Have an exposed brick wall, but not sure what to do with it? These three inspirational homes – sized as smaller apartments or more luxurious two-storey dwellers – use exposed brick, wooden paneling and shades of grey to create modern spaces. Long lines of wood construct kitchens with grey benches ending in exposed brick walls. Wooden doors shake off their natural grooves to reveal bookcases. Exposed brick tiling holds a faucet, and wooden shelving a sink top in a stone bathroom clothed in grey. Get inspiration and design ideas for your exposed brick facades, with these three homes combining brick, wood and grey.
Visualizer:Polygons
Our first home uses grey, brick and wood in a loft for an IT specialist, a home designed to repel negative thinking and clutter. Opening to the living room, spaced wooden rafters cling to the ceiling, while a relaxed grey couch offers a seat beneath. A base in grey – spreading from two different paint shades in the walls, to a floor rug, coffee table vases and extractor fan high shelving – keeps the mood calm, refreshed and not too busy.
As we zoom further out, the Menu Willmann vases on the coffee table find friends in other small, grey-hued things. A row of aluminium camera lights draw squares around the ceiling; door handles shine bright in silver; a grey abstract houses smaller shades, on the wall opposite. An exposed brick wall makes an appearance to the right.
Looking towards the TV, more exposed brick meets the eye. A standing lamp harks to the rows of camera lights above, boasting a similar style. Wide windows to the right open up the room, lighting a fern and making reflections off the screens. A large grey panel beneath ensures red brick doesn’t dominate.
The dining area wows with modern dining pendants in a lighter grey. Wooden panels show themselves in a reclaimed table and warmer kitchen cabinetry, harking back to the paneling in the kitchen. Two in-built stoves and a mini potted plant also catch the eye.
A front-on view reveals open kitchen shelving , indented stools and a community of lines that stretch across the island, cabinetry, rafters and upper shelving. Here, wooden paneling and grey stone mingle seamlessly, equally sharing the visual impact.
The concrete-walled bedroom offers a similar schematic, with a wide, open space joined by horizontal lines. A low concrete platform raises the futon, which boasts a headboard in brown leather. Grey curtains hide and reveal outside light, while a rough abstract painting harks back to the lounge. A distressed wooden side table holds a Buddha talking to its owner’s beliefs. More camera lights tie in the rest of the interior.
A row of dark glass cabinets form the wardrobe, artfully keeping clothing in whilst alluding to more space.
The office, once hiding behind Japanese doors, makes the most out of more grey and wood. Varnished wooden planks cover one floor and wall, while a concrete door, wall and ceiling keep it from feeling too boxed-in. A high shelf and modern leather chair are welcome elements.
Shrouded mostly in concrete, the bathroom wows with a standing bath in porcelain. Accentuated with black pendant lights, a wooden towel ladder, one-walled shower and dressing chair, it pairs a feeling of elegance with an absence of clutter.
Similar in style, the toilet pairs exposed grey brick tiling, a wooden bench and concrete finishes into a perfect use of space. Lit by a dangling pipe and enlivened by potted grass, it makes this potentially-tiny corridor feel more spacious.
Paired with a mirror to expand the space, wooden paneling and a porcelain block toilet complete the look.
Visualizer:roomdesignburo
Our next interior, this time a two-floor apartment in a former art studio, uses exposed brick, grey, wood and a dash of turquoise to create a couple’s haven. Inviting us in, the main living space blocks out walls in turquoise and exposed brick, using a layer of white to keep the look open. Grey covers the furniture in an ottoman, island bench and rug. Black joins the party in a stylish accent chair , here the classic Wassily chair , which matches the cactus pots and a squared-off coffee table.
From side-on, a few more black elements make an appearance. Modern end tables with black stencil legs and a wooden top accompany the sofa. A black TV occupies a plinth, while the panel underneath gives it structure.
Looking towards the turquoise wall, two levels emerge. A zig-zagging wooden floor keeps the look cohesive, while white, glass, black and grey play.
