If you’re all set to tackle the installation and decoration of a narrow kitchen, then this set of inspirational kitchen designs should be right up your galley! A galley kitchen is defined by two rows of cabinetry that face one another with a narrow walkway in between. The name is derived from the kitchen area of boats, where space is very limited. The domestic galley kitchen allows a lot of cabinetry to be squeezed into a sliver of culinary space, and can facilitate doors or walkways at either end of the run. It can be completely contained or be part of a larger open plan living space.
Generally speaking, there are six types of kitchen layouts: The One Wall , Galley, L-shaped , U-shaped, Island and Peninsula. There are no strict positions in which to order the stove, fridge or sink, and a kitchen can be combinations of one or more of the typical layouts. For example, you could have an L-shaped kitchen with an island or a peninsula, or a galley kitchen that is linked at one end. In designing a functional kitchen, the kitchen work triangle should be considered, which means that the distance between the sink, stove and fridge should be no more than 1200mm apart. Though, the concept of the kitchen working triangle is now evolving further to take into account multiple cooks, as well as new gadgets and appliances.
Visualizer:roomdesignburo
Add a dining extension. Traditional galley kitchens would not typically have included any type of table, but a breakfast bar or dining bench extension will make a limited space work even harder for you. Open plan galleys offer the benefit of having seating around each side of an eating surface, but a closed capsule galley can still benefit greatly from a single sided dining installation.
Visualizer:Concept Vision
Screen off the mess. Fashion a partially dividing wall that climbs just a little higher than the back of your units in an open plan layout. The added height is just enough to screen off unavoidable cooking mess and dishes from the rest of the living room. Attach a narrow countertop on the divider to create a neat coffee bar, and finish with a few bar stools.
Visualizer:Plasterlina
Create connections. Check out the overhead panels in this layout. The connectors create a wonderfully cosy, complete and decidedly slick finish. Highlight the additions with ambient lighting for a really eye-catching effect.
Visualizer:PLASTERLINA
Add pattern in unexpected ways. This straight kitchen run receives some surprising twists up at roof level. Diagonal wood slats cut across the ceiling, with industrial style lighting hung in triangle formation.
Designer:22 Interiors
Galley kitchens can sometimes be U-shaped. Although this kitchen isn’t your typical U-shape, the galley run is somewhat linked by a large end unit and desk combo.
Designer:DHV Architects
Make a galley kitchen feel wider by installing the wall cabinets only on one side. An open shelf can provide extra storage on the opposite wall without closing up the space.
Designer:Pera Studio
Break up a long run of units using colour sections, like this yellow and white minimalist kitchen .
Designer:Uncommon Projects
Another one for the yellow accent kitchens collection. This time yellow panels brighten the back of units and pick out display shelves . Decorative vases hold matching flowers on the bench.
Visualizer:Lai Pháp
Use coloured accents to highlight key areas, like a breakfast bar or plate rack.
Visualizer:Patricia Castro
Mix and match to suit your space. This tiny galley kitchen is in fact extended over on the right as a single wall kitchen. Three swivel bar stools transform a prep area into a dining spot. Storage is organized neatly as well. A knife holder and kitchen spoon holder flank the sink.
Visualizer:Andrzej Chomski
Trick the eye with high contrast. The larder units in this black and white kitchen go almost unnoticed. All the attention is drawn away from the slab fronted white cabinets by the unrelenting black base units and countertop combo opposite.
Source:Kitchens International
Just a small feature wall, like this rustic stone column, can completely transform the look of a room. A plain white facing wall at the end of this kitchen would have a very different effect.
Designer:Coco & Jack
Are you a tidy sort of person? If you are, then open kitchen shelving can be used in lieu of all wall cabinets. If you’re not, better swerve this one.
Via:Futurist Architecture
Open a window. If you’re not lucky enough to have a window at the end of your galley kitchen then consider having one put in. A small window can make a narrow space appear drastically more spacious, bright, and ultimately a more pleasant place to spend time in.
Designer:Garrison Hullinger
Don’t let obstacles stand in your way. This white kitchen runs straight through an architectural support by having the units wrap around it.
Designer:Indot| Photographer:Hey!Cheese
Brighten a bland scheme with small pops of colour; think bar stools and countertop appliances.
Designer:EAG Studio
Black decor accents add weight to a white and wood kitchen .
Source:Gaughan Construction
A bookcase acts as a rich feature wall at the end of this plain white setup.
Visualizer:Orkhan Afandiyev
Introduce a wooden section to warm a white kitchen.
