Traditionally, pastels evoke the colours of nurseries – baby pinks, blues and creamy lemon yellows that hush the children in your family. But pastels have another side. Full of light, soft and oh-so-sophisticated, pastel greys can turn the longest of curved walls into a dreamscape. The most delicate shades of mauve can colour block couches; the faintest of baby blues partition your space. Pastels can ever-so-subtly direct your eye to teal bathroom cabinets, or drench your kitchen splashback in light blue. Whatever the size or scale of your apartment or interior, take a peek at these designs by visualizers Dezest for some pastel inspiration.
Sitting at a modest 105sqm, this apartment in Dnepr, Ukraine, uses shades of mauve and grey to create a dreamy yet elegant space. Welcoming us into the sitting room, two white modern coffee tables are surrounded by a mauve L-sofa and lightly-chequered one-seater. Wall heaters hidden in white and a tall sprig of a house plant add interest.
Separating from the lounge, a large white plinth creates a simple corridor. Camera lights peer down from the ceiling, while a Scandinavian standing mirror draws a white frame. A statement bench in teal provides a place for tired visitors.
As the interior winds round to the dining table, a trio of dining room pendant lights , designed in the Muuto Ambit style, squiggle their wires towards the wooden flooring. Their soft shades of light mauve illuminate a small plant in silver and a host of white cubby chairs, each facing each other against punctured baby blue.
On the other side of the dining table, six mid-grey shelves open up to the kitchen. Another round-potted tree suns itself by the window, while another stack of shelving holds more books, ornaments and pot plants.
The kitchen shows itself in the same pastel blue, a shade so light it appears almost grey. As shared ornaments peek through the dining room’s shelving, a row of stencil-bottomed stools catch more rays. A matching light-wooden bench ties into the floor.
A seat on one of three wooden stools boasts a view of the city, partially obscured and displayed by oscillating window shades. A swing arm wall lamp keeps watch beside the fern opposing.
Leaning to the left, another corridor opens up beside the kitchen counter. A small space for preparation with speckled splashback is lit by three bulbs.
A 180 degree-turn reveals more room for spices, more room for preparation, and a few kitchen appliances.
The master bedroom offers a more muted pastel palette. A chequered headboard sets the scene and reveals the bed, a medley of teal green, darker mauve and grey and white shades. LED lights add drama to a light beige wallpaper, while a long white bench stretches from end to end. A bedside table lamp and hanging pendant offer warmth.
Looking from the side, more textures reveal themselves. A velvet ottoman in pastel blue shimmers grey, matching with an aluminium thread running through the feature wall. Mauve hugs the bed’s mattress, as the opposing wall wears it in strong, stitched panelling. Simple cotton sheeting ties in with the thick gingham headboard.
Stepping to the side, an enclave in pastel blue awaits. A nook of a powder room, decked out with a vanity chair in the Acapulco style, faces a circular mirror that just screams Scandinavian. A simple white desktop mirrors the bedside benches, while a white cube beneath houses the essentials. A small display of cosmetics sits high beside what could double as a modern outdoor chair .
Tying in to the bedroom’s headboard, a grey gingham couch nestles in another corner, beside a potted tree and floor reading lamp . A leaning long photograph pretends there’s stairs out the hallway. A stencil TV table harks back to the kitchen’s stools.
Hidden behind the curtain, a spacious office lurks in the same pastel blue. A linen cubby chair provides a view to a Mac.
Using the same colour scheme, the master bathroom props up a range of shelving, mirrors and towel rails, some drenched in a darker shade of mauve. A cathedral-shaped mirror offers something different afront a tiled panel, while two bathrobes come hither.
The other side of the bathroom boasts a similar mauve cabinet, with a toilet and bidet formed by small porcelain cubes. The shower blocks out a side in glass, while a modern wall sconce lights the space in two.
