Restful is not the first feeling that raises to mind when we think of the colour red. Red is known for passion, energy, and even anger. However, these three home designs display a skillfully balanced approach to the red accent through intelligent spacing and use of tone. We’ll look at red decor that’s cooled by pale grey expanses and white intervals, before we tour an apartment that’s coloured only by its furniture. Finally we’ll visit a sophisticated home interior where an earthy red palette is pushed back by solid volumes of black, cream and white. Red is unmistakably the starring character in each of these homes, but never overplays its part.
Visualizer:DaseinDesign studio
In Irkutsk, Russia, this 38 square metre home design uses fearless red accents separated by a neutralising swathe of restful grey and white.
Consistent cool tones push apart saturated red accents, commanding calm breathing space between.
A modern sofa adds a botanical print to the living room, where shades of grey and muted red combine.
The two sofas are raised on chrome feet, which gives the red room a clean and spacious feel.
Behind the lounge arrangement, a round dining table is teamed with iconic Arne Jacobsen drop chairs.
The table’s cold white finish quenches the fire of the chairs hot red colourway.
White decorative vases add a sculptural element to the small dining set.
A grey kitchen unfolds alongside the dining area, settling quietly into the grey background.
An oversized red dining room pendant light closely matches the circumference of the table, colourfully anchoring it in its spot.
Visualizer:Hatch Studio
In Łódź, Poland, red furniture is appointed to establish the colour theme of the apartment, whilst wall paint is kept entirely neutral in warm white. A red modular sofa rests on a matching rug in the compact lounge to create one combined statement.
A red wall cabinet peeps around the corner from the hallway, raising the bright accent up to eye level.
Beading creates a classic panelled effect across the wall, which captures the TV and red wall unit inside their own domains.
A gold designer table lamp tones warmly with the red notes in the room, and with smooth wood grain that shapes the storage cabinets and round coffee table.
On top of the mezzanine, hanging plants provide lush green contrast with the muted red decor elements. The foliage falls onto a one wall kitchen, which pales into the background of the colour rich lounge.
Dining chairs take the gold accent to the other side of the living room, where a circular dining table forms a chic matching set with the coffee table.
A trio of pendants make a large but light statement over the pedestal dining table , drawing the eye up to appreciate the lofty ceiling height.
The red wall unit snugly wraps around the corner of the hall into a recessed home entryway to form a set of decorative shelves.
A floor bed increases the sense of height up on the mezzanine. A small linear wall light shines over a custom made headboard.
Visualizer:Alina Novytska & Lada Kamyshanska
Our last tour takes place in an earthy red, cream and white apartment design with basic black accents. A light rug brings a stretch of plush texture to the lounge area of the open plan, which juxtaposes smooth coffee tables and plain sofa upholstery.
Large pieces of modern art paint accent colours into white spaces.
Wherever there is a pause in furniture there is a piece of artwork to amuse the eye.
Tactile light woodtone forms the nesting coffee tables by the sofa, whilst a darker grain builds a bespoke window seat across the room’s width.
Black window reveals are mirrored by black accent pillars on the opposite side of the room. Black decorative vases seem to tumble out of a painting, bringing its dark abstract form to life.
A red ceiling plane makes clear zoning over the kitchen. Matching red kitchen cabinets fill the far wall, resulting in one glorious seamless statement of colour.
The red ceiling treatment is employed to define an open plan hallway too. A large terrarium of cacti splits the walkway from the sitting room.
The kitchen pendant light is mounted dead centre of its red ceiling panel, illuminating a crisp white island. See more stylish ideas for kitchen pendant lights .
Mosaic tiles crackle down a hallway of muted red storage units. A black front door is framed in matching paintwork to achieve one solid colour blocked effect.
A black accent wall mirrors the effect at the top of the hallway. Black track lights guide the way into the living room.
Inside the red bedroom , a slatted statement wall contrasts richly behind the grey platform bed .
Vertical linear wall lights complement the slatted wall feature, and contrast with the curves of a chic hourglass bedside table .
A comfortable reading chair is made even cosier with one of the grey throw pillows from the bed.
The bedroom TV wall is a seriously smart yet simple piece of design, made from a framed timber slab and LED strips.
A modern wall sconce is mounted onto the wooden TV mount to light a minimalist floating desk below.
The crackle mosaic tile from the hall makes its way into the bathroom, and all over the shower wet zone and cistern wall.
A racetrack vanity mirror and a unique ceiling suspended shelving unit team up with a contemporary pedestal sink .
The bathroom’s red accent wall reflects in the mirror, opposite a cooling wall of raw concrete.
tiles and slatted accent wall are cut through by a clean white bathtub and searing white LED track light.