Another column in brick meets the eye behind a bevy of kitchen bar stools . Turquoise shows the way upstairs, while full-length white windows illuminate.
Above zig-zagging wood, beside exposed brick and leading up to a room in white runs the staircase, a series of classic steps that almost appear to be floating. A touch of turquoise to the back reflects off a pane of glass railings.
Unframed glass barriers keep the view unobstructed. Framed by a L-shape in white, grey elements in the kitchen island, rug and sofa reappear.
Stretching along the bedrooms and towards the study, the lower level’s zigzagging wood connects the interior. Glass doors and a white wall at the end make its corridor appear bigger.
From a bedroom to the study, the interior’s central elements become more prominent. Turquoise covers a wall to the side, as exposed brick stretches from the ground floor to the ceiling. Curtains in grey tie in the couches, while wood constructs a row of low-down bookcases. White adds light to the rest.
Closing off the space, a model for double workspaces looks out. Exposed brick covers the one side, black stencil door frames the other, as white cubby chairs work together on a shared wooden desk .
Visualizer:Sikora Wnętrza
Our final space, a 100sqm apartment in Gdansk, Poland, combines exposed brick, wood and grey with a bevy of comic strips. Opening naturally to the living room, exposed red brick meets with black dining room mini pendant lights , large wooden panels and furniture in light wood and grey, which together exude a relaxed attitude. Small details in pop-art fridge magnets, an open comic book and a bookcase lined with vinyls foreshadow elements to come.
As a round light hugs the ceiling, a strip of comics heads the kitchen, an unusual surprise above a black iron frame. Whilst the dining table turns industrial with steel legs and bolts, more exposed brick reveals itself in a small wall by the door.
Looking towards the kitchen, the comic strip dominates. Its frame over the kitchen makes the people within seem characters, performing real-life charades in their everyday business.
As we glance in the bedroom’s direction, a multitude of browns become apparent. Light wood connects the rooms, creating space. Grained wood covers the kitchen, storage cabinets and entrance. The bedroom’s door frame is coloured in dark brown paint, a subtle shade that keeps the look eclectic.
Although the rooms seem ever-changing, similar materials and shades ensure they don’t look busy. In the living room, monochrome plays in the light fixture, wood covers the bookcase, and grey offers a seat. In the kitchen, monochromes play in the kitchen frame, wood covers a bench, and grey offers a washable concrete floor.
Details in the comics also add contrast, with illustrations juxtaposing against smooth surfaces.
A scattering of books shows the owner’s character. Pin-up girl clippings cover the coffee table, while a diary shows usage in a place on the couch. The feature bookcase provides an opportunity for snooping.
Dull and shiny materials add depth to the interior. Shiny black appliances, hanging pendants, a fridge and splashback tiles work well in the kitchen, where long swathes of rough or grainy wood make the space feel more traditional.
As the door to the bedroom beckons, we find ourselves in a room peppered with Japanese-style windows, a bedside drum and modern wall sconces . A dark grey feature wall plays beside a wooden bed frame and almost-matching floor.
Leaning in closer to the bed, similar shades play with textures in a wooden headboard, polished wooden drums and light fur pillows. Black elements in the wall sconces and window frames polish off the look.
A bath lurks from afront the bed, in an adjacent bathroom. Snuggling into the corner, its grey walls mix with a thick white towel rail and Japanese windows, which slide to enclose the bedroom.
Harking to the bedroom’s feature, another grey wall holds a set of drawers reminiscent of the bookcase. A couple of framed paintings evidence different artistic tastes.
Another sitting room peeks around the corner, filled with musical instruments and entertainment. Afront wood shrouding a wall and door, a violin relaxes beside its case, while the bedroom’s small side table holds the latest magazines.
As the sitting room offers more musical fixtures in an electric guitar and amp, its black wall and wooden floor link back to the bedroom and corridor.
Wood closes off the wardrobe and covers a side table, a perfect place for a weary diary and hat from yesteryear.
