Design By Chana: 10 Ways to Use Black Right

Black is a mysterious, bold, intense, abstract, cool, very versatile color. I want to help those of you who are intimidated by the idea of using black in an interior or in your wardrobe. There's no such thing as too much black and I'm going to show you why.

Using black as a focal point...

The black wall in this bathroom is a focal point because it's surrounded by all this light. The white tiles in the shower, the white bath tub, the white sheepskin rug, the crystals from the chandelier. Everything in the bathroom is playing the opposite role of the black wall creating a beautiful contrast; which makes this black wall like a gorgeous painting.

Using black for the mood...

Now this is how you embrace the dark side. The mood in this nook feels really mysterious and sensual. The texture on this wall (using the paint technique of venetian plaster) plays up the already moody feeling from the black. The mirror is very small but makes a big impact because of all its details. The mirror being small gives the black walls more room to shine and create a cozy ambience.

Using black as a backdrop.....

The black wall acts as a beautiful backdrop to the painting, beautiful lamp and the light fixture. The white in all these pieces bounce off the black wall making it come alive.

Using black as an entrance....

This dining room designed by Nicole Cohen, (it's her painting in the background as well, check out her other work at sketch42blog.com) used black to paint the doors on the left. Doors painted any color adds a lot but especially in black, it creates a great statement. With these doors in particular with architectural detailing the black really works.

Using black throughout...

This eating area is gorgeous, one of my favorite designs. This space has a neutral color palette- with the pop of red tulips- using black throughout. The black and white picture covering the whole wall work really well with the transparency of the light fixture and table, which is glass. I love the use of black here, it's mixed in well to ground the space and not overwhelm it.

Using black for stairs...

This is totally genius. These black stairs are perfect especially against the white wall. It lets people know where they're going and draws your eye all the way to the top.

Using black to ground things...

Hold on, I just need to take a moment and stare at this picture. This breakfast area is my dream because it feels casual and glamorous. The jet black cowhide does such a good job of grounding the area, separating it from the rest of the kitchen.
Rooms are always better when you know the purpose for them, people need you to tell them what they're supposed to be doing in that room.

Using black in your wardrobe...

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? (Elin Kling is the bomb. Stylebykling.nowmanifest.com.) This black/leather get up is really really done well. The white tshirt helps to break things up but the different textures do as well. This is black done well.

Using black as an accessory....

Mary kate Olsen (I've mentioned I used to have a girl crush on her and Ashley right?) using a black feather hair piece.

Here, she uses black for all of her accessories. The shoes, belt and sunglasses which does this dress a lot of favors.

Using black for a message...