s three-dimensional works where vertical and horizontal lines are positioned in layers or planes that do not intersect, allowing elements to exist independently and unobstructed.
When implementing a Mondrian inspired interior design, always keep neighbouring colours in high contrast, and intersperse with black, white and grey.
Visualizer:Elena Oberemok
In our second home interior of the Piet Mondrian style, a children’s’ room follows the primary colour rule more rigidly. Primary colours have always worked well in kids’ rooms due to their simplistic nature and high energy look.
The modern workspace in the room is a graphic and crisp interpretation of Mondrian paintings, with black lines forming intersections for colour fills and negative space. The cubist style is easily translatable into work areas that include storage: Simply install black unit carcasses, worktop and shelving, then select cupboard doors in red, blue, yellow and white colourways.
Finish the look with a primary colour chair.
Designer:DARgroup| Visualizer:Notoo Studio
In our third home with De Stijl flair, timber battens have been applied to interior walls to divide into eye-catching cubist sections. The battens have been painted in red, and mounted on blue and white walls; black framing in this style would give a cool monochrome look that could also be filled in with intermittent sections of colour. In this instance, black notes come into the scheme via a 4 poster bed and matching black side table.
In some areas of this home, the red framing stands independently of the walls in a 3D effect. The dining space is like a living Mondrian painting, with objects reduced to their simplest form.
Mondrian wrote, “this new plastic idea will ignore the particulars of appearance, that is to say, natural form and colour. On the contrary, it should find its expression in the abstraction of form and colour, that is to say, in the straight line and the clearly defined primary colour”.
Visualizer:DAR group
Our last cubist home interior is located in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, and contains perhaps the most adaptable ideas of the four.
A simple black display shelf is backed in the instantly recognisable primary colours of Neoplasticism. The adjacent kitchen is bold in colour and contains black framed wall units.
A special installation of shelving has been fashioned as volumes suspended from a ceiling support. The cubes hold a selection of indoor plants and glassware above a breakfast bar. Over in the lounge, a circular large wall clock contrasts with the straight lines. De Stijl was a collective of ideas. Here are some more artistic ideas collected by us to help inspire Mondrian home style in all different kinds of rooms…
Source:Joy Me
This is a luxury yacht interior that uses relatively minor touches to create a big impact. One yellow bed, a cubist pattern rug and a few black lines on the walls with a single blue section is all it took to create this stand out scheme.
Source:Bravacasa
This double bedroom features a Mondrian style headboard wall and bedroom rug to complete the look. The black border around the duvet cover and pillowcases makes a perfect accompaniment. The same effect could be created by sewing your own black trim onto a plain white bed set.
Source:Villa Mondrian
If you’re not sure about committing fully to a Mondrian medley, then you can still enjoy the cubist aesthetic with a smaller panel above the headboard, and simply dress your bed with a primary colour bed throw over a basic white duvet. Accessorise with a contrasting square cushion. This bedroom has the added benefit of existing black framed windows and doors to tie in with the look.
A Mondrian headboard decal is a quick way to bring the theme into a bedroom. Alternatively, a fabric cubist headboard can be created with squares and rectangles of primary colour stitched onto a white base. Finish with lengths of black trim.
Designer:KNQ Associates
This bedroom explores the relationship between positive and negative elements in an arrangement, using a cool extruded ceiling design and wall units. Recessed LED strip lights highlight the edges.
Designer:Suzy Harris
This scheme encompasses both a headboard wall and a work desk area. A blue window blind, yellow desk chair and blue and yellow bedding complete the effect.
Via:Slobodna Dalmacija
The “plastic vision” of De Stijl as tv wall decor.
Designer:Alloy Workshop
Square and mosaic bathroom tiles adapt easily to the cubist style.
Source:Delcon USA
You could cover the whole bathroom or pick just one focal point.
Source:Delcon USA
This cubist tile design is reflected in the texture of the white wall tiling too.
Photographer:Alex McGuire
Mondrian art prints can be complemented by solid colour accents.
Designer:Robert Mashke
Create your own Mondrian art by colouring the inside of shelving niches.
Designer:Cynthia Prizant
Glossy colour panels are intermingled with wood grain in this mid century modern living room .
Source:Yavitrina
Fashion an original feature fireplace around a wall mounted design, or paint up a basic floor model.
Via:My Architectural Moleskine
Gerrit Rielvield’s masterpiece, the Schröder house (1924).
Photographer:K. Gennaro Photography
Add coloured sides to a desk to evoke the Mondrian spirit.
Architect:John Henry Architects
Dot colourful art canvases around a white room to create a cubist effect.
Architect:John Henry Architects
Mix and match dining chairs.
Source:Bravacasa
For a dining banquette arrangement, a few Mondrian throw pillows and a solid colour dining pendant light will do the trick.
Source:Pixers Studio
Always punctuate furniture with a contrasting cushion.
Source:Amsterdam’s Welvaren
Apply a black outline to the edge of an open staircase.
Designer:Sally Denning
Tones of brown have been added to this feature wall to match with the comfortable reading chair .
Source:Bravacasa
Under shelf lighting keeps colours bright.
Via:Marie Claire
Colour coordinate home accessories to the backgrounds of your Mondrian inspired display shelves to keep the sections looking solid.
