The trend for black fixtures and fittings has been growing in popularity for the last few years and it shows no signs of diminishing. This sleek and stylish look makes a punchy, modern statement and it can be seen in bathroom and kitchen renovations across the country.
But it doesn’t just have to be your taps and radiators. Like accessorising a new haircut with a matching coat and bag, why not be bold and treat your doors, feature lighting, window frames and even kitchen cupboards to this trendy new shade?
Take our most recent home staging project in Putney. The owner decided to fully renovate this stunning six-bedroom property using black cabinets, fixtures and fittings to complement the soft period style features and calm, neutral colours and natural materials elsewhere. The end result was truly stunning.
Feeling inspired? Here are our top tips for all you fearless decorators out there:
Get the paint right
It might seem obvious, but a poor paint will cause you more trouble than it’s worth. Smeared brushstrokes of cheap black will look more like the inside of a nightclub bathroom than a sleek fashion statement. You need good quality, preferably in a matt or flat finish. Black gloss is probably only a good idea if you have an – ahem – ‘special’ basement. Better quality paint is also noticeably more effective for touch-ups and wiping down when any dust settles.
Choose the right partner
You might want to make a bold statement, but you probably don’t want to live in a Tim Burton movie. Pairing black with a hot pink, lime green or even white could look a bit much in the context of an entire room. Be sure to take your time and find the right neutral tones, adding wood, natural stone, and greenery to offset that deep noir, and soften the overall impact.
Give it some texture
Black does a fantastic job of accentuating any natural shapes and textures. If you have one of those beautiful, quirky old houses, built before spirit levels were invented and drinking on the job was frowned on, the deep tones effortlessly highlight and shade brickwork and panelling. Black also makes for a great background to shelving and everything you place on those shelves, especially in alcoves. You’re guaranteed compliments on your knick-knacks.
Go off the wall
For real drama in your space, why not consider painting the floor and/or the ceiling black? Paired with the right neutral tones and accessories, it’s a look that can feel surprisingly warm, sophisticated an inviting. Or you could just stick glow-in-the-dark stars to the ceiling and build a small den in the middle of the room, pretending you’re camping. Your home, your rules!