With a gorgeous plot on the Pacific coast in southwest Costa Rica, this 3000 square foot villa takes advantage of a gorgeous view through a tailored layout and smart furniture choices. Architect Tim Vordtriede and interior designer Angelina Alekseeva took full creative rein on this project at request of the Los Angeles based client – and the result is so fantastic we can only imagine the client is in love with the final product just as much as we are. Natural elements, sleek modern furniture, and innovative material applications offer plenty of inspiration for the aspirational minimalist: check out the full home tour below!
The interior maximizes its exposure to the gorgeous landscape with an open floor plan for the social areas, the kitchen and living room divided by a dramatic central staircase that ascends through a rectangular void in the concrete ceiling.
At night, curtains sweep closed and lights dim to foster an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. The brown accents seem neutral in the daytime but they come into their own under the warm lamp.
Natural materials play an important role throughout – wood floors and ceiling panels offset the minimalistic sofa and emphasize the amazing garden arrangement under the staircase.
Furniture stays low and humble to avoid blocking the view of the hills outside.
Enhancing its connection to the outdoors, the living room directly and indirectly integrates representation of the four elements: fire, air, earth, and water.
Want the hanging chair look but don’t have a sturdy place to hang them? A stand does take up more space, but it’s perfect for outdoor applications like this one.
Back in the dining room, winged chairs offer a classic form wrapped in chic modern materials. Overhead, a tangled metal suspension lamp stands in contrast to the wood kitchen cladding in the background.
Minimalism fares well in a space surrounded by such breathtaking natural beauty.
The kitchen utilizes creative expressions of popular design trends. The breakfast bar is exceptionally tall, no doubt to provide a better look over the formal dining arrangement out of frame to the left.
A darker palette fosters a peaceful environment in the bedroom. The materials remain similar to those used elsewhere in the house, but they see a bolder application here.
We just can’t get enough of the fabulous setting, but this bedroom absolutely relishes it. Positioned between two corner windows, it almost appears to float above the Pacific waves.
Comfortable chairs and a wood slice table offer a cozy place to sip coffee or tea in the morning.
This bedroom takes a strong modernist approach balanced with soft details.
Can you see the door? Wall paneling serves as the perfect camouflage for a more continuous look.
The bed faces a media center and artwork rather than the window because the view is partially obscured by a concrete balcony wall.
Sophisticated and moody, sculptural accessories bring an artistic quality to the third bedroom.
Sliding shutters conceal the closet.
During a home tour, everyone wants to see the bathroom – bathrooms are difficult to decorate, and their level of privacy means there are fewer visual examples to draw from.
Thankfully, this tour offers views of the many bathrooms from every angle.
Each of the bathrooms use similar color palettes but the end results are all quite different. This one uses matte black and white paneling for a sleek modern look, yet retains a natural aesthetic with textural stone cladding.
Matte black tiles appear in the glass-enclosed shower as well, focusing all attention on the view outside the windows.
This bathroom includes a distinctive combination of materials: classic white tile and modern brushed concrete.
The final bathroom offers a strong contrast between humble and luxurious natural materials: richly veined stone, a wood shower floor, and wicker organizers.
Pebbles fill the gap between the bathtub and the tiles – a handy way to catch the occasional water drip, likely channeled by a drain underneath.
In today’s market, and many of the world’s major cities, space is a luxury. But that doesn’t mean your tiny apartment can’t feel beautiful, and can’t function perfectly. These designer didn’t sacrifice style for space in these tiny flats, and you don’t have to either. Transform your tiny space into one that is not only fits all your needs, but feels like home — and maybe even spacious — by taking a look at this stunning gallery of mini apartments.
Designer:Khanh Nguyen
This tiny apartment maximizes space and makes it feel bigger with sleek design and a neutral palette.
Pops of color. While this space is based on neutrals, the reoccurring theme of yellow and turquoise add wonderful variation to this tiny space.
Slick and smooth surfaces make this tiny apartment feel glossy and luxurious despite it’s small size.
