No need to water these artificial succulents with ambient light timer , they will live on regardless of conditions with a magical glow.
Inspired by the powerful family ties of the clients and their connection to the environment, the Totoro House concept erases boundaries between living spaces and the garden. Designed by CplusC Architectural Workshop , this design was named after Studio Ghibli’s animated fantasy, My Neighbor Totoro, which explored the importance of such relationships more than three decades ago. To keep these bonds unbroken, the lounge, kitchen, and dining space are merged into one family zone that melts out into the garden. The outdoor space acts as an extension of the living room, including its own cooking area and seating, so that family life can flow freely and contentedly.
The exterior of this unique home design has a distinct space age appeal, synonymous with the futuristic thinking of late 1950’s architecture. An overhanging roof sweeps around the side of the house with a widely curved corner before soaring into the sky as a great angular projection.
The aerodynamic-like roof design shades a single-story build with interesting fenestration. Clerestory windows cut around the full perimeter, crowning walls of glass bifold doors and round feature windows.
At night, the effect is dramatised under warm glowing lights from inside and outside of the home.
The original house on this plot suffered disconnection with the rear garden because of the topography. A new extension was added to bridge the gap that hindered the homeowners, creating an easier transition to the outdoors via a fresh living space. Small patios were added to extend the usable area, like this shady spot with outdoor lounge chairs .
The new outdoor spaces were arranged with the privacy of both the homeowners and their neighbours in mind, ensuring all could continue to enjoy the environment in peace and seclusion with their families.
The roof overhang blurs the margin between indoor and outdoor living spaces, making exterior areas into partially roofed rooms.
The new home extension features a large round window that accepts a wonderfully framed view of the landscape into the living room.
The circular motif is repeated on the face of the building and in a second window behind the outdoor dining room. To achieve the decorative brass cladding with environmentally conscious practice in mind, careful calculations were made in order to cut from only two standardised sheets.
From the exterior, the round window designs are a porthole into the family’s close-knit lifestyle.
The threshold between the architecture and the garden was buffered with the help of a landscape designer. Native plants make soft borders around the patio and climbing plants are intended to lushly envelop the master bedroom facade over time.
The wall of climbing plants makes an ideal backdrop for the al fresco eating area, where a family-sized outdoor dining table and outdoor chairs seat up to six.
Alongside the outdoor dining set, a high-end barbeque stands ready for a cookout underneath a shady pergola.
The new home layout has transformed the formerly gloomy living areas into a single light-filled open-plan space. This free-flowing concept granted the homeowners’ wish to be more united with their children.
The round window concept that frames the garden view was motivated by the traditional Japanese concept of Shakkei. Shakkei is the principle of including background landscape into the composition of a garden, or “borrowed scenery”. In this instance, the large porthole delivers a scene of tranquillity during the school day and a snapshot of fun family activities on evenings and weekends.
The curves of a wingback chair complements the circular window design.
The mid century modern style living room aesthetic was achieved with the assistance of a vintage supplier and furniture stylist.
A leather sofa and matching leather chairs take up the centre of the living space, where they are a hub for family time.
With the glass doors at each side of the room retracted, there is a blissful through-breeze all day, as well as the fresh scents and calming sounds of nature.
The lounge furniture rests on a welcoming white living room rug , providing plush comfort from the hard, tiled living room floor.
The kitchen is visually separated from the lounge by a change in floor height, which allows the parents to oversee their children playing whilst they cook dinner.
Indoor plants are situated along the sills of clerestory windows to strengthen the link with the garden.
The elevated, curved kitchen design wraps a round dining table and modern chairs.
Steps climb the circular kitchen diner setting on both sides, facilitating easy movement around the main living space for multiple family members undertaking different tasks.
Fluted panels add modern texture to the wooden kitchen design.
In the bedroom, part of the round window was made operable to permit natural ventilation. The curved frame serves as a fun window seat for the children.
Two layers of blinds provide control over the level of light and privacy.
In the master bedroom, a pocket door slides away to reveal an ensuite shower space design.
Moving from the shower area, we come to a unique bathroom sink beneath a frameless vanity mirror. The walls of the ensuite bathroom are clad with vertical subway tiles, which makes the room appear taller.
All the original areas of the home have been upgraded to fit with the new extension, including the modern landscape design.
The new spaces have improved family life and fun.
Careful consideration has been given to the use of materials in the design of Totoro House, with many existing materials reused and repurposed to reduce waste.
This design ethos coincides with the sustainable lifestyle of the family.
Daily environmental impact has also been reduced by including an 8000L rainwater tank.
A 3kW photovoltaic system was also installed to power the home with solar.
The solar store powers exterior lights long into the night.
On the floor plan, we can see the relationship between the private bedroom quarters of the original house, the new open-plan living room extension, and the garden.
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
