Designed by Richard Sapper in 1972, the Tizio lamp looks like a modernist sculpture. This iconic piece uses a clever mechanism of counterweights to allow lamp adjustments without the use of a tightening knob or fastener. The arms safely and discretely conduct electricity as well, which means the power cord need only extend to the base of the lamp.
Having a studio apartment or an open floor plan that blends together living and dining areas can feel like an interior challenge. You want to create separation while preserving the open flow of the space. To help, we’ve compiled over 50 examples of living and dining combinations, including some studios, that show how positioning furniture, using color, or playing with layout can make a space feel completely beautiful and functional. Even the tiniest of floorplans can benefit from these sources of inspiration.
Designer:CRAFTR AAIM
This compact 1 bedroom apartment feels light, airy, and open with its use of white walls and light furnishings. The table is positioned along the window with a pendant light above to offer plenty of light into the space.
Visualizer:Svoya Studio
In this visualization of a combination living and dining room, division is created in the space not by using walls or dividers, but by drawing the eye toward the large floor to ceiling bookshelves that run alongside the “living area” of the open floor plan. It’s a clever use of space and adds storage.
Visualizer:365 design
In this chic, modern living room with an open view to a dining area, we see the use of a black and white accents to create visual interest without making the space feel cluttered. Wall decor for the living room comes in the form of a clock and framed art. Decorative bowls and vases add to the cool look.
Visualizer:Oliver Wende
This small apartment living room dining room combo shows that modern and minimalist isn’t the only way to style such a space. Using Scandinavian style chairs , lighting with an antique flair, and a rich hardwood in a herringbone pattern, this space feels luxurious in spite of its size. Many of the features take inspiration from vintage icons, like the mid century modern clock and the Ejvind Johansson chairs.
Visualizer:Zarysy
Decorating a living room dining room combo can be tricky, but this space is a great example of choosing a palette and sticking with it to create a seamless feeling between the living, dining, and kitchen areas of the apartment. The dining room pendant lights and table legs add pops of yellow while the doorways and countertops showcase a rich green.
Visualizer:Novelty Sector
Green also takes the center stage in this palette-perfect dining and living room design. To tie both rooms together in the open space, light green and gray fabrics are incorporated into the dining chairs, sofa, and even window textiles. Using consistent fabrics is a great way to make the room look put together, even when the footprint is small.
Visualizer:Romet Mets
Some designers are afraid to use dark monochromatic furnishings but for this apartment, black can be used beautifully without making the space feel cramped. This sleek and modern take on the dining living room combo offers a sort of yin and yang with the use of black accents, the white sofa, and light natural woods.
Visualizer:ONI Render
In this combination living room and dining room, light pours in through the large windows, giving the space an airy and open feel. The dining table is positioned at the window, giving a feeling of al fresco dining even when indoors. Plush, cozy seating is only steps away, making this a great example of a space for entertaining large parties.
Visualizer:Ngurah Arya
In this contemporary white and gray living and dining area, light fixtures provide both functional illumination and division. In the kitchen area, a bar of lights focus toward the cabinetry, which also showcases under cabinet lighting. Over the dining table, the modern chandelier you see here is the Heracleum II LED Suspension . Pendant lighting can be an excellent way to mark the dining area of a compact but open space.
Visualizer:Leo D’uk Design
In a small dining room and living area, it’s important to make the most of your space. In this instance, we see the dining table in the form of a long bar, positioned along the back of the sofa. Both the living and dining spaces have access to the surface, which is lightened up by the suspended Ikea SINNERLIG pendant lamps above. In the far corner, the television and motivational art rest on a floating tv stand .
Visualizer:K Room
Speaking of size, this kitchen dining living room combo uses tall palms and decorative globe lights to draw the eye upward, creating an illusion of more space. Sleek stone work in the flooring and walls adds a modern flair.
