A high contrast black and white decor theme is exceedingly versatile. Black and white interiors can be crafted to become light and simple spaces, or plunge dark dramatic depths. Indeed, these three home tours each deliver inspiration from entirely different takes on the monochrome theme. Tour one is a minimalist space empowered by heavy black statement walls and dark furniture pieces, whilst our second featured home is an ethereal white living space that is only lightly peppered by the black decor element. Our final monochrome home tour equally straddles both ends of the contrasting black and white decor spectrum, with natural timber components included to build a modern rustic warmth and added texture.
Visualizer:Alexandra Kostyuchkova
Going heavy on black notes, our first monochrome interior is a powerful setting for modern furniture pieces and an open plan layout. A flexible modular sofa provides seating for two sections of the living space, facing both into the television area and toward the fireplace on the other side of the room.
The low level modern coffee table has metal trims to complement a silver grey rug design.
The fireplace nook is a compact, cosy layout with minimalist aesthetics. The floating fireplace is suspended above a hearth that wraps the corner of the room to build a completely bespoke look. A black Wireflow 3-D LED Square Pendant stands out starkly against an all white backdrop.
Plasterboard has been applied along the midline of the walls over black brickwork. White window blinds continue the seamless midline flow, along with colour coordinated interior doors.
The visible black brickwork makes bold borders around the ceiling and baseline of the room.
Abstract line art brings a pop of white to the living room’s black statement wall, where a ribbon of LED light spills down the brick texture.
A shining gold KAWS Companion stands in pride of place on the TV wall’s sleek black media unit.
The wall art reflects in the glass fireplace screen of the asymmetrically positioned modern fireplace . Cut logs stack tidily on the separated hearth beneath.
Side tables have been decorated with unique planters , which show black soil through their clear glass sides.
The side tables are cleverly positioned to work double time for both the fireplace nook and the TV facing sofa. The TV wall doubles as a room divider between the lounge and the hallway of the home.
Even the coffee table book is themed black and white.
Over in the dining area, a ceiling hugging light fixture mirrors the circular outline of a pedestal dining table .
The black and white dining room leads directly onto an open plan kitchen.
Curved-back modern dining chairs smoothly hug the outline of the rounded table.
A smoky decorative vase and stylish fruit bowl make a tidy centrepiece.
decor is split in dramatic two-tone.
Monochrome kitchen accessories take the colour theme into the smallest details.
A home workspace slots into a private niche around the corner from the kitchen. Black walls cocoon the built-in desk.
An attractive wooden border tucks away an LED strip, which negates the need for a space consuming desk lamp in the shadowy nook.
Designer:Shexia Space Design
Our second featured home contains another decidedly minimalist interior, but this time with a much more ethereal aesthetic through an all white living room . The designer reflects, “When the spiritual world is rich enough, the material desires in the world will become light, and turn into the ultimate pure. Put aside the form and the complicated and trivial foreign objects, and bathe in the crystal clear stream of consciousness.”
White materials bounce natural sunlight brightly throughout the minimalist living room .
Black and white fish swim through a large aquarium.
Interspersed black accent pieces disrupt the all encompassing whiteness of the scheme, occurring as a unique lounge chair in the living room and a luxe black marble table in the dining room. A black linear chandelier complements the table’s colourway and accentuates its long length.
A casual dining area is connected to the end of the kitchen island, with additional seating added to the island itself.
Gold kitchen bar stools elevate the luxurious finish of the glossy white marble kitchen island .
A second sitting room offers another beautiful green view.
An arc floor lamp drives the visual flow to the centre of the room, where a sectional sofa is split into an almost sculptural formation.
The bedroom is a blissfully peaceful space that’s embraced by a low level shelf around the perimeter.
In the white bathroom, a small side table adds just a touch of marble by the bathtub .
White plinths display intriguing sculpture.
Designer:Dubrovska Studio| Visualizer:Tamara Batsmanova
Our third design is a 100 square metre apartment in Kiev, Ukraine. Natural timber elements have been introduced to thread warmth through black and white elements, adding a hint of rustic charm. A layered look cancels out minimalism in this home. A pair of grey rugs overlap to fill out the lounge area and double the softness underfoot.
A black and white kitchen design stamps a pixelated outline behind the lounge.
Open sided shelves build a see-through divide across the home entryway.
Timber planks style a rustic TV wall.
A wooden worktop splits the black and white kitchen island, forming a breakfast bar on one side.
Under-cabinet lighting illuminates a contemporary chrome and black kitchen mixer tap.
Inside the master suite, the platform bed is a soft winged design that comfortingly envelops the sleeper.
Floor lamps have been used to reach high over the winged headboard.
A column bookcase and slimline media unit make up a crisp linear TV wall.
