Make bold design statement with black
Black is back! It has long been a staple on the runway and is making a bold and sustained comeback in home decor.
Why black? Black is often considered to be a luxurious colour that blends well with other colours and can serve as a great foundation colour.
In other words, black is a neutral colour that can be easily used as either a main colour or as accents in a space.
When looking to incorporate the colour black into your home, here are some basic do’s and don’ts. • Consider the colour black for some of your primary furnishings such as coffee tables, sofas or chairs.
• Consider using black as an accent wall colour. It may be a bold choice, but paired with a contrast colour such as white, it can be classic and timeless.
• Incorporate black into your space through artwork.
• Mix black with contrast colours such as white, taupe or light grey.
• Experiment with materials such as velvet, faux fur or textured wallpaper. • Blend different shades of black. Unlike other colours, the shade of black used should be consistent throughout a space. Otherwise the colour might appear faded or worn.
• Overdo it. Less is often more. Instead of having a room dominated by the colour black, which can appear harsh or even gloomy, consider using black as an accent.
• Be afraid to use black in accent elements such as toss pillows, throws and even picture frames.
• Mix black with darker shades of blue such as indigo. The colours tend to look similar and will prevent the black from standing out front and centre.
• Ignore finishes such as steel or dark metals as a way to use black, especially if your style is industrial chic.
Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Awardwinning television host and an interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com.