Visualizer:Imagine3D
This masculine bachelor pad offers inspiration for what a studio apartment can be when you play with pattern. Textured walls, ceilings, and even the plush rug underfoot give dimension and interest to the living kitchen dining combo. Mid-century modern influence shows through certain details, like the TV stand and sofa.
Visualizer:Lushviz
In this airy apartment with a living kitchen and dining combo, you see a unique floor lamp in the foreground that ties in with the white walls, chairs, and cabinetry. Using white to make the space feel more open was a smart design choice. The chevron rug is a bold statement piece that adds interest.
Visualizer:Lushviz
This stylish open floor plan uses a long kitchen island, a pair of graphic prints, and hanging pendants to divide the room in thirds. Furniture, lighting, and artwork can all be used in this way to separate a kitchen, living, and dining combo.
Visualizer:Nordico
While many open floor plans may use the same wall color throughout, this example shows that accent walls can create separation. This light blue accent wall pairs perfectly with the nesting coffee table and chairs featured in the space.
Visualizer:ESpace Team
This Scandinavian apartment has almost a spa-like quality with its use of soft lighting, neutral textiles, and natural light woods, making the footprint feel less compact.
Visualizer:O.M. Shumelda
Natural woods appear in this kitchen living and dining space, both in the cabinetry and in the accent wall. Here division is created using a modern fireplace. Modern chairs surround the circular dining table .
Visualizer:Vagon Architects
Glass and metal wall dividers can also create separation in small spaces. Here we also see the use of mixed furniture styles in both the sofa (bright) and the dining table chair combination (traditional meets modern).
Designer:2B Group
Ample wall storage is a wonderful way to make the most of a small space like this, which we see here in the use of tuxedo cabinetry that runs from floor to the near top of the tall windows.
Visualizer:Javier Wainstein
Wallpaper isn’t something to shy away from in compact floor plans either. In this apartment, a subtle wallpaper print adds visual interest without crowding the walls with art, letting the bright furniture take center stage.
Designer:Annabell Kutucu
In this modern open concept living and dining room, wall shelving in the same black matte metal in the chairs and pendant lighting provides a dividing visual line between the dining table and seating area.
Visualizer:Fenix Design
Richer tones can work well in open floor plans too, as evidenced by the cushioned sectional, dark woods, modern dining chairs , and marble accent wall of this interior. The location of the fireplace is also unique here, allowing for the seating to be focused on either a roaring fire or a favorite TV program easily. The wood storage also provides a unique decorative touch.
Visualizer:Konstantin Entalcev
Smart design for compact spaces can also incorporate moving walls that slide on tracks mounted to the ceiling, expanding furniture, or other items that can be tucked away neatly. You can also see this concept executed well in the unique transformer layout of this home.
Designer:The November
Touches of greenery in the form of houseplants make this space feel lively and welcoming. They too can be used to make an open floor plan feel more finished.
Visualizer:Maxim Tsiabus
In the minimalist design of this home , the console table with Rabbit lamps provides a makeshift room divider that separates out the dining from the living while still leaving room for entertainment. The large projector screen offers a full view from any vantage point.
Visualizer:Rustem Urazmetov
Window and door frames can also be a great place to tie in color accents in an open floor plan, as seen here. Pops of blue in the frames work beautifully with the plush sectional, modern accent chair , and boldly patterned rug.
Visualizer:Nikita Bulatov
In this contemporary apartment, a grey living room shows that you’re not limited to whites or neutrals for paint colors. Paired with the light hardwoods and overhead lighting, it feels very sleek and polished.
Visualizer:Norik Karavardanian
A long armed living room lamp can also be a unique way to divide a lounge area and dining room in a studio like this one.
Visualizer:Dmitriy Kurilov
Seating position also works to define an open space. The light gray modular sofa draws the eye toward the living area and large window while globe pendant lights make the dining area feel more apparent.
Visualizer:Recent Spaces
Drawing the eye upward toward the ceiling with a unique finish can also make a living and dining room combination feel roomier, as seen here.
