Innovation in interior design often results from restrictions. Smaller apartments and lofts are common examples of living spaces needing an open plan feel. What happens when your living space is under 50sqm? This Russian space, measuring just under 43sqm, is a challenge to any designer. Modern in feel and urban Japanese in décor, it segments different living spaces in one smart central unit. Designed by Rue Temple , each living area is broken off into a series of hallways – a kitchen, living room, relaxation space, storage space, bedroom and bathroom – to unite the space as a whole. Take a peek below.
Framed by a concrete ceiling and stone-coloured floor, a wooden compartment acts the central feature. Separating several spaces in one, the room taken is multiplied tenfold in utility. A leaf green velvet couch marks the living room, lit by a triangular black wall light. Backgrounded by a bookcase and facing a flat screen TV, its foreground doubles as a hallway. The kitchen lurks beyond.
Just past the couch, a corridor opens. Clothed in top-to-toe light wood, a desk juts out in the same material. A thin-lined stylish desk chair eats less room and mirrors the flat screen.
Wooden stairs lead to a wooden platform, where visitors can relax. Grey cotton beanbag couches invite on the floor, Japanese in style. Two grey lights hang on a grey concrete ceiling. White walls either side augment the light from a simple window, while LED strips line the walls at night.
To the left, a bedroom is revealed. Swathed in a lighter shade of grey, character pops out in a small white light shrouded in greenery. A window to a white wall gives the illusion of more light.
The wooden compartment winds around spaces in one continuous corridor. Lined with white-painted heating rails, light-wood fixtures in benches and window ledges unite its form. Chrome door handles polish it off.
Light is let in at different focal points, specifically tailored to the space. At night, hanging lights let a projector TV add animation. During the day, two simple windows across the hallway pass sunlight down the corridors. The bedroom’s central window reflects the effect.
A closer look at the bedroom shows many elements of innovation. Box-shaped in form, LED lights fire up in the evening, moved closer by twin bedside lamps. Jutting ledges in the same wood act as bedside tables, seen from open frames to the side. A ball of raw yarn adds an element of play.
A view from a corridor reveals the secret to lightness and brightness. Although at first glance a square frame, the bedroom is only half wall, with the entrance and two windows removed of barriers. Views through the openings introduce the study and relaxation room, alluding to greater indoor-outdoor flow. Muted colouring avoids furniture blocking.
The bedroom’s living lights pop up throughout. The hallway to the left shows a hanging version, a minimalist feature in an otherwise white space. The third sits in a corner, easy to access from the lounge and central corridor. A jut in the bedroom’s wood provides an additional ledge.
Through the central corridor, a kitchen makes space. The same grey hanging light glows upon a shiny grey breakfast ledge. Simple white cabinetry and a chrome fridge add contrasting elements, white and grey, without breaking up the space. LED lights lining underneath cabinetry provide light and a feeling of warmth.
The bathroom manages chic in grey slate tiled walls and bath sides, in large-format. A hanging light in white matches white porcelain fixtures. A mirror reflects the shower beside an elegant standing bowl basin, providing double the illusion of room. Chrome plumbing adds a finishing touch.
is a trend that is here to stay. Equal parts classic and classy, its edgy tones have won fans across all spaces of interior design. Similarly, minimalist interiors have enjoyed fervent favour over the last ten years. What do you get when you combine the two? Minimalist, monochromatic living spaces. These four homes put the magic into homes that offer very little colour. Whether dramatic and full of impact, or more muted and everyday, these spaces proffer fresh thinking in familiar territories. Are you thinking of designing your interior in black and white? Take a gander to inspire your home decor.
Visualizer:Inuti
Our first space is a dash of boldness in large-format, large-impact monochromes. Based in Łódź, Poland, clean lines and colour blocking make for a dramatic entrance. In the living room, a black wall stands proudly, as a low grey couch and painted canvas foreground. A black polished table mirrors the wall, a grey rug the couch. Vase-bound palm leaves add a touch of green. The swing arm wall lamp you see here is the Flos Mod 265 .
