BLACK &WHITE

Black window frames are on trend right now but you can bring a graphic look into your home with monochrome accessories, art and furniture

This week’s column was inspired by ultra trendy black window frames. Window trends move slowly, of course, because windows are something you don’t typically change on a whim due to their expense.

But black window frames have been on the rise and certainly do add a particularly attractive graphic character to a space.

If you happen to be in the middle of a sizable renovation, black window frames are something to be considered, depending on the style of your home.

The standard semi-detached home might not lend itself so easily to Crittall-style black window frames with small panes, but period homes in the right style could certainly pull them off. However, if a large renovation isn’t on the cards, you can still bring that lovely graphic character into your home with a combination of white backdrops and strong black finishes, accessories and furniture.

This look really comes together with the simplest of colour palettes: off-white, beige backdrops really let black accents stand out.

Skip dark wood finishes for lighter options, and mix in a range of textures and fabrics in different shades of off-white.

Then it’s time to add in the black accents in the form of furniture: chairs, dining tables, coffee tables will all give the room a graphic energy that livens it up. You’ll be instantly transported to a Parisian flat or a stark coffee shop in Berlin.

And for those of us who aren’t quite up to post-pandemic travelling yet, it can be refreshing to bring that vibe into your space.

Bring in artwork, textiles, and even curtains for an added layer of graphic charm.

Abstract artwork or charcoal sketches can bring interest into a room, but even really simple black letters on a plain background will tie the black accents together.

Stark black dining chairs add sophistication (Habitat) Try a simple black chair and coffee table combination (Nest)

Abstract artwork in black and white will complement the space (John Lewis & Partners) Striped black and white curtains make this space (Sofology) If you’re planning a renovation, consider black window frames (Furniture Village) Mixing in other colours helps the black stand out (Cuckooland)