Neutral color palettes are among the most flexible out there. They’re easy to adapt to changing trends, they allow for colorful experimentation options, and they work well to emphasize the artwork or accents you want visitors to notice and enjoy. But perhaps the best part is the atmosphere they create – neutral interiors can be light and welcoming or dark and dramatic, luxurious or softly chic. The three homes highlighted in this post explore several different ways to play with decorative accents and each one offers inspiration to borrow for your own neutral-themed interior.
Both the living room and the kitchen get to enjoy the warm aesthetic of the fire. Of course, the flame is faux – this electric fireplace is from Dimplex.
The only exceptions to the sleek industrial aesthetic are the soft textiles and the easy-on-the-eyes wood tones.
Here you can catch just a hint of the luxurious pendant light and the fascinating interplay between its radiant crystals and the transparent legs of the table.
The entire open living area is expertly coordinated. Yet it features just the right amount of variation to invoke a distinctive personality, such as the unexpected hint of red on the sofa straps.
Storage, seating, and a mirror to check for last minute outfit malfunctions – all the necessary ingredients for a perfectly functional and minimalistic entryway.
Visualizer:Pavel Alekseev
Gorgeous! This home features some of the most creative accents yet. Its simple monochromatic interior unexpectedly bursts into a drama of sunsets and flowers, creating cozy visual retreats that lift the mood but don’t overwhelm the eye. The designers catered this aesthetic to the resident’s desire for a space that feels bright and spacious without resorting to subtraction or minimalism.
It’s quite pleasant to see the muted blues and pinks of the sunset reflected in the floral sofa print, brightened by the contrast of yellow blossoms.
To the right, the kitchen enjoys a row of windows to one side and a full wall of eclectic mosaic tiles on the other.
By concentrating the colorful accents into distinct zones, the design team was able to delineate each functional space with fluid but well-established boundaries.
The kitchen tiles seem to reflect the palette of the accent wall, while the sofa’s dark upholstery helps the arrangement stick out as a focal point.
Another thing this home has in common with the last one are the sparing blue-blue accents enhanced by the warmer neutral theme.
Charming rows of houses and trees make for a lovely accent decal. And we always love to see the thin built-in bookshelf trend everywhere it pops up.
Here’s a room to inspire all of the fans of earth-toned neutrals out there. This bedroom features a functional accent wall made up of shuttered cabinetry, finished in a delightful shade of teal green.
Dramatic paintings break free of the soothing chic vibe with their powerful presence. Yellow and blue highlights bring out the accent colors of the feature wall.
Neutrals can make an incredible impact – they don’t have to be quiet or subdued. This bedroom makes fantastic use of contrast to enhance the relatively simple palette.
Vivid and impossible to ignore! Here, the iconic Egg Chair set makes steals the show upholstered in charming blue with its famous curved footstool outfitted in bright yellow for an intense effect.
Stripes of patterned wallpaper brighten the far accent wall for a softer appeal. This would be such a rewarding and affordable (but labor-intensive) DIY project to try at home.
What’s not to love?
Here’s where the accents get really adventurous. Each bedroom uses a different method to spice up a neutral color theme. This one features a wooden accent wall with stunning integrated lighting and a modern print of Mahatma Gandhi.
A divider made of vertical slats divides the living room from the entryway while preserving the passage of light. It also works to reinforce the strong emphasis on vertical lines.
Occupying the space below the television, an electric fireplace takes advantage of its unfinished concrete backdrop for enhanced effect.
The entrance remains completely neutral, its slightly darker tone making for a welcoming introduction to the home.
In the dining room, cool blueish gray again stands out against the temperature-neutral surroundings.
Glossy cabinetry reflects the natural lighting back toward the viewer while indirect cove lighting wards off unwanted shadows.
Continuation between the blue-gray accents smooths the transition between functional spaces.
Encased by clean lines and perfect angles, the dining arrangement adopts a rounder and softer theme compared to the kitchen cabinetry. Big stubby furniture legs and curvaceous pendant lights seem to say “Sit and stay a while.”
Yellowish indirect lighting helps to enhance the contrast between the true neutral elements and the cooler-tinted accent pieces.
Designer:Iqosa
Color and texture work together to instill a strong personality within this neutral apartment theme. Blueish-gray tones and bold artwork stand out from the background of subdued grays used throughout, and the strong textile patterns (chevron and houndstooth) create an atmosphere of inviting warmth.
This double bedroom features rich green accents, centering on an illustration of Elon Musk.
Other than the artwork and the color accents this room remains rather minimalistic, with interesting wall and cabinet paneling providing the main source of decoration. The fantastic designer table lamp is the work of Finnish architect Seppo Koho.
Guests are greeted by a pop art print of Sir Richard Branson, themed to acknowledge his contributions to commercial travel both in space and under the sea.
Stone, wood, and smooth ceramic bring this dark-themed bathroom to life.
