White walls need not be boring – they can be a star feature, if you’ve got the materials to accompany them. These visuals by Marina Tsoy use all the basics – white walls, light wooden floors and exposed brick – to create a home that’s spacious, interesting, and leaning towards the minimalist. As rough wood plays in tables amidst blue couches and ferns, the feel is pure, fresh, clean, a space acting the blank canvas. A surprise in the bathroom awaits with a splash more colour, while bedtime beckons in exposed brick. Play with the basics – and get it right every time – with this tour of an achievable interior in light wood, exposed brick and white.
Our white-walled beauty opens to the most natural of spaces, the living room, where we begin our tour. Teaming up with an exposed brick wall which heads the kitchen, three long windows light up the space, which is floored in light wood. Grey blue couches offer a place to rest, a ceiling-mounted projector a sign of things to come. A bevy of indoor plants between the two sofas hark to the outdoors.
Sidling closer towards the lounges, three rustic coffee tables , each in the shape of a tree trunk, catch our eye. As a coffee mug in black rests upon them, its hues reflect in the rug, a series of zigzags which add detail to the interior.
A stark wall in white plays feature in the lounge, bordered as it is by a roaring wood burner and potted fern. A simple concrete plinth, also used to hold the fire, acts as a mantelpiece. As a stack of magazines and sculpted head add character, another potted plant punctuates the area.
Made image by the kitchen’s projector, the white wall shows it’s for more than show. A perfect spot for a film or two, the fire and exposed brick wall to one side, potted plant to the other create a frame for a blockbuster or late-night Excel.
As we gaze towards the couch, one of the room’s more subtle features becomes apparent – its swing arm wall lamps . The Gåsgränd Swing Arm Lamp here is a plug-in light, which gracefully hides behind the couch whilst extending its reach.
Looking towards a wintry pine forest, the living space’s three windows proudly illuminate the room. Dressed with simple black frames and white-painted radiators at their bottom, they segment more painted brick, adding texture to the room’s white hue.
As we follow more windows we face more brick, this time unpainted. The block shapes of the couches match the block shapes in the kitchen – its wooden extractor fan cover, grey cabinetry and wooden dining table lurking beyond.
The dining and kitchen present more white, this time in an acrylic cabinet hiding a stove and fridge. A lone chair in white greets five others at the table, while more painted brick provides a frame for its red sister. A glass splashback in the kitchen makes the most of its wall feature, making this traditional domestic scene a touch more modern.
The view towards the lounge shows off darker grey hues, tied together by the dining chairs, wood burner and horizontal LED light. Grey chairs to each side, the white fridge cabinet and windows keep the space open.
To the side, a mirror pretends to be a corridor, reflecting the lines of the living room’s windows. Illuminated by LEDs along its edges, it’s the perfect trick to make this home appear larger.
Long lines in the home also keep the look cohesive. The lone dangling pendant above the dining table sheds light on breakfast; light sockets in wrought iron make a feature beside the windows; the backs of the dining chairs add structure to necessity.
White plays a large part in the home’s minimalist bedroom . French panelling creates a backdrop to a headboard in rustic wood. Simple bedspreads provide softness, without dominating the room. Two mats interplay on the wooden floor below, each featuring vertical or diagonal woollen grains.
On closer inspection, a few more elements appear. Bedroom pendant lights , here in the style of dangling torches, pepper the room with lit cylinders. A white bucket-shaped table holds a pair of headphones, while the window’s black framing matches both the pendants and bed’s frame.
The bedroom becomes more rounded, as brick and green show their faces. Lining the full front wall, exposed brick provides a frame for the bed, letting white walls be the masterpiece. A sprig of a potted green fern, coat hooks and a leaning illustration add character.
Lying at the bed’s height, the exposed brick skirting is undoubtedly this room’s feature. A couple of white camera lights, in the same shape as the pendants, shine down on its glory. A fern on the bedside table keeps watch.
Keeping it white and bright, a standing open wardrobe displays the owner’s most popular wears, a series of chiffon and pin-striped shirts and dresses. Wooden floors tie in nicely with a brown leather bag, which lies in wait for the next day’s work.
Opening up to the wintry forest, the bedroom’s two windows share their look from the lounge. A plain white bedspread and simple metal table let ferns and brick do the talking.
A delightful surprise in this house full of white, the grey bathroom leads us in with a not entirely different décor. Headlined by a burst of bubble mirrors at its centre, the sinks draws our eyes again with a sink in white porcelain. A simple white matching toilet, open plan shower and a bevy of house plants keep the look ultra-modern.
Clad entirely in grey, the bathroom lets in light with another long window, the sister of those in the lounge and bedroom. A simple black faucet and the bath’s clean lines stay classic, while a tiled wall at the end and pebbled area at the window polish off the look.
Have an attic roof or sloped ceiling? Take advantage of your feature, by designing an interior that complements its angles. These two stylish apartments offer sloped-roof solutions in both light and dark decors, to show how clever detailing and furniture placement can make your slopes look scintillating. Create an angular loft, with double-height windows and a central brick column. Use ladders to reach snug sleeping lofts lined in bright yellow. Illuminate odd corners with focused LEDs, and unusual niches with triangular windows. Celebrate your home’s unique sloped roofing, with these two very-different apartments quenching your thirst for inspiration.
Visualizer:Ace Of Space
Our first penthouse apartment keeps it light and breezy, with one-and-a-half storeys drenched in white, exposed brick and pops of industrial yellow. Looking down from a ladder, we get a view of the main living area, whose light wooden floors hold both a dining and lounge. Lit by French windows spanning across the level, strong yellows and blacks dominate the lounge, with a leather suite and coffee table perching sturdily on a rug. The kitchen and dining is kept whiter with a pinch of yellow in table edges and flowers. An exposed brick column separates the two.
