Bali is no stranger to breathtaking villas—but Villa Santina takes it to a whole other level. This tropical retreat is nestled amidst lush greenery. It brings together bohemian charm and modern minimalism, creating a space that’s luxurious. From the sunlit open-plan kitchen to the serene outdoor poolside, Villa Santina embodies the essence of laid-back island living. Let’s walk through this boho retreat, photographed by Danang Seta .
The Villa Santina features an open-plan (and airy) living room, dining area, and kitchen. The kitchen features a white central island with four wooden bar stools. The even number adds a traditional touch to the space. The wicker pendant lights create a statement while also illuminating the area.
In the center, the dining table is made from natural wood, and topped with another rattan pendant light. The black metallic legs of the table factor in luxury. The table runner is woven and features colors inspired by the seaside: blues, beiges, and golds. Behind the table is a staircase, under which we see an assortment of gravel and tropical plants.
A wooden slat partition segregates the dining area from the living room. In the living space, a neutral sectional sofa sits low to the floor. This adds an airy vibe while providing functionality. A bold-colored rug sets just the right bohemian base, while the organic wooden coffee table brings in nature.
From every space in the open floor plan, large windows and glass doors give boosting views of the great outdoors.
The bedroom in Villa Santina is a bohemian oasis. The bed is minimalist with a slat wooden headboard. It is flanked by natural pendant lights. Large potted plants and a colorful rug bring in a relaxed vibe. The focal point is the freestanding bathtub, offering views of the outdoors as the residents enjoy a soak. We love the workstation with the abstract-realistic artwork.
The bathroom is minimalist, featuring a double vanity and matte black hardware. Recessed shelving provides room to store essentials, while the double showerheads make sure everyone gets their own space to shower. A countertop potted plant and wooden elements make the bathroom feel as boho as it gets.
Villa Santini is as stunning outdoors as it is indoors. There’s an open and airy vibe, dominated by large tropical plants. A pool is lit by LED lights during the night. Next to it are four chaise lounges, making sure residents can have a comfortable yet enjoyable time outdoors.
In a world where change is the only constant, the way we live is evolving faster than ever. Gone are the days when people spent decades in the same home, surrounded by the same furniture. Today, more and more of us are embracing transient lifestyles—whether it’s for career opportunities, personal growth, or simply the thrill of exploring new places. This shift has given rise to a new design philosophy: nomadic furniture. Modular, portable, and adaptable, these pieces are redefining what it means to create a home, no matter where life takes you.
What Is Nomadic Design?
Nomadic design is all about adaptability. It’s furniture and decor that can easily be moved, reconfigured, or repurposed to suit different spaces and needs. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of home design—versatile, compact, and ready for anything. This approach isn’t just practical; it’s also a reflection of a broader cultural shift toward minimalism and intentional living.
At its core, nomadic design is about creating a home that can evolve with you. It’s about investing in pieces that are as comfortable in a studio apartment as they are in a sprawling suburban house. It’s about embracing the idea that home isn’t a place—it’s a feeling.
Portable Furniture: Lightweight and Compact
Visualizer:Maxim Shpinkov
Another key aspect of nomadic design is portability. When you’re moving often, the last thing you want is a bulky, heavy piece of furniture that’s a pain to transport. Portable furniture is designed to be lightweight and easy to move, often with features like foldable legs, collapsible frames, or built-in handles.
Consider the humble folding table. It’s a staple of nomadic living because it’s so versatile. Need a dining table? A desk? A workspace for a DIY project? A folding table can do it all. And when you’re done, it can be tucked away in a closet or under a bed, taking up minimal space.
Portable furniture isn’t just practical—it’s also stylish. Designers are increasingly creating pieces that are as beautiful as they are functional. Take, for example, the Pli Side Table by designer Merve Kahraman. Made from lightweight aluminum, it folds flat for easy transport but opens into a sleek, modern side table. It’s the perfect blend of form and function.
