There are a lot of ways to look at a holiday home. It might be a time share in a condo or a ski chalet in the mountains, but the most important thing is that it is a place you can gather and enjoy time with family and friends. That was exactly the intent with this holiday home in South Africa, built by architects at SAOTA with interior design from Antoni Associates . The spacious, modern home is warm and open, carefully marrying the interior to the exterior while minimizing the impact of any outside forces - from wind and rain to neighboring homes - and maximizing spaces to sit, chat, and entertain.

The home is located on Shelley Point, looking out of Stompneus Baai, which is part of the larger St. Helena Bay. The location is rich in local vegetation and wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and birds.

Guests, of which the young family who built the home intended to have many, enter through an elevated entryway. The upper level of the home that is accessed from here contains the main living area, kitchen, and dining room. This allows these gathering spaces the best views of the bay, while the bedrooms and playroom on the lower level have a bit more privacy.

Of course, most people on holiday want to be able to enjoy the climate and weather and this home is no exception. In order to allow the homeowners and guests to fully enjoy time outside, the architects built an interior courtyard that includes the swimming pool and is sheltered from the wind.

The beautiful thatched roof, a classic beach house style with a modern take in this instance, is supported by a perimeter I-beam and stands in natural contrast with the more industrial granite flooring.

In a design element we have featured on this blog before, the bedrooms downstairs have sweeping views with massive windows that can curtained up at night for privacy. In this home, the curtain tracks were actually built into the house’s structure.

The floorplans make it easy to see how the simple yet elegant flow of the home’s different spaces creates a unique and welcoming environment, perfect for bringing friends together and celebrating the beauty of your surroundings.

Three bedroom homes can take on many different configurations. While it might be a lot of space for just one person, it can be just the right amount for a growing family, or even a couple who needs space for an office. Of course, any home is only as comfortable as the occupants - and the architects - can make it. In our last roundup of three bedroom layouts, we featured 50 different configurations for maximize space and style. Good modern house plans like those are not always that easy to find but in this post, we’ll show you 25 more that might just give you an idea or two.

Visualizer:Jeremy Gamelin
A three person family who wants the flexibility of the guest room would be perfectly suited to this layout, which also has space for a lovely private patio.

Visualizer:Jeremy Gamelin
The bedrooms in this layout are not particularly large, but spacious outdoor areas and a cozy living room mean there is still room to spread out and relax.

Source:Bansal Infracon
Three equal bedrooms is an easy solution for a roommate situation, since rent can be split in perfect thirds.

Visualizer:3D Floor Planz
With a breakfast bar, dining room, and small patio, this home could easily house a family or even a group of good friends.

Source:Krishna Group
Natural light reigns in this three bedroom house that gives each bedroom its own private balcony and tons of windows.

Visualizer:3D Floor Planz
The bedrooms in this home are spread out for maximum privacy, with buffer rooms between each space.

Source:Vascon
Two detached bathrooms in this house, plus a large living room, dining room, and outdoor seating area, make it perfect for entertaining friends and hosting get togethers.

Visualizer:Kushwanth Singh
Large bedrooms dominate each corner of this apartment, meaning its easy to get away from everyone, if just for a moment.

Visualizer:Kushwanth Singh
A huge master bedroom with en suite bath as well as a large kitchen and dining area make this one of the bigger options when it comes to three bedroom layouts.

Visualizer:Kushwanth Singh
In a slightly different configuration of the previous home, this space has an entrance to the east, swapping the living room with that corner bedroom and giving the sleep space more light.

Source:Loharuka Group
Two bathrooms in this small space might be tough to negotiate with a teenager, but does make the layout a bit more efficient.

Source:Loharuka Group
An ideal family home, two of the bedrooms here have designated study areas.

Source:KSV Developers
Three bedrooms can be the height of luxury if you have enough square footage, as this house clearly does.

Source:KSV Developers
In another option from KSV developers, the same square footage is shuffled around but massive bedrooms and private patios with folding shades remain.

Source:KSV Developers
The third options seems a bit smaller, but still utilizes an open floor plan for the common areas of the home.

Visualizer:3dm Digital
When you put a pair of beds in a single bedroom, you can really maximize your space. This kind of configuration is ideal for a vacation home, where beds are at a premium.

Source:Nanubhai Property
Big bedroom, built in closets, and a bathroom for each bedroom is really a dream scenario. A cozy dining room rounds out the design.

Visualizer:3dm Digital
Two bathrooms with five beds seems a little dangerous, even if this is the layout for a temporary holiday home. It could be a recipe for long lines at shower time.

Source:DLF
Putting the kitchen behind closed doors may not be the most contemporary choice but it is a good way to contain the smells and sounds of cooking, making dinner parties a bit more elegant.

Source:Microtek Infra
This sunny three bedroom again offers plenty of private outdoor space, including balcony access from each bedroom.

Source:Microtek Infra
In this slightly different design, two of the bedrooms share access to the same balcony while a third gets its own.

Source:DLF

Source:ATS
This spacious home with massive bedrooms, multiple patios and a huge living room makes three bedrooms feel like a mansion.

Visualizer:Ankit Tak
In neutral tones with lots of closet space, this home becomes a calming place to come back to each day.

Via:99Acres
Finally, a clean and simple design via 99Acres makes room for all the essentials without a lot of fuss.
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