Contemporary Kitchen with Dark Wood Cabinets Design Ideas

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with flat-panel cabinets, with island, a double-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Paris with dark wood cabinets, beige splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island and beige benchtop.

The design makes a statement whilst transitioning smoothly into the open-plan living area, at the same time being supremely functional and accommodating for any occasion.

Photo of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Other with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Lotfi Dakhli
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Lyon with an undermount sink, solid surface benchtops, black splashback, ceramic floors, beige floor, black benchtop, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, black appliances and a peninsula.

The stunning kitchen is a nod to the 70's - dark walnut cabinetry combined with glazed tiles and polished stone. Plenty of storage and Butlers Pantry make this an entertainers dream.

In 2019, Interior designer Alexandra Brown approached Matter to design and make cabinetry for this penthouse apartment. The brief was to create a rich and opulent space, featuring a favoured smoked oak veneer. We looked to the Art Deco inspired features of the building and referenced its curved corners and newly installed aged brass detailing in our design. We combined the smoked oak veneer with cambia ash cladding in the kitchen and bar areas to complement the green and brown quartzite stone surfaces chosen by Alex perfectly. We then designed custom brass handles, shelving and a large-framed mirror as a centrepiece for the bar, all crafted impeccably by our friends at JN Custom Metal. Functionality and sustainability were the focus of our design, with hard-wearing charcoal Abet Laminati drawers and door fronts in the kitchen with custom J pull handles, Grass Nova ProScala drawers and Osmo oiled veneer that can be easily reconditioned over time. Photography by Pablo Veiga

Small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Hamburg with stainless steel benchtops, a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, stone tile splashback, painted wood floors, no island and beige floor.

Inspiration for a contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Perth with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances and beige floor.

Rénovation complète d'un appartement haussmannien parisien de 110m2. Des lignes design et un camaïeu de blancs subtils associés au noyer rythment les espaces.

Our client wanted to create a space for family and friends, with a focus on entertainment via a design which had the ‘wow factor’. Our team has brought this vision to life by meticulously crafting a kitchen which more than meets their expectations. The heart of this kitchen is the exquisite Brigitte Loft Matte Black range, exuding elegance and sophistication. Its sleek and contemporary design effortlessly combines with the timeless charm of the Wallis Burned Oak, creating a space that sets the stage for culinary adventures. Complementing this stunning range is the exquisite 20mm Mars quartz worktop supplied by Algarve. Its luxurious appearance and durability make it the perfect food prep surface. It truly is a place where our clients can make meals, showcase their culinary creations, and indulge in the joy of cooking without compromising style. Exceptional kitchen experiences are built around exceptional appliances – and we’ve integrated the finest kitchen equipment into this remarkable space. The AEG appliances bring cutting-edge technology and reliability to this kitchen, ensuring that every meal is prepared with precision and efficiency. Our clients can now experience a new level of cooking perfection with the Bora hob, designed to seamlessly blend into the worktop. The Blanco sink offers functionality and style, while the Quooker tap delivers instant boiling water, making kitchen tasks effortless. To add a unique touch to the kitchen, we’ve incorporated AquaPure wood wall panels, bringing the beauty of nature indoors and creating a refreshing ambience. The Antique silver mirrors enhance the wow factor, reflecting light and adding depth to the space. With our attention to detail, commitment to quality, and a deep understanding of our clients’ desire to create a kitchen that wows, we have transformed the heart of their home into a space that will leave a lasting impression on their family and friends. Thanks to the Brigitte Loft Matt Black & Wallis Burned Oak Kitchen, this client can look forward to entertaining guests in a chic space – in 2023 and beyond.