The visually warming effect of wood tone can make for a very inviting interior. Most popularly lately, we have seen expanses of wood tone working beautifully alongside shades of grey and white. Monochrome always looks chic but what if you fancy a splash of something a little more playful? The colourful elements of this wood covered interior, designed by Olha Wood , come in cheerful tones of coral pink, sunny yellow, muted red, pale turquoise and azure blue. The 1940’s inspired palette is juxtaposed with industrial styling, such as raw concrete accent walls and minimalist lighting fixtures, plus a selection of much heavier looking black pieces that appear throughout.
Starting in the living room we get a flavour of the 1940s colour clash right off the bat. A coral pink upholstered sofa sits in the same space as two cheerful yellow chairs and a roof red bookcase. The scene is set against a wooden backdrop that looks onto concrete columns, between which a flat screen television nestles. Matching the grey of the concrete columns is a stout grey coffee table by the sofa.
A black swing arm wall lamp lights the chaise part of the four seater pink sofa. The Counterbalance Swing Arm LED Wall Light is well situated for use next to the book collection.
The herringbone floor has a wonderful striped effect.
The yellow modern outdoor chairs have an open weave that allows the line of sight to move on into the kitchen area with little obstruction, though the colour of the Acapulco Chair does coax the eye to linger a little.
make easy decoration in an open plan lounge-kitchen-diner.
The kitchen is another imposing installation of wood tone, forming almost a mirror image with that found over in the lounge. Here the expanse of brown is broken by a crisp central kitchen island.
The concrete pillars run the full length of the open plan room.
Behind one of the concrete pillars nestles a wooden dining set with Scandinavian style chairs .
Gold coloured industrial style lighting decorates the space above the dining table. Here we can also see the extent of the built-in bed of shrubs that runs the entire length of the room, situated beneath the large windows. A concrete beam runs above it.
In the kitchen we find muted red shelves that match the bookcase in the lounge.
The layout of the apartment is designed around taking in the view.
A black sink is camouflaged against a black countertop to one side of the kitchen.
A patterned multicoloured floor rug brings all the hues of the apartment so far together in one place.
Here a bookcase doubles up as a room divider between a sleeping area and a small bedroom lounge where the spectacular views can be enjoyed, or a book can be read from the bookcase in bright natural light.
A wood console stands against another wooden dividing wall. This time the other side of the divide takes us into a closet.
An industrial style pendant light hangs by the bedside, and lights the way to an ensuite bathroom.
One wall of the closet is lined with mirrors, which makes a narrow hallway appear more open and bright.
The closet doors are fully glazed, and the contents are able to be viewed from both sides of the closet volume that backs onto the bathroom.
In the ensuite bathroom a black basin and industrial light contrast against a white freestanding bathtub and white faucet.
A cylindrical coral pink and light turquoise side table is situated by the bath. The bathtub is set upon a higher floor level, which gives the bathing area a look of being centre stage. A feature wall of white tiling matches the white floor of the platform.
An installation of wall vases hold a sprinkling of greenery in the bathroom to bring in a relaxing hint of nature.
Back in the bedroom we get a better look at the reading area beyond the room dividing bookcase. Two soft armchairs make this a spot for a couple. A golden wall sconce provides some extra lighting. A small round end table gives a place to rest the morning coffee cups and a few current magazines.
In the home entryway we find a continuation of attractive herringbone floor, and more wooden storage options.
A coral bench brings a splash of the 1940’s colour through into the welcoming area, set to make a bright first impression.
A neat half moon console table stands beneath a small round mirror and a minimalist light. This providing an opportune place to check ones appearance before leaving and drop keys on return.
The home plan gives us a much clearer view of how the glass sided closet runs along a narrow hallway off the bedroom toward a separate end closet, whilst also being accessible from the bathroom. We can also see on this plan how the platform that runs beneath the bathtub seems to continue on for some distance, where it holds a shower cubicle, WC and bidet. Through this digital sketch it becomes clear that the reading area in the bedroom looks directly out into the living room, giving more weight to the implementation of the bookcase room divider between the sleeping area.
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
