This wabi sabi guest house, a project by Alexandr Arkhipov , celebrates natural beauty and simplicity—the imperfect way. It features a large, open space offering stunning forest views. Residents can enjoy the organic beauty of nature in this home, even while staying indoors! From the kitchen to the bedroom, this house offers a peaceful escape.
The open living and dining area is as unconventional as it gets. It’s all about embracing the natural world—and finding beauty in imperfection. The color palette is cool tones of gray and beige. The nice and comfy furnishings sit low with the floor, while the dining table features a natural, rugged feeling. We especially love the slat wooden sliding door and figurine—creating a sense of warmth and authenticity. Finally, the staircase is illuminated with strategic lighting.
The wabi sabi kitchen lets go of perfection and welcomes the natural cycle of life. This is carried out through a neutral palette and organic elements. That is, tones of beige paired with wooden elements. The undercabinet lighting acts as task lighting, while the lighting lined around the kitchen island adds visual intrigue. Not to forget the interesting chandelier doubling as decor.
Plenty of open space characterizes this wabi sabi bathroom. Apart from the sleek toilet, most of the visual estate in the bathroom is taken by the vanity. This features double sinks, storage space for towels, and interestingly embedded lighting.
This stunning bedroom celebrates imperfection with the irregularly-shaped headboard. It applies the minimalist design approach by keeping the room decluttered. Simultaneously, the comfortable textiles make sure the space is cozy. We also see an organically-shaped mirror, adding a sense of movement to the space. This is paired with a wall-mounted desk; this nook doubles as a vanity as well as a workstation!
In another bathroom of this serene guest house, we see a sleek vanity featuring a narrow sink and modern faucet. The color palette is earthy—perfectly complementing the wabi sabi style. The shower cubicle is segregated with brown mirror glass.
One of the most interesting areas in this wabi sabi guest house is the combined gaming zone and play area. Here, shades of beige are complemented by pops of orange, creating a visually interesting interior. Fun fact: Orange radiates feelings of excitement and happiness, setting you just in the right mood for having fun.
One nook is dedicated to a gaming area—featuring comfy seats and an entertainment complex. Side by side, a play area for kids can be seen. An area for climbing, a slide, and a comfy little fort will keep the little ones hooked!
Small spaces present both design challenges and opportunities to create cozy, stylish, and functional environments. Whether you’re living in a compact apartment or working in a snug room, furnishing it with the right furniture can change everything.
In this article, we’ll explore various strategies and suggestions for choosing furniture that will fit especially well in small spaces. Here’s everything you need to design a small space that feels both spacious and organized, without cluttering its visual appeal
1. Measure Your Space: Start with Precision
Visualizer:Kornél Kuloványi
Make sure to measure each of your rooms before you buy furniture. This is the most important step when dealing with small spaces. It also means that you’ll be able to direct everything you purchase into appropriate locations that fit well without overwhelming or leaving awkward gaps in the room.
Some key areas to measure are:
Wall lengths : This is crucial information for such items as sofas, tables, and storage units.
Door and window openings : Make sure that the furniture can be moved in without difficulty, and that it doesn’t block any windows.
Clearance for pathways. Leave about 18-24 inches of space around the furniture in high-traffic areas to maintain the flow.
Ceiling height . This could be important if you plan to hang towering bookcases or shelves that require vertical storage.
Once you’ve measured, sketch a floor plan on paper or use a room planning app to think through where each piece will go. This can save you from making costly mistakes, and ensure that every inch of your living space is used effectively.
2. Embrace Multifunctional Furniture: Maximize Versatility
Visualizer:Olesia Fedunyshyn
Multifunctional furniture is the way to best utilize space in a small room. Multifunctional furniture makes clever use of space thus saving you from the frustration of too many things occupying your home. These pieces are manufactured to transform and adapt, so one piece can provide many more uses.
For example, a sofa bed is ideal for studio apartments. By day, it is a cozy place to sit and unfolds into a large sleeping space at night. Ottoman chairs with hidden storage can be used as extra seating, footrests, and even a coffee table and yet provide an always-handy place for storing blankets, magazines, the remote control, or any other such household essentials.
