For those who collect, display areas might be the most important part of a home design. The two homes highlighted in this post belong to collectors of books and decorative treasures, necessitating a large amount of space for storage without compromising on style. The first home actually substitutes shelving in place of interior walls – a good use of a spacious interior. The second home relies on stylish shelves with a more traditional arrangement, yet the overall effect is no less stunning. From hidden features to innovative interpretations, this pair of luxury homes is sure to stoke your craving for creative storage and display solutions.
Designer:ArchStudio
Built for a collector of books and ceramics, the social spaces of this Beijing home are divided not by walls, but by light wooden shelves constructed for an all-encompassing display. The ground floor is the primary space for receiving visitors so it makes sense to include these decorative features here for appreciation by guests and residents alike.
Wooden slats allow sunlight to filter through without casting harsh glares against glossy white surfaces, picking up a warm yellow tint as it traverses the interior.
The layout is rather unique. Those expecting to find a dining room or kitchen on the ground floor instead find a study, with the real dining and kitchen areas located in the basement.
Danish designer Hans Wegner’s iconic Wishbone chairs, a classic yet always-relevant design, flows into the wooden theme perfectly
By inverting the usual material theme of wood on the floors or walls, the home gains a perceived sense of horizontal spaciousness while making the ceiling feel lower for increased intimacy.
Part of the appeal is the dynamic layering of materials throughout the home – the textural white walls visible through various layers of wooden slats.
A tearoom offers yet another place to gather on the first floor. The table rises from a sunken area that gives flexibility to allow guests a choice between sitting chair-style or cross-legged.
The transition from dark to light creates an impressive shift in atmosphere. Recessed and pendant lights shine down from above.
Downstairs, in the open basement, formal dining spaces and a large kitchen provide plenty of space for entertaining large parties.
The dining room gains the privacy and protection of an interior structure built from thin strips of multicolored wood, flawlessly continued by the flooring.
On the same level, a secondary gathering area soaks up the light from a window shielded by a bamboo garden. Storage cabinets and ceiling share the same material, cutting off to signify the transit path. A 4.5 tatami arrangement offers flexible seating.
And with intimate connection to natural elements – both inside the home and outside in the gardens - it becomes a pleasure to just sit back and relax with family and good friends.
Many views demonstrate the airy and organic side of the home.
Other views embrace modern minimalist trends without reserve.
Up from the basement and past the ground level, the topmost floor contains a casual living and dining area with bedrooms on all sides.
The gathering areas reside at either end of a long continuous space, its gently curved ceiling immensely expanding the perceived height of the room.
A dining table set for eight occupies the far end. Classy glass-fronted storage could hold all the secondary tableware necessary for a nice family meal.
Most of the upstairs space is set aside for bedrooms, with the exception of one bedroom on the ground floor.
Each bedroom embraces a streamlined minimalist aesthetic.
And each enjoys a private table to enjoy tea with a view.
Private sunken courtyards allow light to penetrate into the highly-utilized basement area.
Photographer:Federico Cedrone
This second home uses a shelving scheme that blends functionality with visual drama. This system, made by Poliform, highlights the owner’s extensive collections as a focal point rather than a minor detail. The tour opens with this gorgeous media space – the emphasis is not on the television, but rather the striking lighting and arrangement of the shelves and drawers that surround it.
Elsewhere, square well-lit niches accommodate the larger objects on display quite nicely.
Furnishings remain simple with a blend of classic and modern styles with a touch of luxury.
The wing chairs, central coffee table, and sofa are designs by Jean-Mari Massaud. The table over the ottoman is from Roberto Barbieri.
For a book lover, it would be easy to spend the evening tucked in to a relaxing spot like this one.
Note the functional addition of hidden storage spaces, like the drawers on the left and the fold-down cabinets on the right.
Integrated features like the marble mantle and the display cases help prevent the typical “wall of shelves” look so many want to avoid.
These shelves aren’t simple stationary home accents – they seem to take on a life of their own thanks to surprising hidden features like this pop-out bar.
And the level of detail is just incredible. The workmanship on the display cases is especially noticeable. Each one extends from the bookshelf face so each object can be appreciated from all sides.
A handsome chair by Emmanuel Gallina wants to steal the show, but it’s hard to ignore the decorative folding screen in the background.