Visualizer:Afina Portobello
In this light and bright Scandinavian living room , a graphic rug and throw pillows add pops of color to the otherwise neutral palette being used throughout the small space. To add to its feeling of lightness, walls, furnishings, and even light fixtures share a color palette.
Visualizer:LVI Studio
In tight spaces, vertical storage can reign supreme and here we see an example of cabinetry becoming a statement accent wall with open shelving and three layers of cabinetry. Window drapery acts as a room separator.
Visualizer:Hung Le
In this compact apartment layout, we see built-ins in the kitchen to stash appliances - a clever way to maximize space. Pops of green through throw pillows and indoor plants add freshness.
Visualizer:Diễm Kiều
In this overhead view of a combination living and dining area, separation is achieved through wall accents and natural greenery positioned alongside the sofa.
Visualizer:Diễm Kiều
In this visualization however, we see a sliding wall panel that may be drawn to provide privacy to the seating area. Additionally, the dining area sits on the unique tile flooring seen in the kitchen.
Visualizer:aTng 糖 & Dunqiang Chen
This earthy studio apartment creates a sense of calm by using a layout that flows in terms of relaxation and positioning. The dining area sits at the forefront, the living area in the middle, and then the slightly raised sleeping area at the back.
Visualizer:敦强 陈
We see a similar approach taken in this one room apartment design that blends together living and dining seating into one long bench positioned opposite the raised bed area.
Visualizer:Respix Studio
In this compact space, a center wall positioned in the kitchen provides division while letting light stream through the floor to ceiling balcony windows.
Visualizer:Maksym Netreba
While natural light is a way to make a small space feel lighter, monochromatic palettes with soft lighting can be a great way to create small space luxury .
Visualizer:Z.Design architecture
Clean lines in cabinetry, floor, ceiling, and even window treatments give this minimalist dining and living area a sleek sophistication.
Designer:The November
But achieving an attractive living room and dining room doesn’t have to be high style. Here, we see cozy touches in the form of throw blankets, a bag chair, and cute tea set in a much more casual and accessible setting.
Visualizer:Evgeny Garchu
Geometry can also be a powerful ally in creating a living and dining room combination that feels fresh. The geometric coffee table and narrow vertical built-ins are unexpected additions to anchor the room.
Visualizer:Atom studio
In this sleek and stylish open floor plan apartment, mid century modern touches give the overall design a contemporary feel. The mossy green sectional is particularly striking addition to the space.
Designer:HAO Design
Rugs are also practical solutions for creating an area that feels designated. Here we see a charcoal palette broken up by warm woods, white, and pops of teal, which can be also found in the living room rug.
Source:gyunexX
Entertainment can also be used to create a feeling of “rooms” in a compact apartment layout, as seen here with computers, an electric piano along the window, and a large media console .
Architect:Dermice Architects| Designer:Anna Fedyukina
In this creative living room and dining room design, we see a well coordinated palette of green, yellow, and gray to tie both rooms together. To create a feeling of division, wood accents run along the wall and ceiling without taking away from the strong visual of the painted white accent wall.
Visualizer:Cartelle Design
shouldn’t feel crowded or cramped as long as space is used smartly. Here, we see clutter eliminated by offering storage space in the form of under bench cubbies and large vertical cabinets.
Visualizer:Zikzak
Small spaces are also good for taking risks with bold design choices, as seen here with the use of red in the art and furnishings.
Designer:Ivan Yunakov
Using a dining table as a console table can be a clever way to also make use of a combination living and dining room.
Visualizer:Maksim Demchenko
Modern one room studio apartments with little space for separation can be given structure by using see through enclosures or textiles where you’d like to add a bit of privacy.
Source:Husman Hagberg
But regardless of the space, having a combination living and dining room - or even a one room studio - can be made beautiful by playing with light, color, texture, and unique touches that make the space your own.
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
