The dark look popularised by the likes of the Twilight series has brought black hues to the décor forefront once again. Previously popularized by the Gothic movement in the ‘80s, black is once again taking a very dominant role in the latest interior design trends, in all spaces from bathrooms, living areas, kitchens, bedrooms and even outdoor spaces.
Scientifically speaking, the colour black is actually not a colour at all. Black absorbs all the colours of the visible spectrum and reflects none of them. So, in actual fact black can be defined as the absence of colour or a non-colour. However with regards to design, black is regarded as a colour, a striking and bold colour. Be it a colour or not there is no mistaking the kind of dramatic and stylish impact black can have on interior spaces and its décor.
A total monochrome black interior is one that is extremely rare – reason being that this kind of colour scheme is exceptionally difficult to perfect. It needs to include various contrasting textures and black shades in the interior composition to create contrast between the various décor elements. Although difficult to attain, this is possible, especially with the wide variety of various black hues on the market at the moment – each offering something different from the next – a little hint of blue or purple, a purple, brown or red slant, perhaps a softer texture or bolder sheen, flatness or depth, or just varying brightness. There are quite a number of various black hues in Plascon’s colour range for example, which include Wrought Iron, Jet Black, Nightshade, Cast Iron, Graphite, Ebony, Grey Phantom, and Midnight – all similar, yet unique in their blackness.
For the most part, the black renaissance is largely being translated by pairing it with other colours, and rather using it as more of an accent colour to add elegant drama to the overall picture. To avoid an interior space resembling Dracula’s castle, black should be used with caution - wisely and sparingly. Black décor elements for example, can give a room with a pastel colour palette a down to earth appearance – minimising it being too feminine or washed out. With regards to interiors decorated in neutral tones, black is a proficient and resourceful means of anchoring the entire scheme. And let’s not forget how well it works with brighter, bolder colours – providing striking contrasts that pack a dramatic aesthetic punch.
We all noticed the crescendo of the black and white colour scheme last season – a timeless colour palette that, through the ages, never seems to lose its popularity. The reason for its effectiveness is largely due to the fact that black and white are contrasting colors that are able to emphasise each others strengths. The starkness of their placement together creates a look that is suitable for a traditionally elegant style, or more sophisticated contemporary minimalism.
Black is an eye-catching colour – it tends to draw the eye, and for this reason it can be effectively used to for a focal or feature point – whether it’s a wall, piece of furniture, artwork or rug – a touch of black will never go unnoticed. Used repetitively through a single or many different spaces, black can serve as a wonderful means of cohesion – bringing the whole look together. From rugs, furniture, window treatments, tiles and other décor accessories, black can be found in almost every contemporary room.
Its stark dramatics lend itself to the more modern styles; however it can be used effectively in more traditional styles as well, including Baroque, Victorian, even the cottage style. The beauty of using black in these generally more fussy interior styles is that black is inclined to tone the fussiness down somewhat. With a black, ornately carved piece of wooden furniture for example, one will only notice the detail of the carvings when one is very close up. Black has a skill of camouflaging this to the eye – yet revealing it when it is least expected, which makes for an intrinsically interesting and varying experience of the décor.
The colour black features predominantly in nature, and with organic and natural looks taking centre stage on the décor scene at the moment, it is no wonder that black too is finding a place in the spotlight. Think of night skies, tar, dark woods, ebony, metals, marble, carbon, slate, granite, to name a few – natural black is all around you. For example, black graphite counter tops are popularly used in kitchen and bathroom. Slate and marble tiles are another example of the widespread popularity of natural black materials – they never show the dirt and if properly maintained, will last a lifetime. Dark timbers and woods, used for a plethora of various functions, including for furniture, flooring, window shutters or doors, all from part of mainstream style choices. Even in the garden, black is making a comeback – black tulips, although relatively pricey, are hugely popular at the moment – their almost ethereal purple-black hue give them an almost otherworldly appearance.
Black can be regarded as a little risqué and dangerous, perhaps due to its association with nothingness – however it also has the ability to feel solid and orderly. Whichever way you use it – it has a capacity to inject life and drama into any interior it graces. - Antonella Dési
Pictures courtesy of:
Home Design Ideas: www.homenix.com.
iKrunk: www.ikrunk.com
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