Need an extra hand (or tentacle) to hold your things? Let this cute octopus help!
Whilst modern architecture no longer relies upon the arch to support the load of larger buildings, this Roman feat of engineering remains one of the most iconic structural developments. This architectural discovery may be thousands of years old but it has become a design element to span the ages. The revered arch has undergone a rebirth in today’s modern interiors, reinvented as an elegant style piece for any and every kind of room. When it comes to the aesthetic of the arch, we’re spoilt for choice with style adaptations from the classic Roman and gothic arches, to keyhole, Morrocan and Turkish twists in structural and decorative form.
Designer:CM Studio
The most well-known and commonly used shape is the Roman arch, a classic and recognisable silhouette with a perfectly semicircular bow resting on parallel supports. This design is a reliable favourite for escalating any living space, or creating a lasting first impression in an entryway.
Designer:K Studio
A three-centred arch flattens the curve, moulding a style that melds gracefully into large contemporary spaces. In this example, the overarching feature extends the full length of a dressing room, and dramatically draws the eye toward an underwater pool viewing window.
Designer:Kate Marker Interiors
Whilst these moments of Roman splendor were once constructed from stone or wood, they now bring beauty to modern spaces via brickwork and plasterboard or drywall. Nevertheless, the classic appeal prevails.
Designer:Sarah Sherman Samuel
The arch is a multifunctional element that works both structurally and decoratively, which makes it an ideal selection for joining rooms into a more open concept.
Visualizer:Mimar Interiors
Turkish and Moroccan design arches offer more adventurous outlines for highly detailed interiors. This one forms a monumental frame for a set of spectacular studded doors.
Photographer:Deepak Aggarwal Photography
Ornate multifoil arches communicate an Indian or Mughal style. We see the multifoil arch used here as a unique surround for a dainty shower area and a frosted glass privacy door. Colourful wall panels repeat the shapely motif.
Designer:Planet 3 Studios Architecture
Another series of multifoil arches have been combined with intricately decorative muxarabi screening to create a luxurious Indian terrace. The decorative bow complements the glorious crest of the trees that grow beyond.
Designer:Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects
Three-pointed arches are widely recognised as being strikingly Gothic in style. Sharpened at their apex, these arches create an instant eye catching theme around doors and windows. Use in combinations of the pinched acute arch and open three-pointed for variety.
Visualizer:Mohamed Mousa
Because of their spectacular high crest, Gothic arches prove very effective in homes with higher ceilings. The wider set three-pointed archways tend to give a softer aesthetic.
Source:Google Street Maps
This asymmetrical Art Nouveau style archway brings together a front door and side window to make one spectacular architectural art piece. Shouldered arch window panes and Art Nouveau stained glass are the jewel in the crown. The glorious door belongs to the “Glassmaker’s House”, located at Rue du Lac 6, Brussels.
Designer:Danielle Rose Design
The Tudor style arch has a shallow pointed arc that is wider than it is tall, which gives it the appearance of being flattened under pressure. These defining features make this a good style to implement under low ceilings – or to avoid ceiling beams as it does here.
Visualizer:Shexia Space Design
Where space is at a premium, a Victorian moulded arch provides elegance over doorways without requiring supportive columns. Instead, decorative corbels give the archway a delicate mount that floats high above the floor.
Visualizer:Juraj Talcik & Veronika Demovicova| Source:AlexAllen Lighting
Where space is no issue, archways can be expanded with ornamental pillars and boiserie embellishments, or enhanced with smart wainscot. This inspirational home interior includes unique arch shaped pendant lights to invert the theme.
Designer:Joan Lao
This stone barrel vault, also referred to as a wagon or tunnel vault, forms an awe-inspiring archway across the full length of this modern rustic living room. A massive glazed arch exquisitely frames sweeping countryside views.
Designer:Polina Yakovleva| Visualizer:Liza Nikulina
The ribs of this tunnel archway disguise a set of closet doors for hallway storage. Soft overhead lighting accentuates the softly curving ceiling.
Visualizer:Liana Nikitina
A colonnade holds up an arcade of fabulous uniform arches to divide this modern lounge from its adjoined kitchen diner space. Modern wall lights and contemporary furniture offset the air of tradition.
Visualizer:Shexia Space Design
Archways don’t always have to be a part of the base architecture, as this row of windows proves. A false wall has been implemented in front of the regular window panes to create the illusion of arched frames without the high cost. A partition wall adds a second cost-saving archway, this time with an added classic column for nostalgia.
