apartments are a set of chic, upmarket dwellings set within a curvaceous, art deco infused development in Melbourne, Australia. Here, we’ll be looking at the sophisticated design that shapes the interiors of these extraordinary apartments, and some of the subtle style variations between them. These high-end interiors are fashioned to be modern yet timeless, functional yet attractive, to complement the special character of the building’s heritage facade. Deep, muted colour enriches a material palette of natural wood, cool stone and metals to create a polished scheme. Walk-in wardrobes and beautiful bathroom designs build layers of luxe, whilst unique contemporary furniture issues captivating lines and pronounced plush comfort.
As we enter into the main living space of this apartment, an attention grabbing jade green tufted sofa sets the tone for unique modern luxury. A contemporary fireplace flames across a luxe marble hearth. Chunky marble shelves extend the aesthetic in a vertical column. Twin lounge chairs establish a unique, designer presence.
In this alternative Carlile apartment layout, we see the tufted sofa moved to a more centralised position, which leaves space for a contemporary floor lamp by the run of floor-to-ceiling windows. This time the fireplace is contained within an attractive partition wall. A wide area rug connects the plush L-shaped sofa arrangement to the glow of the fire.
A much boxier contemporary sofa design pulls up to this apartment’s modern fireplace , which flickers within a glass fireplace screen . The outer edges of the deep stone hearth are utilised as bookshelves here, whilst sleek wood effect panels texture the wall above.
A black marble coffee table complements the texture of the marble fireplace feature and built-in shelves. A clear glass vase and coffee table books provide a simple, understated centrepiece.
The open concept lounge flows spaciously into a chic formal dining area that’s comfortably equipped for up to eight dinner guests, and on into a large kitchen with a dining island.
The luxury kitchen island ties in with the rest of the marble elements across the open plan living room design to create elegant cohesion. Walnut veneer kitchen tower units build a warm backdrop for the cool grey stone island, whilst a centre column of moody grey upper cabinets and a coordinating grey backsplash establish a tonal link.
Gold frame kitchen stools add warm lustre in front of the monolithic grey kitchen island, whilst their smoky upholstery complements the stone’s dramatic dark vein.
Well placed pieces of art add pulses of rich colour to the refined decor scheme, used here to draw attention to a well stocked bar cart between the kitchen and lounge spaces. Open kitchen shelving gives depth to this kitchen installation, and an opportunity to display special flatware, drinking glasses and decorative items.
Some of the apartments feature a full home bar, accessed through glass doors from the lounge.
A stylish armchair and a small coffee table fashion a comfy spot to relax with a strong drink, whilst enjoying the city view.
A blue upholstered bed adds a spot of uplifting colour to the neutral bedroom scheme. A glass modern wall sconce illuminates each bedside drawer unit, whilst the contemporary fireplace adds cosy illumination from between two large windows.
In the library, a flip down desk provides a comfortable area for a spot of work. A plum pouf makes a tidy replacement for a full sized desk chair.
Inside the walk-in wardrobe, a cognac vanity chair pulls up at a built-in dressing table. A large vanity mirror reflects light into the recessed nook.
Fully fitted closet systems make thorough use of the wardrobe space.
A marble encased bathtub is the hero piece of the luxurious bathroom design. The tub reclines underneath a large window with a relaxing view. Contrasting vertical tiles clad a curvaceous feature wall around the head of the tub, which is highlighted under slender bathroom pendant lights.
A toiletries shelf splits the marble double sink bathroom vanity . Brass faucets add a warm metallic accent.
The occupants of the deluxe Carlile Armadale apartments have access to a covered parking garage.
Sliding glass doors open up the main living spaces to private terraces and al fresco eating areas. Low maintenance flowering plants and trees greenly trim the outdoor extension of living space.
This wonderful stone outdoor dining table with dining bench and chairs combo continues the meld of modernism and heritage out on the terrace.
A black sunlounger makes a tempting reading area, or a spot for contemplation looking out over the city and Malvern Public Gardens.
The space between two attractive and functional heritage buildings forms the discrete, vine draped pedestrian entrance to the Carlile apartments above.
The development grows from a street of bustling cafes, takeaways, restaurants, bakeries and bars, plus a range of local and international boutiques that offer diverse shopping on the doorstep. The property has its own open aspect cafe courtyard, which creates a street presence in connection with the surrounding establishments.
A communal swimming pool stretches out alongside the building.