White lounge walls follow through to an all-white kitchen, speckled with black. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry stands tall in thin, sleek lines, following the minimalist route. Thin hanging lights dangle above the kitchen bench, culminating in a three-pronged design. A black stove, stools, and fixtures add pops of black. Grey paves the road between. If you are specifically looking for black and white kitchen inspiration, do check out our: 40 black and white kitchens post.
Visualizer:Inuti
Our second space, also in Łódź, measures a mere 50sqm. Created to fulfil a minimalist and Italian design brief, its greyscale and concrete refer to the post-industrial character of the area. Doubling as one space, the kitchen and living room bounce with a shocking black wall, framed by a white ceiling and walls. On closer inspection, the black wall’s steel hides a kitchen in lacquered black. An abstract monochromatic piece deters the eye.
Towards the lounge, charcoal futon couches surround a low black table, offering apples. A black-and-white cameraman light sees window panels revert from white, to black, to white again. A TV hangs on an opposing wall in an oblong.
Carrying the theme, the bedroom creates a tunnel effect with a black gloss feature wall, with abstract monochrome peeping. Another cameraman light simultaneously blends in and stands out from the black and white walls. A grey futon-style bed creates harmony between the two.
An almost all-white bathroom with shocking stripes of black keeps the minimalist theme. A black cabinet and shelf stretch across lightly-marbled walls. Wide, open-paned windows show a lighter version of white.
Visualizer:Inuti
Our next space in Stockholm, Sweden, is a little larger at 59sqm. Using one large room to house a kitchen, dining and lounge area, its monochromes create a relaxed feel with shades of grey. In the lounge, white curtains open to reveal white walls and a wooden floor, the perfect minimalist backdrop. Making their mark, black stencil lighting, wall lights, a TV and feature art piece add life to the space. Supporting elements in grey throws, side tables and couches add softness, while black accessories tie in the theme.
Towards the kitchen, a long bench alternating white, grey, white bends around a corner. Lit by a drop stencil light, black chairs reinforce drama. Minimalist white cabinetry and entranceway contours see the bench blend into the walls, making the chairs more striking.
Designer:U Design| Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Our final space adds more complexity to monochromes, with dashes of colour added. Spanning several rooms, its hues are helped by light grey and charcoal shading, especially in big bursts of colour. The lounge welcomes in light grey panels, flowing through to a matching couch, charcoal cushions and a rug. Light chiffon and grey curtains complement a multitude of lights, which criss-cross and dart one another. Large black cabinetry and white lacquered walls highlight colour contrasts on a light wooden floor.
Block monochromes mark out spaces. The dining room is black, with a round table and pod chairs creating its zone. A bookcase notes to the side, while white tulips add nature.
The kitchen shows a lighter, brighter side. Clad in lacquered white cabinetry and a grey-hued bench, white rod lighting dangles above heads in the main area. Appliances match and blend in with the walls, as LED lighting highlights a black inlet.
Stepping away from the room, a multi-coloured face appears. A white ruffle lamp sits beside, wedged between a mirror and black lacquered wall.
The bedroom adds green as its signature, as black and white symphonies tie them together. A black corrugated feature wall sits amidst mirrored panels, elongating the space. A twin corrugated partition in white shows light through a wide-paned window, while green stretches over covers and a rug. Black cylindrical lights add a finishing touch.
The kid’s bedroom becomes more playful. White lacquered cupboards oppose white ladders, a place for kids to climb inside. A kaleidoscopic owl painting, multi-coloured hexagonal rug, and turquoise toy box make it fun. Around the corner, dreamtime is held in another bright turquoise space, complete with white skyline decal. White walls and wooden floors retain the minimal.
Greys, whites and blacks shine again in wide marble tiles with aspects of each. Mirrors form the space between, reflecting and enlarging the space. White lacquered cabinets hang beside porcelain and a white towel rail. Sprigs of life in round white vases add colour.
Grey panelled shower doors act as another mirror, reflecting light and keeping contents mysterious. A bath invites, swathed in charcoal tiling, a perfect space to relax and recline.
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
