Adding Black To Your Home: 4 Tips From My New Project
Black can be a divisive – and difficult – color to use in interior design. It’s dark, intense, and certainly draws the eye. With that being said, you shouldn’t be afraid of adding black to your home. It’s one color I love to work with – and my newest project shows you exactly how to do it (the right way).
Part of the Tri Pointe Homes Context at Oakhurst community in Charlotte, North Carolina, this 1,991-square-foot townhome delftly uses dark tones to bring in some drama – without feeling anything like a cave. Instead, the right design decisions make shades of black cleverly contrast with lighter tones and add much-needed visual interest. Want to know how you can do the same in your own space? Let’s take a closer look. (I’ve also compiled a shoppable round-up of black furnishings and accessories from this design.)
Adding BLACK To Your Home
Choose Black Materials With Sheen
In general, black is a color that absorbs light – and can make a room feel darker. But if you play with the finishes of black materials you use (stone, tile, or paint), opting for shiny and lustrous rather than matte, you can use black to your advantage. The black tiles I used for this kitchen backsplash have a glaze with a sheen that reflects light, making this kitchen still feel bright. The glossy finish on the dark wood cabinetry, as well as lighter colored counters and accents, also aid in making black work in this space.
1. Harper Chevron Sideboard | 2. Open Weave Pendant | 3. Modern Wood Scandinavian Chair | 4. Black Ceramic Table Lamp | 5. Black & Ivory Abstract Lumbar Pillow | 6. Delano Black & White Duvet Cover | 7. Lava Stone Bookends | 8. Concrete Black Decorative Bowl | 9. Running On Waves Framed Art | 10. Monti Coffee Table
Adding BLACK To Your Home
Introduce Black Accents
The easiest way to incorporate black if you’re feeling cautious? Introduce black accents and accessories. It’s a much more subtle approach to dark shades, but an effective one. You can bring in black pillows, vases, plates, flatware, curtains, and much more. Or go for black posts in your stair railing along with a gallery wall of black art, as I did in this home.
Adding BLACK To Your Home
Bring In Black Bedding
You may have never considered black bedding as an option. But I’m here to tell you it can be an adventurous and stylish choice. In this primary bedroom, the black duvet and shams served as the visual focal point, drawing the eye in the otherwise light colored room. When layered with white sheets and a textured throw pillow, they also add much-needed depth to the room.
Adding BLACK To Your Home
Add Light Accents To A Black Room
The key to making a black room feel less like a dark cave? Contrasting light colors. While I painted this bonus room black, I made sure to add light wood furniture, a light gray rug, and a gallery wall that featured framed pieces with large white mats. That made the black feel much less prominent and balanced, as opposed to a dark and imposing room.