The chair also appears at the dining table, which has a subtle Art Deco flair tempered by modernist sensibility.
have combined the ultra modern with the organic by incorporating indoor plants in creative ways throughout the spaces. You’ll see how these are no ordinary potted plants: vines creep up walls, and pop up out of built in storage to perfectly counteract the modern finishes and amenities of these spaces. The architects note that the plants do more than add a design element to the space, they provide a positive impact on human health, like filtering the air we breathe and acting like a humidifier. So, wander through these spaces and find some inspiration to incorporate plants into your own home.
Architect:RULES Architect
You’re probably familiar with vines creating up the side of a home, but it’s typically on the outside. Here though, the designer has brought the vines inside to add not only a pop of color to the space but dimension.
By adding the vines to the office space it adds some whimsy and organic-ness to an otherwise bland space.
You can see all the lovely color and dimension the vines bring into the space, especially against the gray tiles.
Then, just with a little lighting, the vines are transformed into a seemingly out-of-this-world art piece.The light is also reflected below the tv unit, casting the entire wall in a deep blue hue.
The colorful lighting is carrier into the kitchen under-mounted below the cabinets and reflecting the deep blue of the sky outside those massive windows.
From here you can see how the blue changes color, into this rich royal purple. The mood lighting is a wonderful surprise to this otherwise stark space during the day.
The creative mix of the desk space and the tv unit is highlighted here. By separating the levels, but keeping them with the same floating shelves there’s a cohesiveness in their differences.
The glossy cabinets are a smart design choice because they reflect all the beautiful mood lighting throughout the space.
Blue doors? Nope, just some more creative lighting that really brings this apartment to life in the night.
The blue lighting not only reflects off of the white shiny cabinets, but the glossy wood floors and mirrored walls. All the materials of this space were carefully chosen for this reason.
The difference in this space between day and night is extraordinary. By day this is a refined chefs kitchen. Featuring not only state of the art appliances, but cabinets and counter tops.
And if you weren’t already drooling, look at everything you can fit inside those cabinets! The kitchen isn’t particularly big, but they’ve really figured out how to keep everything out of sight and in it’s own place.
Don’t worry though, if you miss some of the whimsy the kitchen brings at night, you can always switch on the lights for the daytime too.
From here you can see how condensed this space really is, the kitchen, living, and dining space are all together as one. And while they’re all combined in this open space, each is properly defined yet flows with the next.
The lights further tie together the space, adding one extra fun bit of cohesiveness.
The bedroom is ultra modern like the rest of the space, boasting the cool color pallet and sleek design.
The small space has a big closet space, and these beautiful tiles for an accent wall.
Plus, the mirror on the cabinet reflects the wonderful natural light coming into the space.
The bathroom is also like the living space: ultra modern with harsh lines. The gray color pallet is cool and neutral and gives off an air of luxury with it’s stunning fixtures.
But like the rest of the space, the bathroom surprises with that amazing colored lighting.
The ultra modern design of the fixtures in this space make this bathroom look spaceship-esque.
This space is ultra modern, yet organic with pops of color, a giant plant box, and beautiful ashy yet warm wood tones.
Talk about multifunctional! The cabinets in the living room act as a workplace, bar, flower pots hydroponic plants and a TV cabinet.
The living space was designed to optically link to the hall to the room to act as a single, harmonious, modern unit.
For the living space, they chose a proven combination of quality materials. It was created as a pleasant and cozy interior with a timeless modern design.
The material composition of the space consists of gray furniture and curtains, white matt lacquer, wood and vivid green plant.
This murphy-desk is a great solution for someone who sometimes needs a work space. It’s not a big desk, but it’s there when you need it and it’s got it’s own storage space.
The plants in the top part of the cabinet add a wonderful organic feel to the entire space. It makes it all feel less stark, more inviting, and plays on the rooms cozy nature.
Wow! Look at that table pop! The big, stark, white table is incredible against those dark wood floors. It’s a great anchor to the room and once again plays on the modern elements of the room.
The cabinets of the kitchen play on the same element of starkness up against those big, gray tiles. Plus, the wall of slick white cabinets ties both the table and the kitchen space together.
What’s great about this big sturdy kitchen table is that since it’s almost the same height as the cabinets it can also act as a kitchen island for prepping.
