Dark spaces set a strong image with a heavy mood. They appear dramatic and serious, cool and confident. So, what happens when you inject a little colour… Or a lot? These two modern home designs explore the combination of colourful brights in dark spaces, showing how to hit the balance just right. Our first home tour takes place in a charcoal grey home interior that is uplifted with an array of punchy furniture pieces to achieve a 50/50 blend. In contrast, home design number two employs just a couple of electric blue interludes to shake off the shadows of a grey and black backdrop. Each offers a different ratio of colour to achieve exciting aesthetics.
Visualizer:Tovstyi Bohdan
This two-room apartment design was created for a young and enthusiastic homeowner who teaches art history at a university. Therefore the interior was shaped upon a concept of modern style that meets historical elements. In this dark interior concept, a modular sofa and an ottoman coffee table set introduce punchy green, salmon, and yellow interruptions.
Dark walls are cut with bright paint features that form an artistic background for statues and paintings of ancient Greek culture.
Mature indoor plants feather the edges of the room, where they merge into heavy green drapes.
One life-sized statue beside the TV has been given a modern paint treatment that incorporates it into the surroundings more effectively.
The rest of the TV wall offers no media storage but comes alive with a shapely salmon pink painted circle that contrasts against dark grey wall stucco.
A small vase of flowers brightens the coffee table with its all-white arrangement.
The lounge forms an open plan concept with the kitchen and dining area, which each offer a cohesive collection of contrasting colours and tones.
Behind the teal sofa, a small pedestal dining table is encircled by green upholstered dining chairs. A marble vase brings a few glossy green fronds to the dining table centrepiece.
The kitchen is a colour-blocked design, with coniferous green base and wall cabinets and a matching green countertop.
Under cabinet lighting reflects brightly against a reflective black backsplash. A marble utensil holder and serving stand place white accents against the dark background.
A copper kitchen tap warmly complements the dining room pendant light finish.
Inside the bedroom, the riot of colourful interruptions continues with more modern paint effects across a focal wall and a colour-treated greek statue.
The bedroom is divided by a green portiere behind the headboard. The curtain separates the sleeping zone from a home workspace and a dressing area with a custom-cut full-length mirror.
In the home office area, a custom-made green desk is contrasted by an eye-catching yellow desk chair. The workspace runs directly beneath the window and is flanked on either side by two open-fronted wardrobes. An LED desk lamp provides focussed task light to the study area when the sun goes down, and a potted plant delivers light decoration.
A small bedside table holds a vase of contrasting botanical plumes and a modern table lamp for reading.
Scatter cushions and bedclothes are layered to achieve a creatively colourful combination.
Visualizer:Nastia Perchyk
In our second featured home design, an electric blue sectional sofa strikes through a dark grey and black living space, creating a visual buzz.
An ornate ceiling rose emerges from a shadowy grey ceiling. Small, recessed spotlights dot across the grey stucco in trios to disperse pockets of illumination. Down below, a small side table and coffee tables echo its circular outline.
The living room floor lamp cuts a sharper silhouette over the sofa, replacing curves with a slimline angular form. Tall interior doors disappear into the grey walls, free from any framework, discernible only by modern back hardware.
The nesting coffee tables bear a unique and bold minimalist aesthetic that strongly competes with the strike of colour.
Surfaces in the room are clear from clutter, which evokes a sculptural feel.
The modular sofa itself looks like a piece of installation art.
The couch is arranged to face two directions in the living room. One faces toward the kitchen diner, whilst the other looks at a TV and wall-mounted media units. The wall-hung cabinets are black wood grain to darkly meld with the moody grey backdrop. A contrasting silver shelving unit catches the sunlight by the window.
Sheer white voiles keep the windows bright. Shallow radiators keep off the chill from the glass.
Two vivid blue dining pendant lights provide a perfect match to the sofa in the open plan living space.
The fabulous blue light installation flares above a black dining table and six modern chairs.
A glass fruit bowl makes a light-reflective dining table centrepiece.
Behind the contemporary dining set, a modern kitchen works around the back of the living room in an L-shape.
A wall of floating black base units and metallic wall units run into a solid wall of appliance housing units.
An integrated black oven fits sleekly into the wall of black wood grain.
The silver wall units reflect natural light from the kitchen window in a modern linear installation.
The bright blue dining room pendant lights are the first thing the eye focuses on when rounding the corner into the black and grey kitchen diner space. Their bold presence makes a startling effect that builds intrigue and wonder.
