If someone suggested you paint your walls black, you'd probably think they went off the deep end. However, if you look at this dramatic dining room from Benjamin Moore you can see that black can be striking. This look is not for everyone but you have to admit it's different and eye-catching. If you can't find a colour that piques your interest, then maybe black needs some consideration.
With no disrespect to the designer of this room, I prefer a more formal look so I would probably replace the lime-green sheers with a rich wine-coloured heavy drapery and replace the area rug with an Oriental one with black, red and gold tones. A sparkling crystal chandelier would add some shimmer and elegance. A large bold painting on the black wall would bring these colours together and create harmony. I say this only to give you an idea of the different looks that are possible with black. Here are a few more schemes that might work for you:
One colour scheme that would work in this space is simple black and cream. Toile draperies in black and cream would add texture and pattern and would still work with the off-white dining chairs and accent pieces. An optional matching toile floor-length table cloth would be a dramatic touch. A bright bouquet of red poppies on the table ,along with appropriate artwork and area rug, would again meld this black-and-white décor.
Fall colours such as pumpkin, avocado and ice grey can work well with black walls as well. If you can't envision these colour schemes visit www.benjaminmoore.com and play with the personal colour viewer. You can paint room templates online in whatever colours you want. This gives you a clear picture of what and how colours work together. You can even use your own interior photos in this program.
Black doesn't only work on walls. Ceilings and floors done in black can be striking. Dark floors are popular right now and they provide a luxurious base for most any room. Use flooring in colours such as espresso, which is a brown-black combo colour that is rich and has visual depth because it has undertones. A black ceiling might seem like a gloomy choice but I've seen this done in upscale condos in a foyer with great results. Small, recessed pot lights in the ceiling are what made this work. As well, the ceiling was nine to 10 feet high rather than the standard eight feet. Places such as restaurants with cavernous ceilings often use black to bring the ceiling down visually yet still have some drama. Check it out the next time you're dining out.
Dark, ebony kitchen cabinets are quite popular and are a stunning choice for a medium to large kitchen. The darker cabinets are more reminiscent of fine furniture than their lighter counterparts. Dark cabinets work well with stainless-steel appliances and hardware. The ebony or espresso colour cabinets also showcase finishes such as marble, granite, ceramic tile and slate extremely well. The end result is a kitchen that looks richer and more luxurious.
In the bathroom there is a growing trend toward dark cabinetry. You'd think in a small space such as a bathroom that dark finishes would be confining but just the opposite is true. Again, espresso-coloured vanities and storage cabinets give the bathroom a look of quality and elegance and provide contrast to all of the light finishes of the tub, sink, commode and sometimes even the shower surround. If you have a spirit of adventure you might want to repaint your current cabinetry in a sleek, ebony finish. Add some black bath mats and accent towels to keep the look uniform.
Home theatres are all the rage right now and this is a good place to use black as a base for your room. A theatre is always dark and cosy so black is the perfect fit. The furniture and flat screen may all ready be black so you've got a jumping point. Add black curtains to absorb sound and/or an area rug with black accents. Paint the wall behind the flat screen or theatre screen black which will help the large screen blend into the wall rather than be the focus of the room when off. Pot lights and spotlights will add drama and general lighting when needed.
Lighting is key
Having the right lighting is key to making black work. Rooms with lots of natural light are good candidates as well as rooms where additional lighting can be installed. Ceiling pot lights are great for illuminating a large area while spotlights provide drama. The right lighting will keep the gloom away and make your black room dazzling.
Still not convinced?
Painting any large area black is not for the faint of heart. If you're not convinced that this will work for you consider introducing dramatic black in smaller doses. Boring floors can be given a new look with colourful, graphic area rugs with black borders or accents. Black accent pillows on a light-coloured sofa might be just the thing your living room needs to give it new life. Introducing a striking accessory like a faux zebra rug will help introduce black into your space in a fun and exotic way. Black-and-white bedding can add luxury and elegance to a master suite. Whether in solids or printed patterns like large stripes or graphic prints, black-and-white linens will turn your boring bedroom into an impressive space. Black kitchen appliances are another option if you're in the market for new items for the kitchen. Even smaller countertop items such as toasters and mixers will add a sense of drama in striking black.
Black is a colour that makes other colours stand out, so give it a chance. You might be glad you did.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