One of the most common pieces of multifunctional furniture that homes use is a fold-out desk or table. The draperies can be easily hidden when not in use, thus allowing the floor beneath them to be used. That means buying furniture that serves more than one purpose, so if you need to do less buying then look for things that can be used in more than one way as opposed to having a single item solely for each use.
3. Prioritize Vertical Space: Look Up for Storage Solutions
Visualizer:Dmitry Novikov
When floor space is limited it is vital to think vertically. Using vertical space can help to make room and maximize every inch of your space. Shelves, cabinets, and hooks are a few wall-mounted storage solutions that can keep things from becoming a mess while still leaving them accessible to the people in your house.
Opt for tall bookshelves or storage units that reach the ceiling to get as much storage in without taking up too much floor space. Floating shelves in the living room or kitchen can display décor, cookware, or plants. For example, you can fit a tall wardrobe with vertical shelving to store clothes, shoes, and accessories neatly in the bedroom or wall-hung hooks for bags, jackets, or hats.
Moreover, hanging art or mirrors at the top of a wall visually heightens the ceiling and opens up a space. Large plants can also add dimension and height to your design.
4. Scale Down: Choose the Right Proportions
Visualizer:Design studio Katyusha
In small room design, you must steer clear of large furniture when possible. Large furniture can make your space cramped and feel even smaller so avoid using it. Too small and minimalistic of bits, on the other hand, would make it seem incomplete or lacking substance. For a beautified look, opt for more average-size items that can fill the room without taking it over.
Opt for low-profile, slim furniture instead of bulky sofas and coffee tables. A coffee table and sofa with slender arms and visible legs will open up the room, making it seem less confined. Instead, use armless chairs or loveseats that can provide seating but only take up minimal floor area. In the bedroom, consider a platform bed with built-in storage rather than a traditional bed frame that consumes valuable square footage.
Additionally, to keep balance, try not to block windows or walkways with big furniture pieces. A clear path of movement and access to natural light is crucial in preventing a small space from feeling cluttered or claustrophobic.
5. Invest in Modular Furniture: Flexible and Customizable
Visualizer:Sergey Muskhazhiev
Modular furniture is all about flexibility, and hence perfect for small spaces with changing requirements. Modular sofas are an example; they consist of individual sections that can be moved around to accommodate the room. You can begin with a small setup and always build upon it or move the modules around to form different seating configurations, ideal for any scenario.
Similarly, modular shelving systems can be adjusted to fit your storage needs and the available space. If you need more shelves for books or storage compartments for décor, these systems offer custom solutions to effectively cater to your needs
The versatility of modular furniture lies in its ability to adapt easily when you’re moving or reorganizing, eliminating the need to buy new furniture.
6. Choose Light and Neutral Colors: Enhance the Sense of Space
Visualizer:Menna Elsherbiny
Light colors are reflective and brighten up any room, making it look spacious, while dark tones recede into the background making a room less airy. Select small-scale furniture pieces in light or neutral upholstery — either white, beige, ultra-light gray, or light pastels. These colors reflect more light, making the room appear brighter and more spacious.
To avoid monotony, add contrast with accent colors through accessories like cushions, throws, or rugs. A light sofa can be teamed up with colorful throw pillows and a neutral bed can be layered with a character-driven duvet cover. A sense of equilibrium is achieved with light furniture and accents of color which help to animate the space without overcrowding it.
In addition to serving as light reflectors, mirrors can make a room appear larger by bouncing light around and seeming to add depth. A huge mirror on one wall adds depth to even the double size of a small living or bedroom.
7. Opt for Furniture with Built-In Storage: Declutter Effectively
Visualizer:Angel Brielle Yap
Storage is often a major concern in small spaces, but cleverly designed furniture can help solve that issue. Consider a storage bed, which includes drawers or compartments tucked beneath the mattress to house linens, clothes, or shoes. In living rooms, coffee tables with storage or TV consoles with shelves help hide electronics, books, and other items, keeping surfaces clutter-free.
