Black is such a powerful colour. When combined with other colours or even simple white it can create a series of emotions. This is why black is used in all sorts of design elements to make an impact. Black is mysterious. Think of nighttime where all color and light are removed and as you move through the space there’s that feeling you get of not knowing what you are stumbling upon and where it will take you. Black has been seen in men’s suits, judge’s robes and other uniforms for years, creating the symbolism of power and wealth.
Often, black is seen in high end design, creating feelings of richness and class. A dark evening dress in a rich black, where the woman wearing it appears elegant and intriguing. Every colour put next to black instantly pops off it. The high contrast creates the perfect backdrop to highlight any other colour with it. You often see black lettering on colour backgrounds or even the small shadow of black around white lettering used in graphic design just to make the letters pop off the page. Using all these design concepts, you see in fashion and graphics, you can then apply them to furniture and home design in the same manor to evoke certain feelings when creating your space. Black, because of the strong emotions it can evoke, is categorized as a hard colour. Sometimes black can also be used when creating a minimalist design.
Black, when combined with white, can also be used when creating simplicity. Black is simple. It can create emotions and it can also create no emotion. Just like a chameleon, it can be whatever you want it to be and different to each person.
Trends to use Black in Home Design
The Black Wall. Black walls are popping up in a lot of design and they are amazing. The dark wall really makes a statement and takes your room to the next level. Whether you use a dark wall to create a dark mysterious atmosphere in your bedroom or create a feature wall in your office or dining room that creates a look of power and adds richness to a room, using black in this way is one of our favourite design features. These walls will stand the test of time and allow all the other elements of your space to become a feature as they stand out in sharp contrast against the wall. If you want to really add sophistication, add elements of gold like sconces and gold hardware. If you are creating a more minimalist design, use white and simple neutrals to really create that intrigue.
The Black Leather Chair
We see black leather as sexy and alluring. Often you see a black leather chair placed in a room to stand up against a soft neutral sofa. A large black chair in an office creates that powerful throne in the room where the person sitting upon it gets things done. Black leather home theatre seating creates the mood where you are about to have an experience and it’s exciting the minute you see all the black leather in a row. Yes, it is practical for cleaning, but black is chosen because it disappears when the room goes dark and takes you to a new place where your surroundings are forgotten.
How to Soften the Contrast
When using black walls, you might not want that stark contrast so apparent. If this is the case, use warm woods and soft neutrals in pillows, blankets, and bedding to warm up the dark walls but still have that punch of black to create elegance. Black in a bedroom paired with these neutrals can make this space seem cozy at night with soft light on the walls practically disappearing while you have the warmth of the neutrals around you.
Grounding with Black Accents
By having black in your room, it creates a grounding effect. By having elements of black in your space it can easily tie the rest of your room together. A black lamp on your table with black picture frames and black handles from your kitchen can tie the whole great room together. Simple black sculptures or elegant plant stands will all be tiny accent pieces in your design, but at the same time make your space feel cohesive. Black is one of the simplest colours to use to ground your space and make your space feel cohesive. A little contrast compliments the neutrals or bright pops of colour in your space and is very pleasing to the eye.
The Other Black Box in the Room
Let’s not forget a big black box in the room that most of us have for entertainment. Our TVs. They have come a long way from the old chunky box in the corner but a great way for them to seem like part of the room is to incorporate other black elements in the space. This giant black picture on your wall will no longer stand out in the room as your eye is drawn to other elements and not just the TV.
Black is Forgiving
Black is a great colour that can be very forgiving when using it with design. You can build your design around your base of black and it doesn’t matter what colours you mix it with, it all looks great. You can add little accessories to the room to really add some depth to the space. Any combination of metals work with black. You can use bronze, gold, rose gold or go silver and chrome. You can go really bold and mix all the metals together. Adding black wrought iron to the space in a kitchen or as accessories around the house make the space looked pulled together and textured without being overdone.
Whether you use a little black or a lot of black, it will continue to be a design colour element that will stand the test of time. Like that little black dress that is a staple in any wardrobe. It is versatile, easily glammed up with a bit of bling (gold, chrome, glass, or crystals) and low key and trendy (simple neutral colours mixed in or clean crisp white). You will find using black as part of your décor will really add dimension to your space without a whole lot of effort.