OK, as if these cabinets weren’t already cool enough, when you open them up you find out that they hold just about everything. From spices and food, to a big hidden fridge, dishwasher, and even a washing machine! Pure cabinet magic.
The plants incorporated in this space are so creative, and visually stunning. The vines are given little hooks to weave themselves in and out of as they climb this big gray wall.
The green leaves are glossy and fresh, and really pop against the large, modern couch.
From here you can see this stunning wood that’s all over the room. The way they’ve incorporated the wood from the floors into the backsplash, and this multidimensional tv cabinet really tie the rest of the modern stark space together.
Small but functional: this awesome little table pops right out from the wall! And those chairs? You may remember seeing them hanging on the living room wall in the first photo. Creative design is the name of the game for this little flat.
The wonderful wood is carried through to the bedroom in this stunning bed frame that’s both storage, a headboard, and bedside table. Creative and stunning.
This big glass shower is the perfect place to steam, and it’s high end finishes and glossy walls mean it fits in perfectly against all the wood from the bedroom.
Creative storage continues into the bedroom, giving the tenants access to the laundry right from their bedroom and bathroom.
This bedroom boasts a bit more space, and a more traditional bedroom layout. The floating shelves and the white desk both help take up less space both visually and physically.
This smaller space plays on the same elements of the other, with floating shelves, a white table, and some tall but skinny storage for the wall.
Simple is key when designing a small space. Keep it clean and minimal to maximize the visual and physical space available.
Here you can see how the kitchen connects to the other three units in this middle hallway. The stunning wood floors tie the spaces together.
The bathroom is simple, but designed well. The gray tiles and modern fixtures give it a high end feel.
Glass shower doors always add a bit of a luxurious feel to a bathroom. It can be a simple solution to make your bathroom space stand out.
This final property is a big wide open space that is bringing the nature right inside. The giant windows bring it tons of natural light that illuminated the crisp whites beautifully, and makes those green plants pop.
The green garden feels like it’s part of the living space thanks to those big windows. The dark wood floors, tv panel, and the vines also add to the organic feel of the space.
We love the furniture in this space. The stools are reminiscent of something you’d find in an old warehouse, yet the dining chairs are oversized and curvy — plus, the couch is like a big white leather cloud you just want to curl up on with a magazine.
Another feature that seems to bring the outside in are these gray ceilings that looks like concrete. The simple touch adds more dimension to the space, and really draws your eyes up.
To separate the living space from the rest of the home the designers have used these glossy white tiles. It really opens up the rest of the space.
From here you can see how the white tiles flow into the kitchen as well. The tiles then prove as a nice way to separate spaces, yet bring them together.
The wide open kitchen is airy, and state of the art. It’s sleek and industrial feel is a bit of a contrast to the rest of the space, but it all works together. Opposites do attract!
You can really admire the chairs from here, the big oversized seats mean they not only look great — but they’re comfy. What we love so much about this corner of the room too is the fireplace that’s in the dining room. Not a feature you typically see, but really makes the space feel cozier.
To tie the kitchen and dining space, the designers have used the same wood tones as the cabinets in the table. Simple ideas like this can add real cohesiveness to the space.
Even a room with this much natural lights needs to address lighting — for evenings and rainy days of course! They’ve added these mirrored arching lamps in both the living and dining space, which add a funky modern feel and when not in use reflect the natural light coming in.
Seamlessly carrying the wood floors onto the back wall of the living space is a great way to warm up a big space like this one. We love the dark wood, and how everything in the room is designed to pop out from it.
The bedroom takes advantage of those massive windows as well. The dark floors work here because the rest of the room is so airy, and we love how the bed frame matches the closet doors.
The corridor has an adjacent wall with exterior illumination that really brightens up this dark space.
While the bathroom is compartmentalized, they keep it feeling airy and open by using the top windows here again — allowing lots of light to flow freely between the spaces.
We love the modern troff sink here. It’s got nice clean liens and adds an element of surprise to an otherwise ordinary space.
Check out that soaker! This bathroom is all about oversized. The big sink and big tub just work together, and provide this homeowner with a great place to relax.
The shower area isn’t half bad either! Glass walls, dark tiles, and modern fixtures make it feel expensive.
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
