In an era when industrial and concrete designs are more popular than ever, it can be easy to forget the naturally beautiful look that can be created with high-quality wood. When wood grain and the many tones of wood are allowed to shine through, the design possibilities are virtually endless. In the two homes featured in this post we see that not every home that is heavy on the wood needs to feel like a hunting cabin or an old man’s den. These spaces are highly modern, bright, and warm but the natural, elegant wood element adds something special to both homes.
Visualizer:Kyde Architects
The first home is located in Sosonvo, St. Petersberg in Russia and measures 100 square meters (1076 square feet).
The design uses wood not in some of the more obvious and subtle ways, like exposed wood beams, but really lets the material stand on its own.
From wood paneled walls to natural wood furniture, the design highlights wood, not letting is fade into the neutral background like it often can.
The wood paneled walls are particularly eye catching, with horizontal slats creating an interesting texture and drawing the eye around the room while a unique coffee table is made from a thick slice of a beautiful red wood.
In the dining area, open to the rest of the home due to the open floorplan, dining room pendant lights cast a soft and flattering glow.
Cream and white are natural complements to the wood coloring, seen here in gauzy curtains and plush dining chairs.
A woven pendant light in this space certainly leans into the rustic feel, but the shape is distinctly modern.
Plenty of seating is always a good thing and here we see how one dining area flows easily into a kitchen breakfast bar.
The gray kitchen bar stools are in keeping with the largely neutral palette throughout the house.
In the sleek - if somewhat small - kitchen, countertop herb planters add a perfect pop of color.
The wood highlights even carry into the home’s kitchen accessories, with natural cutting boards propped up on the countertop.
In the master bedroom, spotlight-inspired bedroom pendant lights are an interesting contrast to the otherwise highly rustic decor.
The wooden wall decor , including rich paneling and a very eye-catching piece over the bed, feels quite cozy and warm.
Interestingly, the bathroom is perhaps the most modern of all the spaces.
Honeycomb tiles and slate stone floors have a hip and contemporary feel.
Wood comes into play only a bit in a few accents to unite the room with the rest of the house.
Visualizer:ONI Architects
The next space is a 180 square meter (1937 square feet) apartment in Moscow.
While this design also has an emphasis on wood, the feel is much more modern than rustic throughout, which can easily be seen in the accessories chosen like the living room’s unique table lamp .
Despite the highly designed look, it is still evident that this space is meant for comfort, with long luxurious sofas capped by a simple, practical end table .
The choice of artwork can say so much about a home and its inhabitants.
It is impossible not to be drawn to the sculptural work in this apartment.
The rust-colored sculpture contrasts with the living wall that stands opposite – one suggesting decay while the other quite literally grows and thrives.
In the home office space, not as many design risks are apparent, with a comfortable reading lounge being quite inviting.
The use of stylish desk chairs like this one makes the idea of working at home a bit more palatable to be sure.
The orange accents in this space are subtle but work well with the 70’s-inspired wood paneling.
Leaning a large piece of art against the wall adds a bit of casual elegance to the room.
In the relaxing master bedroom, minimalist details like a sleek black floor lamp bring an air of zen.
The child’s bedroom is allowed a bit more in the way of decoration and frill.
A cute and creative light fixture centers the room while varied textured add whimsy.
The simple kid’s bed with the polkadot wall behind it is cozy and big enough for even a long bedtime story.
The design also makes clear that kid’s decor does not have to be cluttered, as long as storage is taken into consideration.
The color tones in the main areas as well as the private spaces remain quite muted.
A stone gray kitchen and natural wood flooring is chic and even somewhat masculine.
The unique modern dining chairs are quite a departure from the overstuffed version of the first home, showing that there are many ways to be modern.
The light fixture as well is stunning in its minimalist design.
A grey kitchen is perhaps not the most exciting choice, but it has its place.
And its place is in this very sleek apartment that celebrates muted tones, natural wood grain, and stylish comfort.