In the ensuite, a semi-circular mirror draws in the eye. Toiletry cabinets in teal mimic those in mauve in the master bathroom, colour-coding each space. A lozenge-shaped sink and stencil table take on a life of their own beside a single leaf.
The apartment closes with a walled-in bath, similar in design to the master bathroom’s shower. Grey wallpapered uppers and an inset shelf keep the space modern. An industrial pipe acting as a towel rail adds punctuation.
Our next apartment shows how temperature changes in colour can create a completely different mood. Opening up to the central lounge, this interior’s more traditional baby blue strikes us on tiled walls, while a cacophony of white and grey makes abstracts on the wall beside. A more subtle teal covers the quilted couch and smaller coffee table, while white and wood lie low in the background.
Three stripes of light face our gaze as we look towards the kitchen, a maze of blue and grey amidst large swathes of white cabinetry. A couple of butterfly lamps hang from the ceiling.
The blues of the living space become more subtle in the bedroom, as they mingle between the bedsheets and wall. A Scandinavian clothing rack with built-in cabinet easily showcases clothes. Bedroom pendant lights , an indoor house plant and petal-bottomed curtains add finishing touches.
The walk-in wardrobe offers a lozenge-shaped mirror, greeting ‘Hi’ in stage lighting. A simple line of LEDs and bronzed piping hang clothes. A simple white cabinet offers storage for slippers.
The entrance echoes the tricks of the wardrobe, with a coat rack doubling as a geometric wall feature. A row of benching hides necessities and offers shoe storage. A circular decorative wall mirror adds design, a potted fern flair.
As we face the door, a baby blue, white and wood cabinet makes stencils out of framing. A few vases, prints and books serve as final reminders of this well-curated space.
Our third and final space boasts bolder colours, using pastels as its background. The living room puts its best foot forward with a burgundy rug and green leaf abstract, accompanied by a navy dining chair. Unique wall clocks frame their digits on the wall, as a shifting bookcase relaxes the space in grey. A mirrored cabinet and beige couch add less dominant decoration.
From the couch, a white dome pendant catches the eye above a marble table and four navy chairs. A reflective acrylic panel makes the TV a feature. A sprig of green on the dining table adds additional life.
The space’s little features make all the difference. A swing arm wall lamp lights the space beside the couch, illuminating conversation. Blocked and free wall shelves hold a variety of treasures. Intricate patterning in the marble dining table and lampshade inner introduce elegance.
Through the sliding bookcase we lead into the kitchen, a grey and white dream with marbled benches and acrylic splashbacks. A line of subtle LEDs hide beneath the cabinets, making its clean white shine bright.
The bedroom reinforces grey and white, with a bed frame, cushions and sheets in the hue. Subtle hints of blue show in the rug; blue and green in the curtaining. Mini grasses chill on the shelves beside swing arm wall sconces .
A foray into the bathroom shows more grey, white and wood, this time in slabs of stone and porcelain. Circles steal the show in a mini mirror and standing basin, while a LED-lit rectangular mirror catches our focus.
A view back from the shower reveals a thick black towel rail, a surprising feature in an ultra-modern bathroom. Darker grey lines around the shower help tie the bolder lines in.
A built-in shampoo inlet shows off soaps, potions and conditioners, linking back to the inlet in the main space’s cabinet. Thick plumbing reminds of the towel rail.
A pop to the rumpus room reintroduces more striking purples and blues, with a wall and floor in the same colour. A knitted ottoman, standing planters and an exposed brick wall add detail.
The way out is paved in white and beige, a single fern leaf the last colourful relic.
Coral and green are the fresh and friendly colours of choice in this compact modern apartment in Nõmme, Estonia, designed by Ace Of Space . Set against a pure crisp white backdrop, the more colourful home style elements are reminiscent of a summer garden. Muted grass green rugs and brighter leafy greens give the home a natural feel despite the somewhat limited appearance of natural textured materials and potted house plants. The cheerful coral hued pieces work beautifully alongside furnishings and accessories that are picked out in shining metallic gold and copper. The three harmonious tones meld warmly and lift the scheme by introducing joyously unexpected shining moments.
