Binge watching series has replaced much of our old time hobbies. Perhaps this creative chess set can bring us back to the board?
This amazing 640 square metre lakeside guesthouse is a brutalist masterpiece by architects Nikken Sekkei , located in Japan. The concrete house was designed to unfold as a continuous spiral that would reveal more of the changing lakeside view with each step taken. It’s not only the magnificent view that envelops this lake house, but the blissful sound of the rippling water’s edge right up against the home’s deck. Humidity and thermal radiation are carried into the spiral in varying degrees, so that guests can discover atmospheres they find most comfortable. Wide-open panoramas of garden touch interior spaces to build deep connection with nature in all of the guesthouse’s unique living areas.
Photographer:Gankosha, Harunori Noda, Nacasa & Partners
At night, lights glow from the modern exterior to reflect and shimmer across the lake’s black mirrored surface. The effect doubles the modern grandeur.
Come morning time, the home’s brutalist vibes proudly shine out against a backdrop of huge trees and clear blue skies.
The concrete aesthetic is just as prevalent inside of the building as it is out. Living spaces are characterised by raw grey concrete floors and walls. Sloping ceilings cut across in a contrasting white finish that lightens their mass.
Living spaces are transient and open to interpretation.
Huge lengths of glass cut through the side of the concrete building to squeeze out every last drop of the magnificent lake and mountain views.
The minimalist dining room feels like an alfresco eating area thanks to the uninterrupted panorama.
Natural daylight changes the shades of the interior, and more so the atmosphere. The rising and setting sun is intrinsic to the interior space, along with twinkling light that bounces from the water’s surface to enliven it.
Clear glass balustrades edge multiple staircases, which assist in the long, gentle descent of the internal spiral.
A sunny courtyard design brings a piece of the forest to one of the bedrooms, pushing greenery right up alongside an adjacent view of the lake. A spilt level floor raises the guest beds inline with the garden, whilst a vanity table/desk is dipped down level with the waterside terrace.
Rich stained wood darkens down the floors of the bedrooms, and covers over some of the concrete walls.
Floating treads climb the modern staircase design.
Minimal lighting gives out an atmospheric glow.
A minimalist kitchen goes almost unnoticed in the shadows.
Natural stone shapes a unique kitchen worktop.
Airy bathroom decor slides to the lighter end of the spectrum. An ultra modern double washbasin fills one half of the luxurious bathroom , whilst an inset Japanese soaking tub rests in the wet zone with an open plan shower.
Covered terraces offer shade in hot weather.
Pebbled borders create a visual connect with the lake, bringing the shore right up to the house.
Up on the rooftop approach into the house, the full impact of the breath-taking open water can be observed.
The dynamic sloping roof design tips in homage to the mountain slopes over the surrounding majestic landscape.
Looking down into the heart of the building, it’s possible to see the lake washing right up inside.
Pale pebbles fill rooftop beds, bringing a hint of the riverside all the way to the top of the building too.
The environment inside of the interconnected space is not homogeneous. As physical distance from the water increases deeper inside the elevations of the structure, humidity and thermal distribution differs.
The lake becomes a living, moving mural.
With the water rushing to the foot of the build, the house feels like a boat set sail on the lake.
Terraces jut out over the gentle waves.
Different areas of the home present various conditions, such as the warmth and dry air by the fireside - located in the natural environment, a little heating is required even during summer nights. One guest might enjoy the warmth of the fire, whilst the next might prefer another area’s cooler characteristic.
The house is closed up during the harsh winter season to prevent wasteful energy consumption.
Every part of the unique architecture is focussed toward making the most of the house’s enviable location, keeping guests engaged with the beautiful surroundings. Both interior and exterior lighting take a backseat to the remarkable view, so that the time of day and the sun’s position in the sky ultimately rules the illumination of the home.
The guests feel peaceful connection with the natural world, and disconnect from the chaotic business of every day hustle and bustle.
The landscape stripes a breathtaking border across exterior and interior living spaces, all underlit with an LED ribbon across the pebble floor.
The site plan shows a dense natural habitat of mature trees behind and around the side of the house, with nothing but the open water stretching out in front of it.
First floor and second floor plans, illustrating position of staircases, bedrooms and fluid living spaces.
Sequential spiral diagram, showing the approach to the house at the highest elevation. The path of the spiral then leads on past the bedrooms, before sloping down into the living spaces and out to the lakeside terrace.
Simulation of the flow of heat and ventilation around the guesthouse. The coolest areas of the holiday home are lakeside on each elevation, with the toasty areas situated all the way in the back next to the forest.
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