A simple trick to make smaller spaces feel bigger is to focus on a clean color pallet. The designer here has used white for an airy feel, but warmed it up with the wall wood toned wall that once again draws the eye up and alludes to a larger space.
This bedroom maximizes every nook and cranny. The bed has drawers underneath, and even a built in bedside table. And the built in closet unit spans the entire room to give the owner a great amount of storage.
Designer:Ksenya Surikova
This tiny apartment is masculine and dark, but the dark colors don’t make the space feel smaller because of the neutral pallet and glass surfaces that designer Ksenya Surikova has incorporated.
While often in tiny spaces it’s recommend to keep the same floor throughout the space for continuity, the long stripes on the kitchen floor elongate this space.
Long, sheer curtains help diffuse harsh light and make the tiny space feel airy.
Sometimes it’s best to play into a tiny space by making it cozy, just like the designer has done in this bedroom space. The oversized curtains, bed that looks like it’s on top of a giant pillow, and the wood walls make this space one you want to crawl into after a long day at the office.
Designer:Alex Koretsky and Viktoria Pashinskaya
Designing duo Alex Koretsky and Viktoria Pashinskaya have transformed this tiny space with technicolor and slick modern designs to make ti feel much bigger than it actually is.
These incredible mood lights draw your eyes up and through the entire space. And while you may think it would emphasize the small size, it instead keeps your eye moving and interested through the dynamic setting.
Fun meets functionality. These awesome wood panels are also a shelf and bench to lay down your things.
Once again the designers are drawing your eye up and around the entire space with swooping lights, and this magnificent breakfast bar. While the space is small it can still seat up to 6. Breakfast bars are a great option for tiny kitchen spaces.
It’s all in the details.
This bathroom isn’t all that small, but it sure stunning. The walls are shiny and make the space glow and appear larger, and the mirrors also add a sense of space.
Designer:DesignRush
The DesignRush team transformed this 25 square meter tiny apartment into an incredibly modern and functional space which they say is perfect for the modern woman. Although, we think any man would enjoy this space just as much too!
The modern working woman needs a home office. In tiny spaces many people forego a home office because they think they can’t fit it. But the designers here have incorporated it perfectly into the space, right next to the kitchen.
The beautiful wood backsplash of the kitchen flows onto the island and the home office, bringing continuity to the tiny apartment.
Look at all that storage space! Behind those sleek glossy white panels are plenty of shelves to store everything from clothes to cleaning supplies.
Separating the kitchen from the living room with different floors gives the owner a real feel that they are in a new space when they leave the kitchen. While having the same floors can make the space feel bigger, adding a different flooring for a different room can also make an extremely tiny space feel bigger by giving a sense of an entirely different space.
Glass and mirrors! These slick surfaces help tiny spaces like this little bathroom give the illusion of more space.
Where does the shower even begin? The angled lines that disappear against the bathroom mirror really make this tiny apartment bathroom feel much more spacious.
The 25 sqm apartment layout is designed to maximize the space.
Designer:Alexander Raschenko
This tiny space is incredibly cozy and warm despite it’s industrial influence by designer Alexander Raschenko.
The island sure is tiny, but it’s also functional. This tiny apartment is perfect for a single young professional who will be serving up tapas to friends on a Friday night, or cutting up some veggies on the island for a mid-week salad dinner.
The tiny island teaches further on the side of the kitchen to maximize space.
Succulents and green plants make any space feel like home.
The sky blue couch and rug play off the wonderful sea glass blue of the island, and really bring out the tiny apartments warm wood tones. Also note the staircase that’s doubling as a chic and casual bookshelf.
The rich wood floors and stairs really ground the entire room, and the light elements like the walls and furniture keep it light and airy. You can see just how much open space there is below, and how it’s really been maximized.
The pipe railing is mirrored as a hanging rod for clothes on the back wall, one again playing on the industrial feel. And the designer has gone for these indulgently warm orange lights for the loft bedroom to bring a coziness to the otherwise airy space.
The bathroom of this tiny apartment is just as stylish and functional as there rest of the space. Easy to care for concrete surface with wonderful storage shelves make this the perfect space for a young professional.
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
