You know you’re a bookworm when your idea of an outdoor activity is reading a book outside. Casa O in Mexico is the perfect blend of a library and secret garden in the middle of a bustling city. The skillful fusion of nature and city surroundings takes a page out of the most magical book you’ve ever read. This bookworm paradise has everything that a self respecting bibliophile could ever need. Architecturally designed to make the transition into your imagination all the more exciting, this home designed by Despacho Arquitectos HV is the envy of book lovers everywhere. Be sure to bookmark some of these ideas for your own book nook.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The focus of this design was to integrate nature and man made structure into an other-worldy haven for a keen bookworm.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
One of the main features of the home is the expansive personal library. The bookworm concept has been turned into the main focus, as each area centers around the lifestyle of an avid reader.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The idea of a book nook has been taken to another level in this area. Any person who has ever read a book knows that a comfy chair is essential. These chairs add a sophisticated aura and look like an ideal place to curl up with a good book. Check out this post to find your very own comfy reading chair.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
What would a bookworm paradise be without a fireplace for those glorious rainy days? This room maintains a stylish look while having a homely feel. This is due to the wall length bookshelves and the coffee table decorated with various ornaments and neatly stacked books. The room is also well lit to avoid any strain on reading eyes.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV| Photographer:Paul Czitrom
The well stocked bar is perfect for entertaining, or the occasional drink when unwinding with your favorite tome after a long day. The arrangement of the bottles and glasses turns the bar into a different kind of library.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The bedroom looks like the border between the human world and an ethereal natural paradise. The wooden floor contrasts aesthetically with the tiled floor of the balcony and connects the two areas. The outside chair and coffee table create yet another bubble for the bookworm to retreat into.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The kitchen is a modern marvel, with suitable storage and work space. The overhanging shelf decorated with antique containers add a refined quality. The recipe books and large window reminds one of the central design concept without being too obvious.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The stately pillars and high ceiling create an impressive impression, the diverse colors emphasizing the different elements in the space without detracting from the view of the garden being the focus of the room. The white cabinet prevents the room from being monotonous, and a single book connects the space to the rest of the house.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
A clear pond is a calming facet that soothes the mind as one moves into the living room.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The wooden paneling on alternating walls stops the room from looking cold and impersonal.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The hallway is spacious and uncluttered, with the mirror adding dimension. The skylight is an innovative way of allowing natural light to permeate the room, and the colorful painting is a playful accent.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The landing between the first and second floor is an area of it’s own, with a skylight drawing the eyes toward the open window. Tree branches are expertly incorporated into the decor.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
Forget Narnia’s wardrobe and Harry Potter’s Platform 9¾, this staircase looks like a portal into your private mystical realm.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The front of the house is where modern man and mother nature meet. The garden has an untamed look without being overgrown, and a stone path directs you safely to the front door.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The expansive lawn is a design feature in itself. It connects the different species of trees and the whole garden gives off an Edenic atmosphere.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
The rounded seat and fire pit is the ideal summer hosting spot, and the best place to read during those gorgeous spring days. The space looks almost like a secret garden, thanks to the tall surrounding shrubbery.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
Thanks to the towering outer wall, the delightful home is completely private. The creeping ivy is a distinguished element, while the elegant facade only hints at the wonders to be found inside.

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV

Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
Some of the best holidays are spent at the beach. Sun, striped towels and the abundant sea take you away to dreams beyond your office job or daily routine. How can you make the peaceful, calm and relaxed seaside vibe last until your next holiday? These fifty nautical home décor pieces are the next best thing to sand between your toes. Hang an anchor at your entrance, holding your coats, handbags and umbrellas. Serve a cheeseboard on a tortoise made of iron and wood. Wrap your legs inside a mermaid blanket, as you pore through your leftover book from the beachside. Get closer to your next holiday with our top 50 list.

Glass Seashell Bowl
Hide trinkets from the seashore inside a seashell. This see-through beauty shows off lower-lying flora and fauna.

Ceramic Nautical-Themed Shell Vase
For higher reeds, flowers and twisted cane, this ceramic shell vase adds oceanic inspiration. Let the water settle at its base to keep enclosed florals fresh.

Seashell Planters
Want your planters to blend into the seascape? This set of three hand-painted vases hold your smaller, larger and largest flower posies.

Fish-Shaped Bowl
Want an animalistic way to show off your pebbles? This thick, glass, fish-shaped bowl holds trinkets from the sea – or handy sweets for the grandchildren.

Whale Flower Vase
For a vase more colourful than its contents, look no further than this blue whale. Its unusual shape and spouting top say fun times at the beach.

Whale Bookend
Collect together your whale of a library with these black-painted resin bookends. The whipping tail holds heavier books that fall off at the ends.

Nautical-Themed Bookends
An antique driftwood look adorns these unique bookends . Featuring light blue anchors twisted with wood, they’ll be sure to bring the seaside to your reading collection.

Rustic Driftwood Sailboats
The simple white and wood interior would appreciate these driftwood pieces. Great for the living room cabinet or home office, let them take you away to wilder shores.

Wooden Sailboat Model
A more realistic sailboat suits the avid sailor. This wooden model would float upon a chest of drawers.

Round Mirror With Rope Hanger
Both Scandinavian and nautical, this hanging rope mirror looks simple and stylish upon a bathroom wall.

Mermaid Wall Mirror
Glass and iron produce a dreamy mermaid in this round mirror. Diving into the sea, a raft of starfish and seashells follow behind her. If mermaids are your thing, do check out our post on mermaid home decor .

Octopus Wall Mirror
Prefer other eight-legged friends? Eight tentacles envelop this oval-shaped mirror for the oceanic bedroom.