Visualizer:Kanstantsin Remez
A linear suspension light accentuates a galley setup. Wooden bar stools reflecting off the metal surface of the counter add to the beauty.
Designer:EAG Studio
Break the boundaries. These kitchen bar stools are pulled up to a strip of cabinetry that is open at each end, which technically straddles this kitchen design between the galley and island categories.
Visualizer:Michael Temnikov
Lowering one side of the galley allows regular height dining chairs to be used instead of high bar stools.
Architect:Artem Tiutiunnyk & Chernova Yuliya
A chalkboard makes a cool and useful feature wall at the end of a kitchen galley space.
Designer:Reiko Feng Shui Design
This industrial kitchen makes use of the end wall with a set of narrow shelves.
Via:Micasa
Choose a mobile trash can . A pedal bin on castors is a great idea for a long kitchen, as it can be wheeled easily from one end of the prep bench to the other.
Visualizer:Anton Medvedev
Open up the walls to make limited spaces feel more airy. You don’t even have to remove the supportive struts, simply eliminate the plasterboard.
Designer:Brian David Roberts
A large modern chandelier (or two) adds flair and grandeur over an open galley arrangement.
Visualizer:Alex Koretsky
Create an overlapping dining top. This grey kitchen bench is overlapped by a dark wooden top with an overhang, to create a comfortable and isolated dining spot.
Visualizer:Marcin Kasperski
Island extractor hoods mean that stoves can be situated on the outer perimeter of a galley.
Visualizer:Juan Carlos Marmolejo
Look high and low. Copper panels tie the two sides of this design together, with the copper at the back situated higher to keep it visible to the rest of the living room.
Visualizer:Steve Brown
Use the full height of your kitchen. This one has a wine rack that extends from bench height up to the ceiling, plus a set of high shelves that skim the rafters. Keep seasonal items and special occasion crockery in higher volumes so that you’re not having to climb up step ladders on a regular basis.
Designer:Lee Edwards
If you are considering installing a window at the end of a galley kitchen, then how about going the whole hog and making it a glass door out to the garden or patio area?
Designer:Third Coast Interiors
This blue door provides an interesting effect. A white door in the same space just wouldn’t give the same punch to the pale scheme. Note how the adjacent door has been left white though, because sometimes less is more.
Designer:Debbas Architecture
Create handy niches. The space below this stovetop has been left open to hold cooking pots close at hand.
Designer:B Interior
It’s always about the finishing touches. Whether it’s shiny gold handles or a stylish modern fruit bowl to dress the countertop.
Designer:Kate Bendewald
Mix and match countertops to add interest.
Designer:Urban Purpose Interiors| Via:Houzz
Wallpaper the back of a shelving unit. A beautiful floral print or a striking geometric design gives a personalised touch.
Designer:Architecture In Formation
Galley kitchens don’t always look strictly straight…
Designer:Void Inc
… The open side could be a geometric cut unit, a zigzag or waved volume.
Source:Domusnova
Can’t trust yourself to put things back where they belong on open shelving? Then how about this quirky chalkboard labelling technique to keep you on the straight and narrow. A “juice” label points to the Juicy Salif citrus juicer by Philippe Starck for Alessi, and there’s even a pointer above the kitchen clock labelled “time” - just in case you forget!
Designer:Granit
Think about how you use your kitchen before you start. This huge galley kitchen sink takes up a lot of bench space, but if you’re not a fan of dishwashers then it’s worth the real estate to keep the bench clear of used crockery.
Designer:REALarchitecture & MimANYstudio
Install a lighting soffit rather than low hung pendant lighting for a no-fuss sleek modern kitchen .
Visualizer:Paglialonga Studio
Perch a table at the end of a wall of integrated units.
Architect:Fabrizia Luciano| Visualizer:Jakub Komrska
Shape wall units into the eaves to maximise storage.
Visualizer:Trịnh Phương
Clear glass and wirework lights keep a space looking open. These unique kitchen pendant lights allow the eye to see straight through.
Source:Architectural Digest| Via:Apartment Therapy
Go all out on a colour theme. This blue kitchen has the same shade of blue units, walls and ceiling.
Visualizer:Alena Fokina
Prevent cooking splashes over an adjacent living area with a glass screen.
Visualizer:Jan Wadim
Grow your own. Check out these unique hanging planters that don’t take up a single millimetre of bench real estate.
Visualizer:Project A01 Architects
Play to the strengths of the room, and play up the quirks too.
Source:Dwell
Think outside the box. This slanted futuristic kitchen bench skims straight over a slope in the floor.
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
