Smart transformations of small homes are in high demand. Studio homes are prolific in big cities, but young professionals want modern living spaces that don’t compromise on comfort. Cramped, disjointed layouts are a definite no-no, even the meanest of square footage is expected to deliver an open and airy living style with smooth flow and a chic bedroom area. We’ve picked out three of our favourite interior designs for small studios that measure less than 45 square metres. An energised yellow, wood, and grey apartment reveals a dual use workspace, a Ukranian home is characterised by soft mood lighting, and black accents embolden a beige and white backdrop.
Designer:Doaa Sabry| Visualizer:Kareem Badie
In the Katameya Compound, Egypt, a 45 square metre apartment is energised with a yellow decor scheme. A modern chandelier drops down in the centre of the living space, in a void between the lounge and a drop-down dining table.
With the dining table tucked away, a coffee table slides back into place beneath the chandelier, and a movie projector screen descends for viewing.
Just behind the ceiling mounted projector screen we can see a home workspace. Sliding doors are pulled open along their tracks to reveal a comfortable work desk and chair.
When the wood effect doors are pulled around, the lounge becomes a cosy place with no reminder of the daily workload.
The added space allows leg room around the pull-down dining table. Yellow and black dining chairs make a bright addition to the ingenious white table design.
Shelving towers stack at either side of the table housing.
A generously sized kitchen is located at the other end of the apartment.
More sliding doors can be pulled into place across the kitchen to hide it from view at dinner time.
The home workspace hides a bedroom in its walls. A pull down bed design replaces the desk after nightfall. The slide around doors make the bedroom more intimate.
The apartment has hidden kids’ beds too. Two bunks drop down from the wall units behind the couch in the lounge. The rest of the cabinets on the same wall are closets for the family.
Another double closet is located at the foot of the drop-down double bed.
With the kitchen doors closed, the kids’ sleeping area becomes its own separate room.
Visualizer:Nika Tokar
Our next interior is a 45 square metre apartment located in Kyiv, Ukraine. A white, wood tone, and grey minimalist living room is characterised with soft mood lighting.
The wood encased bathroom block become a design feature, with kitchen cabinets integrated into the volume. The alternate side becomes a sleek TV wall for the lounge.
Recessed ceiling lights at the side of the lounge accentuate a ribbed gypsum wall panel. Two wall lights add brighter light nearer to the cushiony grey modern sofa.
A small side table overlaps the deep base of the sofa, perfect for serving coffee and snacks right where they are needed without cause to leave a comfy position!
A linear suspension light pulls across a round dining set at the opposite side of the apartment. The linear design causes a sharp overlap with a partially dividing bedroom wall.
The dividing wall grows out of the bed base itself, which is a bespoke platform design. The deep base acts as another room dividing device, as well as hidden storage space.
Crisp white storage cabinets line the entire wall of the lounge area, ending in a narrow shelving tower by the bed. The black shelf tower is a place for books, and a bedside cabinet.
A modern fruit bowl melds with the darkness of the black glass round dining table .
One wall of black kitchen base units stripe alongside the black dining furniture. A minimalist chimney cooker hood creates a clean aesthetic and a wider sense of space. Illuminated kitchen shelves cut above a black backsplash.
A black kitchen sink dips into the black countertop. A chrome tap shines brightly against the dark bench.
Gypsum panels texture a grey bathroom.
A grey toilet falls back against dark bathroom walls.
Studio floor plan.
Visualizer:Quadro Room
The last stop is a 33 square metre apartment interior in Moscow, Lefortovo District. A glass vase of Pampas grass adds life to a compact lounge.
Grand artwork ignores the limitations of the space.
A modern wall light mounts smartly within beaded wall panelling.
A breakfast bar runs up to one of two huge windows in the apartment, which throw glorious natural daylight through the entire living space.
Chevron wood flooring increases the sense of space, and softly reflects the sunlight.
A unique linear suspension dips a shade down over one end of the breakfast bar.
Two kitchen bar stools stand on black metal legs that complement the black metalwork frame of the linear suspension light.
The white countertop lays crisply against beige kitchen units.
Beige, black and white build a calming colour scheme with subtle warmth.
One large vertical radiator is mounted in prime position to warm the cold air around the windows.
A modern wall sconce lights each end of the kitchen wall, a gold tap adds a luxe touch.
The same wall light design is repeated over the modern bathroom vanity .
Round gold faucets and a round vanity mirror complement the shape of the bathroom vanity light .
Gold fixtures shine richly against marble tile.
Floor plan.
