Match up with black

Dark charcoal shades, even pure black, are becoming increasingly popular. To make them work in outdoor spaces, the colours you use with them are very important, says Dulux colour consultant Palesa Ramaisa: • Shades of blue work well with dark charcoal. If you like this colour, choose Ebony Mist 1/Night Jewels 1, and combine it with Whale Wall or the slightly more grey Otter Silver to add depth to your stoep. • Keep your outdoor space fresh with earthy colours and textures; use greenery and woven baskets, for example. • For impact, add splashes of mustard-yellow or burnt-orange in the form of decorative elements. But choose only one shade – too many bold colours such as these will make a space look too busy.