Luxury homes are a great source of inspiration whether you’re looking for a new style to adopt or just want to stay on top of rising trends. These high-end interiors often feature at least a few ideas a budget conscious decorator can adapt or recreate. This post features three ultra-luxurious apartments in detail, all from different parts of the world - New York, Iran, and Beirut. Each sophisticated interior demonstrates a unique aesthetic fully influenced by the interests and personalities of the residents themselves, rather than following the lead of the design magazines alone.
Visualizer:Javier Wainstein
Our first luxury home is a concept for an apartment overlooking Central Park. Its strong Bauhaus themes contrast against a light and chic interior: natural materials, light textiles, utilitarian forms, and sharp angles come together to define a varied yet cohesive character within this stylish space.
Living room furniture includes Bauhaus-inspired pieces like the Brooklyn Chair by Jean-Marie Massaud, a contemporary answer to the iconic Barcelona design. The lounge and sofa are from the Kekke and Fedde collections from Piet Boon.
Three amazing modern chandeliers make an immediate impression. The piece in the foreground is by Brendan Ravenhill, the dining room light is from Workstead, and the far chandelier is from the Mimosa collection by Atelier Areti.
A visitor will never run out of charming details to explore, and every glance reveals something new. The intricate level of detail makes the space feel comfortable and appealing despite its refined styling.
Like the sofa, this side table is also from the Piet Boon collection – look for it under the name Klink.
More fabulous details! Note the famous Bauhaus chess set in the black-framed niche to the left. It’s an iconic and functional design, with each figure serving as a visual representation of the moves each piece can make, like the L-shaped knight and the X-shaped bishops.
Open and spacious, the dining room emphasizes its fabulous view of the park.
Seating comes by way of the iconic Wishbone chair, a 1944 design by Hans Wegner.
The cantilever theme works to create a sense of drama and movement, while light and classic forms offset the boldness of the artistic dining table.
Large framed artwork provides a strong focal point from almost any angle.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a view like that, especially from an interior as comfortable as this one?
The kitchen takes a different and more straightforward approach to luxury, delineated by a complete transition from wood and steel to marble and copper.
In a completely white-based space like this one, each metallic accent adds another layer of sophistication.
As with the other living areas, the light materials and clean lines offer the perfect frame for the Central Park view.
Stone, concrete, marble, brass, and white-painted exposed brick – the wide variety of materials seems to add a sense of layered complexity to create an aesthetic that leans just as much toward chic as it does luxury.
Glass, ceramics, and chrome serve as secondary accents.
Clever composition make it obvious that everything has its place – nothing is accidental. The result looks complete.
We’ll conclude our look at this first home with a quick peek at the bedroom. The paper note chandelier by Ingo Maurer is an especially cool idea, and wouldn’t be too difficult to recreate as a DIY project. Hang doodles, kid’s drawings, inspirational messages, meaningful notes, etc.
Architect:Tao Design| Designer:Azam Mohamed
The next luxury apartment is a penthouse for an art collector in Iran. The living room is swathed in organic materials and neutral natural tones, framed by a dramatic hallway in unforgettable black marble. This space also features a stunning view – some of the interior colors seem to echo the beach tones of the landscape.
A spacious seating area spans almost the entire living area, the sharp angles of the furniture reflected by the paneled artwork and matching modular table set.
Artwork lines the stunning dark hallway.
A large floor-to-ceiling sculpture swirls around the curvaceous purple daybed, illuminated from the floor by recessed lighting.
Black marble ties the formal dining room back into its surroundings. Above, spectacular lighting directs the eyes toward the table – the lights are from the Match series by Jordi Vilardell & Meritxell Vidal.
This bedroom makes good use of subdued yet strong materials to create a dark and inviting appeal.
Imagine enjoying a nice read near the fire, with feet nestled into the textural carpet. Glass, steel, wood, and concrete come together to form a distinctive industrial motif.
Now this is an inspiring and tasteful arrangement, and certainly fits the luxury motif – an espresso machine makes it possible to enjoy a delicious brew first thing in the morning, to be sipped near the bookshelf or perhaps while cuddled up in bed.
To complete the theme of rest and relaxation, the bathroom even goes so far as to include a waterfall that cascades from the sink into the soak tub.
Visualizer:I Max Studio
This tour of luxury ends with a gorgeous apartment in Beirut, defined by its contrast between classically inspired furniture and highly contemporary accessories. Built-in storage caters to the functional demands of a space as streamlined as this one, while the bold decorative elements serve as straightforward focal points.
Notice how the cabinetry and storage layout almost perfectly echoes the one used in the living room – a surefire way to unify the visual experience across the vast open living area.
A small social area occupies the space between the two main living areas, outlined by heavy marble. Its wooden floor offers a warmer and more comfortable aesthetic compared to the glossy tile on either side. The fabulously modern Lounge chairs are from the Tile collection by Jonas Søndergaard Nielsen.
