Four buildings were purchased in Lucknow city to create one whole plot for a single new luxury home. The build site is situated along a busy arterial road, and neighboured on three sides by a tightly packed development of private homes. Therefore, a large home would have seemed out of place, or perhaps even brash. To combat this, Sanjay Puri Architects broke this bespoke home design into pieces: Split living spaces and sleeping volumes were imagined, to cut channels to a large courtyard for a blissful through-breeze. Decorative screens based on traditional ‘chikan’ embroidery were installed to visually fragment the modern home exterior further, and serve purpose in shading the interior from the searing sun.
Lucknow city in India is a place of rich heritage, with a number of historical buildings dating back to the 18th century. Traditional buildings in the city burst with towering archways on a terrific scale that dwarf this modern mini mansion. As the plot was located in the midst of a very modern development area, extravagant traditional style was not the way to go. Instead, the modern home exterior was fragmented to look like a set of smaller dwellings.
There is a nod to the traditions of the area though: Historical buildings in Lucknow city are home to the famous ‘chikan’ embroidery, which features small and repetitive pattern. This style of pattern inspired the creation of the beautiful screens that work as semi-permeable shelters, and with the help of prolific planting they bring shade from the blistering hot sun.
The ‘chikan’ inspired shelters contain seating areas, which are ‘tagged on’ to each room placed on the south, west and east sides. The attractive screens create different light patterns inside throughout the day, and also help lessen traffic noise from the busy road.
With the noisy road to the south, the largest green space was placed along the northern edge of the plot. The architecture also tiptoes around a traditional Indian courtyard house layout, in response to the hot climate of the location, where temperatures soar in excess of 35° C in the long summer months. However, the typical ‘ring’ house design has been cracked apart here, shattering the mass into fragmented living spaces that allow extra precious airflow.
By night, interior lights burst through the intricate pattern of the screened volumes, bringing a new and exuberant personality to the boxy concrete architecture.
External light sources highlight the plants bedded around lush green borders.
A large planter pot brings greenery onto a tiled terrace, where tall branches silhouette against a backlit screen by night.
Mature shrubs and towering palm trees provide some outdoor shade.
The six bedroom house is interspersed with open terraces and landscaped gardens. A paved pathway is bedded into the lawn, beating a track around the perimeter. A concrete bench makes a picturesque rest spot along the way.
Large glass windows, and glass balcony balustrades, allow indirect sunlight to infuse the interior of the house on the northern side. The large garden on the north has pathways that cut through to the internal courtyard between room volumes. Partial shadows over the garden at most times of day mean that the outdoor space can be used in the long summertime too.
More large windows flank the approach to the home entryway, revealing glimpses of life going on inside.
A luxury living room resides just by the front door–perfectly positioned for formally receiving guests. A natural palette of sandstone and rich wood tone gives a warm welcome, whilst muted decor and grey Italian marble flooring provides a high-class seamless flow. The interior was gently curated this way so as not to distract the eye with decor, but rather lay focus on the beautiful light and shade that filters in, and the variety of spaces created. Vivid Indian art brings in some personality, and accent rugs continue the small splashes of colourful interest.
Varying volumes and layouts create individuality in each of the living spaces, which stand two stories high around a naturally ventilated courtyard that integrates them together. A vast shallow pool floods the central floor space, filled with blossoms. See more modern indian villas with courtyard designs.
Screens wrap the top of the staircase design , and one crosses the ceiling, facilitating natural ventilation and sunlight.
The interior style is somewhat raw, yet polished for easy, comfortable living.
Walls are consistently concrete, inside and out.
The unique home design is completely contextual to its location and climate, and to local tradition and culture.
Whilst many of the screened areas hold sitting spaces, some are simply narrow channels to shield the adjoined room from direct sunlight, road noise or onlookers.
Where there is decking space allowed, a couple of modern outdoor chairs provide a charming place to sip a drink, or have a chat.
The build is almost entirely raw concrete. From the outside, the architecture appears as though it could pertain to several separate dwellings, in-keeping with the surrounding prolific residential development.
Section drawing, illustrating the multitude of volumes that make up the modern house design. We can also see on ‘Section AA’ how double height measurements in the central space and living room create an overlap with the first floor.
Ground floor plan, featuring garden and patio layouts, plus parking.
First floor plan.
Design process.
If you’re on the search for versatile color accents, jewel tone palettes tend to remain flattering throughout every season. This contemporary apartment by Shubochkini Architects starts with a base of powerful neutrals with walls divided into light and dark grey, softened by monochromatic textiles layered throughout. Select jewel tones use this subdued canvas to their advantage – the eye immediately drawn to every pop of emerald, sapphire, and citrine. Find fresh color palette inspiration and explore this gem of an interior concept through the captivating visualizations below.