Visualizer:Kenneth Gadea
There’s no limit as to how big your multicoloured display can climb, but consider pairing back the rest of the scheme.
Designer:DAA
Tinted glass windows will paint your floor with colour too. Mondrian window film is a cheaper alternative for small areas.
Designer:monofaktur
Make a Mondrian kitchen design.
Designer:monofaktur
Keep the cabinet colour composition asymmetrical to stay true to De Stijl.
Designer:Carole Hunter
You can respray existing white cabinetry…
Designer:Jason Miles
… Or choose new contrasting doors and drawers like this galley kitchen .
Designer:Ande Bunbury Architects
The cubist aesthetic isn’t just for slick kitchens, this u shaped kitchen has a laid back shabby chic vibe.
Photographer:Alex McGuire
Primary colour bar stools can be added into an established scheme.
Designer:Corvin Cristian
Offices of ING Bank, Romania.
Via:Plans Matter
The famous Eames house .
A youthful space with quirky accents, this flat at Žižkov is situated within in a 1930s house. Designed by DDAANN architects for a married couple, the home was envisioned as a connected space that would be bathed in natural light. Herringbone wood flooring runs throughout the entire space, matching the edging detail of built-in furniture that is made from bleached birch plywood. White foil coating covers the bespoke furniture, matching the plain white walls that are seen in every direction in every room. Boldly colourful solo furniture pieces and bright unusual accessories in shades of orange, blue, red and yellow pepper the interior, giving the apartment decor an easy breezy fun factor.
A free-flowing layout was achieved between the main living spaces by incorporating a huge bookcase. The sprawling shelving unit visually divides the open plan kitchen and lounge areas whilst still allowing sunlight to filter through its upper volumes. The ‘doorway’ to the lounge from the kitchen is a wide entrance with no closing doors.
A neat settee, in highly saturated turquoise upholstery, dominates the sitting room. A blue decorative vase sits on a contrasting yellow serving tray, a retro color theme that flatters the mid century modern coffee table style. Contemporary art prints above the sofa and the black console unit draw all the hues of the living space together.
To juxtapose the modernity, a heavy classic bust sculpture is displayed on a petite white and wood side table.
On the kitchen side of the bespoke bookcase, banquette seating has been set into the stacks. The seat bench and its back has been upholstered in tangerine leatherette.
Plants are a main theme that weave through the home, adding life and feathered edges.
The white one-wall kitchen is decorated with pale blue wall tiles, which allow the tangerine book nook to remain the focal point of the kitchen diner space. Two black swing arm wall lamps are mounted over the white kitchen counter as repositionable task lighting.
Two black dining chairs match the black swing arm wall lamps, seated on the opposite side of a simple wooden dining table. A watering can sits on display on a low shelf, close to hand for giving the house plants a quick drink.
A bell jar acts as an unusual take on a fruit bowl at one side of the rectangular dining table.
Copper pendant lights hang in a central line down the room, and match with the orange accent colour of the built in seating. Another small black swing arm wall lamp is set within the seat design so that it may also be used as a cosy reading nook. Whilst the white bookshelves are not typically used to house kitchen supplies, the matching furniture style has them appear as part of the neighbouring white kitchen .
A collection of decorative and treasured items fill the cube shaped shelving nooks of the bookcase, as well as a few plants and of course, books.
A retro style refrigerator and a red kitchen weighing scale add a little extra flavour to the simple looking cooking space.
A wooden wall shelf runs along the top of the light blue kitchen tiles. The open kitchen shelving holds an array of dry food supplies in glass decanters, plus a colourful selection of ceramic bowls and cups.
Bifold doors are accessible through the bespoke bookcase design. Past the shelves of intriguing book titles and animal sculptures , the doorway leads to a small bedroom.
The bed takes up the entire width of the tiny bedroom that leads off the kitchen. Two small modern wall sconces shine soft light over each side of the bed; they can be repositioned to provide focussed reading light. A colourful patterned bed cover adds interest to the minimalist decor, along with a small piece of framed wall art over the basic headboard.
From the entrance hall, doors lead to the open plan kitchen diner at the heart of the home, a compact dressing room, a WC and one well proportioned bedroom that can be utilised as a study. Inside the study a reading chair sits in an ideal brightly lit spot by the window.
A sweet Eames elephant inhabits one side of a black desk, Above the elephant decor , monochromatic Olle Eksell Cocoa eyes artwork adorns a plain white wall.
In the tiny room that links to the kitchen diner, an angled wall offers space for a bedroom vanity unit with a flip down dressing table. The large white unit is wall mounted above a cast iron radiator, and is paired with a wooden vanity chair .
Pastel blue tiling creates a calming atmosphere in the bathroom. A halo of white light glows around the perimeter of the mirror. The rest of the room is lit by a generously sized window.
The mirror in the small bedroom is situated within the vanity unit recess, which glows with warm white light.
Blue tile covers the walls of a spacious shower unit.
A traditional wood wardrobe creates concealed storage space in the hallway, next to a full length mirror.
These floor plans show how two separate spaces were renovated into an adjoined bathroom. A doorway was sealed up in the first space and it became the new wash area, whilst the old bathroom was transformed into a large shower cubicle.
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
