These three pastel homes positively sing with prettiness; “I feel pretty, Oh, so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and bright!”… Well, not literally obviously, but you get the gist. Sweet shades of baby pink, powder blue and chalky mint green cover the furniture, walls and accessories of this trio. If you worry that a candy coloured interior might make your teeth hurt a little, then this inspirational collection of interiors will show you how such shades can be comfortably neutralised with light wood floors and fresh white elements. See how to hold the hues within simplistic contemporary outlines to keep your scheme from appearing frilly or trite.
Visualizer:Ruslan Kovalchuk & Stephen Tsimbalyuk
Throwing you straight in at the deep end with our most pastel filled home, this first apartment is awash with soft shades of blue, pink and green. At the centre of the scheme the pink couch looks like a row of soft marshmallows but is of an unfussy contemporary style. In direct contact and contrast with the centrally placed couch, a sky blue area rug matches the powdery blue curtains and a light blue coffee table. To earth these airy colours, a selection of amber glass vases decorate the table surface. These tones are echoed over in the dining area situated behind the sofa, where six dining chairs stand in natural rattan.
The rattan dining chairs have pale blue cushions to match the nearby rug and curtains. Their natural tone carries through via wooden accents in the open plan kitchen. The surrounding walls are all awash with minty green.
A floor lamp and a wall mounted bookcase carry through more of the calming blue hue.
Beneath the wall mounted flat screen television, a long wooden console perfectly matches the tone of the wood floor.
The wall art is almost a continuation of the view beyond the window pane.
The kitchen backsplash countertop and adjoining dining table are all pale marble.
The dining room pendant lights are a grouping of organic shaped white glass vessels.
The simple table centrepiece coincides with the natural elements in the room.
In the hallway, a couple of bike wall mounts provide a practical storage solution and transform the homeowners transport into a focal point.
and beams strike of modern rustic note.
A second pink sofa is located in a room with a study area and a relaxing swing chair.
This pink couch would double as a bed. The natural rug beneath it neutralises the sweetness of the pink upholstery.
Beside the home office area is a large bank of bespoke white storage units that feature a cut through of wooden display cubbies, which hold frequently used items close at hand.
This bedroom has a towering upholstered headboard design in powder blue. The rest of the feature wall is finished in wood panelling that matches the side tables .
The furniture and bed linen are of a geometric design, which sharpens up the look of the pastel coloured room.
The opposite wall tells us this is a kid’s room: A blue wall has been made into a subtle chalkboard, and a set of wall bars are all set for swinging.
A cute kid’s desk chair sits at a computer table that has been accessorised with a copper desk lamp.
Geometric accents can be found around other parts of the scheme too.
Visualizer:Ruslan Kovalchuk & Stephen Tsimbalyuk
Our second apartment belongs to a ballet dancer, and uses just a soupçon of pastels here and there; like this exquisite sea breeze sofa.
Opposite the L-shape sofa is a blue feature wall with a giant debossed leaf motif.
The rug is purest white faux fur.
A console underneath the TV has curvaceous wooden design.
Sea breeze and wood tones are carried through from the lounge into the dining room.
Two copper dining table pendant lights are suspended over the neat eating area.
The ballet dancer’s small porch has hardy enough room to pirouette in, though manages to accommodate a bar area where one could enjoy a coffee and the view, plus a tidy home office area complete with designer table lamp .
Light cabinets and exposed kitchen shelving form the backdrop to the small dining area.
The bedroom is just a ‘jete’ from the living room sofa, and can be seen through sliding glass doors. Natural light makes its way through from the lounge, and privacy curtains may be drawn when company is present.
The bed is coral pink. The feature wall is a repeat of the leaf motif used in the lounge to join the two spaces.
The bathroom is a minimalist design.
A small selection of essentials are out on open shelving, with no other storage present in the room.
Architect:GA Interior| Designer:Guan Pin
Our third home is a cosy den of pastel surprises, where an upper volume is reminiscent of a treehouse.
Beneath the mezzanine ‘treehouse’ nestles a small white kitchen and a pink and wood dining suite.
The walls are painted in mint green or white.
Tiny pink accents are sprinkled over ice cream colours.
The kitchen backsplash and breakfast bar side panelling are a blue hue.
Sunshine accents brighten quirky cutouts.
On climbing the open sided staircase you will find the master bedroom, where a black floor lamp creates an unexpected heavy base note beside a sweet selection of pink, blue and white bed cushions and covers.
