While Scandinavian-style designs with lots of light wood, white walls, and pops of pretty greens and yellows are certainly popular, that type of color scheme is not the only way to bring sophistication into your home. When we think of blacks and grays, they can feel damp, cold, and unwelcoming, but in the hands of the right designer, they are anything but. The two homes featured here use black, gray, and white (with the occasional color) to great effect, creating spaces that are sleek, simple, and stylish but still functional and even welcoming. Take a look inside and you just might rush out for your own bucket of black paint.
Visualizer:Andrei & Darya Zhlobich
It isn’t every family that wants a brightly colored and sunny living room. For some, soft gray carpeting and unique floor lamps make for a perfectly welcoming space.
The dark walls and heavy curtains make it easy to close in the living room for a perfectly cozy night at home, screening movies.
And when the curtains are open, the room does get a good amount of light – there just aren’t that many surfaces off of which it can reflect.
Still, the homeowners are obviously not without their sense of whimsy, since two furry dining room pendants hang over their sleek dining table.
Different shades of gray add interest and dimension to the overall design with darker colors on the walls and lighter for the furniture and rugs.
The kitchen is a bit brights, utilizing a white wall for the appliances and a white countertop as well. Even dark color aficionados have to be able to wake up in the morning.
Here’s a closeup of the fun, textured dining room pendants , dangling over a white table and chairs.
Houseplants are always a recommended way to bring color into a home, and they go with absolutely anything, even black.
The herb planters in this kitchen are the right size for the kitchen island – not so big as to take up too much counterspace.
In this first bedroom, not only do we get a sense of the homeowner’s personality but we get plenty of (one) color.
The bright yellow walls and furnishings in this bedroom are nearly garish with their brightness. The Star Wars decor thrown in underlines the ‘dark side’ vibe here.
No one who spends even a single night in this bedroom will ever forget the importance of hard work.
While the kind of “tough love” messaging scrawled across these walls isn’t for everyone, you cannot deny that it’s a little bit motivating.
Black, yellow and white are certainly not the most calming colors, but they do make for a memorable bedroom together.
One small, flat bed is all that indicates that this space is a bedroom at all. It could perhaps be used as a home office with a bed to fall asleep on when you are feeling particularly “weak.”
A lot of natural light is necessary to brighten up a space with black walls like this one.
The matte black walls almost seem to absorb light.
The other bedroom in this home is a bit more soothing with its use of gray and black, from the bed linens to the neat black light fixtures.
The bedroom pendant lights are again the most whimsical feature of the room’s decor. They look at bit like acorns or artichokes dangling by the side of the bed.
A textured wall above the headboard resists the same light absorbing feeling of the other bedroom.
Recessed lighting above the bed is also a practical and flattering touch.
This comfortable-looking and unique chair could easily be used for a bit of work or as a cozy vanity.
With the curtains pulled back, it’s in the perfect place for someone to apply makeup.
The bathroom has the most color with this truly unique mossy backsplash.
The white and green design in the bathroom nearly doesn’t fit with the rest of the house, but some dark wall paneling brings it into harmony.
White and dark gray are more common in bathrooms than living rooms, and you can see how well they work.
Visualizer:Dasha Chevrole
The second home is not quite as minimalist as the first, but the design does revolve around the same colors: black, gray, and white.
In the living room, an oversized tufted sofa takes center stage, while a small kitchen and dining area in black and white are off to one side.
The kitchen brings in just a few copper elements to pop from the blacker than black walls. Notice how the same mysterious lighting is used throughout - from floor lamps to dining overheads.
A black dining set perched on top of a black carpet could evoke something much more gothic than we see here, lighting and style make it much more contemporary.
The overhead lighting in this home is not nearly as whimsical, instead taking a much more practical and subtle approach.
Copper kitchen accents fit perfectly with the black and white surfaces.
Black countertops with white cabinetry could feel outdated or old-fashioned, but not how they’re here, with total sleekness.
In the bedroom, the style is a bit more relaxed, bringing in a bit of patter and texture with the bed’s headboard and hanging tapestry.
