Set in the scenic beauty of Clifton, on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, this 789 square metre home occupies a position on the hill side. Higher situated residences climb to the right, and lower lying houses to the left, in a neighbourhood shaped by fortress-like boundary walls and building mass. Malan Vorster Architects decided to ring the changes, and placed focus on making this house contribute to the streetscape, a place frequented by joggers, walkers and tourists. Rather than being bound by blank perimeter walls, the design places landscaping level with the sidewalk. Planted gabion walls disguise a large garage, and screen utilities. Components have been organically stacked to break up the building mass.
Photographer:Adam Letch
Indoor-outdoor living spaces connect across a large landscaped courtyard.
Seascape panorama and wide views to the north are enjoyed from a comfortable patio, manicured lawn, and projected pool design.
Roof overhangs minimise unwanted solar heat gain, along with considered glazing specifications and automated drop-down screens over glass façades.
The natural materials and Corten steel elements will gradually change in colour and texture, expressing the passing of time.
Board-marked concrete builds a brutalist exterior , whilst local stone and untreated cedar wood bring a natural element to the design.
Oak planks and terrazzo floors collide with muted upholstery to fashion a chic neutral interior.
Glass doors retract to adjoin the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Tall grasses feather the stepped transition.
A number of eating areas are dotted throughout the impressively sized home, but the largest dining set is situated out on the covered patio. Ten chairs surround a long dining table that has a privileged view of the ocean.
All the way at the opposite end of the second level there is an attractive kitchen with a dining island, pantry, and scullery. The kitchen doors open out onto stepping stones that cross the pretty little pond on the property.
The pond is situated in its own private vegetable and herb garden, separated from the larger lawn by the protruding wing of the house. Fountains pour and bubble into the body of water, creating a relaxing soundtrack.
The kitchen is stacked with attractive storage options, from regular cabinets and open shelves to spice drawers and display nooks.
draw particular attention to the generously sized kitchen island. Its long stretch is topped with decorative vases , a modern fruit bowl , and the kitchen sink.
A gold faucet shines richly against the black countertop of the kitchen island .
is taken care of elsewhere in the property, in a wine cellar down on Level 1.
The cellar stands just at the bottom of the staircase that leads off the kitchen. A story-high mechanical sash window opens the double height atrium to the herb garden and pond, adding natural cooling during the hottest months.
The staircase design is open and light, free of risers to allow the natural daylight and garden view to penetrate from the vast window at its side.
Thin metal balustrades strike through its sculptural rise.
An attractive landing bridges the stairwell.
Cross-ventilation cools the upper volumes.
To minimise energy consumption, solar panels are linked to the centralized system for domestic water heating, plus waterborne under-floor and pool heating.
In the bedrooms, unique ceiling fans help to cool the space.
Bespoke closets meld with wood wall panelling. Stylish bedside tables and swing arm wall lamps fit neatly within a headboard niche.
The bathroom is fitted with a luxuriously large walk-in shower enclosure and a long double sink bathroom vanity . Natural timber elements bring great warmth to crisp white bathroom decor, whilst heavy black window frames add a bold edge.
A sleek bathtub fits precisely in the window. Bathrooms situated either end of the main volume are expressed as glazed and cedar shuttered boxes, which become lit like lanterns at night.
Gabion walls elevate the living spaces above the garage. The elevation above road level is essential to maximize view potential on the other side of the property, but the gabion has been planted so that it will become overgrown to soften the streetscape for passers-by in time.
The main residence is broken into three concrete building blocks. Thin floor slabs visually separate the structural elements, and in being cantilevered over negative space below they exaggerate the stacked aesthetic. The guest flatlet on the first floor has a cedar wood shuttered wall to provide privacy from the road whilst remaining connected to the view.
Level 0 floor plan with driveway, garage, workshop and lift lobby.
Level 1 floor plan, featuring self contained flatlet that comes complete with master bedroom, bathroom, and open living room with a kitchen diner. The first floor is also home to the wine cellar, a laundry, storage areas, and a heat pump & plant room.
Level 2 floor plan, illustrating the main living area, the extensive patio with outdoor dining and lounge, landscaped gardens, L-shaped infinity swimming pool, plus the vegetable and herb garden with pond.
Level 3 floor plan with master suite, guest room, private lounge and study. The master bedroom and ensuite bathroom open out onto a large terrace.
Level 4 roof plan.
West elevation.
South elevation.
North elevation.
Longitudinal section. The garage and guest flatlet on the lower two levels engage deeply with the hillside. The upper two levels that house the living space and main bedrooms perch up on the hilltop.
From Eichler and Bauhaus, to Frank Lloyd Wright, these stylish little birdhouses embody the cool mid century modern architectural style. Designed by Douglas Barnhard , these pieces are handmade with bamboo plywood, teak, and reclaimed redwood. High-end glossy laminates bring slick grey and white finishes, plus flashes of vibrant orange and green. You’ll never be content to offer feathered friends an uninspired bird box ever again!
