Exploring the sets of famous films and television shows is a fun way to see interior design through a filmmaker’s eyes. And sometimes, it’s even a little startling to see what those spaces look like in context and without the perfect framing the camera provides. This post features a few gorgeous layouts from the Floor Plan Croissant collection by Boryana Ilieva, a series of watercolor depictions of cinematic architecture. Each one reveals furniture and notable objects in a completely different way than one would ordinarily see on the television – these famous floor plans are artistic, soft, and powerful.
This interior is based on the movie Elena, a 2011 Russian drama film directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev. Boryana Ilieva spent weeks studying this space on pause on play, and captures the details gorgeously. The main movie setting revolves around two spaces – an exclusive penthouse in downtown Moscow, and a crumbling apartment in one of Moscow’s industrial suburbs. This watercolor examines the spacious penthouse in detail. A movie based on strong emotional realism, the interior invokes this feeling down to the sultry blue palette and dark mysterious atmosphere.
It’s very cool to see fictional sets realized with such detail and seriousness. Interior architecture and interior design are probably the last thing on the mind of many moviegoers, no matter how much time and effort went into crafting these intricate stages.
An interesting fact for movie-lovers: although the apartment itself never existed, the layout is identical to the apartment belonging to the parents of the filmmaker.
The creator of Floor Plan Croissant reports feeling a little disappointed upon realizing that the Parisian apartment in the movie wasn’t a real life location, but quickly adjusted with a delightful sense of curiosity and problem-solving, bending the arrangement of certain elements like windows and cupboards until they made sense architecturally.
This interior visualization, based on the 2012 film Amour by Michael Haneke, is based on a location that doesn’t exist. The painter realized by studying the movie interior that certain elements were constructed or arranged in impossible ways and make allowances in the watercolor to reflect that. In all, production designer Haneke and art director Jean-Vincent Puzos did a fabulous job creating a set that felt substantial and real despite being custom-built within a sound stage.
As a highly erotic film, the layout’s emphasis on the bold crimson bed is certainly no accident. Emotion is the main source of decoration and personality.
Here’s a depiction of an apartment from the 2015 movie Love by director and screenwriter Gaspar Noé. This is a watercolor of the apartment belonging to the main character Murphy, at a point in his life when he was happy. The spare apartment accommodates the movie’s emphasis on the memories and recollections of the main character.
Designer:Floor Plan Croissant
First, artist Boryana Ilieva explores the world of colorful NYC apartments belonging to struggling young artists, illustrators, actors and other creatives. This first apartment highlights Hannah’s apartment from Lena Dunham’s television series Girls, a colorful space with an open layout.
Apparently, some of the architectural elements on the interior are fictional additions by the movie’s director, including the staircase and possibly even the kitchen and bathroom.
Here’s a cross section showing the interior of the apartment as it relates to the terrace. It certainly looks wonderfully warm and inviting in watercolor.
The apartment is located with a gorgeous view of the Colosseum, just like in the movie.
Here is a highly detailed series of watercolor paintings that explore the rooftop penthouse from the 2013 movie The Great Beauty written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Notice the distinctive architecture? The movie was filmed in Rome, and the apartment of the main character Jep Gambardella really does exist. This floor plan series is especially exciting because the exterior of the building never appeared in the film (except the fabulous terrace area), giving fans a unique perspective into the set location.
Tight filming angles emphasized the small layout at every turn. This watercolor series fully reveals the sparse furnishings and the relative impact of the few bright colors. The small floor plan wasn’t just a fictional element – the film crew was actually confined to this cramped space, even sometimes filming from the bathtub to utilize every extra inch.
This one is especially exciting because of the importance the set plays in the movie. ROOM is a fascinating film directed by Lenny Abrahamson, telling the story of a mother and her 5-year-old child trapped in a windowless room with no outside contact. The mother does all she can to provide the young boy with a fulfilling upbringing even within the restrictive environment, before risking an escape plan as the boy’s curiosity grew.
The apartment has since undergone several reconfigurations, but this film-worthy floor plan remains just as relevant and inspiring.
Now for a look at the set from Tiny Furniture, Lena Dunham’s independently written and directed dramatic comedy from 2010. The real life apartment is located in Tribeca and it’s absolutely fabulous – and recently sold for a tidy sum. The walls of storage and smart furniture selections are especially inspiring.
Each unique architectural feature gains a vivid life in watercolor. These apartments have uniquely characteristic features rarely highlighted on the television screen.
The detail is wonderful!
Here’s the layout of Adam’s new apartment, a serious upgrade from the humorously trashed bachelor pad he previously occupied on the series.