This short home tour ends at the kitchen. A generous marble table could easily double as a kitchen island due to its convenient location.
Scandinavian influence has flourished in every element of design ranging from visual art and typography to architecture, of course, furniture and home decor. This post features 10 apartments that demonstrate the range and versatility of Scandinavian interiors - some offer the classic white and wood familiar from the Ikea magazines, while others tackle the broader definition of Nordic decor with bright colorful motifs. One of the best things about Scandinavian design is that almost anyone can integrate some of these classic looks within their own homes. We’re sure you’ll find inspiration to suit your own signature style.
Visualizer:Render Taxi
Our first interior starts with a concept for a renovation later completed by architects Anna & Eugeni Bach, visualized here by Render Taxi. It plays up the importance of light in Scandinavian design, but adds at least one striking modernistic twist: an amazing ceiling that weaves a narrative between the bright light and corresponding shadow.
The original tiles were recovered from the original restoration and later reconfigured in a series of distinctive stripes to outstanding effect.
Decorated with wood and white surfaces, the kitchen essentially personifies the most basic Scandinavian design ideals.
Visualizer:Duan
This next space is a little more colorful, and integrates plenty of natural themes. Bright color is always appreciated during long those Scandinavian winters so it makes sense to include as much life and vibrancy as possible.
Storage is always a must – smart storage helps to keep things uncluttered, and these built-in solutions look especially natural here.
This home is a great example to show that Nordic influence doesn’t require that everything come from Scandinavia. The mirror is from French designer Jacques Adnet, and the rightmost stools are by Fabio Bortolani.
Decoration remains simple, and relatable.
Beyond the adorable classical storage solutions is a fabulous accent wall decorated with oversized newspaper print.
The kitchen is efficient and homey, with spice jars and extra dishes displayed on open shelves as a way to add extra character.
Red and black make up a slightly more definitive color theme for the kitchen. The print on the rug shows up in many Nordic-inspired designs.
Visualizer:Duan
This next space shows a side of Scandinavian design that uses wood elements more sparingly. Even the floor is lighter and more subdued, and the color theme exhibits a bold but easygoing grayscale theme enhanced by colorful accents in carefully chosen places.
Here, you can get a good look at a few of the wooden accents used in the living room, including the legs of the open side table and the end of the sideboard cabinet in the back.
Up for a game? The unique chess set on the table is a famous design from the Bauhaus school. Each shape expresses the allowed range of motion for a beautiful example of functionality through design.
This casual overstuffed chair embodies “hygge” – the Scandinavian word that translates approximately to “cozy”.
Such a playful composition! The wooden dining chairs are a classic style all over the world, and the molded Eames chairs have worked their way into the global design lexicon as well.
Swedish designer Mattias Ståhlbom created the colorful series of E27 pendant lights pictured here. Notice how the cords route around and beneath the pop art prints hanging in the back.
Although many people conflate Scandinavian influence with minimalism, the two are not always synonymous. It’s always lovely to surround yourself with objects you love.
Visualizer:Duan
Yellow and blue accents give this playful apartment an exceptionally sunny and natural vibe. Classic furniture keeps things simple, and the bright geometric rug boosts the modernist effect. This space is defined by its charismatic decorations and smart storage solutions.
Taken together, it would be hard to not feel at home in a space such as this one.
So many lovely plants! Scandinavian winters aren’t completely bare, but coming home to a house full of thriving greenery will always lift the mood.
Taxidermy doesn’t always fit well into modern homes, but it does bring to mind the hunting traditions of the north – the wonderful 3D deer head to the left offers a cool updated approach.
Colorful concrete and wire mesh pendant lamps seem to defy gravity. These are from the Pot-Purri line by 3 Dots Collective.
Check out the multi-tiered herb garden and the delicately painting nesting tables! Both designs help save a little space for a cleaner aesthetic.
Bright, white, and classic – the bedroom is simple yet full of personality, warmed up with layers of gray fabric.
Fun animal inspired artwork joins another indoor garden on the distinctive shelving system.
Two additional concrete lamps hang above each bedside table. These feature vivid orange cords to match the single colorful bedside table.
Visualizer:Duan
While this interior doesn’t follow the magazine-pristine version of interior design known from the magazines, it does certainly seem to bring to mind the smell of pine and the feeling of a brisk springtime breeze. The transparent glass coffee table almost looks like a chip of ice – but the furniture itself is cozy as can be.
Strong textures beckon visitors to wrap up in a blanket and enjoy good conversation. Cable knit, shag, and bold fabric weaves reveal themselves in layers for maximum effect.
Vintage crates and rebar shelves demonstrate a break from the minimalistic storage solutions we’re all so used to seeing. There’s always a place for both styles.
White exposed brick and heavy wooden furniture provides a nice contrast to the minimalistic surfaces implemented to the right.