Black fixtures and fittings firmly weight the scheme.
Architect firm Inly Studio have expertly created a peaceful modern home design that complements both the hot and rainy climate of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Measuring 650 square metres, this impressive modern property features not just one, but three zen courtyards. The outdoor areas are bordered by sheltered walkways that shield from sun and rain. Wood slatted panels from the roofline prevent direct sunlight from overheating interior spaces, and edge to edge patio doors open up the rooms to the welcoming gardens. Ancient trees add majesty to the courtyards whilst contemporary interior spaces are decorated with minimal furniture. Wood tone warms monochrome decor and continues the beauty of nature within the home.
Photographer:Panoramic Studio
The first of three peacefully zen courtyard design s instantly communicates this modern house ’s wonderfully restful soul.
A spectacular ancient tree brings a piece of natural history to the ultra modern property.
A small pool design stretches cool blue waters alongside the gnarled tree trunk. The still surface seems to mirror the clear blue sky above.
There is a built up deck around the outskirts of the picturesque courtyard, which provides an outdoor walkway between the rooms of the home. The deck also doubles as a garden bench where the homeowners can stop for a while and take in the revitalising green view.
A path of rugged stepping stones winds across the pebbled floor of the second courtyard design, bringing footsteps right up by another enchanting tree.
Patio doors adjoin indoor areas with the outdoor space, creating an easy harmonious flow.
The interior volume that divides the two tranquil courtyards is a zen inspired design . The horsetail grass gives a modern feel to the outdoor landscape .
A Thai dining set, with traditional low table and a pair of floor chairs, is situated to benefit from the through breeze entering three aspects of glazed doors.
The triple aspect windows give the room an open outdoor feel.
White concrete architecture builds a modern minimalist aesthetic, which complements the zen gardens.
Black roof overhangs contrast darkly against the white exterior walls, emphasising and sharpening architectural line.
An outdoor bench is set upon the terrace that links the two courtyards, creating a relaxing spot for reading, quiet contemplation, or gathering.
The entire outdoor area presents as one space thanks to the glass wall design of the traditional dining/tea room.
Tall grasses stretch along the boundary walls, growing a flash of lush greenery.
Moving around to the front entrance of the home, we find more glorious trees basking in the sunlight.
A solid concrete wall divides the front entrance from the private outdoor space. An overhang wired with spotlights provides shelter from the rain and adds illumination to the entrance path at night.
Ground level LED lights guide footfall toward the front entrance .
Overhangs around the edges of the courtyard mean that the space can still be used in the Chiang Mai rainy season, which lasts all the way from early May till the end of October.
The entire side of the building opens up to a larger style dining room for entertaining.
The wooden terrace extends the living space and connects it with nature.
To continue the natural element of the gardens, wood panelling has been brought into the home to warm through the white colour scheme.
Black framed windows and doors look crisp and strong in their light surrounds.
Thailand’s warm climate means that outdoor areas can be frequented as much as interior spaces, and shade is a blessing.
Uplighters showcase the trees at night.
Expansive spaces build airy grandeur both inside and out.
Slatted wood screens surround the roofline to protect the interior of the home from the direct glare of the sun.
A formal dining area takes in a full view of the back courtyard, which is framed by enormous curtains on either side.
The rectangle dining table fits neatly into the relatively narrow living space by the staircase.
Glass balustrades leave the staircase design open to the living room and the beautiful vista.
Black inlays smartly stripe the underside of the landing above the dining room, drawing the eye forward towards the lounge.
A stylish Dyson blade-less fan keeps the lounge area cool.
A chaise sofa tucks in underneath the open stair treads. The extended chaise section is situated on the outer side of the couch arrangement to set down a defined ‘room’ border. This formation also gives the comfiest seat in the house the most optimal viewing angle of the TV.
High up on the mezzanine landing, the exterior wood slatted panels filter the searing sunlight.
The kitchen is located at the opposite side of the dining room. Dark grey kitchen cabinets create stark contrast to the rest of the light decor scheme.
Kitchen bar stools surround the kitchen island to make cooking a communal experience.
The black and white bedroom has a unique platform bed design that accommodates twin double mattresses.
Bedside storage cubbies are built into the bed’s unusually large frame. An elongated TV unit spans the full width of the room in a wooden finish that smoothly matches the bed.
The private bedroom balcony is enveloped with wood planking, creating a warm embrace.
Garage doors slide in both directions to allow the homeowners flexibility in deciding which part of the house they want accessed. The garage door slides to the right to open up the courtyards…
… and slides to the left to reveal the main entryway once again.
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
