Going Dark: Black Interiors

Okay, my love of black paint is well-known.  I even took note of  “Teakettle Black” paint when Woodrow made fun of it.  And yes, this was not hard to predict: I was a moody teenager who wore a lot of black, and I smile to this day when I hear the Smiths playing (though I suppose I should frown and look gloomy instead).

1. In the Dining Room

So when I came across sfgirlbybay’s new paint job, I was totally enthralled.  Black! Inside!  Bright white trim!  Not a bit gloomy, but with a little edge, her new dining room and sun room are both painted in black chalkboard paint, giving it a matte black look that makes a great backdrop for plants, art, and more.  Not to mention with the mouldings, silver accessories, and scientific glassware, it has just enough of a gothic edge to make it dangerous.

blackdining

2. In the Kitchen

Looks like black is also making headway in the kitchen too, at least according to HGTV. I even had it going a few apartments ago—clean  lower cabinets, glossy black floors, stainless countertop—I’d trade my current maple and granite back for it any day.

blackkitchen

HGTV points out that there are many ways you can add black, from using it as a big background color to using a small bit as accent color.  And since available blacks include solid paints, black stains, and rub-through finishes, you can get looks ranging from contemporary to shabby chic—not just uber-modern and depressed goth teen—though it works for that look, too.

3. In the Bedroom

Dark colors also work well in the bedroom—after all you’re in there in the dark most of the time anyway. Dark colors enclose you in the space, making it feel rich and even cozy.  Apartment Therapy rounded up five gorgeous black bedrooms that will make you want to leave the lights on.

blackbedroom

Some bedrooms of their featured black bedrooms use a splash of boldly contrasting color like gold, while others keep it simple and monotonal, and still others go over the top with the gothic, proving there are a million ways black can work in the bedroom (not even including what you’re wearing).

5 Responses to “Going Dark: Black Interiors”

  1. zane says:

    A few years ago I read about the subliminal effect that colors in our environments have on us. Bright colors in a classroom can keep our attention focused on learning, red in the bedroom might spur some romance, but I am unsure what the color black does for me?

  2. Randy says:

    Black depresses me, I have all white in my room except black night stands – I couldn’t take a black painted room, it would bring me down! As hot as my room gets in the summer, it definitely wouldn’t help the situation. That black and white kitchen is cool though.

  3. I’m fine with dark colors but I don’t think I could do black. It just wouldn’t go anywhere in my house. I’m going to do a dark green somewhere, maybe the dining room, with white trim. Someday.

    Thanks for the article.
    The Handyguys

  4. I like the black walled dining room, but I saw interior designer Gilyn McKelligon use a light yellow ceiling with black walls. I also like the black and white kitchen, but not the floor and back splash. Again needs some pops of color!

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