A peek out the window reveals a palm tree and a coastal view – Scandinavian design influence has truly established itself anywhere good design thrives.
Visualizer:Duan
Opening with a dramatic portrait of John Lennon, this interior definitely takes the classic all-white-and-wood approach familiar to Nordic design fans. It’s chic and minimalistic, without ever feeling too cold thanks to the wooden elements and layered textiles.
Exposed brick also works wonders to warm the room.
The Flag Halyard Chair is the work of Hans Wegner, perhaps one of the most renowned names in Scandinavian design. The pelt is a must-have element to soften the effect of the metal and rope. Here it serves as a beautiful lounge chair .
Chipped and grizzled, the cinder block wall adds an incomparable touch of character to an already incredible interior.
These stylish removable dining chair covers keep the seating fresh and clean all year round.
Although the zebra print and unique kitchen pendant lights offer a distinctive aesthetic, the combination of layered materials is worth study as well.
Designer:Koj Design| Visualizer:Koj Design
Welcome to the colorful side of Scandinavian design! This space packs a bright and vibrant punch, quite different from the sterile all-white spaces touted by magazines. This interior is bursting with energy and color, expressing the personality of the resident at every turn.
Nautical themes rule this aesthetic, with prints of sea creatures and anchors and more. The unfinished wood furniture is almost reminiscent of driftwood.
Molded wood furniture makes its appearance in nearly every Nordic-styled home. The chair to the left is an iconic design by Eames.
The cantilever lamp to the left is the work of designer Paolo Rizzatto.
Here’s a wonderful view of a selection of nautical decor that brings life to the open living area.
Bold and vivid! The kitchen is dripping with oceanic blue, reflected by the glossy appliances used throughout.
It would be hard to forget spending time with friends in a kitchen as distinctive as this one.
The lightest of blues pairs with golden yellow to create a bedroom aesthetic worth waking up to.
The classic Acapulco chair is beloved in Scandinavia and elsewhere. It can function as a modern outdoor chair as well. The small side table is a design straight from Demark, by the very talented Thomas Bentzen. A Serge Mouille floor reading lamp gives company to the reading chair .
No matter where you live, a home isn’t a home without plenty of love. The neat arrangement of framed prints centers the bed.
This bedroom also makes good use of framed prints above the bed to compensate for the slightly off-center placement.
The birdhouse theme is exceptionally adorable.
Here, you’ll notice that the decorative birdhouse to the right is actually a convenient lamp to illuminate the work desk and cozy reading niche near the window.
As always, storage plays a crucial role behind the scenes.
Geometric themes dominate this ultra-modernist bathroom.
The few hints of color come from wooden elements, potted plants, and a few spare pieces of decorative ceramic.
Two-toned walls echo the grayscale tiles.
Architect:Kevin
This cheerful home contains an open living space with one small bedroom and one bathroom – but these spaces host an abundance of personality between them. Robin’s egg blue makes up the primary accent color with splashes of verdant green drawing attention toward the light sources.
Eclectic furniture takes on a definite sense of Scandinavian influence, from the low-profile credenza to the wooden pendant lamp.
Of course, bright magenta flowers help to brighten the space too.
Rich fabrics provide the necessary sense of warmth needed to brave a long winter.
Black and white isn’t an entirely typical theme for Nordic-inspired homes, but it certainly works well here.
Cute! Classic entertainment and traditional cookware adds unmatched personality.
The shadow-effect side tables to the right are the work of Ukrainian designer Dmitry Kozinenko.
Wood, layered textiles, and plenty of sunlight – the bedroom gets back to the quintessential Scandinavian aesthetic.
Visualizer:ReFL Studio
Have you ever wondered what Bauhaus-meets-Nordic design would look like? Now you have your answer – this home is simple and refined, but contains a touch of rugged industrial influence hard to find anywhere else. Color accents are subtle and diverse but tend toward blue and yellow overall.
Smeg refrigerators show up in so many Scandinavian-inspired interior designs, it’s easy to forget they were designed Italy. They seem to fit the Nordic aesthetic so well.
A lovely mixture of chairs demonstrates a variety of design styles.
In the kitchen, lovingly distressed tiles and a natural wood countertop balance the white minimalistic surfaces. The pendant is the Foscarini “Rock” light, made in collaboration with the Diesel fashion brand.
Architect:N-Gon Archviz
This lovely home a concept for the “Cabin in the Woods” project, visualized here by N-Gon Archviz. Furniture choices include Scandinavian classics in addition to modern offerings, with plenty of fun decor and distinctive materials to keep a visitor enchanted for days.
It’s rare to see a Scandinavian home visualized at night even though the daylight hours are exceptionally short that far north. Night visualizations offer a wonderful opportunity to see the true effect of the interior lighting.
Smooth Coco Flip pendants cast light on the wooden dining set. Note the flat-pack moose head to the left – so perfect!
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