Octopus Vanity Mirror
The octopus lover gets a closer look in this tiltable vanity mirror. Check out more ideas with eight legs in our list of 50 octopus goodies .

Cast Iron Anchor Hooks
Make an oceanic entrance to your seaside home with these anchor-shaped hooks. Hang them behind your door to air out the coats, umbrellas and summer togs. These also work well as standalone metal wall art when left unused.

Metal Lighthouse Shelf
The perfect bathroom accompaniment stands with metal, four legs, and a space for towels. This lighthouse version hosts four tiers and a candle atop.

Starfish Toilet Paper Holder
Make the most basic of necessities beautiful, with this unique toilet paper holder presenting a starfish.

Octopus Lantern
Aluminium, iron and bronze come together in this lantern-holding octopus. Let him carry a tealight on your nautically-themed dinner table.

Lighthouse Tea Light Holder
This lighthouse tea light holder climbs candles to new heights. Place its wooden frame upon a ledge or dinner table for ambient conversation.

Glass Lighthouse Tea Light Holder
Light up the inner, not the outer, of your lighthouse with a tea light inside. This glass lighthouse glows the room with a covered flame.

Sailboat Tea Light Holders
Place this set of four unique tea light holders on your bath edge, for a romantic swim in warmer waters.

Mermaid Accent Lamp
Cracked glass and cast resin illuminate this mermaid’s tail. Set her womanly form on a bedside or entrance table.

Lamp With Coral Base
Nautical home décor need not be colourful. This beige lamp with a coral base would suit the minimalist seaside home. Perfect as a bedside table lamp !

Nautical Tripod Floor Lamp
Searching for the last place you left your beach towel? This nautical tripod floor lamp could help, whilst setting a well-lit scene.

Anchor Marquee Light
Attached by a single cord, this find sees an anchor up in lights. Hang it with pride at your next sea-themed or sailor-celebrating seaside bash.

Nautical-Themed Boat Shelf
Painted blue and white wood give a new look to storage. Stand this stunning boat cabinet inside your sea-loving kids’ room.

Rowboat-Shaped Curio Cabinets
Colour your rowboat in white, with these wooden curio cabinets. Two shelves and a drawer hold necessities in one nautically-inspired shape.

Nautical-Themed Whale Wall Shelf
This industrial metal frame takes the shape of a whale. Hang your trinkets out of reach in one fun, wild shape.

Nautical-Themed Basket
Want an inspirational way to store your laundry? This painted white hamper hides your under things, in one pretty package. Do check out our unique laundry baskets post if you want more ideas for laundry storage.

Nautical-Themed Wall Clock
Tell the time and the direction, with this compass-look clock. A hanging rope and circular shape fit the Scandinavian apartment.

Bronze Compass Themed Clock For Indoor/Outdoor Use
Need a clock beside the barbie? This aluminium find can be an indoor or outdoor design solution.

Ship Wheel Clock With Sailor Knots
Carved from solid wood, this white-painted clock mimics the wheel of a ship. Dream of sailing time as its fine form and carved knots grace your office wall.

Nautical-Themed Wall Art
Excited by all things nautical? This collection of rope knots, ship wheels, boat models and ladders give you a taste of sea spray everyday.

Abstract Ocean-Themed Wall Art
For artwork with a difference, base it on metal. This brightly-coloured six piece shows the ocean in full flow.

Nautical Patents Artwork
Ever wondered how some ships became famous? These artworks detail the patents behind famous sea inventions.

Octopus 6-Piece Poster
The octopi lover finds six times the magic in this multi-piece artwork for a large wall. Muted colouring and canvas backing means this octopus can sit up or down.

Creatures Of The Sea Poster Set
Need all the sea creatures in your life? This set of four posters teach your kids about the world’s most amazing aquatics.

Navy Blue-Striped Bedding Set
Bring the ocean in, in a less obvious way. This navy-blue set makes sailing references work with a range of interiors.

Mermaid Tail Blanket
The sea-mad princess needs a beautiful mermaid tail. This turquoise delight mimics the end and body, in one cosy design.

Nautical-Themed Coasters
Not after rope knots on your wall? Slide them under your drinks instead, with these gorgeous finds fit for a cool coaster post .

Seashell Wine Holder
Add a nautical edge to your summer drinks, with a nifty bottle in this unique wine holder .

Mermaid Tail Glass Tumblers
Create an optical illusion at the breakfast table, with these mermaid tail glass tumblers.

Starfish Dinner Plates
A homage to starfish, these terracotta plates are milk-glazed for consumption. Line them across a rustic-looking table, for a beautiful segue to a fish-based menu.

Sea Creature-Shaped Plates
Serve salmon hor d’oeuvres on these ceramic plates, for a sea-themed experience tinted with turquoise.

Coastal-Themed Dessert Plates
No meal is complete without dessert. These square plates featuring crabs, scorpions, seahorses and fish find a beach-themed way to offer up a slice.

Turtle Cutting/Serving Board
The cheese lover will find favour in this adventurous cutting board . Made of polished wood upon a popping metal turtle, its surprising shape is sure to be a hit.

Sailboat Napkin Holder
A minimalist intro into nautical home décor, this ceramic sailboat offers napkins after seafood.

Seashell-Shaped Napkin Holders
The more elaborate dinner may consider these painted napkin holders, elegantly formed in the shape of seashells.

Octopus Door Knocker
Not a fan of the modern door bell? Let this metallic octopus be one of the more unique door knockers in the neighbourhood.

Pelican Statue For Indoor/Outdoor
After a slightly different animal? Let this pelican garden statue catch fish inside or outside your beach home.

Solar-Powered Outdoor Garden Lighthouse
A lit beacon in the garden, this painted lighthouse guides the way to your beach house at night.
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