Multi-Functional Pieces: Doing More with Less
Visualizer:Dương Phan
In a nomadic lifestyle, space is often at a premium. That’s why multi-functional furniture is such a big part of nomadic design. These are pieces that serve more than one purpose, helping you make the most of every square foot.
A classic example is the Murphy bed, which folds up into the wall when not in use, freeing up floor space for other activities. But multi-functional furniture goes far beyond that. There are coffee tables that transform into dining tables, ottomans with hidden storage, and even sofas that convert into bunk beds.
One of the most innovative examples of multi-functional design is the Ori system, developed by MIT’s Media Lab. Ori creates robotic furniture that can transform a single room into multiple spaces. With the push of a button, a bed can slide out of the way to reveal a desk, or a closet can shift to create a living room. It’s like having an entire apartment’s worth of furniture in one room.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design
Image Source:Domus Nova
Nomadic design isn’t just about convenience—it’s also about sustainability. When you’re moving frequently, it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying cheap, disposable furniture that you end up throwing away after a few moves. But nomadic design encourages a more thoughtful approach.
Many nomadic furniture brands prioritize sustainability, using materials like reclaimed wood, recycled metal, and eco-friendly fabrics. They also focus on durability, creating pieces that are built to last. After all, the most sustainable furniture is the kind you don’t have to replace.
Take, for example, the company Floyd. Known for its modular shelving and tables, Floyd designs its furniture to be disassembled and reassembled easily, making it ideal for frequent movers. The company also uses sustainable materials and offers a buy-back program, allowing customers to return their furniture when they no longer need it.
Key Pieces of Modular Furniture for a Nomadic Lifestyle
- Murphy Beds : These classic space-savers are making a huge comeback. Modern Murphy beds fold up seamlessly into the wall, often doubling as shelves or desks when closed. Perfect for small apartments or temporary living spaces, they allow you to reclaim valuable floor space during the day.
- Modular Sofas: Think of brands like Burrow or Floyd, offering sectional sofas that can be expanded, reduced, or reconfigured based on your space. Whether you’re moving into a loft or a studio, these sofas adapt effortlessly, and you can add pieces as your needs change.
- Foldable Desks and Tables: Companies like IKEA have championed foldable designs for years, but newer brands are adding more style to the mix. Desks like the Floyd Table or compact, wall-mounted drop-leaf tables offer sturdy workspaces that can be easily packed up when it’s time to move.
- Stackable Chairs and Stools: Lightweight, durable, and easy to store, stackable seating like Herman Miller’s Eames Molded Plastic Chairs or simple metal bistro stools fit into any decor while keeping things portable.
- Expandable Dining Tables: An extendable dining table is a nomad’s best friend. Go from dinner for two to a gathering of six with a simple pull-and-lock mechanism. West Elm and Article offer beautiful options that are easy to assemble and disassemble.
- Portable Storage Solutions: Storage is a challenge for anyone, but it’s especially tricky for frequent movers. Portable storage solutions, like stackable bins, rolling carts, and foldable shelves, make it easy to keep your belongings organized and accessible. Look for pieces that are lightweight and easy to disassemble.
- Modular Shelving Systems : Systems like the String Shelving allow you to customize your storage with a mix of shelves, drawers, and cabinets. They can be easily reconfigured for different wall spaces in new homes.
- Rolling Storage Carts: Portable and versatile, rolling carts like the RÅSKOG from IKEA can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, or office and rolled into closets when not needed.
Tips for Embracing Nomadic Design
Ready to dive into the world of nomadic design? Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start Small: You don’t have to overhaul your entire home at once. Begin with a few key pieces, like a collapsible table or a modular sofa, and build from there.
- Prioritize Quality: While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in high-quality, durable furniture will pay off in the long run. Look for pieces made from sturdy materials that can withstand frequent moves.
- Think Multi-Functional: When shopping for furniture, ask yourself: “How many ways can I use this piece?” The more functions a piece has, the more value it will add to your space.
- Keep It Light: Opt for lightweight materials like aluminum, plywood, and fabric. These materials are easier to move and less likely to get damaged during transport.
