It is not everyday that you can meet the tall order of making something as mundane as a measuring tape interesting. But the folks at OTOTO seems to have managed just that with the cute and beautiful Giraffe measuring tape .
At just under 40 square metres these three home designs are comfortably compact. Careful layouts and bespoke furniture designs ensure that layouts look spacious and uncluttered despite limited floor dimensions. Calming shades of grey, black and white colour the interiors so that the close quarters never feel overwhelming, but rather more sleek and stylishly minimalist. Each of the apartment designs explore a different approach to small space living too. We go from a compartmental apartment layout with a flexible bedroom niche, to a fully fluid single space studio apartment, and finish in an elegant flat with the bedroom entirely tucked away. Kitchens range from chic simplicity to luxe elegance, ticking boxes for functionality and flair.
Architect:Mast Studio
In this 40 square metre apartment in Moscow, Russia, the main living area is lit up with bright elements of white, light grey and oak. The bedroom and entry hall fall back into the shadows with moody charcoal grey decor and low atmospheric lighting.
Oak bifold doors allow the bedroom space to adjoin with the living room to increase the overall sense of space. A lighter shade of grey upholstery allows the bedstead to pull away from the bedroom’s charcoal decor, and to complement the living room sofa colour.
A modern floor lamp arcs over the back of the sofa, cutting across black window frames.
The smooth arc of the floor lamp is complemented by a round dining table just behind it. Silver base cabinets build the look of a highly simplified minimalist kitchen. However, a set of full height larder units sweep around the adjacent wall in a special finish that camouflages with the living room walls. A black integrated oven is the only clue as to their hidden function.
Pedestal silhouettes shape both the dining table and the coffee table.
Reflective closet doors and a decorative wall mirror bounce natural light down the darkened hallway of the apartment. A chic elliptical entryway bench is settled opposite the closet as spot to put on shoes or drop bags.
The bathroom is also shadowy show of sleek style and moody illumination. Perimeter LEDs highlight the edges of a black marble backsplash wall and coordinated shower enclosure.
An anthracite heated towel rail, toilet and vanity unit blend with the blackness.
The floor plan illustrates a generous closet space off the home entryway, which is the only storage volume in the home besides the kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity.
Designer:Yevheniia Dubrovska| Photographer:Yevhenii Avramenko
This 36 square metre apartment is situated in a modern residential quarter, close to the center of Kyiv. Architects transformed the small space into a home that could comfortably house a couple… and a cat.
The new layout encompasses a multitude of functional zones across the limited floor area, including a space saving built-in dining area opposite the kitchen. A vanity table/desk runs off the side of the eating area, as a transition zone to the bed.
A solid wall of storage runs along the back of the custom dining set. The cupboards conceal all of the small homes clutter to keep the interior looking clean and crisp.
Colours are calm and neutral. Natural wood furniture contrasts warmly against a cool concrete floor and palest grey walls.
The dining bench is accessorised with a black seat pad to match the stylish black dining chairs from Billiani.
An earth toned accent rug interrupts the grey and white kitchen.
An oak drainer board makes a brief colour link with the brown kitchen rug.
The kitchen is a basic design so as not to overwhelm the narrow apartment. Chrome fixtures add bright sheen.
The wooden element enters the bedroom area as a headboard, which is topped with more pale grey storage cabinets to balance out the opposite side of the room.
An outdoor chair and small side table furnish a comfy balcony area.
Sheer drapes softly frame the balcony windows with translucent colour.
The wooden headboard links directly into the adjacent vanity table, then continues its perfect line through and around the dining area and banquette seat.
A handy drawer is concealed within the shallow profile of the dressing table.
A custom cut mirror fits flush inside the recess.
The bathroom is a predominantly white scheme with modern chrome fixtures, matching the simplicity of the rest of the apartment.
Deep red doors on the vanity unit provide an upbeat accent.
Studio floor plan.
Designer:Innoi Design
Our final tour takes place in a 30.2 square metre home in Kyiv.
The sofa and round coffee table are set on top of a unique floor treatment that introduces pastel colour into the lounge. A set of decorative vases coordinate with beige tones in the floor, and lighten up the black coffee table mass.
A glass room divider lightly separates the small lounge from the neighbouring kitchen.
The black framework of the room divider influences black accents in the rest of the room, like a unique wall light, black window blinds and monochrome wall art.
The TV wall doubles as a workspace/vanity area. A comfy desk chair is in-keeping with the sumptuous aesthetic of the lounge.
White marble floods the kitchen with a luxe look.
White flatware accompanies the light decor.
Despite being a small kitchen , it exudes an upscale appearance. Neoclassical wall beading builds a decorative setting, and a high-polish chimney extractor gleams against the grey paintwork. A unique linear chandelier brings out the elegant black bar stools.
White accessories pop crisply against the misty grey backdrop.
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
