Black is the new black! Forget about orange because black? It just never goes out of style.
Apart from a little black dress or a goth rock T-shirt, black also has an underused role in classy home decor. It can be intimidating to use black in the home as it’s so intense, but it can also be bold, stylish and striking when used well.
Bathroom
While an intimidating choice for a hesitant home designer, black walls can be a magnificent choice. When branching out into black décor, maybe start small in the bathroom – contrasting the walls with white fixtures, towels and mirrors can make everything pop.
Walls
Black can be a difficult colour to paint well and you may be better off engaging a qualified painter – imperfections in the job are particularly obvious to the eye in this colour. When planning, consider carefully your ceiling colour and avoid black here as well as this will shrink the room. Accessorise with bright, light and/or metallic furniture, fixtures and paintings and treat the walls like an art piece to decorate. Remember to plan excellent lighting as the walls will absorb the light. Windows, mirrors and bold light pieces are especially important in a dark room.
Living areas
Black cabinets are sleek and modern additions to any kitchen and pair beautifully with a light trim and pops of colour in stools, lighting and appliances. A black design is the perfect canvas to showcase really bold and bright accessories on the bench. For a professional finish engage a professional cabinet maker.
Alternatively contrast a white, clean kitchen design with a sophisticated centre piece of a black granite benchtop. The white/black contrast is timeless and sophisticated and pairs beautifully with black lighting fixtures and black chairs.
Pattern
Like something a bit different and striking? Black lends itself beautifully to patterned features such as chevron patterns and geometric shapes. Designs on rugs, wall art, cushions, wallpaper and more make for points of interest and enliven a living space. Make sure to balance your patterns with neutral areas so as to not overwhelm the eye.
Garden
Did you know that black even extends to your backyard? We’re blessed in WA with the beautiful native black kangaroo paw. This incredible midnight blossom will draw the eye amidst the green of your garden and attract local birds. Kangaroo paws grow best in full sun with good drainage as they don’t deal well with a wet root system. They’re fairly easy care plants as well which makes them even better! Got a black thumb? Get your garden set up by your local gardener.
Time to get Back in Black.
-Em from the Look Local WA team
