Decor tips for dark colours
January 5, 2009
By Lauren Cooke
Black is one of the mainstays of great decor. More than that, it is the reliable and respected colour that never goes out of fashion, which is manipulated and taken advantage of the world over.
Aside from the obvious aesthetic advantages of the colour black, it contributes a fantastic amount to styling a room, whether in the form of bold prints, transient greys, or subtle enhancements.
So, how can you use blacks and greys to your greatest advantage?
See below for a few ideas for this years best ideas.
Prints:
Black is excellent for creating dramatic and visually exciting prints, which can be used to accentuate features in a room, or which can act as features in themselves. Gothic and baroque style prints immediately imply luxury and sophistication, whilst being reasonably easy to hunt down on the high street.
Cushions:
To add a splash of individuality to a block coloured sofa, try cushions from that combine prints and repeating patterns for an eclectic, bohemian feel.
Papers and paints
It is important to remember that to use black to enhance your room, you donÕt have to go over the top Ð simple injections of black in an otherwise pale room can create a mature decorative statement and create clean lines on which the eye can focus and enhance the shape of the room itself.
For a bold statement with paints try the Dulux Envy range or for more traditional colours Farrow and Ball whose range includes flat black eggshell paints in a range of black and off-blacks.
Furniture:
Black furniture has taken the modern interior world by storm, as has the slightly less dramatic but more subtle influx of grey items which will add depth and maturity to most colour schemes.
I find it is most effective to stick to one of two themes Ð either using a single, stand out item of black/grey furniture, or using mainly black furniture with a supporting and contrasting bright/light colour scheme to prevent it becoming too overpowering.
Alternatively, soft fabrics and metal can be used to brilliant effect in grey and black themed rooms, try the new Tyosland range of sofas from Ikea.
My favorite use of black furniture simply has to be the black chair Ð ranging from classic remakes of eames chairs and tables right through to the most up-to-date and stunning works of art Ð such as the elegant and visual rocking chair, Voido, designed by Ron Ared.
Finally, a good way to utilise black in your home is through shading. No one says black has to be black and grey has to be grey Ð when merged, they can create sophisticated backdrops and canvasses for your room.
To view the items click launch gallery at top of page.
Sourcebook
Envy colour scheme by dulux - http:www.dulux.co.uk
Ron Ared Voido chair http://www.questodesign.com
Tyosland sofa from Ikea http:www.ikea.com
Wallpaper by John Lewis http://www.johnlewis.com/230508608/Product.aspx
For cushions try http://www.thecottonmill.com
Duvet Covers at Habitat http://www.habitat.co.uk
Black front door in 'Railings' by Farrow & Ball http://www.farrow-ball.com
walnut flooring available from Natural Wood floor Company http://www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk/
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