As we have explored before, the Japanese style interior design aesthetic is highly tied to the idea of minimalism and negative space. In these two small apartments, you will see that there is truly nothing there that does not have a purpose. The spaces never feel cluttered or cramped, no matter what the actual area measurements. Instead, air and energy can easily flow from room to room in a relaxing and comforting way. Natural wood is another common element in Japanese design, and both of these spaces use it to great effect. Combined with swaths of sunlight and warm, light colors, even a small space can feel open as well as orderly when utilizing this style.
Architect:Sinato| Photographer:Toshiyuki Yano| Via:This is Paper
The first apartment is a renovation, done by the team at Sinato Architects. The house is known as Fujigaoka M and is more than two decades old. The purpose of the renovation was to create a space that was both more modern and more comfortable for the married couple who was to live there.
The architects sought to make the house more open and give it the connected feeling that comes with living as a couple.
None of the rooms in the home are closed off by walls and doors. Instead, half walls create some division and necessary privacy while sunlight from two sides of the home is allowed to flood in.
Of course, the use of sturdy natural wood, for the inner terrace as well as furnishings and flooring, is distinctly aligned with the Japanese aesthetic, giving the entire space a warm and cozy glow.
The central portion of the house, referred to as the “inner terrace” by the renovators, acts as a room separation but does not close anything off. Instead, it offers space for storage as well as display walls for personal photos, art, and books. The central wall therefore becomes a personal element of the house that is easily updated for seasonal changes or the occasional redecoration.
Architect:Clare Cousins Architects| Photographer:Lisbeth Grosmann| Via:ArchiMag
The second apartment is also a renovation, this time of a 75 square meter (800 square foot) home in Western Australia. The renovation was undertaken by Clare Cousins Architects and was necessary to make a warm and open home for a young family who was expecting their first child.
With such a small space for two adults and soon a child, an effort was made to minimize the sleeping area while maximizing the living space. This meant that every element had to be truly necessary, in the Japanese style, and when possible each space had to have multiple functions.
This was partially accomplished through the use of sleeping cubbies, that are no larger than a mattress. These areas can be closed off at night for privacy, or during the day to hide the bedroom away.
A young family of course will also want to be able to entertain on occasion and perhaps have overnight guests. The lofted area of the apartment accomplishes that goal with a spare guest bed as well as access area to hidden storage compartments. The lofted storage is actually home to more furniture, made from plywood, that folds flat to save space.
Moveable partitions throughout the home give residents the option to change the layout as they see fit, from day to day.
A simple but chic bathroom uses clean white tiles and gold plated fixtures for a modern and minimal - if not traditionally Japanese - look.
Though the simplicity of modern design is certainly en vogue, there is still something to be said for decadence that throws caution to the wind and brings in plenty of lush, luxurious glamour. This space, a private home in Ukraine from the Kiev-based designers at Dream Design Studio , manages to marry the elegance and excess of the art deco aesthetic with the mid-century sleek looks of modern masters like Le Corbusier and the Eames’. The interior utilizes both specially selected furnishings and amazing sculpted and molded architectural elements to complete its sense-stimulating indulgent design.
The home itself has four floors with the living and dining room on the ground floor and the bedrooms and study occupying the upper floors.
Art deco design, in its original incarnation, was a testament to new technologies and progress. This design, starting with the living room’s masterfully molded ceiling, manages to pay tribute to the look of the past while still engaging with the technologies of the future.
This chandelier, dripping with crystal, is straight out of the Great Gatsby, a testament to sumptuous excess.
In the dining area, small potted plants decorate the table and sliding doors ornamented with brass open out onto a private garden. The plant life not only adds splashes of vibrant color, but creates its own microclimate, making the home ultimately more livable still.
On the top level, designers created the most masculine space in the home. With dark wood flooring and carved boiseries, this area is the perfect retreat for a day’s work or an evening’s scotch.
It’s impossible to ignore the restraint in this particular room. While it indulges with the carved walls and still makes use of gorgeous furnishings, it does not have the same over the top level of accoutrements as the other areas of the house.
The upstairs space also includes a collection of Netsuke miniature sculptures.
A Le Corbusier-inspired chair is a loud shout to this room’s mid-century modern inspirations.
Even the upstairs bathroom is carefully dark.
The contrast between the downstairs bedrooms and the upstairs ‘male space’ is almost shocking. Here, a carved ceiling acts as a canopy for a soft and luxurious bed.
And of course, what stylish flapper would be complete with plenty of space for shoe storage.
A marble and hardwood bathroom comes complete with an elevated tub that would literally put any woman on a pedestal.
A soft double chaise in the luscious lilac that pervades the house would be an ideal place to lounge a day away.
A smaller room for the family’s daughter is no less luxurious.
The blown glass light fixture decorated with porcelain butterflies is certainly a lovely focal point.
Whimsical wallpaper is a playful detail that still fits perfectly with the overall theme.
Brass details, like on this tree branch patterned table, are a timeless addition.
And the light fixtures throughout are stunning.
Of course, only the best materials were sourced for such a project, including this accent glass from Lalique.
A brass-fixtures guest bath is just the kind of powder room you’d visit after a long night of dancing and champagne.
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