Sunnyvale Birdhouse
This eye catching birdhouse is inspired by the 60s style Eichler homes of Sunnyvale, California, which is where Joseph Eichler first began building his distinctive style. This mini Eichler house features a feeding platform at the back for its winged homemakers, with a convenient attached dish for seed.
The piece is handmade from bamboo, brilliant orange laminate, and geometric metal screened viewing windows. Dimensions: 17 x 9 x 6.5 inches.
Sunset Modern Birdhouse
Built with all the bells and whistles for a mid century modern homage, this birdhouse has its own miniature outdoor fireplace design, a floor to ceiling viewing window, a mini moveable garden planter box, and its very own green roof (succulents not included).
This special piece was designed and made for the Sunset lifestyle magazine… for the more discerning bird homemaker!
The mid century modern aesthetic is complete with bamboo and teak elements, plus high-end glossy white and orange laminates. The teak terrace makes a stylish dining spot for feathered guests once bird seed is piled up at the hearth. Measures 14.5 x 9.5 x 7 inches.
Mixed Media Birdhouse
This beautiful design incorporates a number of different types of architecture and style, including Eichler, The Bauhaus and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Made with cedar posts and beams, and bamboo decking, the piece is wrapped in grey and orange laminate for colour and shine.
The mini marvel incorporates a metal trough for birdseed, and a living wall that can be planted with succulents (not included). Dimensions 15 x 9 x 8 inches.
Highlands birdhouse
Inspired by the neighborhoods in Highlands San Mateo that were designed by Eichler in the 1950s and 60s, this birdhouse has a floor to ceiling window attached to a bamboo plywood and walnut deck.
Grey and white laminates define the finer elements of this stylish little piece, which measures 9.5 x 7.5 x 14 inches.
Seabright Bauhaus Birdhouse
These rustic yet chic birdhouses are handmade with reclaimed redwood from near the beach in Santa Cruz, which gives each of them a unique character.
Bamboo plywood wraps the recycled redwood, topped off with light grey laminate for an antique meets modern design. Dimensions 8 x 9 x 7 inches.
Kauai House
Aloha! Inspired by several trips to Kauai, Hawaii, this piece depicts unique Hawaiian architecture that integrates indoor-outdoor living–a style point embraced by mid century modern design.
Two handmade surfboards lay ready for the aves to catch some waves! Made with bamboo and teak, this beach style bird holiday home measures in at 16 x 15 x 9 inches.
Number One Birdhouse (Orange)
If this one doesn’t speak mid century modern architecture love to you then what will! The slanted roof, sloping walls, the gloss orange laminate… mid century magic. Measures 8 x 9 x 8 inches.
SIxties Mod Birdhouse
Incorporating clean lines and a flat roof, this Joseph Eichler inspired birdhouse is made from solid mahogany. A modern yet subtle piece to take your garden accessories to the next level. Measures 10.5 x 10.5 x 6 inches.
Living Wall Bauhaus Birdhouse
The incredibly influential German Bauhaus School served as inspiration for this bamboo plywood and white laminate mid century form. The sharp cornered, retro piece includes a side for a living wall…
… With the green wall in place, the birdhouse takes on a whole new charm (succulents not included). Dimensions 9 x 9 x 6.5 inches.
Cubism Birdhouse
Perfect for anyone wanting to modernise their outdoor space, this geometric bamboo and gloss white laminate birdhouse is set to impress. Measuring 7x 6.5 x 6.5 inches, the piece includes a teak stand for table viewing.
Pitched Birdhouse
Drawing inspo from many mid century modern home designs, this birdhouse has a pitched roof with a unique open air design. Dark grey laminate wraps the sides of a bamboo body, measuring 8 x 6.5 x 12.5 inches.
Bauhaus Birdhouse
Between 1919 and 1933 the German design school created mid century modern architecture before its time, and now it inspires another birdhouse! Made with bamboo plywood and laminate.
Number One Birdhouse (Green)
A gloss lime green alternative to its orange laminate counterpart. Just don’t ask us to choose our favourite, because we can’t!
Tea Garden House
Inspired by the Japanese Tea Garden inside Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. Handmade with bamboo and walnut accents.
The oriental spirit of this adorable birdhouse makes it the perfect addition for a zen garden. Measures 10 x 7 x 5 inches.
The San Rafael
Shrunken sixties style, inspired by Eichler homes in San Rafael, California. Bamboo builds a double sided fireplace for birdseed, a living roof for succulents (not included), and a deck with a lime green ceramic water dish.
Fairhaven House
Grey, white, and orange laminate colours a birdhouse built in the style of the 1960s Eichler subdivision known as Fairhaven. Four frosted glass windows interrupt bamboo walls, beneath a shallow A-frame roof. Includes mini ceramic planter and custom house numbers to build a welcoming entryway! Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 7 inches.
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
