How to decorate with black
Black is a magic color. It is a classic evoking elegance, drama, or simply timeless style. It is eminently flexible and works with every other color beautifully. The LBD is a wardrobe staple and tuxedos are black for a reason.
We have a lot of nature that visits our back deck, and of late, that has included a pair of glossy black crows. The diva is trying to make friends with them (she’s named them Alistair and Maura) and the rest of the fauna doesn’t seem to be particularly disturbed by their presence…our deck activity is always entertaining to watch!
This is Alister the crow…I gave him a top hat. It just seemed appropriate, somehow!
Anyway, that stunning black of the crows always reminds me of my mantra:
“Every room needs a touch of black”.
Add a dose of black in a light and airy room
This idea is usually a tough sell to people who are looking for light and airy spaces, but hear me out…
You don’t need a lot of black, but a touch of it adds some contrast that highlights a light and airy vibe.
This sunroom is all about light and airy, but it is grounded with touches of black that enhance the light bright nature of it.
A light and airy yellow and white sunroom is enhanced with black accents; drapery hardware, a side table, and an area rug all ground and highlight the airiness of the space. JRL Interiors, Acton, MA
An all white or light neutral room will totally benefit from the sculptural interest of a black wrought iron in a table leg or curtain rod, or a black furniture piece or carpet, or black framed artwork.
Victoria Hagan is masterful at creating elegant white rooms that are dynamic and interesting. And every room shown in the AD article on her CT house contains a dash or more of black.
A pastel room is kept from being too sweet and saccharine with the same light hand of a dash of black.
This ladies library by Melanie Turner is not weighted down or darkened at all by the addition of a black writing desk and chairs. On the contrary, the dark element enhances the sherbet color while lending a bit of gravitas and sophistication.
Design by Melanie Turner, photo Mali Azima image via Veranda
A GE Cafe kitchen display features white and pastel punctuated by touches of black in the hardware, accent door frames, appliance handles, faucet, and speckled counter
Black adds elegance
Black also is a great way to add a bit of elegance to a space (and black LOVES gold metallic).
Black lampshades lined with gold are a favorite trick we use. And painting pretty much ANY piece of furniture black makes it instantly somehow look chic.
Chic little black lampshades lined with metallic gold give a warm romantic quality to the light
Black rugs anchor a furniture group
Some black underfoot can also be an option to ground the furnishings in a room. My pastel living room currently has a black needlepoint rug I recently inherited, and it looks stunning, and sets off all the light colored elements in the rest of the room.
Black can add dramatic interest
While a touch of black adds interest and elegance, a higher percentage of black can add tension and drama (in a good way!) to make a space that is dynamic. Black was definitely a huge trending color at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, appearing in cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, stone and tile, and hardware. More on the latest kitchen and bath trends HERE.
GE Cafe’s Bold Ambition kitchen display inspired by style icon Iris Apfel features an abundance of black paired with greens and gold for a dramatic and stunning display
Black is Classic
Black is a classic color, especially for front doors. A glossy black front door is always a timeless choice and great with nearly any house color. It works with whites, brick, stone, blues, grays, taupes, yellows…pretty much ANY color - as we’ve said, black goes with everything beautifully!
And don’t forget interior doors - black on the inside of the front door can give your foyer a kick of drama. Black interior doors can be a way to add interest in a bland hallway, or highlight an important room entrance. In a sea of otherwise neutral color, a black door says “look at me”!
Black windows are a classic staple of modern farmhouse. Black metal windows can have a quasi-industrial vibe for an urban loft feel, and the contrast of black windows in white spaces adds a clean modern feel.
Black is always an appropriate addition and can enhance just about any space. Whether you use it in large dramatic doses or just as a small counterpoint accent is up to you, but find a place for it in every room. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Other post you might enjoy:
The Latest Trends in Kitchen and Bath Design
Is green the new gray? Paint Pairings for the Color of the Year