Dark shelves are backlit inside the walk in wardrobe , making light work of clothes selection.
Whilst red and blue aren’t exact opposites on the colour wheel, they’re pretty close to it. This clashing quality can make the two brights seem daunting to work with together, but simple white borders will balance out and tame the bold combo. The resulting fresh contrast evokes an energised and cheerful character in the room, which brings great warmth along with it. To avoid over-saturating blank space with colourful elements, break up cold expanses with a thread of neutral blonde wood or smooth golden accents. We’ve gathered together three expertly executed interiors that illustrate how to get this balance just right, whether your home style is compact minimalist, artistic chic, or sophisticated elegance.
Visualizer:Artem Alekseev
In Saint-Petersburg, Russia, this red and blue one bedroom apartment interior was designed for young female homeowner. A set of nesting coffee tables bring in the first bright blast of red, which creates a hot clash against a deep blue sofa design. A black floor lamp adds stark contrast to the white wainscot wall.
A white kitchen continues the room’s colourless border, so that the red and blue elements remain the stars of this minimalist show.
The wall mounted TVs set camouflages into a background of basic black.
Built-in storage disappears into the white wall treatment.
A white dining room pendant light gains attention with a heavily textured shade.
Perimeter lights accentuate the decorative molding across the living room wall.
The round pedestal dining table brings a wood tone element into the scheme. Wooden dining chairs are topped with cheerful red cushions.
A white modern fruit bowl cleanly continues the line of the white table stem.
A colour coordinated faucet and integrated oven quietly blend with the one wall white kitchen . The oven’s red electronic display takes the colour theme down to the tiniest detail.
The end of the kitchen cabinet run is faced with a custom cut full length mirror, set inside a bold black frame.
A black framed entryway hall tree bench occupies the opposite side of the small home entryway.
A striking cherry red entry door inside a colour matched frame dominates the entryway niche.
Directly opposite the front door, a dash of red stripes between closet doors, hinting at the colour scheme that continues inside the home.
Black door hardware and light switches interrupt the ice white paintwork.
A terrazzo headboard brings a flurry of colour to the white bedroom. Black modern wall sconces mingle with the coloured chips at each side of the headboard, where they illuminate small black bedside tables .
Minimalistic handle-free plain white wardrobes make no fanfare by the bed.
Over on the bedroom TV wall, a slimline drawer unit doubles as both a media shelf and a dressing table.
Inside the bathroom, a white vertical radiator, wall hung toilet and modern flush plate all sink into a colourless background.
A dark terrazzo floor treatment and light terrazzo shower wall bring life to the party.
Shelving nooks have been tucked into the side of the cistern wall that forms part of the shower frame. This clever use of the void also keeps toiletries tidily out of sight from the main bathroom area.
An attention demanding red vanity unit lords over the bathroom.
Terrazzo tiles form an enlivened backsplash.
Visualizer:Alexandru Ionita & Traian Dumbrava
This chic apartment is filled with artistic statements, wrapped in a riot of red and blue.
The unique accent rug is fashioned like a translucent colour overlay, which brings a tonal pop of red to the lounge.
Sculptural blue accent chairs sit brightly on the red base note.
A rounded rectangle coffee table complements the smooth outline of the unusual lounge chairs.
A large red pendant light hovers above the loud lounge design.
The open plan room bends around at a right angle, where a long white dining island leads into the kitchen. Two blue window frames contribute the color element, whilst natural timber chairs warm through the expanse of white tile.
A wood frame and white tile bench reclines beneath a blue sided modern staircase design.
Dark cabinets balance out the stark white kitchen decor.
Visualizer:Warrior CGI
Our last tour is a sophisticated scheme with elegant modern furniture. This time, a cool grey canvas has been employed to disrupt the red and blue elements in place of basic white.
A unique coffee table scrolls a golden element into the centre of the spacious living room.
A matching gold sculptural side table lustres beneath an elegant floor lamp .
At the back of the open plan living room, a baseline of gold cabinets draws across the kitchen.
A collection of ruby red dining chairs is disrupted by one solitary sapphire counterpart.
Floor to ceiling balcony doors spill natural light over the colourful luxury dining room . The sunlight passes through clear perspex legs on the long rectangular table.
A modern dining room chandelier sends great loops of light down the table’s length, and adds another touch of gold to the luxe room scheme.
A neat contemporary fireplace flickers on the lounge wall, burning as bright as the red lounge chairs beside it. Glossy black and a gold carafes shine on the golden kitchen countertop.
A bridging benchtop connects two separate volumes of kitchen cabinets, one with the kitchen sink set in and the other with the cooktop. An eye-catching gold chimney extractor descends upon the hob.
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
