Scandinavian style interior design is best known for its simplistic nature and monochrome look, but it’s high time for a little colour and shape. New muted colour mixes add a sense of sophistication and warmth to the minimalistic Scandi aesthetic we’ve all come to recognise and appreciate. Think russet tones, dusky coral, mellow light ochre, inky blues and sage green and you’ll be headed down the right track. This selection of three inspirational home interiors use muted moderns and bold shapes to set crisp yet cosy living scenes. Surrounding white spaces and wood tone bring balance, light and a sense of calm.
Designer:Elena Kisenko & Sergey Semkin| Visualizer:Sergey Semkin
Inspirational interior number one benefits from an abundance of natural light through dual aspect windows. Interior light comes from a recessed ceiling design and a black swing arm wall lamp in the lounge, plus plain white pendant lights above the dining area. The room is primarily a pale neutral scheme but receives a punch of colour via an area rug with solid geometric sections of dusky coral, yellow ochre and navy blue.
Behind the sofa, a sweeping semi-circular mirror is fixed against the edge of a dividing wall. The mirror position combined with the reflection within it creates an optical illusion of a cut away–almost like a giant bite has been taken out of the wall. The mirror is backlit with white LEDs to add more emphasis.
have an almost burgundy sheen beside a basic black u-shaped kitchen arrangement. A selection of white wall cabinets and white marble floor tiles contrast with the dark base units. A black kitchen faucet stands out against a white tile splashback. Wooden ceiling slats bring visual warmth and neatly disguise lighting beams.
The kids room is like an early spring day, with a cloudy grey sky and a little sunshine breaking through.
A Mr Fox rug adds a little whimsy to the floor area.
Shapes are introduced into this room scheme as a set of three little wall shelves. Swiss cross drawer handles in yellow decorate white closets. Two yellow accent drawers and shelves mark out the child’s desk area, which has a punchy cobalt blue kid’s chair .
Wall hooks are provided in the shape of tree wall decor.
The master bedroom is a less colourful affair, where a large amount of wood tone is used to complement a quietly rich brown and deep blue scheme. Pleasing shape has been added as an asymmetrical headboard here, which overlaps a wide floor to ceiling mirror. A slender floor lamp provides reading light at one side of the bed.
A yellow bathroom faucet breaks a monochrome colour scheme.
A recessed shower shelf has been finished in yellow to match the vanity faucet.
The home entryway stands separately in a colour all of its own.
Designer:Zrobym
A blast of blue cuts through our second shapely interior, across a marshmallow-like cushioned couch. Traditional wainscott has been interrupted with a recessed section of blue to add modern flair.
An elliptical side table has a dual section tray top.
Another ellipse makes up the handles of the TV console unit.
Mirrors are used to increase the sense of space and light.
A modern settee provides seating on the other side of the room.
The rich brown shade of an upright piano plays harmoniously with the blue upholstery of the nearby sofa. The hues are echoed in a classic carpet.
This split concept shows the possibilities of matching the kitchen to the hue of the blue sofa, or swapping out the sofa for a grey version and installing a brown kitchen to match the piano.
This double workspace area sees the return of the ellipse shape present in the lounge. This time ellipses and circles create a floating piece of art that connects wall shelves together. Two dark swivel chairs add base notes to the light wooden setup.
A circular lighting feature hovers above the centre of two built-in kids’ beds . A russet brown storage unit stands on the walkway of the bespoke bedroom furniture, with more storage space created within the unique bed base itself.
Deeply curvaceous coving crowns the walls.
White door handles camouflage against white interior doors.
Designer:Zrobym
Our last home is located in Minsk, Belarus, with contrasting colours and shape set over a floor area of 92.6 square metres. We’re immediately met with a sage green kitchen and a solid yellow ochre sofa in an open plan living room.
An ottoman coffee table stands in matching mellow ochre, and a TV console unit in green.
Circular artwork decorates the dining room wall with a pop of coral.
Geometric tile makes the kitchen backsplash.
Yellow ochre seating has been set into the hallway.
A floating shelf extrudes from an enormous hallway mirror.
Humorous artwork adorns the walls.
A kid’s room has the yellow and green palette carried through it.
In this home the rugs are kept completely neutral in order to blend with a wooden herringbone floor.
This slate grey bedroom is made cosy with plump cushions and a chunky cable-knit throw.
Bedside shelves are built right into the sides of the surrounding closets.
Two brown chairs sit at a window shelf that can be utilised for study or as a vanity.
A dusky vanity unit brings muted colour to a monochrome bathroom.
