The Scandinavian aesthetic can be applied to many different spaces. Its love of simplicity, natural elements, and functionality is especially ideal for a living room. Take a glimpse inside some lovely, organized and comfortable living rooms that their inspiration from Scandinavian design and get inspiration for yourself.
Source:Evermotion
As sunlight streams in from overhead skylights, it illuminates the clean lines and carefully chosen furnishings in this lovely top level apartment.
Designer:A+ studio
A gallery wall is a great way to add personality to an otherwise minimal design.
Visualizer:Koj Design
Mismatched patterns like plaid and chevron are not exactly a hallmark of Scandinavian design but the subtle colors here make them work together.
Visualizer:Esphera
On the other hand, yellow accents against black and white, as we’ll see, is quite common. The rustic and unique coffee table here is a nice touch.
Visualizer:Image Box Studio
Dangling caged lightbulbs are a creative alternative to a chandelier or typical track lighting. Yellow bursts, like these accent chairs , can add more interest to an all white room.
Designer:Studio Cuvier
A lovely purple rug brings a pop of color and texture to this bright white living room.
Designer:Lotta Agaton| Photographer:Pia Ulin
Black, white, gray, and natural wood give this living room a sophisticated air that could be straight out of another era.
Designer:Lotta Agaton| Photographer:Pia Ulin
Wood and brick are quite common but luxe leather is another way to bring in the idea of natural materials and interesting textures. The indoor plants help bring in green as an accent. The imposing swing arm wall lamp you see here is the Flos Model 265.
Visualizer:Santiago Mañero
A tufted sofa with a smooth throw flips a traditional style on its head.
Visualizer:AIV Studio
Scandinavian styling works particularly well with gorgeous wood flooring, whether new or vintage. The unique, circle living room chandelier adds a great touch.
Visualizer:Dmitriy Chukhleb
You don’t need a ton of space to execute on these ideas. Complementary shades of teal(in the lounge chair & modern sofa ) and ultra smooth lines are perfect here.
Visualizer:Alexey Gulesha
Here’s another way to use that trendy bright yellow color, giving this living room a mod feel. The black and white rug adds interesting contrast to the floor.
Visualizer:Denis Krasikov
Use your sofa as a room divider in smaller, open space as seen here.
Visualizer:Voima Graphics
Light colored wood helps to open up a space on the floor as well as in furnishings like chairs and coffee tables.
Visualizer:Design at Sketch
If you don’t have gorgeous deep wood floors, consider painting them in whitewash for an artsy loft effect.
Visualizer:e5 Visualization
Indoor plants are one of the best ways to bring nature inside and warm up a space. Do check out our list of 32 Beautiful Indoor House Plants That Are Also Easy To Maintain if you would like to try it at your home.
Visualizer:Sergey Baskakov
A bare wood ceiling gives this otherwise sleek living room a more rustic feel – not everything has to be exactly the same tone to work together.
Visualizer:Alena Malyuk
This small space doesn’t have a lot of room to spare, but a few small pieces keep it cozy and comfortable.
Visualizer:Denis Kraskikov
Chevron patterned flooring is one way to bring some creativity to hardwood. Motivational posters are yet another mood booster.
Visualizer:Denis Krasikov
And don’t think you can’t experiment with color combinations if you’re tending towards Scandinavian design. Black, white, yellow, and bright teal might be a surprising set but they work together here.
Source:Evermotion
White painted brick gives this industrial loft a lot more warmth than a bare red option would.
Source:IKEA
This white living room from IKEA might not be ideal for small children or Merlot, but it sure is gorgeous.
Visualizer:Tuan Ninh
Scandinavian style can still be a bit eclectic when you add something like a real cow skull against a pristine white wall.
Designer:Linda Bergoth
Storage is always an issue when it comes to minimalist. Long low shelving is particularly popular.
Visualizer:INT2 Architecture
Tall shelving that displays your personality is another option.
Visualizer:Thomas Deffet
Or store your favorite stories directly inside your coffee table as well as a mid-century credenza.
Visualizer:Andrew Rodich & Olena Chyslova
The low angles of this oversized sofa emphasize the space of this living room.
Visualizer:Kaan Kılıçay
A single pop of pink (or whatever your favorite color is) can change the whole personality of a room.
Visualizer:Tesla Studio
Classical elements like arched windows and crown molding can provide a cool contrast to minimalist furniture and other simple design elements.
