Home style influences from Scandinavia and Asia meld wonderfully together as they have the same relaxing and serene ideal in mind. The simplicity of this mix works in homes of all sizes but is a particularly great choice if you have a modestly sized place. The small footprint of the home will benefit from the feeling of balance and calm that this interior style brings in its smooth textures, crisp geometrics, cohesive colour palettes, neat statement lighting, natural accents and quirky accessories. Take a look through these five inspirational small modern apartment designs for ideas on how to bring a little Asian and Scandinavian aesthetic into your space.
Visualizer:Ngoc Nguyen
In our first apartment we are immediately grabbed by the presence of contemporary pattern on the wall. These bold yet neat elements are teamed with natural wooden furniture, like the crate coffee table, side unit and wall shelves. The wooden arm sofa has an Asian flavour but is Scandi in its scatter cushions. There is botanical feel in this living room, not just in the living indoorplants but in some framed artwork too. This brings the garden that can be seen through glass doors right inside the home.
A calming blue-grey colour has been selected as an accent, used on one scatter cushion, one door of the entertainment console, two small pendant lights and just the central island and lower cabinets of the kitchen.
In this visual we’re given an alternative more formal dining option, where a natural wood dining table chair combination takes the place of the blue-grey glossy island and bar stools. Blue pendant lights have also been swapped out for more industrial style lighting .
A botanical theme continues in the bedroom, with wall art and live potted plants. The bedcovers have a muted green stripe to tie in with nature’s palette.
The bed and entertainment console match the warm tone of the floor. The unit is topped with a grey tray style surface that complements the woodtone beautifully.
The child’s room sees a splash of colour in striking geometric pattern. Monochrome prints on the wall shelves keep the fun scheme cohesive.
A gallery adds interest to a plain wall.
Visualizer:Ngoc Nguyen
Our second home has a grey living room scheme.
The soft neutral palette helps the small space appear more spacious.
Quirky owl decor decorates one end of a floating console. The unit becomes a single bookshelf at one end, and both are backed by a light reflective black finish. Glossy surfaces are an ideal way to bring darker colours into a small space as light reflections prevent base notes from appearing too dominant in the room.
Gold dining pendant lights sing in a grey scheme. The backdrop to the dining room is a selection of grey, black and white tiles set in geometric formation. The large pattern tricks the eye into reading this as a bigger space than it actually is. Speaking of geometries, see how the base of the dining table matches that of the modern coffee table in the living.
A clear decorative vase and wine glasses adorn the table.
A white and grey kitchen matches the neighbouring living room.
Good storage is key in a home with Scandinavian and Asian style, to maintain a calm and tidy space. This bank of storage cupboards has an LED strip light running through a display shelf to showcase a dainty collection of prints and vases.
Gold makes a comeback in bedroom pendant lights . The shimmer continues across the headboard.
A closet has glass doors to display an organised capsule wardrobe.
Visualizer:Ngoc Nguyen
A refreshing splash of aqua awaits in our third home design. Most of the furniture in the room is pure white, like the Scandinavian sofa, coffee tables and floor lamp .
The duo of scandinavian style nesting coffee tables step the eye up and out to the view beyond the windowpane.
Crisp monochrome accessories pepper the shelves. A lovely wall mounted shelf has an unusual return in its shape, where a small library of books can be stood upright and clear of the main display.
Three different colours of chair stand at the dining table.
A huge ceiling light anchors the eating area to its spot.
White kitchen wall cabinets and black base units are parted by an aqua coloured backsplash.
A rustic wood block feature wall balances out bold modern geometric pendant lights and strong accents.
A comprehensive study area completes the bedroom.
Visualizer:Phúc Nguyễn
Our fourth home is pretty in pastels.
Furniture and accessories have been kept minimal to allow the tiny space to breathe, but the sweet hues add personality.
Wooden legs on the kitchen stools tie in with accent wall cubbies.
Powder blue returns in the bedroom, covering the wardrobe doors and desk drawer fronts.
The desk is floating design to maximise floor space. The desk chair is a slimline design that could be utilised anywhere in the apartment.
Visualizer:Hung Le
Our fifth and last home design is a vision of light teal, amber and grey.
A mid century modern coffee table stands in the centre of a soft area rug.
The home incorporates a myriad of pendant light designs. Each are very different but all work together thanks to similarly sized shades and neutral colours.
A slatted partition wall segments the space without closing it in or blocking out light.
Banquet seating surrounds two sides of a modern dining table . Additional seating comes in the form of dining chairs with a cheerful dipped paint effect. A simple potted plant and a modern fruit bowl make up the table centrepiece.
Three kitchen pendant lights line up above a bright breakfast bar.