Dark bathrooms are already relaxing, but the natural materials take this space to the next level.
Visualizer:Nika Tokar
Like the previous home, this sophisticated apartment also takes a subtle approach to heighten its neutral color palette. Metallic and glossy tones take the place of an accent color for an overall style that feels like a lighter and more cheerful approach to an industrial theme.
Only the latest furniture and lighting designs made the cut. This stylish strapped-back chair is the work of French designer Jean-Marie Massaud.
Decorative objects include only the lightest and most subtle forms mostly composed of materials like white ceramic, transparent glass, and thin wire.
Up and down them several times a day, we don’t always see our useful staircases as a thing of beauty. However, this utilitarian part of the home can become the most showstopping piece to an interior design, using imagination and calculation. Consider the sheer size of this installation, and how by making it more sculptural, more personally styled and unique to the space we can manifest something magnificent. If when visualising a staircase you see straight treads and solid risers, compliant spindles and dutiful banisters, then this enlightening gallery of 53 awesome staircase designs will open up you up to a whole new way of linking the levels.
Photographer:Ana Dumitru
Beautifully Baroque. At The Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest, Romania, four pink Carrara marble spiral staircases create a magnificent spectacle. The building was designed by the French architect Albert Galleron and opened in 1888.
Designer:Fala Atelier| Via:Dwell
Split materials break up the bulk of an open-plan staircase. This example features luxe black marble on the lower three treads and glossy white marble for the remainder of the climb.
Visualizer:MLab
Snake it to make it. Sharp metallic treads, linked by oblique alternating sides, are suspended on barely there balustrades. The single continuous piece of metal folds into itself like the ‘Snake’ in the old computer game - always twisting but never touching.
Designer:Francesco Librizzi
The secretive staircase. Cubism flows through the metal veins and wooden organs of this body of work. Planks, panels, and wooden cuboids are suspended on black framework to fashion an offbeat tower with secretive sections.
Designer:Francesco Librizzi studio
Linework meets metalwork. This skinny staircase appears like thin black linework on a blank white page. Iron rungs aren’t really a thing of comfort underfoot, but the simple structure fulfills its purpose in a restricted footprint.
Visualizer:SoNo Arhitekti
Cat ladder style staircases are good solution in limited space, like when access to a mezzanine level is required from a main living area.
Visualizer:Design + Weld
Clever cubes. The balustrades of this modern staircase design are a pattern of overlapping cubes, which form shelves for books and display items beneath the treads, and handrails above.
Designer:Edouard Brunet & François Martens; P - Dennis De Smet
Integrate a staircase into the room by combining it with furniture. This black suspended staircase design stops short of the floor, where a last few wooden treads are amalgamated into a low slung storage cabinet with book nooks.
Designer:Arquitectura en Movimiento Workshop
Get canny with curves. These wooden treads arc and slide between the upper and lower levels of the stairway to stunning effect.
Visualizer:Eisa Ghasemian
Another curvaceous triumph.
Designer:Zaha Hadid
These curving white treads are pieced together in a more modular manner. Each white piece forms a vertebrae in a smooth spine.
Designer:Disguincio & Co| Visualizer:Giuliano Primi
Talking of spine-like concepts, check out this backbone of fine design…
Visualizer:Andrew McConnell
… Or the ribs of this striking black number.
Visualizer:Andrii Ortynskyi
Two tone tricks. Alternating white treads with deep wood tone volumes gives this structure strong personality.
Visualizer:Lucas S.H
Fulfill a futuristic fantasy. Glossy white steps merge with light reflective wall panels in this futuristic home design. Softly glowing stair lights accentuate the recessed risers.
Visualizer:5AM
Minimalist minded. These quietly camouflaged open sided steps are assisted by an understated staircase railing against the wall.
Visualizer:O.M. Shumelda
Create a look of weightlessness by omitting the first riser. When only a shadow can be seen touching the floor, even the heaviest of staircases will seem to float.
Visualizer:Jac Studios
Let your staircase be something else - or several things. A platform, a bench, a desk, a small table; this staircase appears to be all of those things before fulfilling its final destiny.
Designer:Haptic Architects
This suspended staircase rises from just above the end of a dining bench, which leaves the floor layout of the room feeling uninterrupted.
Designer:NU Architectuuratelier
A reading nook makes use of the natural light at this stairwell with a view.
Visualizer:Studio Open
Colour yourself happy. If you have a favourite colour then don’t reserve it just for the walls or the furniture of your home. Put it right at the heart, like this bright pink powder coated staircase.
Designer:Sphere8
Let your favourite colour spill from the stairwell out onto the floor of your entryway for artistic effect.
Designer:Diapo
Be brave and go all in with your chosen colour - no half measures.
Source:Amsterdam’s Welvaren
For a multicoloured version, take inspiration from Mondrian inspired interior design . Block in black outlined cubes with primary yellow, blue and red for your own piece of De Stijl.