- Embrace Neutral Tones: Neutral colors and simple designs are more versatile, making it easier to mix and match pieces as your style evolves.
- Get Creative: Nomadic design is all about thinking outside the box. Don’t be afraid to repurpose items or use furniture in unexpected ways. A stack of crates, for example, can double as a nightstand or a bookshelf.
Decor for the Nomadic Soul
Image Source:Tea With Ruby
Furniture is only part of the equation when it comes to creating a home. Decor plays a huge role in making a space feel personal and inviting. But for frequent movers, traditional decor—like heavy artwork, fragile vases, and bulky rugs—can be impractical.
- Tapestries and Lightweight Wall Art: Forget heavy frames and nails. Fabric tapestries, removable wall decals, or peel-and-stick wallpapers can transform a room without permanent changes. Plus, they roll up neatly when it’s time to move.
- Portable Lighting: Rechargeable lamps and LED string lights provide ambiance without complicated wiring. Brands like Fatboy offer stylish, portable lighting options perfect for transient living.
- Collapsible Storage Bins: From canvas bins to foldable baskets, these storage solutions keep things organized and collapse flat for easy packing.
- Compact Rugs and Textiles: Rugs like flatweave kilims are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold. Throw blankets and cushions in neutral tones can refresh your decor without adding bulk.
- Small Indoor Plants :S ucculents, air plants, or even portable herb gardens bring life to any space and are easy to move. Opt for lightweight pots or fabric planters to keep things manageable.
The Emotional Anchor: Why Nomadic Design Matters
Visualizer:F9studio
Moving frequently can be exciting, but it can also be emotionally draining. Leaving behind friends, familiar places, and routines can make it hard to feel grounded. Nomadic design isn’t just about practicality—it’s about creating a sense of stability and belonging, even when your surroundings are constantly shifting.
1. Familiarity in the Unfamiliar
When you move to a new place, everything feels foreign—the streets, the sounds, even the light coming through the windows. But when you unpack your favorite modular sofa or set up that foldable table you’ve had for years, it instantly feels like home. These pieces become emotional anchors, reminding you of who you are and where you’ve been.
2. A Sense of Control
Frequent moves can make life feel chaotic. But having furniture and decor that adapts to your needs gives you a sense of control. You’re not at the mercy of your space; your space works for you. Whether it’s a multi-functional desk that transforms into a dining table or a portable lamp that always sits by your bedside, these pieces help you create order in the midst of change.
3. Less Clutter, More Peace
Nomadic design encourages minimalism, which can be incredibly freeing. When you’re not weighed down by excess stuff, you have more mental and emotional space to focus on what truly matters. Letting go of the unnecessary—whether it’s a bulky dresser or a collection of knick-knacks—can feel like a fresh start every time you move.
4. A Connection to Your Journey
Every piece of nomadic furniture tells a story. That collapsible chair you bought for your first apartment? It’s been with you through three moves and countless late-night conversations. The modular shelving unit you assembled in your last city? It’s held your books, photos, and memories from every place you’ve lived. These pieces become a part of your journey, grounding you in your own history.
5. The Joy of Reinvention
One of the most beautiful aspects of nomadic living is the opportunity to reinvent yourself and your space. With modular and portable furniture, you can rearrange your home to reflect your current mood, needs, or aspirations. It’s like hitting the reset button on your life, but with the comfort of familiar pieces that make the transition easier.
Finishing Notes
At Home Designing, we believe that great design should be accessible to everyone, no matter where life takes them. That’s why we’re excited to see the rise of nomadic design—a trend that’s not just about furniture, but about redefining what it means to feel at home. Whether you’re moving across the country or just looking to simplify your space, these innovative pieces prove that home isn’t a place—it’s a feeling.
So, if you’re ready to embrace a more flexible, intentional way of living, explore the world of nomadic design. Visit Home Designing for more inspiration, tips, and ideas to create a home that moves with you. Because no matter where you go, your home should always feel like yours.
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
