WHAT EXPERTS THE SAY...
Designers and colour professionals share their views
■ ‘IT’S NOT TRUE THAT SMALL ROOMS MUST BE PAINTED
WHITE TO LOOK BIGGER,’ says paint expert Annie Sloan. ‘The same effect can be created with black. Pale colours emphasise the light,
but dark colours blur the corners and edges to give the illusion of space.’
■ ‘I FIND BLACK MORE REWARDING ON WOOD THAN
WALLS because it can show up imperfections in plasterwork,’ says Tamsin Leech-griffiths (number8project.co.uk; interiordesigncollective. co.uk). ‘On woodwork, I use an eggshell paint with the softest of sheens to help bounce light around a little.’
■ ‘BLACK CAN LOOK SURPRISINGLY GOOD WITH PASTEL TONES,’ says Judy Smith. ‘Chalky pinks or greens with pencil lines of black at picture-rail height or as accessories is an interesting combination.’
■ ‘BLACK WORKS REALLY WELL WITH STRONG, JEWEL COLOURS,’ says Helen Harlow of design studio Paintbox. ‘Try orange, fuchsia, turquoise, lime – but it doesn’t always need to be paired with standout shades. It’s equally wonderful with soft neutrals, blush pinks and sage greens.’ ■ ‘THE GREATER THE CONTRAST BETWEEN YOUR BLACK AND ANY COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS,
THE MORE STRIKING THE FINISH,’ says Helen Shaw of Benjamin Moore. ‘For impact, choose a lighter tone or, for something more soothing, pair black with other mid and dark tones.’
■ ‘BLACK HAS SO MANY TONES, IT’S IMPORTANT TO SPEND TIME
FINDING YOUR FAVOURITE,’ says Tamsin. ‘Railings has always been my go-to, but recently I have gravitated towards Off Black, which is so rich in tone.’