So this is a bit of a selfish post. My husband was being forced to watch one of my (many) PVR’d design shows not long ago and when it came to the reveal, he really didn’t like the black walls the designer had chosen to create and proceeded to tell me that he didn’t like black walls, period. I was vociferously opposed to his view as I had been quietly harbouring dreams of painting some black walls in whichever new place we may be moving to in the near future. He said absolutely not, he just doesn’t like them. I said I would show him some fabulous rooms with black walls and convert him to a hip, black wall-lover. So this post is really for him. With some stuff for you thrown in there too!
What I love about black is that it is so dramatic and sophisticated. It can instantly add strength to a space and it is classic. Just think about all those LBDs us gals have been wearing for decades. The black in this room is softened by the use of the natural materials in the blinds and the basket and by pairing it with a warm wood desk.
This space is just so glamorous with the contrasting black and white decor and the use of timeless furniture pieces. Really nicely modernised with the cowhide zebra stripe rug and the slipcovered chair.
This black entranceway designed by Kelly Wearstler allows all the graphic patterns and metallic finishes to shine while creating a striking backdrop.
Black absorbs light, so black walls work really well in a space that receives a good amount of natural light. Though if you are aiming to create a warm, cave-like feel, black walls will make a calming choice. In her book All About Colour, colour guru Janice Lindsay identifies that ‘black can feel like a security blanket, private and safe.’ Paint with a sheen to it will help move the light around the room, whereas a matte paint finish will fully absorb the light. Matte paint will also hide more imperfections in the wall than a glossy finish will.
This space feels a bit cave-like to me. Enveloping and cozy and inviting and what a beautiful creative space it would be to work in!
Here’s another warm and inviting space with very saturated hues mixed into the black room.
This inviting black and white kitchen was posted by House Beautiful nearly 10 years ago and because of it’s ageless design and colour scheme it is still looking current. To update this kitchen in the future, all you will likely need to do is change the pendant lights and a few accessories.
Here is another classic kitchen design, but with a modern black ceiling. There is much talk about what a black ceiling will do to a space. I feel like it makes the ceiling disappear and therefore makes it seem much higher. Others say the opposite, that it can bring the ceiling in and make the space feel more enclosed. What do you think?
Of course we all have black workhorses in our wardrobes – those outfits or pieces we turn to time and again because they work with everything. I love this classic Chanel inspired boucle jacket paired with an edgy pair of leather skinnies and open toed boots. Very chic.
Model Karlie Kloss puts a spin on the classic black pants and white top by reversing it and wearing it for winter.
How pretty is this elegant black party dress with the crushed velvet bodice and tulle skirt? It could easily have come out of the 1950s and would be a perfect Christmas or New Years party dress.
Marilyn Monroe wears a great little black dress here that is still fashionable today. And aren’t those seams sexy?
via pinterest
So what do you think about dramatic black? Will it make the transition from your wardrobe and onto your ceiling or walls? Will it become as classic as it has in our wardrobes?
