Sometimes it feels a bit like our homes become like fishbowls. The bigger they are, the more stuff we acquire to fill them up. But do we really need all that square footage? The team at 3XA , who designed and built this micro apartment in Wroclaw, Poland would say no. At only 312 square feet (29 square meters), there is no room for mistakes, but there is plenty of room for a stylish, modern life.
The key to any small apartment is making sure that you make use of vertical space. By tucking a bedroom up a set of narrow stairs, the designers create a makeshift second floor that frees up a lot more living space.
The entire apartment is visible in this single photograph. From storage space under the stairs to a nested dining table/desk, every square inch is carefully considered and put to its best use.
The entryway does have a low, plywood ceiling but also serves as a walk-in closet with gauzy curtains acting as easily managed closet doors.
The original front door is left in its naturally unfinished state and is one of the only indications as to the overall age of the apartment. Its worn look is quite charming.
The small kitchen again makes use of the high ceilings with storage space going all the way up.
Decorating a kid’s room can always be a challenge. Kids grow up so fast that it is impossible to know what they will like or need next year or even next month. While the rooms in this post can’t predict when your teenager will stop listening to Katy Perry and start dressing like Marilyn Manson, they can do one this expertly: transform desk to bed, beds to walls, and one boy’s room into a sleepover haven. Italian design company Clei specializes in these transformable, space saving beds and desks that, as you can see in these photos, work perfectly for kids rooms.
The contrast of bold colors like pink with neutral white and gray keep this bedroom young and playful without being offensively bright.
What appears to be a normal desk folds down seamlessly to reveal a hidden murphy bed.
When fully revealed, the gray murphy bed is sturdy and comfortable while the original desk is carefully hidden away.
With plenty of built in shelving, this girl’s room is both stylish and practical.
When the sleek turquoise desk folds down to reveal a secret bed, it becomes the perfect retreat for a sleepover or visiting cousins.
Under the murphy bed, the desk area becomes a storage surface and even more shelving is revealed.
The minimalist desk may not have a lot of features, but that makes it easier to keep clean and free of distracting clutter.
This creative office area is colorful and bright, perfect for sparking the next great idea.
Shelving on casters make it easy to move, adjust, and get comfortable in the space in whatever way works best.
Even better, roll those shelves under the desk and it creates space for the hidden bed inside the wall unit. This cute modern office is now a cute modern guest room!
As it’s situated here, this office area has a small work space, plenty of light, and a cozy reading bench.
But move a few throw pillows and a double bed can fold down with ease.
Whether you want to use an office as a guest room or just remove the temptation to nap, keeping a bed hidden away in the wall is a stylish and creative solution.
Plenty of shelving and a gradient orange color scheme complete the fun yet organized atmosphere.
First impressions of this room likely run straight towards the citrus color scheme - lime greens, lemon yellows and a couple of ice blue seating cushions make the room feel like a summertime lemonade.
The sliding door across these bookshelves may not serve a lot of practical purpose, but the aesthetic effect is undeniable.
The floor shelf can easily slide underneath the desk surface to make room for this hidden bed.
The secret to the sleek look in all these space saving rooms is the perfect measurements. Each piece from shelving to bed to desk is carefully measured to nestle inside other the other pieces without disassembling, forcing, or otherwise hassling.
As it stands here, a comfortable bed, a wide desk, and plenty of shelving and closet space make this room perfect for a kid of any age.
But once again a hidden bed, this time a bunk bed, creates an instant space for guests of any age.
A fold down ladder makes the bunk bed safely accessible while the desk below becomes simple storage space.
You can see that in a pinch, even the bedside table will slide underneath the main bed for extra room.
Bright and bold greens and purples create a feminine look for this room that isn’t oppressively pink.
Instead of folding down underneath the bed, this desk actually raises up and sits above the bed for additional storage and convenience.
The larger bed also folds up, creating an office or study area with plenty of gathering room or even space for a teenage dance party.
Cute blue rugs with cloud details given an cartoonish feeling to the room - in a good way.
A cozy pink bunk bed with a solid fold down ladder is the perfect nap area for any little girl.
For even more space, fold down the twin bed that’s nestled behind the desk.
With the shelving in this room, fold up both beds and it’s easily a library/office.
A tucked away bed, closet space galore and even a cozy bean bag chair make this a great boy’s room.
Fold up the bed in a snap and it becomes a boy’s office, free from distraction.
For sleepovers or brothers, a second bed can be folded down above the first. Instant bunk beds without sacrificing the desk.
The sherbet colors of this girls room makes it perfect for teens or tweens. From the fuschia furnishings to a wild zebra rug.
Fold down a narrow bed and the desk lifts up, meaning it doesn’t have to be cleared off to get extra sleeping space.
A deep pink desk stool is ergonomic and stylish.
The whole point of these rooms is that the folding beds can save space, which means the room doesn’t need to be big to begin with.
This purple kid’s room, for instance, is relatively small but still has room for two beds because they can both fold up into the wall.
The folding kids’ beds are not heavy or unwieldy, though kids should be supervised when converting the beds themselves.
When both bunk beds are folded up, there is plenty of floor area for play time.
Boys don’t tend to need as much closet space as girls, making this modular corner closet a perfect solution.
Fold up the double bed for extra space.
And fold down the narrow bed for extra sleeping space.
This larger girl’s room has shelving and enough desk space to work in pairs.
Providing proper modern shelving makes it more likely that the messiest of teens will keep the room clean.
A fun addition to this particular room is the mirrored murphy bed. Fold it up at a moment’s notice and there is a full length mirror for practicing dance moves or just checking out a look.
There is also plenty of space for shoes and clothes in the corner closet, which includes drawers as well as hanging 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
