Which texture theme do you prefer: soft and cozy or sleek and glossy? It’s hard to choose between two styles that work so well – and the choice becomes even more difficult once you realize just how much new finishes and patterns can change the atmosphere of a home. If you’re thinking about switching up your interior decor textures , these photos demonstrate how two modern apartments with similar colors and similar architecture can look completely different from one another just by using different textures . Both spaces use a mixture of soft and sleek styles, yet the magic stems from how they use them.
Concrete, wood grain, and heavy curtains provide a nice textural contrast to the glossy black cabinetry, completing the transition from a soft aesthetic to a sleek one. The bar stools at the kitchen island are quite unusual, featuring three legs joined together with a T shape and supported by only the faintest hint of a backrest.
Smart indirect lighting helps the smoothly textured and monochromatic bathroom feel bright and welcoming without becoming overwhelming. It seems like a nice, relaxing place to wind down with a hot shower after a busy day.
Kitchen cabinetry is either from the Maxima 2.2 collection from Cesar or the Pure collection from SieMatic – both are top of the line systems. Fixtures include a commercial quality Küppersbusch range hood and modern minimalistic faucets.
The table seems to defy gravity perched on a thin panel, but the strength comes from its cantilever attachment to the marbled kitchen island beside it. Wishbone dining chairs by Hans Wegner are a classic and nostalgic touch.
A branch of yellow flowers brightens the dining table and breakfast bar combo. This is a great angle to view how the extremely varied textures come together as one cohesive interior design.
Recessed stone creates a vertical extension of the strongly woven headboard fabric. White cantilever side tables against a satin black wall serve as a sort of visual inverse to the black shelves and white cabinets on the right.
The master bedroom expresses texture in a much more subdued way. Layered curtains in weightless gossamer and strong tweedy fabrics offer a lovely contrast. The curtains continue alongside the desk niche for a neatly integrated look, the desk itself serving as a continuation of the open shelf that bisects the wall of cabinets.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves fill the far wall of the library space, otherwise minimally furnished with a charming wood rocking horse by Dutch designer Bo Reudler and a yellow Elios side table by Antonio Citterio.
A cozy social area centers on a dramatic stone-clad entertainment center, underlined with a niche for firewood. The chairs are part of the Motley III Collection by Samuel Chan – this model is known as the Egg Chair.
The goldish-brass table seems to take inspiration from the Panier table by Erwan and Rowan Bouroullec, although the sophisticated materials really enhance the design compared to the popular plastic version. Perched on that same table are two beautiful white crane sculptures to keep guard over the sitting area. In many cultures, cranes symbolize grace, beauty, and even eternal youth.
Designer:Studio DEnew
Studio DEnew emphasizes the sleek textures of polished brass and lustrous stone in this extra-luxurious Moscow apartment. Even the ceiling is richly plated with brilliant brass! It would be difficult to find an apartment with metallic texture as well integrated as this one. Of course, this opulent style would certainly prove difficult to emulate without extreme attention to detail – and this apartment is very conscious of how each part fits into the whole.
Designer:Iryna Dzhemesiuk
Designed by Iryna Dzhemesiuk, this Tel Aviv apartment features a warm and comfortable living room decorated with soft textures that beckon the viewer to reach out and touch them. From fuzzy wool to unfinished concrete, this space mixes and matches tactile experiences to make every square meter unique in its own right.
Clean lines and low-profile aesthetics preserve the gorgeous view. The shape of the conical pendant lamps reappears in inner profile of the table – a very cool effect.
The dining room is slightly smoother, centering on a wire frame dining table with a unique trapezoid marble top. Perfectly coordinated chairs seat six. Of course, the most eye-catching part of this arrangement must be the oversized pendant lamps by Swedish architecture firm Claesson Koivisto Rune. They’re relatively thin and light, but the rugged texture makes them look heavy and substantial.
Built-in low tables make this sofa ideal for placement in the middle of a room. Here, miniature works of art brighten the apartment. One is a small-scale version of the Cloud Gate sculpture by Anish Kapoor – the full size version of which serves as an interactive exhibit in Chicago. The other piece is the Domsai planter by Matteo Cibic, inspired by the Tamagotchi trend of the 90s.
Prince armchairs by Rodolfo Dordoni offer the only true accent color in the apartment, a vibrant splash of orange.
The living room uses the softest textures, expressed through patterned throws, ornate spheres, and silky finishes – all tied together with a lovely shag rug. Exposed concrete on the far wall acts as a stunning canvas for a rugged print and the accent wall to left enjoys a drama of light and shadow that plays over its deeply grooved surface.
