W experts hat the say...
Designers and stylists share their views
‘If you’re brave enough to paint your walls and woodwork black, something magical happens. The delicious contrast between lighter objects against a dark background emphasises unique qualities and finer details you might have missed in a light-filled space.’ MARIANNE SHILLINGFORD, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DULUX ‘Black works well with strong, jewel colours – 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.’
HELEN HARLOW, INTERIOR DESIGNER, PAINTBOX
‘When teamed with white, black can be used anywhere. However, it’s crucial to choose the right shades. For a soft monochrome, combine off-white and charcoal, or for a striking effect, use a clean white and strong black.’
NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR, IDEAL HOME
‘Black is intimate, romantic and protective in a bedroom – so in this environment, paint all the walls in a rich shade of grey-black or blue-black. Then balance it with a white ceiling and woodwork.’
CLAIRE PASCOE, PASCOE INTERIORS
‘North-facing rooms can be notoriously difficult to decorate as they’re often darker spaces with a cool light. This is where black comes into its own. Instead of competing with the limited light, bring in dark paint colours, such as black, to create a cocooning feel.’
CATHRYN HELSBY, COLOUR EXPERT, EARTHBORN
‘Embrace black woodwork in hallways where you can use the colour to pick out and enhance skirting architraves, dado rails and panelling. In a living space, paint a wall black as a dramatic backdrop for artwork.’
CLAIRE PASCOE, PASCOE INTERIORS
‘A bathroom or cloakroom may be the perfect place to start out with black, as the mirrors that are inevitably in there will pop against it. Black also provides the perfect foil for metallic accents, such as brass or copper.’
ALISON TEVERINI, INTERIOR DESIGNER, MILWARD TEVERINI
“It’s sometimes hard to see variations on SUBTLE small SWATCHES, so SAMPLE” make sure you use a larger
HELEN HARLOW, INTERIOR DESIGNER, PAINTBOX