Modern minimalism is everywhere – and there’s no question as to why. It’s the go-to choice for staging interior architecture concepts, it’s a versatile backdrop for furniture ads, and magazines rightfully feature the residents of these meticulous spaces whenever an innovative example pops up. This post looks at two minimalist homes with open concept living rooms and striking high-contrast neutral palettes. Both incorporate luxurious details in different inspiring ways. The first adds hints of high-end materials like brass and marble, and the second builds around artfully sculpted furniture by renowned designers.
Visualizer:Amr Moussa
First, let’s look at a home that uses its open concept living area in a unique way. There’s not very much outright decor in this part of the house but more decorative details appear the closer you get to the kitchen at the end of the room. A low sofa allows residents to take in the entire space at once and stretches the versatility of the few decorations to their fullest potential.
The view is streamlined yet elegantly layered, the continuity punctuated low table contained by thin walls to create a “room within a room” effect. One side opens to a beautiful urban view, the other hosts shelves outfitted with a few vases and books.
A built-in media center keeps things nice and simple. Notice the position of the television – nice and low, a focused choice.
The black background has two benefits. First, it doesn’t distract the eye while viewing. Second, it allows the electronics to blend in unobtrusively while powered off.
Tasteful sculptures line the central table, with ample space for books underneath. If one were to pull up a chair, it could make a nice place to work on a laptop while catching up on a favorite show.
And the dining arrangement is just as beautiful. It employs a pretty clever aesthetic technique with the nearby shelves displaying an inverted take on its stark black and white color theme.
Patricia Urquiola’s stylish Husk Chair lines the large setting, with a Lambert et Fils Atomium Chandelier illuminating the table from above. The brass lighting fixture is one of the most obvious luxury touches in a room that mostly employs understated elegance.
The kitchen’s matte cabinetry makes a wonderful backdrop to the white table and the simple pendant lights. Small tiles bring character to the backsplash without stealing the spotlight or distracting from the overall composition.
Extra dining space occupies this fantastic extension from the island. It serves as extra workspace when not being used as a breakfast table, and surely makes a nice little place for guests to chat while the host prepares drinks or snacks.
Upstairs, the black and white bedrooms continue the sharp high-contrast theme.
This comfortable space includes small brass details just like the living room. The bedside lamps are from the IC Collection by Michael Anastassiades.
The small wall between the bed and closet creates a small pseudo-hallway, a purely symbolic boundary that still allows sunlight to continue toward the functional areas on the other side.
And the walk-in closet arrangement is certainly enviable, especially if you’re serious about staying organized. There’s a niche or a drawer for every accessory.
A little built-in vanity occupies the space between two sections of shelves and drawers. It has everything the resident needs for an effective one-stop morning routine.
The comfortable reading chair is the work of Patricia Urquiola, called Tabano. It’s paired with a lovely adjustable floor lamp to easily adjust lighting intensity for dusk or nighttime reading.
The other bedroom makes use of all the same materials as the first, but this time with an even more minimalistic approach. The headboard wall is especially impressive, taking the familiar textured panels from the last bedroom and bringing it to scale.
The reading nook is extra cozy. An iconic Jieldé lamp provides focused or ambient lighting in turn, easy to swivel upward if the resident needs to seek out books on the handy shelf to the left.
The master bathroom isn’t shy about using higher end materials. Marble tiling makes the sink stand out and even makes a subtle stand at the edge of the mirrors.
In the reflection, you’ll see that the modern wood paneling makes another appearance. Like the marble, it finds balance in small details like the edge of the pendant lampshades.
And who wouldn’t love this split shower and bathroom arrangement? A full window occupies the left, with a ceiling window preserving privacy on the right.
Visualizer:Anna Malyk
This second apartment takes a more curated approach to luxurious design. Rather than opting for high-end materials or bold architectural elements, this space makes its grand statement with sculptural furniture and accessories. While the large-scale artwork and frames contribute their own decorative appeal, the furniture itself is the star of this show.
One of the most impressive investments includes the lighting choices by Michael Anastassiades, their sweeping lines generating an immediate sense of movement and energy.
The palette remains especially subdued. Light wood floors, greyscale furniture, and pristine while walls serve as the perfect background for the stylish objects within.
Despite the limited palette, color blocking does play an important role. A divide between wood and white defines the kitchen and dining, with the bulk of the grey sofa serving as a strong anchor that directs the eye toward the social area.
Located in Bucharest, this compact 1-bedroom apartment makes the most of its 55 square meter floor plan with smart organization and unique layout choices – all without forgetting to infuse the design with color, fun, and whimsy. This inspiring space is the work of the talented creatives at CRAFTR AAIM , a Bucharest-based design office whose philosophy emphasizes efficiency and timeless appeal, two goals that play a huge role in what makes this apartment noteworthy. From kitchen chalkboards to combination office/guest bedroom combos, there are plenty of interesting features to admire.
The tour opens with a look at the attractive yet compact open living space. While many layout options could have worked, this one adopts a rather unconventional choice by putting the dining table near the window rather than near the kitchen.
Low-profile furniture keeps the space feeling open and light, with a minimalist TV stand matched to the height of the sofa. On the other side of the living room, the kitchen feels like its own distinct space thanks to the expansive storage unit that stands in between.
In terms of decor, this home combines modern and mid-century elements. The sofa’s low-profile form is a wonderful complement to the low cabinets near the window.
Because it’s a relatively small open layout living room, this table solution proves very versatile – the window area doubles as extra seating but the residents could pull the table out for formal dinners when needed.
While the designer could have easily chosen a more minimalistic table (a common choice in compact areas) this one enjoys the best of both worlds by combining simple materials for decorative effect.
One small window might not seem like enough light for a space this large, especially considering the dark floors but the abundance of white surfaces helps preserve as much light as possible.
The extra storage can hold cookbooks, decorations, and even includes drawers and storage boxes for spare dishes or large cookware. This type of addition frees up so much space in the rest of the home.
Bright yellow accents bring retro charm to the kitchen. The other cabinets use the same richly grained wood as the floorboards for a nice cohesive look. While the living room emphasizes minimalism, the kitchen embraces a bold attitude.
The unique looking wall clock is a neat addition that does the job without standing out too much. It offers the appeal of a mid century modern clock , designed in a sleek minimalist style to fit within modern homes.
Everybody loves chalkboard walls. This one takes an approach that differs from the ordinary recipes or shopping lists by pointing out the location of ingredients much like an oversized label.
Another small chalkboard accent leaves room for impromptu decoration.
Elsewhere, the office is small but retains enough floor space to double as a guest bedroom thanks to its abundant storage and space-saving techniques. It uses the same dandelion yellow as the kitchen.
Most of the furniture – including the bed and the sideboard – have wheels for easy reconfiguration. If the resident wanted to use this room for a large project, it wouldn’t be too difficult to get things out of the way.
The desk is just too cute! Its anchored to the wall on one side and uses a small sawhorse-shaped structure to support the other. The map-printed box offers a great alternative to the cabinets an ordinary desk would use.
In the master bedroom, subdued colors and simple fixtures create an environment very conducive to relaxation. The difference between this space and the energetic office is night and day.
Exposed brick and rich dark wood both feel like very homey and comfortable choices for a space like this.
Check out this handy feature! What looks like a decorative panel unfolds to reveal a convenient little desk for light work or writing.
The bathroom takes things in a different direction entirely. A variety of tile sizes and tones adds immediate interest, with bright yellow accent pieces to serve as visual anchors for clarity.
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
