SOURCE: Interiors By Color
You may think it sounds extreme to use a black paint in your home but truthfully nothing could be further from the truth. Black paint is chic and sophisticated and has a calming effect in a space. This particular black is a longtime favourite of mine because its inky tones reflect a slight blue undertone which gives it a really nice warmth. This is a paint colour that I recommend for both interiors and exteriors and it has never ended up looking dark, drab or dreary.
CREATING DRAMA WITH BENJAMIN MOORE’S SOOT
LET’S COMPARE BLACK PAINT
Soot versus Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron is another of Benjamin Moore’s most beloved black paint colours. As you can see from the image above, Soot leans more towards black while Wrought Iron is a soft black that feels closer to charcoal. In an interior space with lots of light Soot will be darker and show more of its blue undertones. Wrought Iron will lean towards charcoal and if you really have a lot of natural light or if you’re painting the exterior you may actually feel it’s dark gray versus black.Soot versus Witching Hour
Both of these colours have strong blue undertones so they’re more similar than the other 2 options. In some lighting conditions Witching Hour may end up looking closer to dark navy than black so be sure to do a colour sample in the room before you commit. If you are really unsure about jumping into painting your space black then maybe you’ll lean towards Witching Hour which can offer a gentler entry into the arena of the bold.Soot versus Onyx
Onyx is another fan favourite and it gets as close to pure black as you can get. Both of these colours have warm undertones and will create a cozy feel in your space provided you have enough natural light to bring out their best qualities. If you’re committed to creating a space that is black with few undertones then go for Onyx. It won’t disappoint and will feel like a very dark neutral.COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS THAT WORK WELL WITH SOOT
It’s hard to find colours that don’t work well with Soot. This colour would work really well if you love a monochromatic colour scheme. That would look like Soot paired with various shades of light to dark blue. This could work well to create a space that is moody and sophisticated. If I were going to go for a scheme like that I’d go all in and include the furniture, rugs and paint to give it an over the top look.
1/ Chantilly Lace
If you want Soot to stand alone as a bold and daring choice then white is the best option for creating opposition and contrast. Try this in a kitchen and keep the lower cabinets painted Soot and lighten up the upper cabinets using Chantilly Lace. Another great option is to paint the perimeter cabinets white and contrast that with an island painted in Soot. Either way you’ll be creating a dramatic space. See my client’s black & white kitchen reveal here. You can also use Chantilly Lace for baseboards and trim in a room where the walls are painted Soot.2/ Cumulus Cloud
If white feels too safe but you want a colour that will create a soothing counterpoint to Soot, a greige might be the answer. Just as with white, it will be a calming partner to this deep black. I love that the gray undertones will be consistent with these 2 colours together. This will help to create harmony that brings the opposites together.3/ Ice Cap
Just as I mentioned, a light blue paint will play off the undertones of this black paint and create a complementary colour scheme. This would look great on the walls of a kitchen where the cabinetry has been painted Soot. It could also be a front door paint colour on a home whose exterior has been painted Soot. This will be the pop of colour to create a warm and inviting welcome.4/ Putnam Ivory
For a more classic combination try using a warm yellow like Putnam Ivory. This combination feels timeless and will never date your space. Consider a combination like this when you want to paint a wall in a soft, light neutral and introduce a dark black to a fireplace or built-in cabinetry. Pair this combo with an area rug that contains both of these colours to ensure that the combo looks strong.WHERE TO USE BENJAMIN MOORE SOOT
1/ Your Home’s Exterior
SOURCE: Home Bunch
If you thought the sound of a home exterior painted black would be too much I think this house will prove otherwise. Colours on the outside of your home will always enjoy the benefits of natural light and appear less saturated. While this is definitely still a very deep colour it definitely leans towards dark navy when it absorbs all the light.
2/ Kitchen Cabinetry and/or Walls
SOURCE: House & Home
This image above should challenge any fears you have around using black in a kitchen. Not only are the cabinets painted in Soot but the walls are as well and yet this space still feels bright and cheerful. I love the pairing of gold faucets and terracotta tiles. I think both of those help to add additional colour to the space which is preventing it from feeling too heavy.
3/ Kitchen Pantry
SOURCE: Home Bunch
If you’re lucky enough to have a walk in pantry that looks this good then you owe it to the room to make it look its best. Soot has been used here to paint both open and closed storage and together with the gray backsplash and light oak floor, it’s a winning combination. There’s no need to close the doors on this pantry.
4/ Bedroom Walls
SOURCE: Benjamin Moore
If you want to create a space that feels moody and chic nothing works better in the bedroom than black walls. Soot is used here to anchor the space while the white fabrics create a calm contrast. You can see how well Soot pairs with different wood and metal finishes. This is a room that definitely gets the designer stamp of approval.
5/ Living Room
SOURCE: Instagram
The homeowners of this space were definitely all in when they painted the room. The ceiling, walls and trim are all painted Soot. While there is an extraordinary amount of light filtering into this space the room just looks sophisticated and calm. The moulding on the walls adds an added layer of chic to the space and the framed photographs are also contributing to the lightness in the space. Let this be confirmation to you if you’re considering painting your living room in Soot.
6/ Office
SOURCE: Instagram
Since Soot pairs so nicely with any wood tone it’s a perfect paint colour for your office. I love that the desk becomes the focal point, framed by the wall, cabinetry and ceiling in black. The area rug is a beautiful choice because its pattern reinforces the classic feeling of this space while the colours add lightness.
I hope I’ve convinced you to give Soot a try in your own home. If you need help selecting colours for your space, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss how I can help you.
If you know your design style but you struggle with which paint to use, take a look at my Made-For-You paint palettes. They take the guesswork out and give you the confidence to get started.