Elegance exudes from these two tasteful examples of modern home design. Chic and alluring in their light-filled refinement they are also welcoming spaces thanks to an infusion of earthy boho-inspired elements. Handmade ceramics, rustic accent furniture, naturalistic pendant lights, and boho rugs introduce relaxed pauses between the high-end larger pieces. These warm natural elements are smoothly complemented and upscaled by the luxury of stunning travertine interludes, in the form of side tables and coffee tables, kitchen installations, and bathroom fixtures. Wood slatted feature walls and ceilings cast contemporary focal points into one home, whilst our second benefits from the glory of wide architectural arches.
Visualizer:Nurlybek Mukanov
The laconic living room of our first home design is compact in scale yet appears generously proportioned thanks to its lofty height and light decor scheme. A wood-slatted ceiling treatment brings in a contemporary texture that draws the eye up. At base level, A rounded sofa and two matching armchairs set down beautifully curvaceous silhouettes.
A rustic coffee table takes up the centre spot of the living room, placed upon a cream woven boho rug with a tasselled edge. An alcove is fitted with timber shelves to display handmade vases, bowls, and figurines.
A modern fireplace is set below a floating chimney breast that edges forth from the creamy wall stucco. A wide hearth holds a minimalist display of books and decorative items.
Between the curvaceous sofa and a lounge chair, a modern round side table introduces a smooth travertine element.
Between the lounge and the kitchen, a wooden dining table set seats up to eight people. Two mini dining room pendant lights fall above the long table, spreading even illumination from end-to-end.
The upholstered dining chairs make a mellow match with the cream stone floor tiles and add a glimmer of gold.
A modern fruit bowl makes a simple and useful dining table centrepiece.
Inside the master bedroom, a wood-slatted headboard wall constructs a broad textural statement behind a wooden platform bed .
A wall of wooden wardrobes matches the golden tone of the platform bed. A tonal bedroom rug brings out the beauty of the natural wood grain in the paler wood-slatted focal wall.
Modern wall sconces and electrical sockets are mounted onto an extruded panel that conceals the electrical cables. Bedside tables are integrated into the headboard design to simplify the bedroom layout.
A fluted glass tumbler prettily catches the light below the wall sconces .
The bathroom is an atmospherically lit space, which comes alive under the golden glow of a concealed LED strip behind the bathroom mirror .
The unique bathroom sink is made from stunning travertine, which gives the bathroom a look of luxury. A recessed shelf runs above the modern vanity unit, providing neat storage for daily bathroom essentials.
In the shower area, a wooden ladder shelf makes open storage for toiletries, washcloths and towels.
Dual shower heads make room for two.
A built-in shower shelf keeps shower gel and shampoo close to hand.
Visualizer:Anastasia Korableva
In our second featured home interior, a large area rug pulls together a furniture arrangement of designer lounge chairs and a stunning white modular tufted sofa design. Two large arched windows sculpt an elegant aesthetic across the perimeter.
A round living room floor lamp complements the fabulous curves of the unique sofa.
A potted olive tree delivers a delicate spray of natural greenery into the warm white decor scheme.
The modern coffee table nests with a smaller counterpart to create a swathe of elegant travertine in the centre of the living room. Black decorative vases, candlesticks and a figurine provide dark contrast.
Grand double doors lead through to the formal dining room. A racetrack dining table is set upon fashionably fluted legs and surrounded by designer dining chairs that seat six.
A clear glass vase and a floral display make a chic dining table centrepiece.
An unusual dining room chandelier drops an extraordinary sculptural element into the room, which draws the eye in from the neighbouring lounge.
Modern track lights draw even illumination around the outskirts of the dining area.
A one wall kitchen runs along the back of the room, in a line of base units flanked by appliance housing at either end. A frame of travertine extends from around the backsplash wall and matching countertop to achieve a stunning stone statement wall.
Beside the kitchen sink, a carafe and tumbler set keeps the homeowner hydrated.
Double doors make an extravagant entryway into the bedroom. Inside the breathtaking bedroom design, relief bedroom wall art makes an eye-catching accompaniment for highly textural stucco. Another glorious olive tree adds a plume of uplifting colour.
Two wicker bedroom pendant lights hang a boho essence in the room.
Sheer white voiles billow in the breeze from a wide arched window. Beige drapes create a darker frame beneath a fluted pelmet. A comfy chair and matching footstool are teamed with a floor lamp to fashion a cosy reading nook behind the door.
A row of rattan wardrobes are complemented by a winged rattan headboard design, the boho-inspired pendant lights, and a natural-coloured bed throw.
The wicker pendants are suspended above a luxe travertine bedside table , where books and a mini bud vase offer casual adornment.
Wood herringbone flooring creates a subtle pattern across the bedroom floor, whilst a modern area rug offers softness underfoot around the bedstead.
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