The mixture of deciduous & evergreen plants, and the landscape character of The Carlile, Armadale, works to gently meld the building with the surrounding locale and heritage. It was essential that the apartment interiors too would honour the history and calibre of Armadale, Melbourne, whilst aligning with the area’s evolution into contemporary design.
A unique segmented layout defines this wonderful Japanese home, belonging to a couple and their three children near the city centre of Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Designed by Hayato Komatsu Architects , the rooms of this unique modern house are sectioned into boxes around the boundary of the site. Glass corridors link the volumes whilst taking in the green beauty of a large and serene central courtyard, as well as multiple smaller yards between. The design was shaped in order to realise all of the client’s desires without completely overwhelming the scale of the 807.03 square metre plot and the surrounding residential environment. The result is a space with a sense of unity and deep connectedness with nature.
A steel cased entry door awaits at the end of a short pathway that leads into the property, just off the main road. The modern door is matched by a frame of steel cased windows that increase its scale and sense of grandeur.
The primary front entrance door for guests is hosted within wood slatted casing, which extends up to the roofline to increase its warm and textural effect. The home’s cool grey exterior creates tonal contrast that pushes the eye toward the welcoming entryway.
Glass roof panels let the blue sky into connective hallways that link each volume of the unique home design. Glass walls open the hallways up to the courtyards that flourish on either side.
Once through the narrow glazed corridor, an enormous living space opens up with towering ceilings. Huge windows bring natural light flooding in over the rich wood tone and grey brick interior. Bespoke bookshelves stack decor all the way to the roof.
The split level living room places a small, casual dining area in the lower half of the layout, whilst a plush lounge takes pride of place up top. A chic modern L-shaped sofa divides the upper floor plan between the lounge layout and a formal dining area at the back.
A rectangle coffee table is situated at the centre of an understated grey area rug , which balances out the grey tiled floor treatment in the minor dining space below.
A bistro pedestal table sets the secondary dining space up as a spot for tea and light snacks.
Three steps down gives the area a cosy, intimate feel, which is amplified by the presence of a wood burning fireplace.
Surrounding courtyard views bring nature rushing into the airy living space.
An outdoor lounge chair reclines in the welcoming courtyard design . A seamless installation of wood ceiling panels flow from inside the living room to the shady overhang outside.
By night, the courtyards are lit to maintain the magical panorama.
The L-shaped volume pushes the kitchen arrangement a little around the corner from the lounge, giving it an unobstructed view of the lush courtyard.
A breakfast bar backs onto the next connective corridor of floor to ceiling glass. Three kitchen bar stools let the children contribute to dinner prep.
Wide expanses of glass create the feeling of walking outdoors.
Back at the formal dining area, woven dining chairs introduce a light accent into the rich brown and dark grey decor scheme. The frosted dining room pendant lights are IC S style pendant lights . The original iC S was designed by Michael Anastassiades for Flos.
A stone walkway in the fashion of a garden pathway has been implemented inside the house, to rebalance an area where outdoor views are lacking.
Inside the master bedroom, a slender floor-to-ceiling side window and a clerestory window ensure privacy. Furniture is kept to minimum, with only a platform bed, bedside table, a desk and an IC F 2 style floor lamp . The original IC F 2 was designed by Michael Anastassiades for Flos.
A home library is tucked away in seclusion.
The library doubles as a music appreciation room, with stacks of CDs and a sound system.
Shoji doors add traditional Japanese elegance.
The doors pocket into a deep wooden frame.
Even the bathroom gets its glimpse of a courtyard.
The yard by the bathtub is elevated to enhance the view.
Exposed wooden ceiling beams add bold visual interest.
Authentic tatami mats dress the floor.
The materials palette remains cohesive throughout the home.
Graceful shrubs soften the fortress-like home exterior.
Wood slatted panels screen the connective walkways.
Rock borders feather out the paved driveway, leading into green undergrowth and trees that provide just a small taste of the natural connections that hug the rest of the household.
Exterior lighting softly illuminates the plants and the welcoming front entry door.
The secondary entry door is gently obscured by small trees.
The central courtyard gives the segmented residence an overall sense of unity.
With the windows opened, gentle winds breeze through interior spaces to ignite the senses with an exterior soundtrack of whispering leaves and bird song, and scents of earth, blossoms and blooms.
Each courtyard differs in scale, sunlight and height, creating different experiences as one moves through the house.
The 807.03 square metre site holds a 444.59 square metre build area, resulting in a total floor area of 471.24 square metres. A parking garage holds up to four cars at the front of the property.
The final layout of the rooms was decided upon by imagining a plethora of everyday situations and probable future lifestyle changes.
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