Expanses of blue and neat pink accents continue up in this space.
One of the pink dining chairs has been utilised as a desk chair.
A large wooden wardrobe earths the pastel scheme.
Living in a world of consumerism and excess, these habits commonly translate into abundant decor. Sometimes though enough is enough. We want peace and calm when we return to our ‘nests’. We want less. Wanting less however does not mean we do not desire a welcoming home or comfortable furniture. No. Minimalism isn’t about depriving ourselves of good design and home comforts, it’s about allowing us to enjoy these very things by cutting out all of the noise. This small modern apartment located in Nõmme, Estonia, visualised by Ines Käärma , shows us where to begin our journey to a simpler interior scheme and how to connect our colour schemes.
In an open plan living room we find a simplistic layout where a neat sofa faces a wall mounted entertainment console with TV. To the right is a minimalist white kitchen with a sociable breakfast bar that seats four. In this space we find the introduction to a cohesive colour story that runs throughout the entire apartment, uniting each space as one uncomplicated idea.
On the upholstered modern sofa there is a selection of scatter cushions covered in bright shades of blue and yellow. The amount of colour used in this space is not overwhelming though, allowing the eye and mind to rest. A nearby floor lamp has a soft metallic sheen, plain floor-length curtains and window frames are white, as are all of the interior walls and long television console. An outdoor dining set takes advantage of the added exterior space.
All of the wooden elements inside the home are of the same light veneer, such as the shelving units, breakfast bar and stools and a square coffee table that has a shelf underneath for concealing magazines from clear view. The flooring is in matching birch too, which continues from the open plan lounge through into the kitchen.
The table lamp behind the sofa matches the yellow in the sofa cushions. The wall shelves themselves have their own built in strip LEDs as an added light source. The extra illumination allows a small collection of wine glasses to double as room decoration.
A single decorative plate on the coffee table and a throw on the footstool have hints of blue and yellow.
An area rug beneath the sofa and footstool pulls the colour scheme together.
A partially dividing wall between the lounge and the kitchen has a selection of kitchen cabinets built into it.
The kitchen is a flat fronted, handle-free design, with a matching white corian countertop. The wall cabinets are of the same plain white design, leading down into a coordinated white backsplash. Even the kitchen sink and freestanding coffee machine are ice white, only the built-in hob and integrated oven contrast with the scheme, standing out in basic black.
A humorous piece of modern art includes the hues used in the decoration of the home, it may even have been the inspiration for the palette.
A duo of differently shaped pendant lights adds a little subtle interest over the breakfast bar.
The bar stools are upholstered with blue geometric cushioning, which gives them cool contemporary style in an understated way.
Birchwood doors and picture frames line the hallway, opposite a row of hallway cupboards.
The handles of the hall cupboards are a leather strap that compliment nearby birchwood tone.
In the master bedroom the headboard wall has been painted in a soft shade of sky blue, contrasting with a sunshine coloured bedspread. The doors and handles of a built-in closet match those found out in the hallway
When opened, the bedroom closet has full length mirrors included inside each of the doors.
A white wall mounted sconce provides reading light over each side of the bed without cluttering up tabletops. The bedside cabinets are simple white wall mounted units, as is the dressing table that is teamed with a solid yellow and birch chair, and a simplistic flat round mirror.
The bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom.
Inside the bathroom we find more light woodtone and a blue mat. The vanity unit is mounted off the floor to assist with easy cleaning and to make the small room appear more spacious by keeping the maximum amount of floor space visible. Above the wall mounted vanity are four large mirror fronted cabinets, providing ample space to stow all of the necessary cosmetics and spare toiletries.
Down the hallway we can spy another sitting area.
A bold yellow accent chair awaits.
A yellow wall sconce lights the spot, along with a modern overhead light.
In the home office a blue sofa bed provides space for a guest.
A small selection of books are visible on high shelves but everything else is tucked out of sight behind a row of cupboard doors.
A yellow mat brightens a pale second bathroom.
A small corner vanity is a good solution for a small space, like this cloakroom located just off the entrance hall.
A frameless round mirror adorns one wall in the hallway.
A few floor units and an arrangement of shelving cubbies above a clear fronted fridge makes this spot into a home bar.
A white console with cupboards is wall mounted beneath the circular mirror in the hallway, making a nice little area for putting on outdoor accessories and checking one’s appearance before leaving the apartment.
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