This tour begins with a glimpse of the living room, the landscape centered around a modern sofa that captures attention with elegant emerald upholstery. A color like this can be subtle in other contexts – but in a space dominated by such stark neutrals, it becomes a beacon and anchor for the entire space.
Of course, even the neutral elements deserve appreciation. The furniture and décor selections draw from a vocabulary of iconic designs. Here you see the famous AJ floor lamp by Arne Jacobsen.
Natural elements also play an important role. Interactive spaces enjoy the warmth of natural wood, like the chevron floors and partial wall in the living room.
With limited seating in the living room, this accent chair makes a mark with its sculptural shape. This piece is the classic Swan Chair originally designed by Arne Jacobsen.
Classic meets modern in this spectacular dining room. The decorative wall paneling embraces a vintage look, updated by the smooth Creed dining chairs from Rodolfo Dordoni.
Beautiful dining room pendant lights by Jaime Hayon hang in a row above the table. Not only do these create a focal point against the emerald green wall, they also provide a soothing mood light alternative to the primary recessed lights.
Such a distinctive combination of elements calls for unique tableware to tie the themes together. A gorgeous stone fruit bowl brings out the color of the accent wall.
Lovely glass vases in amber continue the natural palette.
While a television would ordinarily make a formal dining room feel more casual, this one benefits from the flush mount installation and border of decorative trim.
Black chair legs and pendant bodies ensure the television does not break the color palette. This is one example of how small details can have far-reaching implications.
Adjacent to the living room, you’ll find a comfortable kitchen that feels endless thanks to its generous floor-to-ceiling window.
Natural materials again make a statement here. Grey stone cladding spans the full-wall backsplash while vertical wood grain creates a seamless continuation between countertop and cabinetry.
These sleek kitchen bar stools are the work of Danish furniture designer Hee Welling.
Not only does the kitchen host ample storage space within the large cabinets, it also offers a stylish cutout for decorative display or easy access to essentials.
Stainless steel unites the hardware for a professional and streamlined appearance.
Dual-tone coloration and decorative paneling give the hallway subtle decorative appeal.
What could go better with jewel tones than a touch of tasteful metallics? This brilliant decorative wall mirror glimmers with gold, accented by a gorgeous designer vase alongside. This space is tucked into the entrance along the hallway.
In the master bedroom, the jewel tones take on a more subdued look. This blue bedroom embraces a muted sapphire hue – classic, calming, and a brilliant way to elevate the neutral furniture theme.
On the wall-mounted vanity, a decorative vase holds a spray of yellow flowers that stand in bold contrast to the blue wall behind it. The designer table lamp is from the ABALLS Collection by Jaime Hayon – the same line as the pendant lights found back in the dining room.
Small bedside tables are stylish yet offer less room for essentials. This gorgeous swing arm wall lamp provides focused adjustable lighting, a step above the traditional bedside table lamp.
Using diverse textures and patterns can soften the look of any space.
This wall treatment is especially engaging. The color from the accent wall overlaps the corner, while the closet door slices right through the boiserie – the result is playful and slightly surreal.
The smaller bedroom uses space with inspiring efficiency.
While the wrap-around headboard allows this bed to double as a chaise, it also creates separation between the sleeping area and workspace.
The famous Beat collection by Tom Dixon works well anywhere in the home – here, a pair of the Tall model serves as stylish bedroom pendant lights .
Continuing the rug pattern from the living room ensures a continuous visual flow throughout the interior.
Sliding closet doors accommodate the limited clearance between wall and furniture. Inside, smart organization maximizes space – drawers on the bottom, racks in the middle, and varied shelves above.
The wall-mounted console provides storage for media and accessories. In this room, the jewel tones are more subtle – the verdant plant, the citrine and aqua prints.
A full shot of the entryway reveals an excellent combination of utility and style. A seating bench with storage rack offers a convenient place to remove shoes, hooks hold scarves and handbags, and the spacious wardrobe features one mirrored door so residents can make sure their outfits look great before a night out.
Natural themes and neutral palettes define the master bathroom. A quick tour reveals a range of enviable features that promote relaxation and reinvigoration.
Among the natural elements are surfaces of stone and wood. Decorative details include small ornamental trees in marble planters , and organic accents like the unique laundry baskets .
Fixtures remain uncomplicated so the surrounding materials can take center stage.
In a space that lacks luxurious amounts of storage, the in-vanity drawers offer a place to hide away essentials.
The floor plan reveals the functional flow of traffic through the home and the division between public and private spaces.
What is your favorite part of this apartment? What would you change about the floor plan or layout to suit your specific needs? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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
