Every city has an architectural landmark, but not all landmarks are made equal. What makes a landmark as famous as the Burj Khalifa? It’s not height (although it could be with the Burj), not grandeur, not beauty. Andrea Minini , today’s featured illustrator, thinks it might be speed. “What I love in graphic design is speed”, she says. “Good projects have to appear clear and powerful at first sight”. These fifteen are certainly that: a stunning set of monochrome illustrations that convey the genius of the architects behind them. See the minds of Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry at work, conveyed through Andrea Minini’s abstracted design lens.
Architect:Moshe Safdie
Experience the multi-cultural luxury of Marina Bay Sands. Singapore’s finest resort was once the world’s most expensive standalone casino (beating Macao), and features a mall, museum, two theatres and floating Crystal Pavilions, a skating rink and of course, a casino. This illustration illuminates the building’s grandiose public platform sitting atop its three pillars, the largest platform of its type in the world.
Architect:Jørn Utzon
Take a trip to the sunny ports of Sydney, with this monochrome illustration of Australia’s Sydney Opera House. Designed in the 70’s by Jørn Utzon, its curved arches have held many an opera, dramatic performance or famous singer in its wings. Rendering its shape in black and white highlights the curved beauty of its form.
Architect:Adrian Smith, Marshall Strabala, George J. Efstathiou, William F. Baker
Dubai’s oil wealth has funded one impressive building. The tallest building and structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa has beaten many out many opponents (such as the Taipei 101) to earn the title. Its pyramid style is inspired by Islamic architecture, while its concrete Y maximises space for homes and offices running along its length. Minini’s illustration shows its frame in simplistic black and white.
Architect:Herzog & de Meuron
Notable events provide a good reason for great buildings. In Beijing, the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics brought a hive of activity that required a beautifully-built stadium. Working with noted Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, this $428 million dollar building was inspired by Chinese ceramics and (in an effort to hide its retractable roof) ended up with a distinctive birds’ nest look. Officially named the Beijing National Stadium, today it lights up like a lantern at night or, in Minini’s representation, as an innovative shape in monochrome colouring.
Architect:Frank Gehry
The Guggenheims are known for building the world’s most beautiful museums, and the Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao) is no exception. Famously uniting critics, academics, and the public with its beauty, it sits proudly along Spain’s Nervion River and houses some of the country’s most important works. Minini’s two black and white renders bring us up close and far away from this prominent structure. From afar, its leaves look as if they turn away from one another; up close, like they are forming a meeting of minds. Monochrome striping exacerbates the effect.
Architect:Frank Gehry
Architect:Norman Foster
Another world record-holding piece of architecture, the Millau Viaduct over France’s River Tarn is the tallest bridge in the world. Designed by Sir Norman Foster, its construction in 2004 led to its consistent ranking as one of the greatest engineering achievements of all time. In 2006, its concrete and steel frame received the Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering. In Minini’s illustration, she emphasises the cable-stays and high peaks that this French bridge is famous for.
Architect:Frank Lloyd Wright
The Falling Water or Kaufmann Residence was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s evergreen masterpieces. Constructed partly over a waterfall in Bear Run, Pennsylvania, it brought Lloyd Wright’s genius back in the public eye after Smithsonian rated it one of 28 places “to visit before you die”. Owners Liliane and Edgar J. Kaufmann, the owners of the same-name department store, relished their American weekend home. Minini’s render shows its synchronicity with its natural surroundings, as long lines mark the waterfall and horizontal and vertical fixtures.
Architect:Zaha Hadid
Named after Azerbaijan’s pre- and post-Communist leader, the Heydar Aliyev Centre is noted for its absence of sharp angles and flowing, curved lines. Boasting a conference hall, gallery and museum, it was designed for the intellectuals of Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital and well-richest city. Fronted by glass and designed by much-missed architect Zaha Hadid, its folds drape like a floppy hat in Minini’s black and white representation.
Architect:Frank Lloyd Wright
New York’s Guggenheim Museum is completely different to the last. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (rather than Gehry), it appears as a giant beehive on New York’s Fifth Avenue. Starting from the bottom, museum visitors wind up its sloped staircase viewing exhibits, as they slowly make their way to the top. Minini shows the uniqueness of its large, circular wrap-around structure in a series of curved lines and monochrome hues.
Architect:Zaha Hadid
Built on a Moscow street no-one can pronounce (it’s Sharikopodshipnikovskaya, if you dare), another one of Zaha Hadid’s creations wows. Built like a Jenga stack with many interlocking levels, The Dominion Office Building is more video game than real life worthy. Multiple layers of square storeys create a dazzling jigsaw that over- and under-laps the levels above and below. This monochrome render by Minini shows these iconic levels, from the perspective of someone looking up from the ground floor.