Still continuing to be vastly popular as a number one neutral for contemporary home decor is cool and calming gray but sometimes we struggle to see a way to introduce a little hint of other hues whilst maintaining the feeling of serenity. Here in this 234 square meter house in Kiev, Ukraine, by Martin Architects , a smooth living space that is populated by swathes of calming mid-tone gray leads on to beautifully subtle breaks from the monochrome tone. Added warmth in the interior design comes from some smooth wood ceilings and floors which are coupled with fresh pit stops of white painted walls and accent furniture throughout.
A herringbone floor adds pattern and interest to the otherwise flat wall finishes and plain upholstery fabrics and drapery. Simple track lighting and recessed spots span the large scale rooms in this apartment to ensure even illumination, but inspirational moments of mood lighting can be found in the form of modern pendants and unique wall lights.
Richer tones create an eye-catching splash within the artwork beyond the dining room pendant lights . Contrasting charcoal dining benches and white chairs have been selected to create a moment of added interest.
A statement settee edges away from the gray spectrum, nudging the palette toward powder blue. A log burning fire creates a cozy glow in the room, along with a globe topped unique floor lamp .
Handle-free units create a minimalistic look in the kitchen, though beautiful pauses from the plain do present themselves in the geometric floor tiles beneath the central island and also in the backsplash.
Over on one wall, exposed shelving provides an opportunity to display crockery and decorative cooking vessels. The careful selection presents almost as artifacts in a museum or art gallery. Color matched surfaces form a seamless look with the units that they top.
In the master bedroom, a rose-colored hint lifts the painted panel headboard wall. A duo of glass and copper bedroom pendant lights serve as reading lights, over two matching copper bedside tables holding concrete planters .
A floating shelf of drawers serve a multipurpose as an entertainment unit and a desk. Matching both the pale wood desk top and the freestanding gray chest of drawers beneath it is a stylish desk chair design, About a Chair by HAY. A woven rug presents a little injection of cheerful color under foot.
In this girl’s bedroom design, powder pink accompanies the white and gray color scheme of the home. More floating drawers form part of another desk compilation, along with an arrangement of unique wall shelves .
Another splash of powder blue hits this room scheme too, in a stunning yet subtle contrast with the gentle pink. A monochrome herringbone wallpaper adds a definite blast of oomph to the soft scheme as well as giving a nod not only to the herringbone wood floor but to the pitched shape of the bedroom door, wall shelves, memo board and triangular legs of the stylish side table .
A fun typographical piece adorns one wall on an unusual circular mount that is echoed by the round scatter cushions on the seating below.
The child’s bathroom is adorned with furniture fit for a fairy tale: curiously shaped decorative hooks and a magical faux deer head wall lamp that is akin to a snow covered rudolf!
In this bathroom there is an unexpected break from the somewhat understated decor that covers most of this home. Here in this child-friendly design we find a wall of busy crosshatch pattern behind the set of twin basins, resulting in a much more energised environment. On the countertop there is a whimsical collection of animal figurines scattered between bright yellow faucets. The sunshine accents pick out tones from the tiled feature wall and are matched by a child’s novelty seat.
In the next kid’s decor scheme we find more tones of yellow in the area rug and painted on the wall between the bed posts and matching framing around the feature wall.
come in many shapes and designs and the house frame shape seen here still proves to be a popular one. Exposed bulb pendant lighting has been wrapped around the overhead beam to provide a well placed reading light. Fox wall decals create a woodland theme, as does the leaping rabbit ceiling mobile.
The child’s room is kept tidy with hidden storage across one whole wall, in addition to the underbed storage drawers.
The master bathroom is a more sophisticated affair where we seat a repetition of the rose hue used in the neighbouring master bedroom.
The unique wall sconce competes for attention with a wall mounted dinosaur bust in the this child’s bedroom.
Floating shelves hold books and toys for both practical storage and decorative display.
A chalkboard provides a place for creativity beside a desk.
A fantastic blue toned geometric feature wall and floor stylishly dominate this modern bathroom. Bell pendants , by Normann Copenhagen, light the double basin.
A black bath tub anchors the cool color scheme.
First impressions count and this smart entryway instantly sets the tone for the contemporary apartment. Two cool wall lights light a welcome spot on which to perch on pop your shoes on or off. A designated hanging space holds coats and other outerwear for the family.
A person shaped mirror provides a fun spot in which to check your appearance on entering and exiting the home.
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