Interior - Kitchen Beach House at Avoca Beach by Architecture Saville Isaacs Project Summary Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner. The interpretation of experiencing life at the beach in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off a circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach. The interiors reinforce architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum. There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun.   Project Description Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner. The house is designed to maximise the spectacular Avoca beachfront location with a variety of indoor and outdoor rooms in which to experience different aspects of beachside living. Client brief: home to accommodate a small family yet expandable to accommodate multiple guest configurations, varying levels of privacy, scale and interaction. A home which responds to its environment both functionally and aesthetically, with a preference for raw, natural and robust materials. Maximise connection – visual and physical – to beach. The response was a series of operable spaces relating in succession, maintaining focus/connection, to the beach. The public spaces have been designed as series of indoor/outdoor pavilions. Courtyards treated as outdoor rooms, creating ambiguity and blurring the distinction between inside and out. A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach. Verandah is final transition space to beach: enclosable in winter; completely open in summer. This project seeks to demonstrates that focusing on the interrelationship with the surrounding environment, the volumetric quality and light enhanced sculpted open spaces, as well as the tactile quality of the materials, there is no need to showcase expensive finishes and create aesthetic gymnastics. The design avoids fashion and instead works with the timeless elements of materiality, space, volume and light, seeking to achieve a sense of calm, peace and tranquillity. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ Focus is on the tactile quality of the materials: a consistent palette of concrete, raw recycled grey ironbark, steel and natural stone. Materials selections are raw, robust, low maintenance and recyclable. Light, natural and artificial, is used to sculpt the space and accentuate textural qualities of materials. Passive climatic design strategies (orientation, winter solar penetration, screening/shading, thermal mass and cross ventilation) result in stable indoor temperatures, requiring minimal use of heating and cooling. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ Accommodation is naturally ventilated by eastern sea breezes, but sheltered from harsh afternoon winds. Both bore and rainwater are harvested for reuse. Low VOC and non-toxic materials and finishes, hydronic floor heating and ventilation ensure a healthy indoor environment. Project was the outcome of extensive collaboration with client, specialist consultants (including coastal erosion) and the builder. The interpretation of experiencing life by the sea in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of the pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms. The interior design has been an extension of the architectural intent, reinforcing architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum capacity. There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in London with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Working with interior designer Hilary Scott, Mowlem & Co has created a stylish and sympathetic bespoke kitchen for a fascinating renovation and extension project. The impressive Victorian detached house has ‘an interesting planning history’ according to Hilary. Previously it had been bedsit accommodation with 27 units but in recent years it had become derelict and neglected, until was bought by a premiere league footballer with a view to restoring it to its former glory as a family home. Situated near the Botanic Gardens in Kew and in a conservation area, there was a significant investment and considerable planning negotiation to get it returned to a single dwelling. Hilary had worked closely with the client on previous projects and had their couple’s full trust to come up with a scheme that matched their tastes and needs. Many original features were restored or replaced to remain in keeping with the architecture, for example marble and cast iron fireplaces, panelling, cornices and architraves which were considered a key fabric of the building. The most contemporary element of the renovation is the striking double height glass extension to the rear in which the kitchen and living area are positioned. The room has wonderful views out to the garden is ideal both for family life and entertaining. The extension design involved an architect for the original plans and another to project-manage the build. Then Mowlem & Co were brought in because Hilary has worked with them for many years and says they were the natural choice to achieve the high quality of finish and bespoke joinery that was required. “They have done an amazing job,” says Hilary, “the design has certain quirky touches and an individual feel that you can only get with bespoke. All the timber has traditionally made dovetail joints and other handcrafted details. This is typical of Mowlem & Co’s work …they have a fantastic team and Julia Brown, who managed this project, is a great kitchen designer.” The kitchen has been conceived to match the contemporary feel of the new extension while also having a classic feel in terms of the finishes, such as the stained oak and exposed brickwork. The furniture has been made to bespoke proportions to match the scale of the double height extension, so that it fits the architecture. The look is clean and linear in feel and the design features specially created elements such as extra wide drawers and customised storage, and a separate walk-in pantry (plus a separate utility room in the basement). The furniture has been made in flat veneered stained oak and the seamless worktops are in Corian. Cooking appliances are by Wolf and refrigeration is by Sub-Zero. The exposed brick wall of the kitchen matches the external finishes of the brickwork of the house which can be seen through the glass extension. To harmonise, a thick glass shelf has been added, masterminded by Gary Craig of Architectural Metalworkers. This is supported by a cantilevered steel frame, so while it may look deceptively light and subtle, “a serious amount of engineering has gone into it,” according to Hilary. Mowlem & Co also created further bespoke furnishings and installations, for a dressing room plus bathrooms and cloakrooms in other parts of the house. The complexity of the project to restore the entire house took over a year to finish. As the client was transferred to another team before the renovation was complete, the property is now on the market for £9 million.

A timeless contemporary kitchen with a rich palette and recessed built-in handles
Large contemporary galley kitchen pantry in Hamilton with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and black benchtop.

Abundant storage under and over the bench handles all the items required for busy family life. The custom bookshelf houses the library. Image: Nicole England

Design ideas for a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Devon with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, granite benchtops, grey splashback and glass sheet splashback.

Tim Doyle
This is an example of a large contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in London with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Petite cuisine élégante et fonctionnelle
This is an example of a small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Marseille with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, laminate benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, travertine floors, no island, beige floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.