When designing a new space we have, over the years, used neutrals to enhance a little or a lot of the home. White and beige were the old standbys for so long that many of us really tired of them. There are some folk who will gravitate to white no matter what. There are others who are unsure and have fallen back on beige for decades…even ugly yellow or pink undertone beige. What a shame. For the past decade elegant greys have won us over and grey is still going strong. But now, perhaps due to our yen for farmhouse chic, some of us are using black as the new neutral. 
Country, you say? How can a stylish element like black be associated with country style? It’s true. When old style country was updated there was a lot of black used. it added that touch of sophistication that was missing.so it became Urban Country. Black looks wonderful with old pine, as well as other woods. Industrial elements have a great affinity for this style, as well. 
A formal dining room with black walls looks wonderful. The sparkle of the chandelier and the gleam of the cutlery are set off by the richness of the black walls. Artwork also looks wonderful on black walls. In a formal room the substantial moldings and trim can carry off the intensity of the black. Perhaps there is even an coffered ceiling. On the other hand, black can also handle a little rusticity. Say perhaps reclaimed wood in wainscotting or furnishings. A home office is often a relatively informal place but does not necessarily need to be. It can be as formal as a dining room, if the home owner desires. Black, nail studded leather chairs, black, clean-lined desk, black buffet storage cabinet, a black window treatment, lighting in a glossy metallic, and dynamic black and gold geometric wallpaper conspire to make the room below a cozy and dramatic space to work every day.
Black lends elegance as well as a bit of class to a room, whether it is a dining room, a bedroom, a kitchen, or even a laundry room. Colour specialist, Marguerite Roberts, say one of her guest rooms as well as her laundry room is black. The deep colour is balanced by lighter cabinetry and the rooms are in no way oppressive. In fact, they are upbeat and creative spaces. In a bedroom, black is restful and lends a sense of elegance. 
Surprisingly, black actually makes a room seem larger. This goes against the long held myth that smaller spaces must be kept light and bright in order to make them seem larger. The opposite is actually the case since with darker colours we do not see clearly into the corners and there is more of a feeling of endless space. Artwork and framing really stand out on a black wall. Conversely, black artwork really pops on a white wall. This is a way to introduce black into a room design where the client is not ready for dark wall colour, or simply prefers light walls.
Traditionally, white was used to finish cabinetry and shelving. For some, that may seem a little tired. For others, white will always be the go-to choice. Dark shelving flanking the fireplace and television can make the television less of a feature. The overall cabinetry and fireplace with black shelving can instead become a calming and cozy and more grounded feature of the room design. Rather than a television above the fireplace, a large artwork, abstract or traditional could be showcased. Sometimes just a little black is what will add pizazz and drama but not overwhelm the home owner. Many clients truly love white but an all white decorating scheme can fall flat. Greenery always helps, as long as there is enough light in the home for the plants to remain healthy and vibrant. Touches of black in otherwise white fabrics, artwork and area rugs can create a room design that has a real WOW!! factor.
Dark colours accented with hot accent colours add impact to a room design. A kitchen with black cabinetry and hot, lime yellow above has an ambiance of energy and positivity, as well as fun. Even a child’s nursery would be beautiful in black. Black with accents of pale pink with white moldings perhaps. Something to consider! Charcoal grass cloth wall covering in the room below lends grounding to a glossy black buffet and X-back chair while the large fuchsia abstract artwork framed in black and gold really draw the eye.
Black moldings throughout the home accompanied in some spaces by graphic wall coverings are elegant and upbeat. How about carrying the black up onto the crown moldings as well? Stunning! White moldings with black doors have been a nice trend for quite some time now. Yes, this is statement decorating and just not for everyone. That’s the beauty of making our own choices in our homes. Good lighting in any space is important, whether the palette is light or dark. A poorly lit room painted beige is just plain sad. What a shame when it could become so much more interesting with better lighting and an interesting colour!
Since 1993 Mulberry Interiors, interior design consultants have been assisting clients in Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Brampton, Milton, Georgetown, Etobicoke, western Toronto, and Vaughan. We specialize in residential interior design and decorating and are at our most creative when we use colour as our theme. We offer a full range of interior design services such as choosing paint colours, space planning, furniture sourcing, custom draperies and soft furnishings, flooring selection and accessories.
Call Mulberry Interiors now at (905) 849-6423 to book a consultation. We look forward to working with you to increase your enjoyment of your home.
Colour Consultations a Specialty
Full Décor Service
Window Coverings including Draperies and Blinds
Furniture
Flooring
Space Planning
Accessories and Wall Art