The kitchen is zoned with a gorgeous patterned tile.
This phenomenal 7 bedroom home resides on prestigious La Gorce Island, with views stretching from Biscayne Bay all the way to Downtown Miami. Built on a lot of 23,000 sq ft, the 11,000 sq ft home has an outdoor living area that is designed as a natural extension of the interior space. At $38,000,000 this kind of luxury doesn’t come cheap, but you can expect a 200+ bottle wine room, 8.5 bathrooms, cinema room, gym, elevator, walk in closets, chef’s kitchen, staff kitchen, maid’s quarters, mezzanine and rooftop decks, zero-edge infinity pool, outdoor shower and kitchen, meditation garden, 3 car garage and a guest house.
On entering the home, a magnificent panorama dominates an enormous open plan room. The lighting in the centre of the room is recessed into the ceiling to allow an uninterrupted visual flow from inside to out.
Sophisticated high-end decor has been created in neutrals, allowing the room to take on nature’s palette of orange sunrises, blue skies and red sunsets. The light from the window reflects over the stepped surface of a large glossy coffee table , which is grouped with two movable side tables, and a menagerie of decorative items.
When the glass doors are retracted, the view only becomes more breathtaking. Sunlight floods in over a soft beige leather sofa and a sculptural woven leather bench, set around a plush area rug.
A second living room area has an L-shaped sectional sofa, situated around a square of coffee tables and ottomans. Two accent chairs and a bench sit by the windows so as not to obscure the view.
Behind the living rooms, a sweeping staircase has one solid balustrade and one glass balustrade, which faces toward the view.
A third sitting area is set in a circular formation, zoned by a round cream rug. A round coffee table sits at the centre, the bright blue sky reflecting off its glass surface. A pair of white balloon vases adorn the top. Above the central table a cascading modern chandelier visually anchors the third lounge in place.
A chunky slatted room divider makes interesting shadows across the pale floor.
Beside the wooden feature wall, an open plan dining room holds an impressive 12 place dining table, perfect for dinner parties. An enormous globe pendant light with a cutaway copper shell illuminates the spot.
The head and foot of the dining table is set with special dining chairs that appear to be the Pipa chair we featured in our post on sculptural chairs .
Twilight bathes the dinner party setting in warm golden light.
The entry walkway passes by three bodies of water, two flanking either side of the spectacular staircase, and one opposite.
RIch dark woodtone covers each of the floating interior walls, adding decorative weight to the light and airy decor scheme.
Outside the home a generous deck serves as another room for entertaining, conducting meetings or for relaxation. The view of the ocean rushes up to meet private pools and a 400 sq ft dock.
The twisting staircase design rises from the centre of the indoor reflecting pool.
A sprawling collection of outdoor sofas, twin loungers, rattan chairs, large coffee tables and smaller side tables, are all in matching pale grey.
The outdoor kitchen and al fresco dining area sits at the far end of the pool.
Exterior warm woods complement expanses of reflective glass and pure white concrete trims. Bright blue skies flow over the surface of the infinity pool, which stretches away from the house to meet with the ocean.
After a climb to the top of the custom staircase, another sitting room awaits. A driftwood coffee table brings a touch of the ocean up onto the first floor. Potted palms add greenery and life.
A terrace offers another pitstop to take in the mesmerising view.
As the evening draws in, the terrace becomes a peaceful place to sip a relaxing drink or two.
An enormous rug covers the master bedroom floor with a subtle chevron pattern. Glass bedroom pendant lights hang low in front of a wide padded headboard that extends behind each of the bedside units.
The bedroom has its own small lounge. A mature potted plant brings some of the greenery indoors to blur the barriers.
This shower is not so much a cubicle as it is a hallway. Colour changing LEDs shine down over the glossy wall from a recess in the ceiling.
Outdoor splendor can be enjoyed from each level of the house.
The only accent colours in the home come from the green of living plants and from real ocean blue.
Three plush stools sit at a marble bar.
A small desk extends from a single set of drawers.
Furnishings are simple and minimal, soft furnishings add texture and interest.
fill yet another deck.
A stepping stone provides passage across the pool to the outdoor dining area.
Another bridge with floating volumes passes right by the guest house.
The glass walls of the guest house can be retracted completely, allowing direct access to a plunge pool.
The house would be an awesome party pad by night…
… With walls drawn back, guests could move freely between each space.
His and hers exercise bike reside in the home gym.
The home theatre seats six on movie night.
A smaller version of the interior sweeping staircase climbs the outside of the home.
The floor of the deck is as pale as the interior to maintain flow.
Exterior lighting ensures every area of the home can be enjoyed no matter the hour.
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