Designer:Cooley & Rose
Alternatively, paint a watercolour rainbow, altering the gentle hue at every single step.
Visualizer:Photonic Studio
Break down the design to only what is needed. Individual floating treads appear to extrude directly from the wall of this minimalist home. The uncomplicated banister is like a line drawn with a ruler - no flourishes, no visible fixings.
Visualizer:Pavel Voytov
Illustrate optical illusion. Each section of this staircase slopes away at an increasing angle until they are no more than treads at the top, creating a twisting illusion.
Designer:DeCurtis Design
Banisters and balustrades can be beautiful. Yes, staircase barriers are a safety aspect, and modern interior design often seems dead set on making them as invisible as possible, or eliminating them entirely. However, these panels can also be viewed as an opportunity to inject beauty and elegance.
Designer:SAOTA
Taller times. Many modern staircases are now favouring taller balustrades that connect the treads directly to the ceiling, creating an encased effect that still lets the visual and the light pass through.
Visualizer:Hausmax Design
Create a zen stairwell with a courtyard. Some plants and pebbles are all you need to get started. Add soft lighting for extra soothing effect.
Visualizer:Diff Studio
Cacti make an easy low maintenance garden for areas beneath a stairwell that have limited access.
Visualizer:Andrés Rosón
Stack it with storage. Floor level storage volumes and bookshelves stack the underbelly of this wooden installation - some of which run off along the full width of the room to form a desk and home office shelving.
Designer:Studio Mieke Meijer
Another home workspace is tucked at the base of this much smaller storage staircase. This one includes a plant stand too.
Designer:Moon Hoon
isn’t a new thing, but there are always new ideas on how to do it. Book lovers will adore this extensive library staircase.
Visualizer:Jianxiong Liu
Wanna go even bigger? How about this giant library stairwell.
Designer:FC Studio
Entertain the child in you - or the children in the family - by incorporating a fun slide into the design. This doesn’t have to look clumsy or garish in childish colours, explore the possibilities in your favoured staircase material.
Designer:Benn & Penna| Photographer:Tom Ferguson
Many open plan dreams are thwarted by the awkward placement of an immovable staircase, but don’t be discouraged. With some coercing your stubborn central staircase could become a mere accent in the room. Think blending wall panels on the lower half, and low profile open treads to the ceiling space.
Visualizer:dpVIZ STUDIO
Wood and concrete make a harmonious pairing - and these concrete planters allow for the perfect touch of greenery too.
Designer:Paul Cocksedge
Another employment of indoor plants , this time tracking all the way up sweeping banisters.
Visualizer:Jakub Komrska
String it out. Wires can be crisscrossed to form an attractive pattern down the side of an open staircase. This dark metal design has great contrast with the warm wooden treads showing through it.
Visualizer:Pulva
Take sides. Solid sides sweep around this modern spiral staircase design, shrouding it from an open plan living room.
Photographer:Felix Meyer
A second take on the solid sided theme.
Visualizer:Kaminskyi Interiors
And a third. This time the solid sides sweep along the mezzanine landing level too, like one piece of wide white ribbon.
Designer:eeStairs
Forget everything that you thought you knew about staircases in order to bring about the birth of a new concept, like this egg shaped vision.
Source:Edition Hotels
Lighting, lighting, lighting. After stepping up and installing a stunning piece, give it life with the right illumination.
Designer:Patrick Jouin
The rounded treads of this contemporary spiral staircase open up like the petals of a flower.
Designer:Park Associates
Bring peace to a stairwell with the sound of trickling water into an ornamental pool. The gentle sound will carry up the stairwell to the next floor too.
Source:Le Haras Hotel
Construct a deconstruction. Like a deconstructed rattan basket, the outer fins of this natural looking staircase is a riot of angles and lengths.
Designer:Cun Design
Another freeform piece. Wild waves of material create a colossal undulating surface around this spectacular staircase.
Designer:Amin Taha Architects
Create contrast. Delicately thin wirework is paired with crudely carved steps here, each forming curves in their own way.
Designer:Patricia Urquiola
Love layers. Rather than joining shallow steps at their edges, this design layers large flat square platforms one on top of the next, sliding away in the direction meant to climb.
Designer:Studio Farris
In this entirely different layered look, great wooden volumes have been stacked like a dangerously giant game of Jenga gone rogue. The resulting recesses make perfect storage nooks for books. The uppermost block is utilised as a desk on the mezzanine home office.
Designer:Lucjan Kuc, QC Architects
Work with what you have. Whether or not this staircase was built from actual architectural offcuts, this chunky tread staircase would make the perfect addition to a home filled with upcycled curiosities. The heavy wooden steps would also be at home in a modern rustic setting, or in an industrial vibe pad where raw concrete reins alongside a plethora of plants.
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
