SOURCE: Heavenly Gaines
I don’t think there’s a colour that’s more polarizing than black. One side sees the modern, chic warmth that it can create in a home. Conversely, there are some who feel it’s depressing and will create a cave-like space only suitable for hermits and those prone to chronic sadness.
I’m firmly pro black when the circumstances are right. Just like any other colour there are factors like lighting that play an important role in how colour looks in your home. Part of the challenge in realizing black’s strength is in finding the perfect shade.
Black Beauty is my favourite of the black family and I have used it in my current home in a couple of places. I’ve used the image below to illustrate how great Pale Oak is (read more about Pale Oak) but whenever I post an image I always receive questions about the colour of the door. In case you hadn’t figured it out, it’s Black Beauty.
Quick Facts About Black Beauty:
- Benjamin Moore Black Beauty 2128-10
- Rich black with a hint of warmth
- Brown undertones
- Works best on walls, cabinetry, doors and trim
- Pairs well with warm cream, taupe and gray for a neutral palette. Also pairs well with mid-toned colours like green, blue, yellow and orange
SOURCE: Pamela Lynn Interiors
Why I Love This Colour
Black has an association with gloomy, dull and depressing but nothing can be further from the truth. Black is vibrant and pairs well with almost any other colour of the rainbow which makes it a great backdrop for art collectors or anyone who needs to neutralize strong colours.
I love that black can add a statement to a door or a bank of cabinetry without introducing too much colour. It’s bold without being too much.
The other misconception is that black will make a room appear smaller and that just isn’t true. Black and other dark colours actually recede from our eye which can make a small space appear larger and not smaller. Dark colours like black can also create a feeling of coziness. If you have a space that’s small and has no personality, black can actually make it feel warmer and more inviting.
Is There An Undertone
Black Beauty is one of the black paint options that’s considered a pure black. A lot of black paint would be described as deep charcoal or have obvious undertones of brown, green or blue but Black Beauty is a strong, pure black.
There is a warmth in the undertone that would suggest there’s a hint of brown in there and that definitely does shine through. Depending on the lighting conditions of your space you may see the warmth of red or orange but it’s definitely a pure black with some brown undertones to give it warmth.
Will Black Beauty Work In Your Home?
I’m going to keep saying this until everyone understands that black paint is great for adding some drama to your space. It will never date your space the way that a trendy paint colour will (ahem, hello gray). Black is a classic that looks elegant and timeless so if you want a colour that has staying power, Black Beauty is your go-to.
While you may not want to paint an entire room in black it’s a great way to create contrast in small, more subtle ways.
Trim Colours to Use With Black Beauty
Since Black Beauty is a warm black it will naturally pair really well with trim colours that are also warm. A warm creamy white, taupe or soft gray will work together as opposed to fighting against the black paint.
We don’t want the contrast to be too overwhelming when we’re looking for a trim colour. They shouldn’t be fighting against each other but instead they should work harmoniously to create a single effect.
1/ White Dove OC-17
There’s a reason why this white is so popular. It’s a very warm white with a yellow undertone that gives it warmth. Don’t be afraid of the yellow in this paint though as it’s not an obvious colour shining through. It’s more like having sunlight bouncing off your pure white paint and warming up the overall effect.
Pairing White Dove with Black Beauty is going to work because the warm undertones will create a seamless pairing. If you love the look of a black and white kitchen consider painting the perimeter in White Dove and accent the warmth by painting the island in Black Beauty.
2/ Vintage Taupe 2110-70
This is another soft white that has a warmth that pairs well with Black Beauty. This off white has a tiny hint of pink which will pair well with the warmth of Black Beauty. While it definitely looks more taupe when you view it on its own it will look like a warm white when paired with a deep black.
3/ London Fog
If you’re looking for a trim colour that has some depth and can pair really well with Black Beauty go for a taupe like London Fog. I love this pairing for homes that are older and have architectural details that you want to highlight.
If your home has very tall baseboards, chunky crown moulding or window muntins that you’d like to highlight, a colour like this that’s deeper and adds some contrast will be a winner.
Best Paint Colours to Pair with Black Beauty
If you’re worried that you’ll be limited to other neutrals when choosing a black paint, think again. Black can be paired with just about any colour and will always add an element of sophistication to the pairing.
I do love to see black and white in design because it’s timeless but I also love to see some colour added in for personality. Whatever you gravitate towards will almost certainly work but here are a couple of my favourites:
1/ Beacon Gray 2128-60
This light blue is a beautiful partner for Black Beauty. If you’ve ever admired a home with a black exterior it’s because the colours naturally found in nature pair well with black. This sky blue will add some lightness to a black space.
2/ Harbour Town 493
For the same reason as above, this mid-toned green is a perfect complement to black. And even reversing the colour scheme so that this is the dominant colour and black acts as the accent colour will make for a soothing and comforting space.
3/ Rusty Nail CC-30
If you want a combination that’s timeless there’s nothing better than this cognac colour paired with black. These are two of the base colours of a timeless capsule wardrobe because they pair well together and neither colour is ever going to be outdated or tired.
My Final Word on Black Beauty
What else can I say to convince you to give this colour a try? If you’re considering black for your home, look no further. I love the strength and impact of this colour but I also love how rich and elegant it feels.
Black doesn’t have to be for an entire room if that feels overwhelming to you but by incorporating bits of black throughout your space you’ll be adding some contrast and interest to any room in your home.
If you need help finding the perfect paint colour for your home, contact me. I’m a Certified Colour Expert and would love to help you find the perfect colour for your space.
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.
