October 29th, 2009
I Heart… Black in Interior Design
I’d been meaning to make a post dedicated to my latest design crush – black ♥ – for a few months now, but have kept putting it off for no apparent reason. But in keeping with the Halloween spirit around here latelyi, now seemed like the ideal time to delve into the darkest shade of the colour spectrum.
In terms of interior design, I’d say black is by far the most misunderstood colour. It’s generally accepted as far too harsh for use in the home. In a world where colour associations are so closely bound to a particular shade, I can easily see why most shy away from black. After all, when considered in the strictest of contexts, black is associated with death, depression, drama, angst. It has a tendency to completely absorb colour and doesn’t reflect back any light. For those willing to shed these pre-disposed cultural connotations for black, let’s take a little adventure to the dark side. (You’re imagining Darth Vader while reading this now, aren’t you?)
Let’s ease into this, shall we? Starting with a wee bit of black and then moving into full fledged black-coated paradises.
(Image via From The Right Bank)
A white coated room with a bold black crystal chandelier. Very glam.
(Image via McGill Design)
For the timid, a small punch of black on the ceiling is a nice way to incorporate the shade. It really emphasizes the height of the ceiling and the ornamentation around the ceiling fixture really pops.
(Image via unknown source)
Another example of drawing the eye up to the ceiling with painted rafters.
(Images via Dave Prince Photography and DecorPad)
Black as a backdrop for art work and collections draws attention to them and gives them much more presence.
(Image via emmas.blogg.se)
This room is a slightly more adventurous tackling a small nook, like this bay window seat, and giving it a nice coat of black paint. When surrounded with lots and lots of white, this tiny area still feels open and airy, while providing a secluded area.
(Image via Design*Sponge and an unknown source)
Using blackboard paint is a fun way to bring black into your space. It’s not quite as bold as full-fledged black (it’s more of a dark, dark grey in colour) and let’s face it, it’s a looot of fun. I want a blackboard wall for myself to doodle all over.
(Image via Wish)
Not a fan of the creep animal horn/tusk/body-dismemberment mish-mash chair there (totally creepy, non?), but ignoring that, mad props on the decor of this room. One black wall paired with a subtle black and white tree print wallpaper to offset it, and with the combination of wood tones is top notch and classic.
(Image via Skona Hem)
I adore this hallway space. It’s stunning. I love the use of wainscotting to section off a lower area of wall to be painted black. It’s very crisp and sophisticated. (Off topic a bit, but can I just say I’m enamoured with that front door, too? Love the diamond window cut out so so much. *covets*)
(Image via Domino)
Hey look, black even works in a nursery! It creates a very soothing backdrop to a mish-mash of colourful toys popping up everywhere. The yellow stripes around the ceiling at a bit of whimsy. Very cute and unconventional.
(Image via unknown source)
Black is no stranger to the kitchen. Though usually its seen on appliances only. I like that it’s been switched up a bit here leaving the permanent fixtures to white and stainless steel and popping in some blackboard paint (yay!) to jazz up the space. Still homey and a bit vintage, but with added sophistication.
(Image via David Hicks)
Admittedly, all black is not for everyone. And I’m sure this all-black kitchen is more than a few’s worst nightmare. But I like it. The all black backdrop really allows the white cabinetry to glow and float in the space, and the glass/crystal elements really shine and add sparkle.
(Image via unknown source)
Black in the bedroom seems very cozy and romantic to me. It almost creates a cave-like quality.
(Image via Domino)
Black in the washroom is ever greater still! So very, very glamourous when paired with the vintage claw foot tub, deep plum drapes and velvet upholestered chair.
(Image via Apartment Therapy)
Dropping in a colourful patterned wallpaper is also a nice way of adding some black to your life without completely abandoning colour. I really like the coral florals (Hah! I’m a poet, and I don’t even know it.) here with the ornate bed. Gothic rose vibe, non?
(Image via Domino)
Another fun pop of colour here with a bright turquoise glass door. I quite like this. It adds a little extra vibrancy and cheer.
(Image via Lori Graham)
Still not ready to commit to black? You can still get a similar look with navy, like the room above. Still edgy, but a little bit warmer and relaxing thanks to that blue undertone.
(Image via L March)
Another alternative is to go the grey route. Not quite as bold and dramatic, but it still has that luxurious and cozy quality. I think the grey is a little more dreamy whereas the deep black is more for high elegance and drama.
(Image via Apartment Therapy)
Upping the glam factor of grey with a tone-on-tone wallpaper (that also appears to be iridescent – I like!).
(Image via House Beautiful)
With all that gushing about black out of my system, let me quickly sidestep here and say the following: I do not, I repeat, do not support black in this capacity. Zebra skin is tacky in most situations but as stair runner fabric? Ew. And when paired with circus-tent stripes, double ew. This, my friends, is a crime and the designer should be locked away for this. Or forced to live in it for all of eternity. And hey, this place can do double duty since the stripes have got that jail cell vibe going for it already. Win-win situation.
(Image via BHG.com)
Bold contrasting pattern done right! There’s a time and a place for graphic patterning and it’s in small doses and not paired with other even louder contrasting graphic patterns. Too much. But here, we have a cute little powder room with a nice check pattern. Paired with the exposed piping of the sink and the miniature crystal chandelier, it gives this room a very vintage quality.
(Image via From The Right Bank)
“[The colour] black [...] is full of the feng shui energy of mystery and sophistication; it holds the energy of power and protection. The color of night, deep waters and universal void, feng shui use of color black adds depth, strength and definition to any space.”iii
It’s not all about being gloomy, dreary, and shadowy. When done properly, black can be very romantic, glamourous, sophisticated, unexpected and chic. Perhaps it’s a bit unexpected in current times, but after all, aren’t rules made to be broken? When used in moderation, in combination with other colours, under proper lighting, and paired with key furniture and accessories, black works.
Would I take a walk on the wild side and experiment with black in my own home? Absolutely, yes. I’m 100% sold on its elegance and mystery, and I would whip out a paint brush in an instant.iv
- I don’t know where it came from. Really, I’m not usually a Halloween fanatic. I’ve just been very inspired this year. (»)
- Why yes, that is a washroom in Gwyneth Paltrow’s home! (»)
- Reference: Feng Shiu of Black (»)
- …if I had somewhere to use it. (»)
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Jessica » 29 October 2009
Oooh awesome! :D That reminds me of our kitchen, which has a black stripe as ‘eyecatcher’ and our black/white table and chairs. I kinda like this simplicity. ^^ IKEA offers such blackboards for kitchens and we considered one, however it was a bit too expensive back then. Maybe in the next appartment. :D
(reply to this comment)
Krissy replied on 3 November 2009...
Ooo! I must see pictures of your kitchen now! :P
(reply to this comment)