Neutral color themes are beloved for being straightforward and quite approachable. Neutrals are easy to coordinate, simple to adapt, and they pair with a nearly unlimited variety of accent colors. Grayscale interiors offer just the right amount of challenge - especially when it comes to striking balance between light and dark elements. These two homes tackle this dichotomy without reserve. The designers at Azovskiy & Pahomova Architects took a different approach with each, the first complementing its modern color theme with gorgeous wood elements and the other fully embracing its grayscale design head-on.
This first apartment concept centers around an incredible view of the city outside, but the interior accommodations are equally worthy of admiration. Exotic wood floors make an immediate first impression of luxury and good taste with the dark and light tones offering an excellent analogue to the variety of grayscale tones used throughout the home. Our tour beings with the living room, perfectly framed by the square patterned rug.
A freestanding faux fireplace marks the transition from the main living area to the private areas of the home. The wood storage niche underneath enhances the realism of the fireplace in addition to looking quite stylish.
This casual dining/writing table is the perfect height to hide behind the sofa. It’s made from a similar wood as the floor for an ultra-cohesive aesthetic.
Geometric busts emulate the polygonal figures used in 3D modeling and video games, a very fitting accessory for a modernistic space like this one. The stepped cantilever shelving is a cool touch.
Distinctive textural panels on the walls and ceilings create a sense of variation and depth. Note the distinctive ceiling panels on the ceiling in this view, with light filtering through between the gaps.
A minimalistic white volume houses a television that seamlessly blends in with the sliding black panels. Bookshelves are hidden on each side for a clutter-free look.
Rough concrete enhances the urban aesthetic. A band of indirect lighting draws attention away from the electronics.
Hovering near the window and surrounded by skyline on two sides, this hanging daybed offers the best view in the house.
Now for a look at the kitchen, an elegant space made exceptional through the application of innovative and functional features.
Now for a look at the kitchen, an elegant space made exceptional through the application of innovative and functional features.
Oversized pendant lamps are extremely fashionable right now. Here, they help make the table area feel weightier and more substantial.
Counter heights vary suit the activities for each area, like the high counter for cooking and washing and the lower cabinet for using appliances or decorating cakes.
In the bedroom, the grayscale color theme is made exciting by using diverse textures.
It even includes an integrated shower area with nothing but a thick glass wall standing between it and the bed.
A lovely wooden bench provides convenient seating for two.
It would be exciting to see how this integrated shower concept would translate to a real interior application.
The guest/child bedroom foregoes the grayscale theme of the rest of the home in favor of a neutral palette infused with a variety of brown and mauve tones. The lights to the left are from the SET collection by Josep Lluis Xuclà.
On the other side of the room, adorable decorations lend the bedroom a charming and comfortable personality.
The plush red beanbag serves as a comfortable spot to read items taken from the cool crisscross-patterned bookshelf.
At first glance, the bathroom may seem like standard fare for a modernist home – but its winding layout reveals something new from every angle.
Around the corner, a pair of potted plants reveals a verdant complement to the streamlined grayscale theme.
Perhaps the most unexpected and engaging feature is tucked away in the most relaxing spot in the home. This incredible full wall mural turns an ordinary bath into a retreat away from city life.
This next apartment enhances its grayscale palette with green accents and organic details – note the vertical indoor garden, the stump-carved bowl, and of course, the rich wooden furniture used throughout. It’s a little smaller than the previous home but uses its space wisely with a compact layout and sensible furniture arrangements.
Floor to ceiling shelves create a nice home library with a comfortable chaise for reading nearby.
Paperlike panels offer ambient lighting and engage the eye with their unique optical illusion. The lights are from the Fold collection by Arik Levy.
The kitchen reverts to a grayscale design with a heavy emphasis on white. Unique geometry makes this space stand out, especially the clever use of folded forms.
Two styles stand side by side in fascinating contrast – the pristine white sink and stove area, and the natural rugged wood of the dining section.
Strong vertical lines make up an important part of the clean and organized aesthetic. Tall paneling continues the lines of the cabinetry, perfect for a room with such tall ceilings.
While one side of the room focuses on vertical structuring, this side of the room focuses on horizontal lines.
Floor to ceiling doors make a huge impression, with tall cabinetry offering plenty of storage space, and the slatted door offering a peek into the next room.
The bathroom adopts a darker grayscale theme compared to the rest of the home. Enhanced by the abundance of natural lighting, the dark theme proves quite serene and inviting.
Stone cladding stands out at varied depths for a very sleek yet organic appearance.
In the same vein as the bathroom, the bedrooms embrace deeper gray tones for a more relaxing aesthetic.
Bright orange chairs offer a dash of color accent at the double office desk.
Note the characteristic knotty floors – while the rest of the apartment utilized polished concrete, the bedrooms benefit from the warmth of classic hardwood.
Here’s a look at the secondary bedroom, outfitted with a wealth of plush upholstery.
Traditional materials and classic textiles contribute to a very comfortable feel.
