Umber pigments were found on cave paintings from the neolithic period, one of the first colours painted by humans, and yet it lends itself marvellously to the modern interior. Raw umber is a rich natural brown or reddish-brown earth shade that builds warmth. Put a little fire to it and a pronounced burnt umber shade can be utilised for added intensity in a contemporary setting. In the two umber home interiors we’ll look at today, the shade is balanced out with black and white elements, and moments of greenery for added freshness. Of course natural elements vibe easily with the earth colour, but these modern mixes bring the historical hue bang up to date.
Designer:ArtPartner Studio| Visualizer:Illya Kovalchuk
In the first of our two inspirational umber interiors, burnt umber was chosen for its reassuring depth. At the same time it was critical to create a light space attuned to the comfort of the modern cave dweller! White walls and natural materials, such as concrete and wood, have been brought together with black anchor pieces to build a bold and confident space.
The lounge furniture is low and modern. A beige sectional sofa compliments light wood floors. A stylish black coffee table skims a grey area rug.
A floor lamp by the sofa is an unusual frame design, which is complemented by the modern artwork behind it.
In addition to the modern sofa , a window seat provides seating for the room. The piece crosses both of the large windows in the room, and continues around onto the adjacent wall where it morphs into a long media unit. The window seat also cleverly disguises the radiators–an idea that was implemented in the bedroom too.
When movie night rolls around, a projector screen pulls down in front of the regular TV.
A dining island stands tall behind the low modern sofa, with six black barstools stood around it.
Suspended shelving over the kitchen island has decorative function; a planter on top is thick with foliage that makes a fresh green statement in the room. The kitchen bar light is mounted to the underside of the hanging shelf.
Three of the bar stools have a perfect view of the home cinema screen.
A white and umber hallway leads to the bedroom.
Orb bedroom pendant lights are versions of the kitchen bar light. Common elements like these, along with a consistent colour palette, gives the apartment a comforting flow between zones. The same style of artwork is also found here, propped casually behind one of the bedside tables. The bedsides have been picked out in contrasting finishes–one black, one white–to take the look offbeat and edgy.
A black glass sliding door cuts through an umber feature wall.
There is a black glass mirror propped against the adjacent wall, where white ribbed wall panelling defines the dressing zone of the room.
A black modern bathroom vanity cuts across an umber bathroom scheme.
Even the kid’s room design has foundations in an earthy hue.
Designer:ToTaste
Our second tour is cut from a cosier cloth. A cushiony sofa is plump with soft pillowy stuffing, an indoor hammock reclines across the room, and walls are filled with interesting art and moments of pattern. The chaise end of the sofa introduces a burst of emerald green botanicals.
The umber treatment in this living room is kept mainly to the ceiling and the upper quarter of the kitchen wall, which cosily cocoons the space.
Golden TV wall decor lusters beneath an antique patina. The TV itself is mounted within heavy molding, framed like a prized picture.
The kitchen has modern rustic charm built from oak and concrete.
A circular chandelier puts a crown on the lounge area, whereas a linear chandelier spans the rectangular length of the dining table.
Plaited fabric weaves a comfy mattress over the indoor hammock.
Monochrome checkered curtains make the place look extra homey.
Pans and accessories add elements of copper in the kitchen .
The hallway storage unit has a unique design spread across its doors and integrated shelving unit. Wood grain and monochrome chevrons team up with thick black line work and elliptical motifs to make an eye-catching piece of applied art.
Rattan bedroom pendant lights cluster above a layered grey bed set in the master.
The closet stands open to the room, but has the option of being concealed behind curtains.
A gold bedside table lamp stands on each blue bedside unit.
Blue wall art continues the colour theme.
An arched window-style mirror is positioned to assist with dressing, and helps bounce light around the room.
A half circle vanity mirror is mounted on a narrow wall area, where it serves a small dressing table.
The dressing table is an antique cast iron Singer sewing machine table frame, with a stunning live edge wood top. A modern blue vanity chair makes an eclectic accompaniment.
The grey and white bathroom is a modern rustic design.
Large grey wall tiles build a dark backdrop for white sanitaryware and raw timber bathroom furniture.
White marble tiles bring a little luxe around the built-in bathtub and across the floor.
An antique gold finish concertina wall lamp pulls out over the vanity, whilst the rest of the bathroom fittings look crisp in chrome.
Geometric wooden tiles form a unique headboard wall design in a teal master bedroom.
Red strip lights stripe a concrete ceiling.
Red accents invigorate the home workspace too.
Houndstooth tiles make a huge statement in a small bathroom.
Hollywood wall lights divide the vanity area from a utility tower.
A modern laundry basket compliments the wooden vanity unit. See more laundry baskets .
