Ah, the humble studio apartment. At one time, this dwelling was considered to be the home of starving artists. Today, it’s a symbol of efficiency and exceptional modern design. With the tiny house movement driving architects and interior designer to think small, it’s no surprise that the studio has become not only a source of inspiration for those that wish to live large with smaller square footage, but also maximize whatever space possible. In these 50 studio apartment plans, you’ll see living spaces that dazzle with their ingenuity, attention to detail, and unique design.
Visualizer:3D Yantram
Source:Multi Housing News
This micro apartment is all about proof of concept. This studio is a proposed design for the Boston Waterfront, where hundreds of these types of studios may be developed. This type of housing is designed for an eclectic, urban lifestyle where residents are expected to use their apartments to sleep and occasionally do some work, whereas recreational activities take place in common rooms, community facilities, or local businesses.
Designer:ADD Inc
Designed by ADD Inc., this smaller-than-market apartment (called a micro unit) made its debut in Boston and was profiled in both the Boston Globe and Metro. It showcases 300-square-feet of usability with flexible storage, wrap around counter that doubles as work and entertaining space, and a polished concrete floor for utility.
Designer:Jonathan Rose
This micro apartment showcases high design along with smart thinking for small spaces, like 10’ floor to floor heights, hardwood floors and high quality finishes, and a charming balcony.
Designer:Archer Studios
This small wonder comes courtesy of BuilderOnline.com and is designed by Archer Studios for the Silicon Valley workforce in San Jose, CA. Each unit features a living, dining and sleeping space, a kitchen, and a bath, with some featuring a balcony or a patio. Measuring in at just under 300 square feet, these studios were designed after research into cruise ship cabins and other small spaces (to ensure complete usability). Premium finishing touches, like aluminum windows, stone composite kitchen counters, and stylish colors and textures.
Source:Australian National University
Even students can enjoy high design.
Designer:Styleroom
Designer Styleroom gives us a glimpse at a simple yet completely functional living space.
Via:Arch Paper
This micro-apartment proposed by Berkley developer Patrick Kennedy, is also known as a “SmartSpace”, featuring 220-square-feet of space to San Francisco, CA. This unit is all about usability, with amenities designed to serve multiple purposes with a small footprint.
Source:Bay Oaks
In Tampa, FL’s Bay Oaks, 400 square feet of living space can go a long way in getting modern housing near the beach.
Source:Gateway Apartments
Gateway West Apartments also showcases high end interiors with small footprints.
In Oklahoma City, OK’s Capitol on 28th building, 422 square foot micro units offer a simple yet luxurious living space.
The Capitol on 28th also showcases premium views, with some tiny living units featuring outdoor spaces.
Source:RentCafe
Found on RentCafe, this small space shows that you can live comfortably without leaving a large footprint.
The Central Park Rexburg may be tiny, but it offers just enough space - and prime locale - to ensure residents’ comfort.
Designer:Studio Greende
Looking for futuristic charm? Look no further than this studio.
Visualizer:Thalia Kamarga
This rendering is nothing short of incredible. The amount of work that has gone to this particular work boggles our mind because this looks as though it was crafted pixel by pixel in an image editing program. Spectacular.
In Crescent Cameron Village, clean lines make this studio feel spacious and modern.
Source:UDR
Source:UDR
Source:UDR
Source:UDR
Source:UDR
Source:UDR
Source:UDR
Source:Solhaus
Angles don’t have to mean loss of space or utility. This interesting layout is still usable and comfortable.
Source:Mezzo
Source:Sodaina
Source:Church Park
Source:Incore Residential
Source:Solis Sharon Square
Premium countertops, hardwood floors, and comfortable room sizes make even these small studios feel like luxury accommodations.
Source:Solis Sharon Square
Source:Solis Sharon Square
Source:Springs Apartments
Source:Springs Apartments
Source:Springs Apartments
Source:Jefferson Hills
Source:Marsh Properties
Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and modern design touches make this studio a must-see.
Source:Rondebosch Oaks
Source:Rondebosch Oaks
Visualizer:3DM Digital
This reminds us a bit of modern meets Mad Men. The shapes and the layout are ideal for singles or small couples with an appreciation for mid-century and modern design.
Source:UNSW Village
Source:Ladd Carriage House
Source:Ladd Carriage House
Source:Ladd Carriage House
Visualizer:HM Designs
Sometimes luxury hotel suites can serve as an inspiration for small studio apartments. The above is actually a plan for a suite in the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, FL.
Visualizer:Huso
While this is another hotel suite, it could serve as inspiration for a studio apartment. Just look at the use of shape - incredible!
This project represents an open-plan office converted into a ’living-work’ space. Designed by Hugo D’Enjoy and Armando Elias of Studio craft design , this place is a promising solution to the growing concern of most Londoners - the space shortage. The design is insightful and it presents to space utilization a very fresh perspective. This functional layout uses one single volume as the element dividing dining, sleeping, storage, living and working spaces. The wall connecting the bathroom and dining room has a staircase connected to it which leads to the mezzanine level. The roof eaves and the walls are all painted white. A single tone color palate presents an opportunity to the owner to personalize the space and the staircase, which also acts one wall of the dining room, is used up to store all the items. The wooden floor like in any other London home insulates the loft from outside cold weather and also maintains the contemporary charm of the loft.
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