Architect:Renzo Piano
Take a trip to the islands with our next architectural piece. The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia, is shaped like a traditional Kanak hut. Using wood bark, timber, coral and more modern materials, it was a fusion of new and old for Piano and his team, as well as a structure of considerable political controversy (being a centre for the indigenous now under French rule). Minini’s simplified black and white shows the hut structures as a group and closer-up, evidencing their location with shadowed trees.
Architect:Renzo Piano
Architect:Ieoh Ming Pei
Everyone recognises the architectural brilliance of the Louvre. France’s home to the Mona Lisa, the pyramid outside the main gallery is the brainchild of architect Ieong Ming Pei. Minini shows it up close and personal - and as a lone structure in free space - to give it full impact.
Architect:Ieoh Ming Pei
Are you ready for summer? Are you ready for endlessly beautiful days and nature at its peak? We all look forward to summer. That’s a fact. It is basically coded into our DNA. Summer is the best time of year, and the best time for a vacation. Barcelona is one of the best places to summer, and many people flock to this gorgeous city with its picturesque beaches. Many people have tried to capture the essence of a Barcelona summer into a few square metres and turn into home. This is what design company Egue and Seta have done. Come, experience a Barcelona summer without leaving your home.
This home aims to capture the enviable summer vibe in Barcelona. The home was designed for two people, and has more than enough space, but space optimization never hurts. The home has a total of three rooms, but are visually connected.
The house has an abundance of colours that are bright and cheery. There are an abundance of features that lend cheeriness to the house, for example the decorative vases are whimsical and bright, remeniscent of summer flowers.
A contemporary painting stares moodily from its frame, and lends dimension to the room. A definite conversation starter for social events.
The first room is perfectly structured for a social couple. The dining room is flanked by a linear kitchen, cosy living room and two balconies. This living space makes the most of colours, patterns and furniture to create a dynamic room. One example of this are the Master’s Arm Chairs by Kartell . These chairs are a lovely addition to the dining area, and if you’d like the same effect, you can find something similar here.
THe black frame windows create fluidity between the rooms, joing the home without being indiscreet.
A dining pendant is a vital aspect of the home because it fits in with the theme and is essential in projecting the right aura. This particular pendant is a gorgeous Normann Copenhagen Bell Pendant Lamp .
The kitchen displays some industrial chic through an exposed brick wall which does wonders for the room and makes it a little more interesting.
The wooden features in the room, like the floor and ceiling look tropical, a theme that is always necessary in a summer home.
These wide shelves are perfect for displaying your lush potted plants and wine glasses . This is a way to save space since it is as decorative as it is useful.
From this angle we can see just how well all the aspects of the room are joined together to make a cohesive and well formed picture.
are essential in conserving space. They are stylish and practical, and the quickest way to save space in any room.
A grey electric plug shows just how important attention to detail can be. It is such a simple piece, but it contributes so much to the space around it.
The house uses a mixture of nature and modern appliances very well. The plants and wooden panels, as well as the sleek appliances and black steel frame blend together perfectly.
An abundance of shelves hold up multi-coloured jars while the furniture has a unique rough around the edges appearance that is simply stunning.
is a good idea since the kitchen is such a busy place. This backsplash starts off with wood, which is easy to clean and tapers of to exposed brick which is eye catching and stylish.
The bedroom goes to great lengths to be bright and spacious, a place worthy of being called a summer retreat. The bed sits prettily under a pendant light and is showcased to perfection.
A plush carpet adds a layer of cosiness to the room. The ceiling, blue accent wall and floors connect the room to the rest of the house.
The bedroom boasts an exposed brick accent wall and a white headboard that doubles as a bedside table and storage trunk.
The headboard is a mixture of white and wood. The wood warms up the white while the white makes the room look bigger.
The wardrobe has two sliding doors, and the different colors create an engaging aspect in the bedroom. The indoor plants on top of the cupboard are ingenious because the black frame windows that connect the rooms don’t allow much of a view into the room . The plants can be seen from both sides and thus add a level of refreshment to both sides.
The glass panels also come with a adjustable blind to ensure absolute privacy.
The oak floors stretch from the bedroom to the living room, ensuring continuity and fluidity between the rooms.
Another way in which the rooms are connected is through the placement of the pendant lights. Each room has a unique and interesting lamp.
The house also contains a myriad of personal nik naks that lend personality to the rooms.
The connection between the rooms makes the house look bigger. The lush greenery also lends to the summer aesthetic.
The rooms are also segregated by the flooring. The bathroom, kitchen and parts of the living room boast an attractive tiled design.
The bathroom is sleek and luxurious. The tiles are an important part of the design, since the ground the lightness of the room, adding necessary substance.
Different shades of blue are an engaging aspect to the room. And the pendant lighting are fun and chic.
A glass cubicle around the shower is an age old way of keeping the bathroom neat, while giving the illusion of extra floor space.
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
