Earlier this week I wrote an article inspired by Halloween, on how to decorate with orange. A very strong colour that can intimidate many. I decided I shouldn’t ignore Halloween’s other colour, black, since it is equally scary to most people.

I would endeavor to shift our thoughts about black from scary and dark, to classic, elegant, neutral and dramatic. You may have heard that every room needs a touch of black. This is true, and for those who refuse to use black as a colour within your design scheme, you must at least have a black (or dark brown)  mirror, table, chair, or picture frames to anchor your room.

However, lets push your thoughts about black a little further. Nothing is more classic than a black and white checkerboard tile floor, or a black wrought iron stair railing, or even black doors (not trim) can give an elegant look that can be used in both modern and traditional schemes. You will even see in some of these pictures the use of black on kitchen cabinetry. In smaller, more traditional kitchens, or larger contemporary ones, black can be the point of interest you seek.

The next level, if you dare, is to fully embrace black as your colour of choice, and put it on your walls. The trick is to see black as a neutral; the darkest neutral there is. It goes with anything, and with other neutrals. When you mix black with a lot of lighter neutrals, and even a touch of colour if you choose, you will find the design balance between dark and light that will give you all elegance & drama, and no dark gloominess.

Click the picture link below to see some room where black has been used successfully, from an accent to the star of the show.

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