In the dining area, consider banquette seating with built-in storage under the benches, offering extra room for kitchen items or seasonal décor. You can also opt for wall-mounted shelving units that don’t take up floor space but provide ample storage for books, plants, or decorative items.
The idea is to integrate storage into your furniture choices rather than relying solely on standalone cabinets or shelving, which may consume more space. To maintain a neat and organized look, prioritize hidden storage over open shelving, which can easily become cluttered.
8. Create Zones with Furniture Placement: Define Your Space
Visualizer:Ilya Ganzha
Small spaces often serve multiple functions, which can make them feel cluttered or chaotic. By using furniture to create defined zones within the room you can bring about a sense of order, and add an air of organization.
For example, in a studio room space that is open plan, you can use a sofa or shelving unit to divide the living and dining areas. A rug under the bed marks its zone as a bedroom while a desk before a window makes it into your very own workspace.
In small spaces furniture placement is everything. Be sure that paths remain open from one area to another and that the furniture does not impede movement. Arrange the furniture thoughtfully to distinguish between spaces while maintaining an overall sense of proportion.
9. Choose Light Airy Furniture
Visualizer:Teodora Velikova
Light and airy furniture is the only way to go when furnishing a small space. Pieces like these can greatly change the atmosphere of your room. This kind of furnishings create an expansive feeling, making your snug area seem more open and welcoming.
Furniture with exposed legs, such as sofas and chairs, allows light to access through underneath, contributing to a less crowded feel. Avoid heavy, solid pieces, which can lend a sense of oppression; look for minimalist designs with clean lines that enhance the sense of openness.
Color is also important in creating a spacious feeling. Choose white or neutral tones—for example, light beige and gray—for your furniture. In addition, consider using light materials such as glass or acrylic.
Transparent furniture not only provides function but also visually “disappears,” allowing the space to feel larger. Pieces like glass coffee tables or clear chairs are perfect for maintaining an open and breezy atmosphere.
10. Opt For Mirrors And Reflective Surfaces
Visualizer:Ahmed Ismail
Mirrors and other glossy finishes, where light can be mirrored everywhere at once, are the ultimate tools for visually enlarging small spaces. Not only do they catch the eye, but they also create the illusion of depth, making the room appear larger.
Incorporating mirrors into your design can dramatically alter how you perceive space. A large mirror placed strategically—such as across from a window—can reflect natural light, brightening the room and amplifying the feeling of openness. This simple addition can transform a dark, cramped area into a light-filled haven.
Reflective surfaces, such as glass tabletops or metal accents, amplify the effect. They catch the light and throw it all around the room, embellishing brightness while adding a more open feel to its ambiance. Consider pieces like coffee tables and dressers with glass or mirrored finishes, as they add a little elegance and ensure that your space does not feel cluttered.
However, be sure to carefully consider the placement of mirrors. A mirror mounted on the wall in a narrow hallway makes it appear that it is wider, and decoratively framed mirrors can serve as focal points in living rooms or bedrooms.
11. Utilize Nooks and Corners
Visualizer:AR Visual
Small spaces often come with unique architectural features, like nooks and corners, that can be easily overlooked. However, these areas present excellent opportunities for maximizing functionality and style in your home. By strategically utilizing nooks and corners, you can create cozy, functional spaces that make the most of every inch.
Start by assessing any underutilized areas in your home. A small nook can become a cozy reading corner with a comfortable chair and bookshelf. A lamp and some cushions can turn this space into a cozy retreat for relaxation or study.
When it comes to decorating nooks and corners, there’s no need to be shy about adding personal charm Use artwork, plants, or decorative items to enhance the area and make it feel intentional. Lighting is crucial, too—consider wall sconces or small lamps to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Wrap Up
Designing for a small space has its unique challenges, but it also provides opportunities that are exciting and full of imagination. By selecting furniture that fits just right, you can transform a cramped area into a functional and elegant hideaway.
At Home Designing, our goal is to inspire and empower you to create a home that reflects your style, even within limited square footage. With thoughtful planning and a focus on the right furniture choices, you can design a small space that feels expansive, functional, and uniquely 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
