Everyone is always talking about winter whites… Today I want to delve into a dark, moody winter design trend by focusing on the sultry effects of black accent paint. What was once considered goth and overly dramatic has transformed into a super chic way to add a drama and glamour to any room.
Take a look at some of these gorgeous inspiration images from various interior designers, including the above image from Amy D. Morris, that feature wintry black paint in all its glory.
Let's start off by talking about the most drastic of the options - a black ceiling, with these great images from Houzz. Many people are terrified to darken their ceilings for fear of shrinking the appearance of a room. As you can see above, the addition of black paint on the ceilings, when done correctly, can be dramatic and beautiful. High ceilings and larger spaces are the perfect palette for experimenting with black painted ceilings.
Another thing that helps offset the darkness of a black ceiling is beautiful white crown molding. Mix in light furniture, accessories and accents to compliment your newly painted black ceiling and you will find a whole new life in your space.
A white ceiling and black beams is a classic look but the addition of black window frames and cabinetry gives this kitchen its design edge. To be able to pull off this look, it would help to have a large space that can handle so much black. Interior designer Jessica Helgerson beautifully married all of this together in the image above.
The crisp white walls, vintage stove, furniture and modern black pendant lights serve to add variety and texture, allowing a room to exude depth instead of falling flat with all that black.
This space above by designer Mark Cunningham is another good example of how accessorizing can liven up dramatic, black paint like on this shelving and cabinetry. As you can see, mostly light books and beautiful modern art pieces pop against the black built-ins.
Here, darker furniture is lightened by the amount of natural sunlight the room receives as well as by the metallic sheen from the carpet.
Two more rooms that are high up on the "scary" list for accenting with black paint are definitely the bedroom and the bathroom. Remember what we have already learned about this design trend and you will have no problem adding black accent paint to these spaces. White tiles, fixtures, ceiling and accessories offset the dark, black paint and create a contemporary, chic bathroom by The Marion House Book designer Emma Reddington.
In this master bedroom by designer Erin Martin, again the high ceilings and lighting accents compliment this dark wall, but what I love about this image is the texture of the black accent wall. Wood paneling, bricks or other decorative textures give the black accent wall fun and interesting dimension.
It is hard not to be inspired to start painting the walls black with an image like the above by Julien Fernandez/GAP Interiors. Whether you feel ready to dive into black accents for this winter design trend or not, first take a second to asses if your space fits the criteria to provide the best possible solution.
Once the decision is made to go for it, take another second to decide which paint to use. There are nearly dozens of options from every paint manufacturer and, whether you believe me or not, they DO vary.
Then get to painting, sit back, and enjoy the sultry glamour of black accent paint.
Image Credits:Houzz, Amy D. Morris, Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, Mark Cunningham, Erin Martin, The Marion House Book, Julien Fernandez/GAP Interiors