The apartment walls and floor treatments are completely stark. White paint covers each and every internal wall. Bookcases and cabinets are coated in a white finish. Floors are a clean light-reflecting gloss white. The largest pieces of furniture in the room are also free of colour, with the sofa upholstered in soft grey fabric and two comfortable chairs in contrasting ivory.
The first blast of colour hits us from the wall space above the sofa where a series of three pieces of artwork by Anu Samarüütel take pride of place. The small gallery sets the tone and palette for the entire apartment. The copper in the floor lamp adds a beautiful accent to mix.
Beside the light grey modern sofa, a floor lamp is trimmed with copper, which matches beautifully with the coral tones in the trio of artwork. In front of the sofa, a wooden coffee table adds a little more visual warmth to the scheme, and the nugget of natural tone is picked up in the legs of the two contemporary armchairs.
Opposite the seating area, a white wall mounted unit with copper handles runs beneath the flat screen television. Due to the open plan nature of the home, the lounge merges into a dining area. Here a glass fronted cabinet holds a selection of wine glasses.
The lounge area is defined by a muted green rug, which also adds a touch of cosiness underfoot. Three tiny potted plants form a centrepiece on the round coffee table, and complement the hue of the area rug.
Over in front of a handle-free white kitchen, a set of golden dining chairs encircle a wooden dining table.
The six metallic modern dining chairs bring a high-end look to the small space, they are the Kartell Masters chairs.
The table is set with grey placemats to tie the colour theme of the dining area with the sofa. A decorative vase in the centre holds a floral arrangement that is a purpose picked posy of coral and pale green. Above the table decorations and wine glasses , a petite dining pendant light has a metallic band that matches with the eye-catching dining chairs.
The white kitchen has a minimalistic style, with a countertop in smooth grey and a concealed extractor.
The home entryway is lined with bookcases and cabinets with copper handles.
The white gloss floor treatment that covers the entire open plan living room is present here in the hallway too, and runs on seamlessly into a home office.
In the study, a simple coral settee is the only splash of solid colour in the room. An understated wooden table by the window has been playfully paired with a bright golden desk chair .
A sumptuous grey rug warms the floor by the sofa. A small end table has a neatly integrated magazine rack.
A smart grey dressing stool sits at one end of the white entry hall.
Quirky mismatched door knobs decorate mirrored closet doors.
A coral runner rug leads us into the bedroom.
A striped bedroom pendant light adds a little interest over a simple metal framed side table with a wood tray top. On the table is the Tumbler alarm clock by Menu.
The built-in dressing table is elegantly topped with a sheet of glass, and a round mirror with a leather frame continues the look of understated glamour.
In the bedroom we find another use for one of the very versatile Kartell Masters chairs, formerly seen used as a dining chair and a desk chair in this apartment scheme. This time the golden design has been utilised as a vanity chair . It could even serve as a modern outdoor chair on a balcony, or in a courtyard or contemporary garden.
The storage in this home keeps everything tucked away neatly.
The door handles are white powder-coated to blend in with the white door finishes.
Inside the bathroom we find many of the same design elements that are implemented elsewhere in the home. A wall hung vanity unit matches the storage cabinets installed in the entry hall and in the lounge beneath the TV, complete with the same copper handles. A large round mirror over the vanity unit, with a brown leather strap frame, is identical to the one in the bedroom. Here the floor is white tile, and the unique faucet is pure white, much like the door handles.
Another piece of artwork by Anu Samarüütel decorates the space above the WC. A coral coloured hand towel matches the hue in the painting, and the palette in the rest of the home.
The faucet in the kitchen is also a pure white coated design.
This cool home comes complete with a little hidden gem too, in the shape of its very own sauna.
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
