Black is the newest darling in decorating trends, but is it a fad or a classic? And why did it crash onto the decorating stage?
The answer to the second question is most likely that it is a reaction to the decades of dominance of gray, griege, and white, followed by a more recent turn toward warmer beiges and creams. And while black is still a neutral in that it goes with pretty much everything, it is more intense and therefore more dynamic than the other neutrals.
As to whether it is a fad or a classic, that depends on where and how it is used.
I love using black in décor, and I firmly believe every room could use a touch of black, but the first reaction I usually get from clients when I suggest that is WHAAAT?
Before I lose you entirely, hear me out. Black is many things, and some people associate it with Darth Vader, or some other villain or super hero.
…which is all fine and well, but not really what you want in your décor…unless maybe you are my nephew.
What I AM talking about is that black in décor has the same power as the little black dress has in fashion. It’s foundational and can add instant sophistication or drama or both to any space.
Whether you cover the room head to toe in black or use just a touch depends on the look you are aiming to achieve.
Black is a secret weapon. Painting a piece of unremarkable furniture black can transform it into something significant. Painting a whole room black can add glamour or warmth. And using black to balance and accent lighter tones adds energy and interest.
Black as the Main Color
Used on walls in paint or wallpaper black adds elegance like in this dramatic tiny powder room (click on highlighted text for before and after pics).
Black painted walls and millwork can bring a warmth and coziness to library spaces. Think walls of glossy black bookshelves with brass library lights paired with rich wood and caramel leather furnishings.
Black is a new trend in kitchens - especially when paired with the warmth of wood or natural wicker. I was apparently ahead of the curve when I redid my kitchen in black a few years ago. I still adore it.
Black as an Accent
A mix of black and white is the ultimate in high contrast. Therefore, it is highly energetic and living proof that ‘opposites attract’ is true for more than magnets and unlikely couples.
This primary en suite uses a mix of black and white in wallpapers, cabinetry, and tiles for a stunning neutral bathroom that is anything but boring.
Or, add dramatic flair with a graphic high contrast pattern on the floor. Black and white checkerboard flooring will ALWAYS be a classic! Black in an area rug can ground a space by adding needed visual weight.
As an accent on furnishings, it can add sophistication. I love to paint vintage side tables with nice lines black - it elevates them and introduces a sculptural quality (see more of the living room refresh project below HERE)
This black console table adds just the right touch in this elegant foyer transformation.
Choosing lighting, drapery, door or cabinet hardware in a black metal will play well with any other metal finishes (Click HERE for more on this antique farmhouse guest bath below).
I often advocate for painting bannisters and newel posts black for the sculptural quality and understated elegance it adds to a staircase (click highlighted text for before and after pics).
Interior doors can be elevated with black paint as well.
A touch of black has the power to keep an otherwise pastel room from being too sickly sweet, or inject a pale neutral room with energy.
Black is, after all, a neutral. It’s just a more dramatic and saturated neutral than the grieges and grays we have been inundated with for the last decade+. And there is nothing at all wrong with grieges and grays - there’s nothing wrong with ANY color as long as it is used in the right place.
Just to clarify, by a touch of black, I mean in the décor - your dirty socks, stray shoes, and treadmill do NOT count as accent pieces except in the most extreme of circumstances!
Like white, there are many shades of black and what you choose can change the overall outcome quite a lot. Below are some of my favorites - Onyx is probably the shade I’ve used the most.
A word of caution about black plumbing fixtures – while a Darth Vader-esque toilet might be just what your bathroom design needs, it is a riskier investment to spring for a trendy black tub, depending on the style, if you are hoping to have a classic design that will last for the next 30 years.
A black toilet finishes this pocket sized powder room with it’s custom floating cabinetry, quartz and glass counter, onyx wainscoting, stainless sink, and ribbon faucet.
Matte black faucets may have more longevity because they are, as we’ve said, a neutral and a metal that plays well with others, but my crystal ball is a little fuzzy on whether they will make it solidly into the new classics category.
In any case, faucets, toilets, light fixtures and cabinet hardware are all less disruptive to change should the need arise. If you are wondering about where to go trendy and where to exercise caution, check out THIS post.
Black is a designer secret worth exploring. Would YOU try decorating with black in your home?
Happy Decorating!
