From a steep 1,400 m2 hillside site, which drops off to the famous sequence of Clifton’s white beaches, this stacked modern South African home appears to float over its infinity swimming pool. Architects at SAOTA designed the 943 square meter house in Cape Town to have its main living area and pool terrace situated on the uppermost double volume level; six generous bedrooms and a multitude of impressive entertainment spaces occupy four lower floors. A glazed boundary links the interior with the great outdoors. The glass walls connect indoor living space with an enormous back garden that opens directly onto Table Mountain National Park, and to the pool that flows straight toward the sea out front.
Entry is made via Nettleton Road, which is the most sought after street in South Africa. From the road, there is a carefully composed first impression of the four lower stories, with just a tantalising glimpse of the two further luxury levels above. The volume that floats over the pool features a glass floor, allowing views of the water’s still surface. The pool patio is home to an outdoor lounge that offers the inviting warmth of a blazing fire pit.
This volume is the principal living area of the home, it includes family rooms, a kitchen, bar, multiple dining areas, a winter lounge, a study and an art studio. The expansive, double height luxury living room becomes an outside space when two entire walls of glass are retracted. The living room floor matches with the light patio tile on the pool terrace for a seamless transition between inside and out. The sofas are kept light to tone with the neutral decor. A sculptural floor lamp arcs over the U-shaped sofa arrangement. The interiors were created by ARRCC together with OKHA.
The lounge seating faces out to the stunning ocean horizon, and back to a private garden that is carpeted in lush green lawn. Wide concrete stepping stones make a path across the grass. Just off the main living room is a quiet home office. The upper level plays host to a wine loft.
A long wooden dining table seats twelve. The dining set neighbours an open plan kitchen at the end of the living room. Outside, sun loungers offer a relaxing spot on the patio, with an alfresco dining set situated just out of view on the left beneath a pergola.
Two black mid century modern chairs face back across the lounge toward the rear garden. A neutral area rug warms the lounge floor. An array of books cover the surface of a modern coffee table.
The house plays host to an impressive curation of South African art, like these African masks mounted above the kitchen. The gallery wall is painted dark grey for added dramatic effect.
Three white kitchen bar stools sit at a long white countertop, which wraps the ends of the kitchen island.
An understated grey linear pendant light is strung low from the high rafters, to hover close to the dining room table. Animal horns twist at the centre spot of the table - another reminder that this crisp contemporary abode has South African roots.
A smaller lounge area looks out to sea through a panoramic window. A grouping of green glass vases add a pop of verdant color to the nautical palette.
Wooden strips wrap the towering wall and vast ceiling of an enormous games room. Pool, ping pong and a football table all stand poised for fun. Colourful decor accents create an uplifting atmosphere.
At the back, the games room leads directly into a cinema room. Porky Hefer’s ‘Blowfish’ is suspended from beneath a mezzanine landing. The entertainment volume also features a beauty spa and sauna.
The sweeping mezzanine ends at a tv room.
The walkway also serves as a stylish modern art gallery along its length.
A crumpled cloud-like pendant light floats in the tv room, above a taupe L-shaped leather sofa. Two gloss black accent chairs face the leafy window view. Green and yellow colour the floor rug and monochrome surroundings. Timber ceilings feature in many of the rooms, which are made from the blemished boards that shuttered the concrete ceilings elsewhere in the home.
The staircase is almost indistinguishable amongst the mystical decor of the entry façade, with its striking art pieces and mysterious lighting effects. A Paul Edmunds sculpture colours one wall of the largely concrete space. The ladders propped against one wall hints at the staircase’s ascent.
A glass balustrade flanks the first level of steps, allowing sculptural wall art to shine through its transparency, and a Paul Blomkamp tapestry to reflect across its surface. You can find more beautiful staircase designs here.
Distressed metal balustrades dress the rest of the concrete staircase with russet patina.
Different areas of use are defined by a split level floor inside this luxury bedroom , where the bed is raised to prime status. The rest of the suite includes a generous lounge area and an open plan bathroom. Three of the six bedrooms in this home interlink as a family suite.
The entry façade.
Floor plan.
The home has a four car garage attached. This level also houses a staff room and staff bathroom.
Floor plan showing the beauty spa and sauna room situated around the double height family entertainment zone.
Here we see the situation of the dedicated home office space, and the wine loft.
Layout illustrating the impressive size of the master suite.
Primary living zone.
Scandinavian interiors combine the best of both worlds – a seemingly-effortless style with a functionality you can hide away - making it the perfect décor for your family home. These two Scandinavian apartments show how, by using Scandinavian principles, your home can always belong in a magazine. Make your kitchen white and bright – but secretly child-friendly. Give your kids a larger bedroom than expected – by hiding their toys under bed frame drawers. Create extra room for a lounge, dining room and study – by designing all three together. Make your interior smart and mess-friendly, by using these Scandinavian apartments as inspiration.
Visualizer:Thao Uyen
Our first apartment achieves a white and bright yet child-friendly interior, with the help of Scandinavian design. Opening up to an exposed brick wall, white joinery and zigzagging cream and grey rug, the lounge adds light to darker colours and more durable materials, making it harder for kids to stain. A beige sofa plays the same trick with an array of coloured and patterned cushions, as a woven ottoman relaxes in the foreground.