A view from the lounge reveals more yellow features. The ladder’s hue is reflected in coffee table legs and the circular rug’s trim. A similar shade covers the suite’s cushions, while the roof slope leads to more yellow framing upstairs.
Helping coordinate the colour scheme, similarly-patterned cushions and throws in grey mimic those in yellow. A daschund makes the seat his home, while he contemplates the table’s vased sprig of yellow.
Dominating a separate corner, the office spills light on its accent chair through a sloped-ceiling window. Accompanied by an open filing cabinet and radiator painted white, its blank canvas focuses attention on the room’s angles. Suitcases to the side say travel, a range of plants on the windowsill a desire to stay green.
The dining room uses similar cues, with white-painted radiators and indoor plants on the sill. Using the exposed brick column as a snazzy background wall, its chairs make a feature of the radiators, with similar white-grilled seats creating a feeling of the industrial. A strong table rim in yellow reinforces the interior.
Headed by three diamond-shaped pendants, the kitchen breaks traditional boundaries by placing one bench to the side, and another in a cubby. Propped up by square drawers in a muted blue, the closer bench provides cutlery and fruit, a handy place to store platters for incoming guests. The larger bench to the right, headed by charcoal cabinetry and larger blue cabinets, offers a separate space for washing and cooking. Strong lines in yellow connect the central ladder, table’s rim and lurking upper level into one cohesive interior.
The main kitchen bench shows its stripes against an angled wall, which elongates its lower cabinets and makes its upper ones smaller. Wooden accessories play in a rolling pin and knife holder , which offer friendship to the door, a household feature in dark brown. Foregrounded by tulips, another angled wall to the side hosts a variety of herbs in the same striking yellow planters. A unique kitchen pendant light is subtle during the day, invaluable for cooking at night.
A non-intrusive feature in this boldly-accented home, mirrored doors boast storage whilst blending into the background. Reflecting the lounge or dining room, they’re an easy way to make the space appear larger.
Shedding sun from another slope, the bedroom’s ceiling goes brighter with an in-built skylight. White walls, white radiators and a matching white wardrobe keep the look fresh and airy. Pops of grey and yellow hark to the lounge, as do the similarly-patterned but differently-hued throws.
Beside the yellow rug and above a wooden bucket, a crafty wall sconce sheds light without causing drama.
As the door leads to the ensuite, a mid century modern dresser with a contemporary charcoal finish holds flowers reminiscent of the kitchen. The same wooden flooring runs throughout, making maintaining flow easy.
Matching the dresser’s hue, the bathroom’s shelves display the home’s colour palette. Browns in back brushes and potted plants refer to the kitchen’s knife holder and rolling pin. Squared-off black baskets remind us of the lounge’s leather seats and office accent chair. Bright yellows found throughout the home sit amidst tiling in abundant white.
Leading us in with a yellow towel on the rail, the bathroom’s white tiling turns into a bath. Lit by LEDs in the corners, it provides a perfect place to relax and smell the scented candles.
Take a peek at the floor plans for further insight on this apartment.
Visualizer:Now Design
Our second sloped apartment takes us on a darker journey. Starting off in the minimalist living room , a sloped ceiling offers windows side by side, as a large LED adds glow under a wall groove. A cream L-shaped sofa snakes under the light, as a bevy of cushions provide sophisticated comfort. A potted fern and coffee table in understated black accompany the scene.
Tilted to reveal a glass-walled bedroom, this inspirational example for black living rooms makes the most out its angular roof. As its slope accelerates above the potted fern’s fronds, more light abounds in a wooden floor matching the walls.
Lined detailing in the interior gives it a modern feel. Subtle grooves in the floor run parallel to joins in the glass. The stenciled leg of the coffee table matches the form of a modern floor lamp , here the Tab by Flos .
Headlined by dining pendant lights in the shape of a globe, the dining room sits pretty with an understated seating set. Gorgeous niches show in a cavity window to the side and triangular bookcase.
As we turn again, the globe pendant meets its match in a black TV on the wall. Modern dining chairs match the wall’s charcoal complexion, while the kitchen states its case in a full wooden enclave. Black appliances, a stone splashback and benching ensure it suits its darker interior.
The roof’s unusual contours allow a triangular window to mirror the bookcase, also creating fascinating geometric contrast next to the globe pendant light . As the window streams light through the kitchen’s corridor, cabinetry steps in to make a room of two-hued halves.
Through the glass façade on the apartment’s other side, the bedroom makes itself known. Showing the lounge’s large fern and another flat screen on wood, its bed drapes in taupe leather under a sloped roof.
As two metallic bedside tables greet the bed on either side, a bedside table lamp perches upon each one. Standing out against the roof’s grainy wooden hues, they remind of the stenciled standing lamp and table in the lounge.
Decked from head to toe in the kitchen’s splashback stone, the bathroom bathes itself under an angled skylight. A varnished tree trunk acts as an unusual dressing table, as a porcelain bath and toilet relax beside candles.
Making the most of its angles, the sloped roof becomes a wall, cutting a mirror diagonally to fit its edges. A light-wooden bathroom cabinet references the wider interior’s floors.
Spread long across its width, the stone finish feels glamorous with an LED lighting over. Another glow underneath the bath, paired with the skylight and candles, is the perfect setting for a night of romance.
As a charcoal door prepares the exit, the shower hides in a glass panel. A brown-painted towel rail harks to the dining room’s chairs, while the tree trunk has the final say with pampering lotions and oils.
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
