The Eames house bird is a very familiar object in the design world. Though originally designed by Charles and Edna Perdew in 1910 and popularised by Charles and Ray Eames in the 1950s, the walnut edition of this iconic piece is somewhat of a new addition to the maker Vitra’s lineup. If you are looking for a wooden accent piece to liven up your desk or mantle, check it out.
When living space is limited, it’s time to get creative - and it doesn’t hurt to move to a minimalist mind set. That’s what happened after the purchase of two homes in Japan. Unusual layouts and creative division of area brought about unexpected changes in floor height. The designs, by Indot Design , seek only to meet the basic needs of the homeowners, without faltering into a feeling of emptiness. Hidden storage compartments and sleek units keep the minimalist rooms free from the noise of clutter and colour. The interiors stand awash with calm and minimalist Japanese design, predominantly based in white with pale grey accents, and light wood elements to turn up the thermostat of visual warmth.
Photographer:Hey!Cheese
It’s not hard to see why this unusual Japanese home renovation won a micro space project award. Spanning a very narrow 60 square metres, this ingenious home design overcame great challenges by implementing creative zoning techniques. The minimalist living room beds down inside a recess in the floor, where a bespoke sofa design and TV wall make full use of its limited width. A Bull storage ottoman adds a little character.
The story of this home design began with a client who wanted to keep their elderly parents close to them, after their parents decided to downsize. A small and narrow house was purchased in the hope that it could become a comfortable and sociable living area, with enough space for other family members to come visit too.
A step down into the lounge area conceals storage space beneath its tread. A wall of storage along one entire side of the house makes it possible to stow away items that would make the small area feel cluttered. The sleek white cabinets go almost unnoticed, and so aren’t oppressive on the narrow living space.
The change in floor treatment over the wide step is a safety feature to make it more visible.
A safety barrier runs above the low set sofa. Armrests have been widened to be more noticeable in their low position. A grill in the TV cabinet increases ventilation.
The kitchen diner is open plan with the living room, which means many people can socialise or watch a movie together.
LED strips serve a night light function. The bedroom is situated behind the lounge TV wall with a glass partition. Its sliding doors allow the bedroom to be opened up to living space.
A bench is fitted to the wall along the open plan living room, as additional seating for guests.
White kitchen cabinets pale into the background of the long room, pushed to the outermost corner to leave a large sociable area where many people can gather and chat.
A large dining table was paramount for big family dinners.
The minimalist dining table is extended by the adjoined kitchen island.
Window wall storage units serve as kitchen cabinets too.
The depth of the storage units form deep window sills that double as comfortable window seats. Seating locations across the home, over different heights, form intermediary spaces to sit and stay–and places where family members can come gather together again.
A stylish cut puts the kitchen island right inside the dining table.
Above the table, a simple linear suspension light suits the minimalist aesthetic.
With the sliding room divider retracted, we can see the living room TV wall doubles as a bedroom TV wall on its opposite side.
To save space in the elevated bedroom ‘box’, the bed bases were discounted; mattresses lay directly on the floor.
One walkway links the spaces, with an Italian floor coating. The bathroom stands opposite the bedroom.
Original floor plan. The recess at the centre inspired the core positioning of the lounge.
Finished floor plan. On the entrance side, we see there is a wardrobe combined with a locker room, which creates a porch interface.
In Taipei, Taiwan, an overcrowded urbanized environment enforced limitation of space for our second set of homeowners. Although the area was static, life had to be allowed to change and flow between work and leisure time.
It’s difficult to control the distance between people in a bustling city–and in this home of just 60 sqm. However, a dynamic solution brought about freedom. After taking all partitions back to zero, the designers built a predominantly open field with few obstacles. Then, sliding walls were installed that could either separate or integrate the space.
Large furniture items were placed flush with the sliding doors, and some pieces even slip into specialised slots cut into the moving planes.
The boundary of space is blurred and gentle. The living room is sometimes adjoined with the workspace, and at other times with the bedroom.
A raised wooden walkway begins up by the pillows in the white bedroom , and runs the length of the window wall. Storage compartments are hidden inside the platform.
Glass sliding doors separate the bedroom from the kitchen side.
The homeowners can reconsider the division of space in a moment, and change public and private sectors.
The partitions add both attractive and practical options for layout, where every day can ring the changes.
The kitchen disappears behind full height white cabinet doors.
Cheese holes in the thick sliding door allows borrowed light to permeate and form fascinating soft shadows.
Simple white shelves back the work/dining area.
Perfect cuts make transitions effortless.
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