Designer:PMAA
An orderly row of Roman arches bring beauty in their simplicity, an elegant look for any kind of setting. This particular home is topped with a shallowly arched ceiling treatment that bounces playfully in unison.
Visualizer:Phan Nguyen
Distressed plaster adds to the authenticity of this wide classic archway, creating a moment of textural pause between the modern lounge area and sleek kitchen design of a studio apartment.
Visualizer:Shexia Space Design
Archways naturally frame small vignettes of the room that lies beyond, so be sure to frame its best features.
Visualizer:Bureau Slovo
You can create archways in a myriad of unexpected places, big and small, like the pseudo three-centred arch mirror recess inside this bespoke walk-in closet.
Designer:dSPACE Studio
A closed archway off the hallway of this open concept piano room lends an air of mystique.
Designer:roomdesignburo
Another retrofit option for archless homeowners, this glass wall bedroom design is fabricated from arched partition walls.
Designer:Léo Shehtman Arquitetura e Design
What’s better than an archway? Two archways. This home design doubles up the fabulous effect with parallel companions. A warm background colour and sunlit muxarabi screening in the secondary space creates a glowing lantern effect.
Designer:roomdesignburo
An arched patio door and a matching arched window form another perfect pair. Wooden shutters leave the semicircular arch untouched, to let in the daylight high up top without compromising on privacy.
Visualizer:LIS design studio
This split archway gains due attention with a bright salmon colour reveal.
Visualizer:DAR architects
Another colour reveal pushes out the edges of a pseudo three-centred arch, and creates a style thread to link it with the split level floor.
Designer:And And And Studio
A vault bows over an arched nook to create a spectacular home entryway.
Designer:Sneha Divias Atelier
Alternating arch halves bounce left to right along a creative corridor. Bright yellow reveals exaggerate the unusual concept.
Designer:747 Studios
Adjoining vaults meet over a dreamy luxury bathroom design to create glorious light play.
Designer:Dua Abukhalaf
Archways and columns melt into one seamless volume over this extraordinary living space. The sensational interior feature tricks the eye away from linear contemporary windows and a characterless floor.
Visualizer:Atelier Monolit
Marvellously majestic and comforting in repetition, this set of stone archways is the stuff of storybooks.
Visualizer:Atelier Monolit
Yawning horseshoe arches imitate the sunrise over the landscape.
Source:Huntingtower Road
Steel cased windows glaze this succession of impressive round archways with a minimal modern aesthetic.
Designer:Pitsou Kedem Architects
A stone Gothic arch builds an authentic and enchanting focal point.
Designer:Pitsou Kedem Architects
This stone vault is all the decor the house will ever need. The kitchen and dining space underneath it has been kept clean and minimal.
Visualizer:Lulu Lee
Round Roman archways leap in a graceful trio in this lounge, whilst a wider arch defines the dining zone as a separate area.
Designer:Ink Architecture + Interiors
Brick archways attractively separate off the garden exit point in this open plan living space.
Designer:24-d Studio
A rounded play on the triangular arch, this modern interpretation features candy coloured edges.
Visualizer:Mario Maleš
Vaulted ceilings round out the perfect setting for an artistic space.
Visualizer:Summer Valley Summer
This tunnel vaulted effect is created with a series of unique arched lights, which feature hallway mirrors upon each stem to exaggerate the repetition. The unconventional lighting installation is inspired by just one small archway at one end of the hall.
Visualizer:Lorenzo Pennati
This arcade falls short of the ceiling line, which makes it into more of a monument than an architectural device.
Visualizer:2G Studio
Arches create wonderful transition points between interior and exterior spaces. This three-centred arch, or basket-handle arch, announces the bathroom’s connection with a stunning garden view.
Visualizer:eeStairs
In a futuristic review of the archway, a pod-like ellipse is employed to cocoon a unique staircase.
Via:Livemaster
Springers and a prominent keystone add stand out features to this rounded archway. A unique owl themed carving dominates the wonderful door design.
Designer:And And And Studio
Semicircular arches cut a bold shape theme into a flat white facade.
Designer:Naf Architect & Design
This intriguing arched tunnel is formed between two individual houses, which are located beside a Japanese tea garden near Tokyo.
Via:Rob Maday Landscape Architecture
Shouldered arches carry decorative contours around the top, without being overly ornate.
Source:Rooted Garden
Steel garden arches can be used to cultivate tunnel archways between your planters or vegetable plots…
Via:New England
… Or to grow romantic garden arches for fragrant walks.
Via:Rostovkino
There’s nothing quite like Mother Nature’s very own architecture. Flowering bush arches make stunning framework for picture windows and rustic doorways.
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