Visualizer:supar diyono
In a space like this, living room and dining room must be separate but still work together.
Visualizer:Koj Design
Dark colors like maroon and moss can still work as neutrals when done correctly.
Visualizer:MG Design UK
An accent chair in that same sunny yellow - or any other bright color - can serve to add a lot of interest to an otherwise neutral space.
Source:Bolia.com
Different floor textures from multiple rugs adds both comfort and style in this loft.
Visualizer:Miysis
Natural wood against concrete is the epitome of warm industrial.
Visualizer:Kaan Kılıçay
And if bright sunny yellow is a little much for you, tone it down a bit.
Source:Svenskfast
In an answer to chevron madness, this triangle pattern is just different enough.
Source:Svenskfast
Mismatched furniture and a vintage rug are not strictly Scandinavian but the space is still quite cozy.
Visualizer:Sivak & Trigubchak
More long low shelving keeps the eye moving horizontally.
Designer:Till Könneker
This studio apartment with lofted bed is the ultimate in simplicity with bed, closet, entertainment center and storage all in one.
Visualizer:Denis Krasikov
A touch of artistic whimsy can go a long way.
Visualizer:Johny Mrazko
Minimalism doesn’t have to feel over the top. This living room is particularly comfortable and kid-friendly.
Visualizer:Pavel Pisanko
Easter egg pastels give a space a delicate, feminine whimsy. The nesting coffee tables you see here are the Muuto Around tables .
Visualizer:PIX 3D STUDIO
Take inspiration from different eras, like this mod and mid-century space that fits perfectly into contemporary spaces.
Visualizer:AtViz
Black and white stripes truly never go out of style. You don’t have to go as big as this room, but a throw pillow or blanket can be a good choice.
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
The minimalism of this style is offset by the whimsy of the oversized owl drawing. The large unique floor lamp adds a special touch.
Visualizer:PIX 3D STUDIO
Checked floors and whitewashed walls are a bit upscale dorm in this space.
Visualizer:Marta Gord
Here’s a yellow option that’s a more neon and therefore gives the space a trendy, youthful glow.
Source:Svenskfast
A floral print chaise lounge chair is a bit more classic than simple but elements like mid century modern coffee tables and sparkling wood floors definitely fit the bill.
Source:Bolia
Massive windows don’t offer much privacy but in the penthouse you don’t need it.
Visualizer:Diffuse Virtual
And a final entry into the black, white and yellow category is this dreamy mustard colored sofa.
There’s simple, small living. And then there’s this. The four homes featured here are not just small. They’re tiny. Each clocks in at less than 40 square meters (430 square feet) and yet manages to feel cozy and not even cramped. Of course, the reality of tiny house living might be a little different – after all, there are no actual human beings in this lovely, organized photos. But whether or not you want to live the simple, tiny life for yourself, you can’t deny the urge to simplify that grabs onto us all when we see images like these ones.
Designer:Unicum Buro| Visualizer:Yurii Hrytsenko
The first home has the light wood and neutral palette that has certainly been inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism. A small dining table fits nicely into the main living area, which also includes bench seating (with storage, of course) and a small cooking space. The coziest element is the sleeping nook, which has a soft curtain to pull closed and shut out the day.
Designer:Nikola Kungulovski
The second home is located in Macedonia and measures just 35 square meters (376 square feet). This ultra organized space is bright and hip, with cleverly designed room dividers. A perforated panel in the center of the space keeps the living and sleeping area separate from the kitchen and dining area without adding any darkness or closed feelings. Light pastel colors and high quality materials make this neat space feel playful and youthful and not at all cluttered.
Designer:Nikola Kungulovski
While the next home takes the color tone down a notch, there are certainly similarities in its design. Low furniture makes the space feel more open by giving the illusion of higher ceilings while open cabinetry adds, you guessed it, openness. And no matter what size the space, a little greenery never hurt. Plants perched on one wall gives the home a nice natural glow.
Visualizer:Anton Grishin
The final apartment is a 34 square meter (365 square feet) space designed for a young couple. When two people live in a tiny house, it’s that much more important to keep things open and organized. The walls are largely unadorned and their white color certainly adds to the spacious feeling. A small kitchen area with breakfast bar is just enough room for a cocktails or an intimate dinner while a separate bedroom mean this couple can actually have overnight guests.
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