A slanted floor lamp provides just the right amount of light for casual reading on the sofa. The unique coffee table – actually two square tables pushed together – comes with a fitted tea tray to make serving guests as easy and convenient as possible.
Everybody loves the ambiance created by fireplaces and well-placed lamps, but these fixtures don’t simply disappear when the sun comes out to play. Rather than relegating them to the realm of functional necessities or design afterthoughts, attractive lighting and creative fireplaces can serve as crucial decor elements even when they’re not being used. These homes really shine through their methodical approach to illumination, using fixtures and modern fireplaces from the most innovative designers of our era. Positioning, coordination, material, purpose, interaction - each factor deserves careful attention.
Wishbone chairs surround a blocky wood table, the clean lines and light forms balanced by bold oversized pendant lamps by Fabrice Berrux.
Flos IC Lights offer a fun art-deco vibe near the creatively backlit closet.
The modular sofa allows for a 360-degree view of the room, ideal for viewing the fireplace or the television in turn. From this angle, it’s easy to see the variety of lighting solutions used throughout the home – decorative Moooi pendants over the table, a 3-bulb task lamp in the far right corner, and recessed ceiling lights to even everything out.
Visualizer:Vage Gabrielyan
Soft textures and sharp lines, natural colors and modern geometric prints – this home is fittingly named Game of Contrasts, designed by Vage Gabrielyan for Elforma. Expansive windows flood the home with light, but when the sun goes down, the integrated lighting between the wall panels illuminate the home with a gentler glow.
Luxurious in every way. The bathroom uses a more substantial marble variety and takes advantage of strong monochromatic contrast. Brass lining inside the Tom Dixon lamps echo the gold-colored veining in the black marble accent wall.
The kitchen is perhaps the only room not defined by dramatic lighting. Instead, pure white surfaces and geometric forms provide a clean and inviting workspace decorated with subtle marble cladding on the island and backsplash.
Architect:Vitaliy Yurov
This gorgeous interior by Yurov Design centers on a creative glass-encased Opti-Myst fireplace from Dimplex. Rather than relying on gas or firewood, this fireplace illuminates a fine mist of water to create the illusion of flames and smoke, making imaginative or even impossible designs perfectly viable. From behind the glass fireplace screen , few would be able to tell the difference between real flames and this clever mist.
A cool cantilevered reading lamp by Paolo Rizzatto provides task lighting above the bed. The table lamp is from the Balloons line by Lucie Koldova & Dan Yeffet, designed to provide soft ambient lighting – but even in the daytime, these sculptural blown glass fixtures offer unmatched decorative appeal.
In a style made popular by British designer Caryn Moberly, this river mirror brings a touch of organic style to an otherwise blank wall.
The master bedroom is perfectly minimalistic. Monochromatic textiles and rich wood panels bathe the room with texture, and designer fixtures offer versatile spot lighting, their clean lines maintaining the simple and uncluttered aesthetic.
Sliding cabinets reveal plenty of bookshelves for extra storage, reducing the need for extraneous shelves and cabinetry. Designer lighting solutions take the place of traditional decor, and each fixture is a work of art in its own right. A counterbalance wall lamp by Daniel Rybakken illuminates the Husk chairs from Patricia Urquiola, providing a lovely little reading area by the fireplace. A lamp by Tom Dixon hangs over the simple white sofa, and Muffin lamps provide a little mid-century flair beside the television.
Visualizer:Stanislav Borozdinskiy
This light and airy home in St. Petersburg is a project by Stanislav Borozdinskiy, an inviting space defined by warm colors and soft textures, the eyes guided by a contrast of horizontal and vertical wood paneling. A room-length fireplace occupies a niche along the far wall and serves as a lovely backdrop without dominating the design.
The shapely dining pendant lights are from the Shadows collection by Dan Yeffet and Lucie Koldova. On the table and in the background, vases from Jonathan Adler – inspired by his favorite muses – offer a surreal appreciation for the human body. Vase motifs include lips, faces, breasts, and even derrieres. The chairs are the work of Éléonore Nalet.
Fabulous downlights dot the ceiling in rows. Varied orientation and lengths add a strong sense of character to a part of the room other designers tend to neglect.
Free of excess ornamentation, this home instead gains its unique character from minimalistic light fixtures of all shapes and styles – functional and beautiful. Here, an architectural floor lamp provides adjustable task lighting over the couch. Its style is reminiscent of the iconic Luxo floor lamp, the same style used in the classic Pixar logo.
Streamlined furniture, unfinished concrete, and satin-finished wood provide a comfortable environment rich with contrast. Niche lighting above and below the fireplace secures its function as the focal point of the interior.
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
