Black is undoubtedly a color that turns heads, yet its deep and bold character tends to make a lot of homeowners a bit afraid of using it. After all, it does have a propensity towards a more “edgy” aesthetic overall, whereas whites, greys, and softer colors feel much less risky. When it comes to black, you might be thinking, can I really pull it off?
The answer is: yes, you can absolutely pull it off. You just have to get a little creative. Not everyone needs or wants an all-black office space or living room, but even a splash of black intentionally placed here and there can pack an equally stylish punch.
If you love the drama of black, but haven’t been comfortable taking the leap yet, follow along. We’ve got all the inspiration you need to take this gorgeous color and make it your go-to staple this fall and beyond.
Full Drama
Ready to make a statement? Then an all-black interior is right up your alley. There’s literally no limit to the elements you can transform with a sleek black hue, and whether you’re working with a bedroom, kitchen, office, or bath, going for this large of a color statement is sure to make your home’s style the talk of the town. The key to creating visual balance within all-black interiors, though, is to ensure you have at least a few pops of complementary, but contrasting, colors (think wood, white, cream, or even another saturated color pop). By incorporating lighter and brighter hues throughout, the drama of the black will stand out even more.
Anchor Pieces
If you want the power statement that comes with al all-black interior, but you’re still invariably drawn to more classic and brighter interiors overall, consider adding an anchor piece to your space. A black-tiled fireplace, a low-profile buffet, or kitchen cabinets contrasted against white walls and warmer textured decor pieces will feel exciting, yet calm at the same time. Plus, with a single black anchor piece, it frees you up to change around the room’s overall aesthetic and color palette whenever you like. The black provides a solid base, allowing your creativity to go wild.
Coordinated Trim
A subtle, yet completely gorgeous way to add a touch of black to your home is to use it for your trim, doors, windows, and hardware throughout each space. Not only does the coordinated effort make your entire home feel curated and part of one larger aesthetic, but it also gives you the freedom to use any color or decor combination you like from room to room, while still giving each space a little pop of interest. Wondering if it will ever go out of style or feel too trendy? No worries there - black is a classic hue, through and through, so unlike some finishes, it’s bound to be here for quite some time.
Lighting
You can never go wrong with choosing a black light fixture. Lighting naturally brings about, well, light, so the contrast of a deep black hue against the glow of a bulb is quite stunning. Add to that the fact that black fixtures feel timeless, yet ultra modern, and you’ve got a room with a decor piece that’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
Furniture & Decor
Believe it or not, even the most subtle additions of black to a space make a major impact. Something as simple as a handcrafted ceramic bowl, side chair, or piece of art adds visual depth that cannot be overlooked. It’s the perfect way to get a hint of drama infused into your home without having to commit to anything permanent. If you ever tire of it, simply swap it out and you’ve got an entirely different look.
Black, at its core, represents power, sophistication, and luxury, and there’s no better way to make your home feel those vibes than by incorporating it into your decor. Because whether you opt for wall-to-wall black style or an occasional small pop here or there, it’s bound to give your space that chic and sleek look you’ve always wanted. So, remember - don’t be afraid to use black (and other similar dark colors) - you just may find that it is exactly the upgrade you always needed.
By Megan Johansson, Contributor to INVIEW Interior Design