Diamond set tiles create an unusual zigzagged edge beneath a round decorative wall mirror .
A peachy cloakroom concludes the muted colour tour.
Arts Décoratifs, or Art Deco as it is better known, is an aesthetic that first appeared in France a short while before World War I and quickly went international. It combined fine craftsmanship, rare and expensive materials and modernist styles. The style petered out with the start of World War II but when it flourished it represented glamour, luxury and progress. Today, we’re lucky in that we still get to appreciate pieces from this era. Take this flat designed by Anna Smardz of Marmur Studio for instance, located in Wroclaw, Poland. The 55m2 interior has simple decor that revolves around original Polish art-deco furnishing, letting the exuberant pieces shine.
The people of Poland embraced the Art Deco style as it emerged, and joined the design movement with gusto. In order to allow beautiful original Polish art-deco furniture to be the stand-out feature in this modern home, the walls, doors, window frames and bookcases have been finished plainly in the same shade of white RAL9016. If you love the look of a lounge with a stacked home library like this, be sure to check out these other book lover’s living rooms too.
Double doors lead out onto a balcony, the expanse of glass pours natural light into the reading room.
A scattering of indoor plants soak up the sunrays and bring life to the white and wood interior.
To one side of the sofa, a Polish art deco cupboard stands in stunning figured Walnut. The other side is flanked by a walnut deco side table. Decorating with antique furniture presents an opportunity to step away from the trends pushed by high street interior decoration stores and glossy magazines. Original pieces bring their own history, life story, personality, and create a talking point in the home.
Double doors with a wooden paneled bifold design give the entrance to the room a quiet sense of grandeur.
A deco plate and coffee mugs sit on a central wooden coffee table .
The tube light ceiling pendant breaks away from the classic style.
A contemporary countertop on metal framework creates a surface above an original Décoratifs sideboard. Simple planters occupy the counter, which runs the length of the living room TV wall.
Honey-toned wood herringbone floor runs throughout the white flat.
Blue chairs surround a rich wooden art deco dining table in the kitchen.
The kitchen is comprised of simplistic white units with stainless steel fixtures, fittings and appliances. A large window makes this a bright and welcoming space in which to cook a meal or to sit and eat.
Nestled into the corner of the kitchen by the window, two cuboid units are wall mounted one atop the other with a short gap in between. The gap is used as a shelf on which to store and display glass water carafes and a ceramic sauce boat.
A stylish dining room pendant light is suspended over the table. A large blue spot is painted on the wall behind to complement the blue seat cushions of the dining chairs.
The table has a living centrepiece to add to the thriving collection of indoor plants in the home.
An ice white kitchen extractor matches a white built-in oven. The cool combination helps the kitchen appear clean, crisp and cohesive. The white wall cabinets have been double banked up to the high ceiling to provide extra storage space in the flat.
A menagerie of kitchen equipment jostles for space in the corner of the kitchen counter.
On the wall adjacent to the double banked wall cabinets, a slimline cabinet occupies horizontal wall space. The white glass fronted cabinet also doubles as an open shelf on which to display kitchen utensils, attractive glass jars of dried foods and decorative salt and pepper dispensers.
Between the hob and the sink, a white indoor herb planter and a pestle and mortar neatly adorn the short worksurface.
A rattan laundry basket creates a stylish spot in which to store blankets.
Art deco exuberance continues in the bedroom.
The rattan shade of the bedroom pendant light is distinctly not Art Deco style but instead follows the simplicity of more contemporary pieces in the home. You can get a similar woven style pendant here . A natural burlap curtain follows suit with the downplayed light shade.
Two individual Polish art deco wardrobes span the width of the longest bedroom wall. In a break from the white decor found in the rest of the home, and indeed the rest of the bedroom, the closet wall is painted a startling shade of lime green. The surprising feature wall is doubled in the reflection of a large mirror.
A small gallery wall has been arranged by a deco bedside table.
On the opposite bedside, a copper desk lamp is on hand for reading at night. More wall art and a decorative wall mirror dress the space over the headboard.
A copper planter matches the lamp.
An industrial style ceiling light plays up to exposed pipework in the bathroom. The bathroom basin is individually wall mounted without a vanity. However, a shelf runs above it to hold all of the essential toiletries to hand. A chrome faucet extends from the wall tile, matching a chrome bottle trap and toilet flush plate.
A full length mirror hangs in the narrow hallway. Its large size increases the sense of space and reflects the light.
Gorgeous art deco crafting sings out from the very smallest detail, in the shape of a gloriously decorative door handle with a covered lock.
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