The monolithic Pedra da Gávea mountain serves as a mystical backdrop for this TV show host’s home in São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro. Mr Alex Lerner had the oceanside home built so that he could relive the vacation feeling he enjoys when on holiday in St. Barts. Architects Studio Arthur Casas began working on the design the moment the plot was chosen. Optimising sea views was paramount of course, so the main living space of the home had to be elevated, freed from the high walls that surrounded the triangular lot. The landscape was made a living, breathing part of the home design by destabilizing perceptions of indoors and out.
The 5,200 square foot Brazililan home cost around $213 per square foot to build, but the sweeping ocean and mountain views are priceless.
Owner Alex Lerner stood firm that the only material he saw his house being realised in was the same peachy greige stone that he had laid eyes on at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Stone walls and natural timber come together in harmonious marriage. The blue water of an infinity pool shimmers beneath clear blue skies.
White outdoor chaise lounge chairs from Restoration Hardware, costing a cool $1,095 each, are kept pristine with washable covers. “I like things very, very clean,” Lerner admitted, and on this it seems the client and architect were perfectly matched. The house that Casas created showcases his own affinity for clean lines, and satisfies Lerner’s request for a place that would not require too much maintenance. Casas created the ambiance of a pristine vacation home, so much so that Lerner quipped: “Someday, will I have to give it back?”
Lerner confessed to owning four vacuum cleaners, and that he would have no qualms about putting one of them to use outside if any stray leaves should lay fault on his pristine new landscape.
The living room opens up fully to the sky and seascape, urging toward the veranda. The continuous floor level and ceilings achieve an unrestrained flow between the outdoors and in. The natural landscape becomes glorious decor for the home, colouring its dissolved wall.
Extensive terraces around the modern house exterior create an exciting social space.
Ambient lighting highlights every nook.
The garden is home to plants native to the Atlantic Forest.
The house is designed to merge with its green landscape, to frame and be framed by surrounding nature. The aim is that over time the home will become more and more integrated into its location, until it almost vanishes.
An intimate wooden volume forms the top floor of the house, in a much smaller footprint than the entertaining space below.
The wooden cuboid holds the master bedroom suite, which includes a large closet, spa bathroom, and a home office.
There is a hot tub submerged in the floor of the wood-clad volume, where a tall door measuring almost 12 feet tall leads directly into the master bedroom.
When the tall door is closed, it just about disappears within the wood grain. Great wooden beams build the frame of an outdoor room around the hot tub and deck.
Raised high off the ground, the infinity pool pushes out into space. At night, Lerner is able to skinny dip in relative seclusion. “I wanted to find a place for privacy,” he said. “I live alone, and here I can be naked.”
The wooden bedroom suite overhangs the main entryway to the house. A massive stone wall shields the home from the public eye. Architect Arthur Casas raised the foundation so the house below is hidden from view.
The front door opens into the living room on the mid floor.
Maid and gardener’s apartments, plus a number of guest bedrooms, are spread out across ground level.
Natural surroundings are both embraced and reflected by the rugged house design.
Notions of inside and outside become blurred and irrelevant.
Even the front door design is straddled between ideas of barricade and invitation.
Huge sliding glass panels and a stretched glass balustrade pull ocean panorama into the living area. “I spend my whole time here,” says Lerner.
A large floating staircase zigzags up the home.
Glass panels on the other side of the living room open onto a courtyard .
A comfortable lounge chair and footstool are placed by the window to enjoy the scene and ventilation.
The interior of the home is decorated predominantly in white and light wood tone to achieve the desired clean aesthetic.
Brazilian designers, Rodrigo Calixto and Guilherme Sass, made the Catamarã chairs seated at the kitchen dining island. Each chair carries a $1,100 price tag.
At the dining table, PK9 chairs by Poul Kjaerholm from Fritz Hansen ring up at $6,439 each. Diesel Fork Grande Suspension Lamps from Foscarini top the dining table, priced at $1,055 per pendant.
An open sided staircase design leads to the master suite. Wooden treads push out from their stone wall mount, where a recessed handrail hides.
Perimeter lighting keeps the scheme soft and simple, and does not encroach on the wondrous view.
Hardwood cumaru flooring floods the home, a durable choice to withstand the elements.
White ceilings keep the stone build feeling light and free inside.
Outside the master bedroom, Sérgio Machado’s artistic interpretation of a procession of ants marches across the wall.
The white bedroom is cool and calm, with crisp linens from Restoration Hardware. A 19th-century French chest rests by the bed.
A bench at the foot of the bed also comes from Restoration Hardware. The chair is by São Paulo designer, Aristeu Pires.
The luxury bathroom seems to stretch for miles thanks to the clever positioning of a custom cut frameless mirror.
Ground floor plan.
First floor plan.
Second floor plan (Master suite).
Section drawing.
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
