SOURCE: 5280
What comes to mind when you think about black rooms? For a lot of us that instantly conjures up images of a depressing, sad space that feels cold and gloomy. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. A black room can be chic, cozy or sexy. It can also feel like a big hug.
Black rooms have never been hotter because this is the year when we’re embracing colour again. Even if you’re a colour lover it can sometimes be hard to find one single colour that evokes the feeling we really want in our space. Too many of the colours that we see are bold but not necessarily sophisticated or chic. One of the most surprising things to learn about black is that it can actually be treated as a neutral. Knowing that might take the edge off any fear you’re experiencing at the thought of 4 black walls in your space.
Wondering which black colours a designer relies on? Here are my go-to black paint colours that always look great.
1/ Benjamin Moore Black Beauty
This one is my favourite, not just for my clients but for myself. I’ve used this in my own home on doors and cabinetry. I think it’s safe to say I’m obsessed with this one.
2/ Benjamin Moore Black
This one is another favourite because it’s the truest black of all. If you’re looking for a black that doesn’t have a lot of undertone, this is the winner.
3/ Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
If deep black feels too overwhelming, give Wrought Iron a try. It leans a bit more towards charcoal or deep, deep gray. If you want the overall feel of a black space but are afraid to go all in, this could work well.
4/ Benjamin Moore Soot
This is another great black that has just a hint of blue hidden in there. It has a cooler tone so it would work really well in a space that gets a lot of natural light.
5/ Benjamin Moore Onyx
This is another black that has little or no undertones and shows up as pure black. It can work in both warm and cool rooms and looks great with a colourful art collection.
6/ Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
This is one of Sherwin Williams’ most popular choices for black paint because it doesn’t have much undertone so it will go on just as you see it in the can.
7/ Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
This is a deep, deep gray that can appear black when there’s not a lot of light. If you use it in a light-filled room it will definitely appear more gray than black. If you have a dark room like a powder room, this will lean more towards a true black.
8/ Sherwin Williams Caviar
Want a black that has a warmer feel? This is the one for you. It’s a perfect, pure black but it definitely leans towards warm rather than cool.
9/ Sherwin Williams Inkwell
And just as the name implies, this black has a bit of a blue undertone. This colour pairs well with lots of other neutrals. The blue undertone keeps it from feeling overwhelmingly black but will give you the deep moody feel of a black space.
TIPS FOR USING BLACK IN YOUR HOME
Even if you love black you may be overwhelmed at the idea of how to incorporate it into your home without having regrets. Let’s explore some gorgeous black rooms and how you can use black to create a chic and cozy home for yourself.
1/ Don’t Be Afraid
SOURCE: Studio Seiders
One of the ways that black works best is when everything is done in the same colour. Your instinct is likely to be safe and add white wherever you can to brighten things up. I understand why you might think that but doesn’t this image prove that all black is most definitely the way to go.
If these built-ins had been painted a different colour than the walls we’d have a very different feeling in this space. This looks so chic whereas it might look a bit more ordinary with a different colour on the built-ins.
2/ Adding Some Bling
SOURCE: Domino
I don’t know if any word aside from chic will do to describe this black kitchen. In spite of how much of this space has been painted black it still manages to feel bright and welcoming. I love that the homeowners here have opted for adding a bit of oak as well as the gold pulls on the cabinetry. This helps create the sophisticated overall feel of the space. Think of it like you would when you’re wearing your little black dress. Yes, it looks great alone but when you add the jewelry it really comes to life. This is exactly what the gold and oak elements are doing for this space. It just takes it up to a new level of sophistication. Find out what’s hot in kitchen design. Read this post.
3/ Bring Nature Into the Equation
SOURCE: Jacquelyn Clark
There’s very little in nature that gives us big doses of black and yet it seems like black and natural elements are a perfect pairing. There is nothing accidental about the pairing in the image above. From the artwork to the wall sconce to the pillows, every single ingredient in this room seems to be selected to support the black colour and add a nod to Mother Nature. And in case you missed it there’s also a black ceiling. The textures of the branches and the leaves seem to come to life against the black backdrop in a way that might not seem so obvious with another colour.
4/ Tone on Tone
SOURCE: Story North
If you saw this as an empty room with just the walls and ceilings painted you might be inclined to vote for white or cream furniture. If you really want to create a chic and cozy space then consider using other tones of deeply saturated colour. It doesn’t have to be black but in this room the chocolate brown furniture creates a moodiness that wouldn’t be possible without another very dark colour.
5/ Bring the Texture
SOURCE: Studio McGee
There’s nothing that will bring black to life quite like the addition of texture. From the linen drapery to the rough texture of the coffee table this room has got SO much texture going on. It really brings the entire space to life and gives it dimension and sophistication. I love that the colour was added to the ceiling as well. Did you notice that there’s added texture in the form of the panelling on the ceiling? This may have been there before but I love the idea of adding texture to the ceiling if you’re going for a dark colour. Overall, this black room is a winner and proves that black can be chic.
6/ Showcase Artwork
SOURCE: House & Home
If you’re an art lover you might think you need white walls to showcase your collection. Afterall, that’s how galleries hang their artwork so this must be the right way to showcase it right? It does look great but if you’re tired of the white walls we’ve been seeing lately, black can be a wonderful stand in. The artwork in this room is so dynamic thanks to the backdrop of black walls. I don’t think there’s a better choice for showcasing this grouping.
7/ Partner Up With White
SOURCE: Pinterest
Don’t think that you need your entire house to be painted black. I love the strong contrast going on in the image above with the white room neighbouring the all-black space. It might sound harsh to go from such a dark and heavy space to a light, bright space right next door but it works. The secret to making this work is always about the transition colours. I like how the woven plant holder in the white room mimics the colour of the leather swivel chair in this dark room. There’s also a white table between the chairs that pulls some of the brightness from the connecting room. If you’re going to play with contrast like this just take a note and remember to create consistency between the two rooms.
How do you feel about an all black room? Would you ever take the risk and try it out? Let me know if you’re considering it.
Need help with a renovation project this year? Contact me to find out more about my services and how I can help you bring style to your new home.
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.