Because it’s such a private and intimate area, the bedroom offers unlimited potential for expressive decor. After all, you can always choose to skip it when giving guests the house tour! This post examines 7 creative bedrooms that took big chances with bold patterns and unusual materials, each one appealing to a different aesthetic. These rooms encourage the exploration of accent wall options like oversized headboards and dramatic lighting treatments, adventurous textures and distinctive decorations – and a few of these techniques are possible to recreate at home.
Designer:Penint Design Studio
Gorgeous! This bedroom makes an immediate visual impact with rough textured concrete in a sharp geometric pattern, with oversized headboard panels above and below. Unique pendant lights from Tom Dixon hover above the cantilever bedside tables (also concrete) and a bright patterned rug energizes the color palette.
Seeing the snowy branches outside really emphasizes how warm and inviting this bedroom turned out to be, especially considering the cold reputation of concrete.
Designer:Elena Sedova
This artistic monochromatic room uses subtle white-painted panels as a backdrop to the stunning portrait on the wall behind the bed. A striking, textural rug draws the eye toward the artwork to maximize its position as the focal point of the room. The singular brown chair balances the distribution of visual weight.
Cosmos pendant lamps flank each side of the bed and add a distinctively playful appeal.
As you can see from this angle, the pendant lamps are flat rather than spherical – a cool reversal of a hot trend.
The ceiling is incredible! Also worth admiring: that beautiful weightless-looking television panel and the cantilever sideboard cabinets to the right.
Neutral grays dominate the color palette, but the matte gray on the far wall contains strong hints of dark blueish-green.
A little paint and primer can make diverse decor sets go together. The trick is to introduce a natural amount of variation, like the beige vase in this arrangement.
Architect:Đình Dũng Hoàng
Understated, yet glowing with a luxurious touch. This bedroom uses layers of three different materials on the far headboard wall – the effect is calming and artful. The natural wood presents a warm focal point, with the glossy glass panel above providing a weightless and ethereal appearance sure to invoke pleasant dreams. Functional white cabinetry occupies the uppermost tier.
The scale of the room is just perfect. A large rug softens a generous perimeter around the bed and the bed itself looks plush and comfortable despite its low profile.
Black satin paint brings out the texture of the slatted wardrobe.
Word-cloud pillows – always a good gift for fans of typography.
Architect:Đình Dũng Hoàng
Don’t you just want to reach out and touch the smooth plush-looking panels behind the bed? This type of accent wall doesn’t require expensive materials, and as you can see from this excellent bedroom, an oversized like this one can add a tremendous amount of character to an otherwise simple space.
Patricia Urquiola’s Husk Chair somewhat echoes the shape of the headboard.
Rectangles and contrast define the overall interior design theme.
Visualizer:Elena Zhulikova
Here, the accent wall is a little simpler in terms of concept, and more accessible to those who prefer a classic decor style. The brick accent wall is painted in white but retains plenty of characteristic texture. The painting to the left serves as a sort of implied headboard. The overall look embraces a rugged, chic, and tasteful personality.
Which one counts as the accent wall? Both are so beautiful! This one is composed of wood panels interspersed with stripes of glowing recessed lights.
French architect Jacques Adnet popularized this mirror design with the release of his iconic Round Mirror in 1946. The molded armchair from Eames was designed just a few years later, making this a very relevant pairing.
Layers of textures and patterns on the bed echo the eclectic surrounding decor.
Don’t you think the transparent doors on the walk-in closet are interesting? The blurred design ensures this functional space doesn’t make the rest of the bedroom look cluttered.
Designer:Sequoia design studio| Visualizer:Sequoia design studio
Geometry is the language of expression in this attractive bedroom. The centered headboard is especially interesting - a variety of painted and unpainted boards come together at matched and unmatched points. Even cooler is the cubic bed frame that continues the diagonal lines of the headboard.
The accent wall is eye-catching yet relatively subdued, leaving plenty of room to appreciate the incredible view.
Simple decor allows the headboard area to take center stage.
While the furniture offers a contemporary aesthetic, the decor leans more toward a blend between urban industrialism and modern rustic. Industrial bedside lamps and steel containers have a huge effect on the overall attitude of the room. The bedroom chair you see here is the Butterfly sling chair.
A drawing of a sequoia tree is a nod to the designer and visualizer, Sequoia Design Studio.
Visualizer:Polouektov Vladimir
This largely white bedroom features a big bold accent wall composed of an oversized mosaic of wooden rhombuses arranged in a gorgeous pattern. The wood used here has a very fine and distinct grain and heightens the luxury of the panels. Plush rectangles make up the headboard for an added layer of visual interest.
Brass accents brighten the space and coordinate with the natural materials used throughout.
What a neat idea! Anybody with a little paint and a set of matching frames could recreate the tidy photography arrangement to the right.
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
