Home interiors brand Lick has reported a 340% uplift in sales of black paint.
Tash Bradley, their Director of Interior Design and Colour Psychologist at Lick, shares her advice on why black is trending right now, and how to decorate with this classic colour.
“In the world of interiors, many view black as a colour that requires a level of bravery and boldness to decorate with, but this is changing. Whether used as a dominant colour on your walls or as an accent colour on your woodwork, black is the perfect choice for creating elegant and timeless spaces, and it’s clear that decorators are opening up to the potential and versatility of this colour within their homes. This sophisticated colour creates inviting, intimate spaces with a strong design identity.
As the summer holidays wind down and we begin to transition into the cooler months, dark hues are the perfect go-to colours for decorating, and what colour is darker than black? A classic matte black absorbs all natural light, so if you’ve got a room that lacks sunlight, such as a bedroom or small space, lean into that by colour drenching your space with black to create a calming and cocooning effect. This is especially important as the nights draw in and we start losing access to natural light, making a strong case for embracing your cosy corners and opting for darker colours.
Black colours with warm, red undertones exude elegance, creating spaces that feel empowering and decadent, perfect for a dining room and spaces where you plan to entertain guests.”
Tash’s top tips for including black in your home:
- Accent colour: Every room can benefit from an accent of black
to bring contrast and depth. The best way to do this is to use black to accentuate a feature, such as a staircase or fireplace. - 50/50 decorating: This monochrome effect will help to trick the eye and open up your space, especially if you use black on the bottom 50% of the room and a light neutral on the top 50%. The key thing to remember is to ensure everything in that lower 50% should also be black, including radiators and skirting boards.
- Colour drenching: Colour drenching with black will help to create a calm environment. If you have a small, north-facing room, this is a great option as black will absorb the shadows, blur the edges of the space and wrap around you like one big hug.
- Pattern play: Black pairs with every other colour, so you can have a bit of fun with it. Pattern play helps to open up a room and vertical stripes will elongate your space. Whatever your style, black is a truly versatile colour with lots of potential for creativity.
