Soul quieting nature holds in the grounds of HOUSE BRAS, a project by architect team DDM Architectuur . The design process for this home included careful research around hours of daylight during changing seasons and how insolation could be maximised. Panoramic views of the surrounding landscape was also of paramount importance, as was blending the home sympathetically with its location. The solution is an architectural layout shaped to bend around features of the green landscape, set right between a pond and a small lake, and to welcome in every drop of available sunlight. The house is covered entirely with natural stone slabs, including roofs and facades, blending it completely with its surroundings.
Photographer:Lenzer - Peter Verplancke
Everything about this carefully considered home design is geared toward helping its inhabitants feel rooted in the natural habitat. Glass walls invite the spectacular views of towering trees, shrubs, lake and pond to become the colourful and textured decor of the minimalist interior spaces.
The tonal stonework that covers the modern home exterior is a sympathetic choice that helps merge the contemporary build with its stunning landscape, like a bed of rocks in woodland.
The lower half of the build height is made up entirely of glass, which sends the interior illumination spilling out over the green terrain after dusk. The colours inside the house are kept to a neutral minimum, so as not to disrupt natures peaceful palette splashed beyond the window panes.
A deep stained slatted entryway interrupts the perfect run of glazing, where an enormous door pivots on its hinge.
The floor to ceiling windows ensure a seamless panorama of the grounds. The changing colours of the trees provide a changing wallpaper from season to season. The main living room is filled with sunlight even as the sun moves throughout the day. A modern fireplace burns an open flame during the winter months.
A second lounge-cum-music room is located at the back of the bedroom wing. In this lounge, a floor hugging modern sofa stretches out in front of the fireplace, almost like a bed. The modular seating arrangement is double sided so that the homeowners can either watch the flames leap in the fireplace, or look out upon the pond and all the beauty that nature has to offer outside.
The grey sofa in the main living room makes an L-shape around the edge of a huge floor rug; two designer lounge chairs line the other side. Dark larch veneer covers the chimney breast with dramatic effect in the middle of a white and light grey scheme.
The dark larch veneer panels in the music room also serve as a concealing device for a series of tall storage cupboards, which are set back into the fireplace wall.
The ground floor is divided into three parts: the restful music room and bedroom wing, the indoor swimming pool and sauna wellbeing wing, and the sociable centralised main living room with open-plan kitchen. The three areas connect via glazed passages and closed blocks of dark larch veneer.
The minimalist style kitchen could go almost unnoticed at the back of the open plan living room. Basic black volumes stretch out over the pale flooring, with no upper cabinets visible at all.
The black base cabinets tie in with the dark larch decor that covers an adjacent wall.
Two kitchen islands stand facing each other across the room, with a faucet and sink set parallel into the countertop of each one. The dark veneered kitchen wall opens up to reveal a third side to the kitchen, and a third kitchen sink. A huge pantry is located around the back of the secretive volume. Six wood bar stools line up along one end of the outer kitchen island to provide a dining spot with a tranquil view.
Larch doors hang flush inside matching walls.
A courtyard design keeps the interior of the building in touch with nature even where views are a little more limited. A beautiful tree grows a feeling of zen inside the home.
The lake washes right up to the windows of the house, with stepping stones breaking the waters surface. Forest views push through from the opposite end of the house to join with the lake, as if there were no building here at all.
A large indoor swimming pool stretches out in its own wellbeing wing of the house. The house’s signature floor to ceiling panorama brings the pool in touch with the outdoors and all its splendor.
The pool becomes a part of the lake, which flows alongside the windows.
A floating staircase design ascends to the master bedroom on the first floor, where the suite overlooks the treetops.
The weightless white staircase design is reminiscent of perfectly crimped origami.
Frameless glass balustrades guard the stairwell.
Dark wood shutters create privacy in a small bathroom.
A larger minimalist bathroom is decorated in pale wood tone and crisp white.
White vanities stand centred in the bathroom, evenly spaced between the bathtub and a shower enclosure.
The wellness wing appears to float on the surface of the natural lake, like a lightweight raft.
By night, the whole house seems to hover above the dark landscape, a lightbox pouring its contents into a pool below.
Floor plan and terrain, illustrating the careful architectural layout and sympathetic placement in the natural landscape.
Building a cohesive colour scheme throughout the entire home evokes feelings of comforting constancy, and a solid sense of belonging from room to room. This type of interior can include a variety of accent colours that appear in varying quantities over different spaces. Tonal changes make added layers and avoid rigidity in the scheme. Let us guide you on a tour of two beautiful home interiors that each follow one cohesive colour theme throughout. We’ll also explore the added beauty of rustic wooden ceilings in each place, and look at how classic exposed wooden beams, archways, brickwork and stonework create dramatic contrast with more modern decor elements.