We are fans of the Husk chair by Patricia Urquiola featured here. In fact it makes it to our list of the most comfortable reading chairs .
Finally, a black and white bathroom with reflective walls, a clawfoot tub, and patterned tiles completes this home of cool contrast.
An escape to Mexico can take many different shapes. Of course, you may think of a criminal absconding across the border never to be heard from again, but you don’t have to be a wanted man (or woman) to want a little escape. In the spirit of luxury, relaxation, and culture, hotelier Lio Malca has created the perfect setting for a short-term escape. Casa Malca is located just off the beach in Tulum and features 35 luxury rooms, decorated with hand-chosen art, as well as top notch cuisine and atmosphere. Most interestingly, before it was a hotel destination, this property was owned by notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.
As you might expect, it was not exactly a simple task to buy the home of former Narco, a feared and revered figure in Mexico and around the world.
To make this beautiful home his own (and it was simply his vacation home at first), Malca had to jump through a number of hoops just to find out who owned the property since it had been seized.
Once he was able to make the deal, the dreamy villa began to take place, starting with just 9 rooms for Malca and his friends.
Because of his connection to the art world, the art of the villa is incredibly important.
Throughout the space, visitors will see works from Keith Haring, Basquiat, and KAWS.
Of course, the artwork has a beautiful backdrop with each room in the hotel designed and furnished in bright colors and carefully chosen natural materials.
It is easy to see the artistic influence in the space, with colorful cartoon dining chairs and large pieces of artwork on the wall.
Contrasted with the natural wood, the colorful designs pop that much more.
Though the hotel is not an all-inclusive resort, it would be easy to spend all your meals here.
The Haring-inspired bar is breathtaking and features signature mezcal cocktails, the perfect refreshment after a day at the beach.
Fresh ingredients from surrounding areas make for delicious seasonal menu.
Of course, no one wants to visit Mexico without the opportunity to get their fill of tacos.
The guest rooms start at $450 per night, which is a small price to pay for such luxury.
It was the popularity of the beach home with Malca’s friends that led him to expand the space to 35 rooms from the original 9, still keeping the addition to the original design.
The relatively small size means the hotel never feels crowded, even if every room is booked.
Unique color schemes make every room its own special retreat.
Sliding doors out onto the beach are one of the many attractions of the location, complete with white sand and emerald Caribbean waters.
The artwork that hangs in the hotel is chosen of course for its beauty but also for how it will hold up to the hot, humid weather of a Mexican beach.
The hotel is the only art focused hotel in the popular Tulum area.
Despite the luxurious interior, the exterior of the villa is just as important and gorgeous.
Colorful hammocks along the beach make for a perfect way to relax near the water while staying relatively sand-free.
Under the shade of a handcrafted wood roof, a late afternoon nap feels that much more luxurious.
Spending a moment lazily swinging would be sure to pull out any last inkling of stress.
Most of the rooms are only about 20 steps from the water, but creative exterior views do not only include the lapping of waves against the shore.
This cut wood wall is just one more way that the space incorporates natural material for that earthy, relaxing experience.
For a romantic dinner, guests can sit alone under a beautiful canopy and relive their most lovely memories.
Outdoor lighting is dim and glowy, giving just enough shimmer to see a companion’s face.
During the day, glowing lights become decor.
The patterns within the construction are beautiful but imperfect, capturing the essence of a beach life.
Drift off under a cabana and wake only to pop inside for another cocktail.
Tulum itself is nestled between the beach and the jungle, making for spectacular weather and lush greenery.
The intimate hotel may not be entirely private, but it is easy to ignore anyone but your favorite traveling companion, even if that’s just a good book.
If you get up early enough, you can watch the sun peek out over the endless horizon.
And a private indoor pool can satiate your need for water when it’s too hot – or too cold – to swim outside.
Most of us may never get to experience such luxury, but those that do will be in good company. Pablo Escobar may have done many objectionable things, but he knew how to live.
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