As monochrome photos and prints lead to the back of the room, a stunning gold-bulb chandelier reveals a dining table. Set on a classic mid-wooden floor with Scandinavian high-backed chairs, two indoor house plants to the side add a touch of nature.
To the left of the lounge, the kitchen appears all-white – but it’s up to its old tricks. White and cream patterned lino meets baby blue cupboards, while grey drops from the ceiling in Vibia Cosmos Cluster Pendants . Touches of gold in cupboard handles, shelf ornaments and stool legs maintain kid-friendly glitz, while simple Scandinavian shelving keeps the look modern. An L-shape bench and corridor mirror make the most of the space, perfectly punctuated by hanging spoons, unique kitchen pendant lights and an entrance-hung hat.
As we walk towards the balcony, large pops of green start to catch the eye. Sharing the interior’s wooden plank floor, the balcony thrives with greenery draping over the ceiling, stacked in indoor herb planters and seated on a coffee table. As white-painted rails shadow patterns on the floor, a white accent chair offers a seat beside roses and a view. A one-wall floral mural creates the feel of more green, as a few stray creepers convince our senses.
Bathed in tones of taupe and white, this apartment’s Scandinavian bedrooms continue the lounge’s feel with exposed brick and monochrome prints. Set on a differently-patterned geometric rug, patterns and textures are mimicked in an ottoman-esque woven throw and flurry of patterned cushions. Clean, white tables provide a place for books and make-up, as a bunch of white roses tie the outside in. A classic Scandinavian headboard ledge creates space, as does a circular mirror, white shelving and drawers. Pot plants and golden handles tie the kitchen in.
Hidden from the children, the bedroom’s walk-in wardrobe is perfectly designed. LED-lit from inside each cubby, each custom-made compartment is just big enough to hold luggage, jackets, handbags and accessories. Hiding away clothes less beautiful or public, cabinets from the kitchen stand high above a lounge-reminiscent geometric rug.
Taking cues from the kitchen, the ensuite explodes in beehive and geometric patterning. The central cabinet expands the space with a mirror and Scandinavian cabinets, while a block sink and basin match the toilet. Hints of light wood in ledge shelving and under-sink storage provide Scandinavian cues, while glass separates off the shower and forms a lantern light up top. A monochrome print and small potted shelving tie the rest of the interior in.
Taking on a bit more colour, the first kids’ bedroom greets the eye with an avocado feature wall. Raised on a wooden platform, this most stylish of kids’ beds references the lounge with patterned cushions and a gingham throw. White and wooden Scandinavian structuring creates a place for study, a classic wardrobe and under-platform drawers, while a steel lantern light creates shadow-shapes on the wall behind. Wooden ledge shelving alongside a golden mirror, portrait and decal add personality to the look.
Designed for the older child, our third bedroom draws in the eye with a pink wall and L-shaped window. Using the interior’s consistent wooden flooring, Scandinavian light wood peoples the bed frame, headboard and edges of a desk. As structured bedroom pendant lights illuminate the side tables, a monochrome quote mirrors two black and white prints. Striped bedding and a white leaning bookcase complete the vibe.
Keeping as white and bright as the ensuite, the main bathroom provides a twist on the tiled theme. Keeping similar black and white floor tiling, the space is made larger by using beige and white from the bottom up. Scandinavian white and wood creates a sink and towel shelf, while a potted plant and monochrome stag link to the rest of the interior.
Visualizer:imade pastel
Our second Scandinavian family apartment uses shades of pastel to keep in style. Featuring classic, easy-to-clean wooden flooring, the lounge welcomes with a low-key charcoal couch and monochrome coffee tables . Featuring a mint-painted study to the side, simple white-painted amenities tie in with a colourful typographic and Scandinavian shelving. Throw cushions in different patterns tie in the theme, as a mottled rug leads to a multi-coloured TV cabinet.
The kitchen makes the most of sharing, in block wood and white. Reaching ceiling-high and bearing chrome appliances, its cut-out corner provides a pastel-grey entrance. As grey and silver reflect off the kitchen inlet, a group of Scandinavian-style chairs find space for breakfast. Looking out to a sun-filled balcony, these multi-coloured seats create their own space beside metallic moon hangings, Scandinavian cabinetry, bold framed prints and unique planters .
Focusing on calm and spaciousness, the master bedroom lifts up high with a wardrobe structure clad in white. Perfect for storage, it detracts from its function with a beige and green headboard inlet, complete with monochrome print. A boldly-patterned sliding door separates the space, while wooden floors bear woven mats and unique laundry baskets in the same hue.
Opposite, a striped mint feature wall surprises in its link to the bedding, clothed in a handy pattern for hiding spills. Lit by black unique floor lamps and a chiffon-framed window, monochrome prints sit beside a chair with the perfect child-watching view.
Through the sliding door, baby-shade pastels and gold hearts and spots make this room a dream nursery. Peopled with panda, cloud, dog and rabbit characters in prints and cushions, a low-lying bed with nifty storage underneath brings in another pattern with stars. Scandinavian shelving in white and baby blue takes on a fun-filled twist, holding favourite ornaments and childhood toys. Lego-style kids wall décor keeps the room full of play, while a sleek wooden floor, matching woven mat and pink and white study provide room to grow.
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