Visualizer:Matas Nagele
Instant warmth exudes from this 84 square metre apartment interior in Kaunas, Lithuania. An autumnal palette of red, brown, and gold feels welcoming and snug despite the room’s lofty proportions. A golden brown modern sofa beds down in front of an exposed red brick wall with a beautiful arch that is original to the architecture.
A matching golden brown footstool jostles for floor space alongside gold nesting coffee tables. A gold picture light is mounted into the brick archway to highlight some modern art.
Huge ceiling beams cut down into the surrounding white walls, their weight and depth of colour combating the effect of the great ceiling height. Enormous and highly decorative pendant lights make the most of the wide open vertical space.
A gold decorative mirror makes a dramatic backdrop for the dining room chandelier . A round dining table echoes the mirrors shape, and spherical decanters fill the tabletop.
Curvaceous red-brown dining chairs encircle the wooden round dining table , on top of a circular brown area rug. Each layer of the dining arrangement employs a shade from the same colour family, but the tonal difference builds added interest and depth.
Sandwiched between the dark wooden ceiling and rich brown floor elements, the middle section of the room is kept predominantly white to preserve a bright and airy atmosphere. In line with this, the pendant lights hanging within this mid section are either white or clear. Unique kitchen pendant lights line up along the dining bar with clear shades that are a smaller version of the lounge light.
Exposed red brickwork frames the two arched windows. Taupe curtains pull into the space between the windows, theatrically framing a piece of wall art. The art draws attention to both the colour theme in this home and to the underlying circular shape theme, which is evident in the dining room arrangement, curved furniture choices and lighting designs.
The kitchen bar stools at the peninsula match the ruddy upholstery and golden framework of the regular dining chairs. Wood flooring has been laid diagonally across the open plan room to increase the sense of space.
A mature indoor plant explodes from a tall plant stand just inside the home entryway.
Glass sliding doors pull closed across the foyer to keep the living room contained and cosy.
Marbled wall panelling creates abstract layering behind a half circle headboard and a gold swing arm wall lamp in the bedroom.
Wooden elements bring added depth.
The second bedroom scheme is layered with a gold mirrored strip, which balances out a low hanging bedroom pendant light and a wooden archway of bookshelves on the opposite side of the bed.
A long wooden desk spans the remaining width of the room, matched by a wood desk chair.
A wooden media cabinet mirrors the tone on the other side of the room.
Designer:Image Box Studios| Visualizer:Image Box Studios
Our second tour takes place in a spacious luxury apartment, located in Hamburg, Germany.
Blue accents add rich colour to a neutral scheme of natural materials.
Architectural archways are a prominent feature of the living room. One of these are filled with natural stonework, and edged with light teal to contrast.
The apartment has a simple elegance thats sits somewhere between classical and contemporary, with heavy wooden beams looking down upon sleek linear lounge furniture.
top a marble coffee table, where grey veins colour coordinate with the pale grey sofa.
A blue swivel accent chair links with the colour filled arches in the room.
There is a reading nook just outside the living room doorway.
This is a unique space in the home in that it is the only area where blue accents have been replaced–switched out in favour of a bright red chaise lounge chair . However, there is a pale blue floor reading lamp to redress the balance.
A couple of nesting tables complete the arrangement.
Double doors provide a grand entrance to a blue and gold kitchen design.
Three unique kitchen pendant lights shine in gold above a gold kitchen island .
Deep teal painted cabinets cover the back wall of the room, creating a noble colour palette.
Wood chevron flooring runs throughout the majority of the apartment, balancing out the effects of the solid woodtone ceiling. A hard wearing concrete floor has been laid in the kitchen work zone.
Teal cabinet doors colour the back of the gold kitchen island.
A gold kitchen tap and sink add luxe to the concrete worktop.
Blue panelling forms the headboard in the master bedroom.
Blue bedroom chairs and a small side table make a comfy seating area by the window.
An impressive archway leads into a walk-in wardrobe, furnished with teal closets.
Gold bedside cabinets lustre on each side of the bed.
More blue wainscot colours the bedroom TV wall, behind a golden media unit.
Golden fixtures bejewel the bathroom.
Concrete counters top a teal vanity.
A stool adds a pop of pale blue by the tub.
An elegant sputnik chandelier hangs between the solid wooden ceiling beams.
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
