Decorating with Black

We all love black, right? Well did you know that black is not a color, but the absence of color? When we wear black it is sophiscated and powerful and down right sexy! It even makes us look thinner, which is always a good thing. Black is stabilizing, strengthening, authoritive, sophisticated and powerful. So if black is all these wonderful things, why are so many people afraid to use it in their homes?
Black is a very versatile color in home decorating; it makes colors paired with it pop a bit more, it's grounding in a room, it breaks up patterns and lends a bit of weight to a room, and gives the eye a place to rest. The safest way to use black in a room is through accessories and lightweight furniture pieces...but who wants to play it safe all the time? Painting an accent wall in black is a great way to walk on the wild side. Black paint is often used as an accent for front doors for colonial style homes or trim in old victorian homes. But black can be so much more than that. Try painting an accent wall and the result can be very daring and dramatic. The key to using black as a paint color is making sure that you use a matte finish and an absolutely black shade. Many black paints have blue in them so that's something to watch out for. Treat it just like you would when picking out other paint colors, by applying a small sample on the wall and observing it at various times of the day in different lighting. If you still don't like it.... it's only paint.

If you are afraid to commit to black as a paint color, then try using it in small ways that will have impact in the room. I believe that every room needs a bit of black, and I often try to repeat it in three different areas of the room. Some great ways to introduce black are through picture frames, a lamp base, small accessories, an accent table or chair, fabrics and trims on pillows or even in an area rug. Check out these pictures and see what you think.