Bedrooms are the perfect place to experiment with a new interior design style. They tend to be private and set away from the rest of the home, a wonderful catalyst of personal expression. Today’s top bedroom trends are bolder and more adventurous than ever so there’s never been a better time to explore the possibilities. This post looks at seven attractive bedrooms in detail, ranging from classic to contemporary to minimalistic and eclectic. A few of these bedroom styles would be easy to recreate while others exemplify the highest standard of precision design – yet each one offers useful inspiration.
Visualizer:Elena Zhulikova
This first bedroom utilizes an ecological theme contrasted with perfectly contemporary styling. A lush vertical garden and angled wood panels create an atmosphere few would be soon to forget – and while these features might be the most difficult to emulate, they’re certainly not impossible to adapt.
The dichotomy between organic materials and refined forms is even more apparent from this angle with the smooth white paneling, knotty wooden door, and distressed matte black wall.
Every surface reveals an unparalleled attention to detail. Note the layered paneling on the entertainment wall and how it seamlessly conceals the extra storage space hidden inside.
Backlit panels bring out the deep grooves of the accent wall – gorgeous even in the daytime.
This geometric rug ties the space together nicely, and the chair offers the perfect splash of cheerful yellow.
Visualizer:N-Gon Archviz
This is a proposed design for a sophisticated apartment in Bucharest, its amazing urban view framed by a relaxing natural interior with lots of varied wood tones. Smooth round forms mingle with the primarily straight lines and precise angles for a very balanced aesthetic overall.
Unique features include the open marble-walled bath area to the left, and the concrete-framed windows to the right. The centerpiece is a headboard wall composed of backlit wood panels, a fresh take on the strategy employed by the first bedroom.
Visualizer:Penint Studio
Here’s an updated take on the chic cottage style decorated in soft gray with lavishly layered textures, the cool tones illuminated by yellow light for a warm and inviting atmosphere. The horizontal wood paneling in the background creates an undeniably luxurious feeling despite the humble textiles and uncomplicated decoration.
Simple wooden furniture and cool vintage-inspired lamps offer a subtle mix of Asian and Scandinavian design influence.
Bicycles hung in lieu of headboards seems to be a hot trend these days: ideal for a vintage bike too precious to ride, or an attractive bike that just doesn’t fit your riding style
The opposite wall drops the vintage facade and reveals an ultramodern wall treatment, glossy white with a perforated effect.
An occasional pop of orange and a handful of copper furniture adds just the right amount of color.
Interesting materials allow the far wall to express a very distinctive style, falling somewhere between minimalist modern and a streamlined interpretation of art deco.
Visualizer:Le Anh
It’s hard to find a color palette more comforting than a dark and smooth grayscale theme like this one. While darker colors are harder to incorporate into the more public areas of a home, they’re perfectly suited to a private and intimate space like the bedroom.
A dramatic curved window bay and classically styled furniture create an interesting juxtaposition against the ultra-modern features like the geometric floor design and contemporary wall paneling.
Subtle blue stripes in the rug bring out the coolness of the gray tones used throughout. A very soothing theme overall!
Visualizer:Svetlana Nezus
Textured wall treatments require some investment of both time and money, but the results are incomparable. This bedroom is centered an incredibly intricate headboard wall illuminated by cove lighting on all sides for a fabulous drama of lighting and shadow. The rest of the space remains simple and streamlined so the main focal point can enjoy the attention it deserves.
Here, you can easily see the effect of ambient lighting on the deep valleys and ridges of the wall panel. The warm lighting pairs well with mauve interior accents, although the mauve would be easy to change since the surrounding palette leans toward the neutral and natural side.
Visualizer:Zoe Tee
This bedroom suits a very eclectic and classical taste, designed for a young couple that collects art. Incorporating artwork is a little easier with a grayscale or neutral color theme but these residents took their chances with bright hues that reflect the tones favored by their artist of choice: in this case, Picasso.
Picasso reproductions featured here include Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907) and The Dream (1932). Even the shapes of the furniture seem to reflect the gorgeous curves so famously captured in the paintings.
One of the neatest features is the lovely little tea table for discussing the day ahead. The chairs are from the Contour series by Grant Featherston, shown here in cheerful robin’s egg blue.
A thin partition wall houses a dramatic stone fireplace mantle. It gives off a classic and artistic vibe well in line with the rest of the room.
Visualizer:Guilherme Alexandre
Our final bedroom is spacious, light, and airy, enhanced by its tall gable ceiling and expansive skylight window. The stark white theme is especially striking because of the functional storage wall in the background – the black shadowy lines seem almost like a contour drawing just waiting for the imagination to draw in the details.
The bed makes a distinctively warm impression with its smooth wooden frame and mocha textiles. The yellow pendant lights hanging above are from the E27 collection by Mattias Ståhlbom.
Because the room has such a large amount of extra storage cabinets, the resident can get by with a sparse amount of furnishings. This room pares its furnishings down to a simple set of bedside tables with convenient adjustable task lighting.
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