Two monochrome modern masterpieces of interior design are the subject of our admiration today. Whispers of lightest grey tint the walls of these two elegant abodes, creating airy open rooms and quiet elegance. High-end modern furniture designs shape each room with understated yet unmistakable luxury, set out thoughtfully in a reserved and minimalistic approach. 19th century Parisian architecture throws grand archways over the interior design of one interior, whereas modern gypsum wall panels inject new interest into the other. Each are impressive in their own individual style. Despite the grandeur, the homes exude a relaxed atmosphere, like a luxurious holiday villa or a penthouse hotel suite.
Designer:Studio Guillaume Alan
The Kennedy residence is an apartment in an impressive Gaussian building of the early 19th century, near Trocadero Square in Paris, France. The home has enviable views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. Its French owners work and travel a lot, spending time amazing places around the world, so their apartment had to be amazing too. The couple wanted splendour coupled with a relaxed atmosphere that would meet the same standards as hotels and villas they stay in whilst on their travels. A new vision of minimalist living style was employed, inspired by the home’s historical architecture.
A perfectly imperfect decorative vase and bowl set dress the coffee table, beautiful in the wabi-sabi aesthetic, and sympathetic to the age of the building. Branches and blossoms bring a natural element to the room.
The homeowners are a couple who enjoy hosting cocktail parties, so the free space in the house also serves a practical purpose, to accommodate many guests and fun times.
The pale grey living room , and indeed the rest of the penthouse apartment, resides beneath grand stone arches inspired by the Versailles Greenhouse.
A lantern pendant hangs from the vaulted ceiling in a traditional style that suits the building’s maturity. A three meter long fireplace is carved in natural marble; it’s gape opens into the floor and spreads throughout the apartment.
Light pours in from 360° views. The architecture creates light and shadows across plain walls.
Luxurious marble borders trim the hardwood floor of the living room.
The old grey, bronze and gold mosaic floor has been preserved in the hallway.
A modern chaise reclines between the lounge area and the dining room.
Four throne-like chairs encircle a round dining table .
The kitchen is an elegant one wall installation, partnered with a breakfast table.
The breakfast table is a scaled down version of the full-sized dining table, with the same grand dining chairs.
A traditional style wall sconce brings gentle light to the table.
Whitewashed cabinet fronts and white marble give the kitchen an ethereal magic.
Dark wooden boards line a wine storage treasure trove.
Another traditional style wall sconce lights the labels.
The grey bedroom is a serene spot, smoothed out with white marble borders that flood into an ensuite bathroom.
A shelf extrudes from the marble border to hold a bedside table lamp .
All rooms of the home are interconnected by the same materials and palette, which creates the illusion of more space. The cool palette is impeccable and harmonious, without being ostentatious.
In the ensuite bathroom, the fourth side of the bathtub is completed by marble wall.
The vanity unit blends with its backdrop.
A black faucet stands out darkly against the pale stone.
Photographer:Sergey Krasyuk
A more modern setting unfolds in home design number two. A modern sofa furnishes a more compact living room size, which is fashionably decorated with ribbed gypsum panels.
partner up on a pale grey rug; grey scatter cushions coordinate the sofa.
Unique wall lights stretch tall like floor lamps beside the sofa.
A Tom Ford coffee table book makes a chunky addition to the tray topped coffee tables. A comfortable lounge chair by the window offers a perfect spot in which to browse it.
The swivel chair is balanced out with a small side table , which is topped with decorative vases and dried flowers to add height.
An Eames bird hops along the fridge-freezer housing unit in the kitchen.
A round dining table , modern dining chairs and an unusual dining room chandelier set up shop between the kitchen and lounge spaces.
The black kitchen faucet chimes the same dark note as the dining room chandelier.
Black ceramics carry the base note to the table.
The base units of the kitchen are actually suspended off the floor, and even extend past the end of the supporting wall, which gives the installation a weightless floating effect.
A white chimney cooker hood sets a minimalist style.
Ribbed panels stripe texture onto pale walls.
A large decorative wall mirror reflects natural light into a darkened area. An Atollo lamp lights the sideboard at night.
The Atollo lamp makes a bookend for a small library.
A silver bedroom pendant light shines on a duo of small side tables.
Frameless and edge-to-edge, a custom cut mirror increases the sense of space inside the bedroom.
The bathroom is tiled in one consistent colour to increase the sense of space, though the format of the tile changes from wall to floor. A wall hung toilet pan keeps the floor looking spacious too.
The vanity shelf and a vanity storage unit has also been picked out in a floating style - a common theme in this apartment. A set of bathroom vanity lights dangle by double banked mirrors, above a single sink.
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
