Black is Back: Timeless and Trending

Exterior

This is really the first place that I started seeing more of the black trend appear. Modern farmhouse style is all the rage right now (thank you, Chip & Jo!), so it makes sense that black is popping up as an accent in exteriors. When I wrote my post on front doors, black was up there with the most popular colors.

Black as exterior trim from Studio-McGee.

Black can currently be seen in exteriors mainly as an accent in shutters, window trim and doors contrasting against an all white exterior. This is my favorite look for black on exteriors: brick and siding painted in a bright white with black used mainly on door and window frames, along with a black roof. The design is clean and modern, but at the same time, superbly classic.

Black window trim from Garden Studio Design.

One easy way to incorporate black into your exterior is to paint your front door. Since black is a neutral base color, it really works with most exterior colors, (except maybe navy). If you are looking to add some dimension and interest to the classic black and white exterior, consider using texture.

Using natural/rustic wood for shutters, trim and/or front doors is one way to add some warmth and texture to a basic black and white exterior and is a nod back to the farmhouse style.

Tricorn Black front door from Home Bunch

Interior Trim & Doors

Now, moving into the interior of the home for some “black trend” inspiration. This can be a bit more tricky than exteriors. Take a minute to think through your design goals and style. If you are already going in the modern farmhouse direction, adding black to your interiors might work best using it for accents in furniture and artwork.

If you are going all out for a modern style, casing your window trim and doors in black is one big way to add drama and sophistication. This looks best (in my opinion) with white or off-white walls for a clean and crisp feel. Let the black trim be the main focus and add color and texture through furniture, lighting and other accents.

Black interior trim with black accents from Ragnar Hartvig.

One more way to add some contrast in a concentrated way is to paint your trim (baseboards, crown molding and/or chair rail) in a matte flat black. I did a color review on the Sherwin-Williams popular black, Caviar (SW 6990) awhile back.

I painted the trim and chair rail for my styled photo shoot in Caviar. The wall color was Fashionable Gray (SW 6275) and I LOVED the results. This is a super easy way to use black in a focused way by doing this in one room versus painting your entire house trim in black!

Caviar trim.

Interior Walls

Don’t be afraid to go all out and use black for your wall color too! This is trending and in fact, the House Beautiful issue from February 2018 featured a study with black grass cloth walls on its cover. Naturally, white furniture, white drapes and artwork contrasted with it flawlessly for a crisp and chic interior. If you are not feeling super brave or don’t want to paint a whole room in black, painting one wall as an accent is a great way to “dip your toe” into the black trend.

Black interior with white accents from House Beautiful.

Looking for a way to add some black into your interior in more of a subtle way? It can be done! When I was working on my photo shoot for the Caviar color review post, I painted the wall above the chair rail only in Caviar. The chair rail and the wall below it were painted in Extra White (SW 7006). This is a great way to add the drama of black without it saturating the entire room or an entire wall.

Caviar above trim.

Kitchens

One of the predominate interior spaces that I have noticed black being used in is kitchens. And, oh man, is it gorgeous! I am pretty much dying over how this kitchen in the inspiration picture from Traditional Home turned out. Okay, that is a bit dramatic, but it is inspiring.

The cabinets are painted black with white subway tile and quartz countertops that creates an interior palette with an ageless appeal. I love the brass hardware and brass lighting that add some gleam along with the surprise graphic wall covering on the ceiling!

Black kitchen cabinets from Traditional Home.

Pretty much opposite of the previous kitchen inspiration, the interior below uses black countertops, black window trim and the black hood vent/stove for more of an accent. If you notice, the designer switched up the island by doing the lower cabinets in black and the countertops in white. This is a great way to integrate some charm into the kitchen and to add some interest. I’ve seen contrasting islands a lot lately and I love it!

Black accents in kitchen from HG Sphere.

Bathrooms

Possibly my favorite place to use black is currently in bathrooms. Goodness, I adore the black framed shower doors. I mean, it looks like you are walking through fancy french doors, instead of merely entering the shower. Not to mention how much fun you can have with pattern in bathrooms. Shower tiles, floor tiles, the sky’s the limit with patterned tiles! I am loving the black and white Moroccan patterned tile decals that have me all heart-eyed.

Black framed shower doors and patterned floor from @sitamontgomeryinteriors

Along with shower doors and window trim, black tubs are also stealing the show. How unique and special is a black based claw-foot tub? I love it! And really, it’s ageless because, hello, it’s a claw-foot tub that won’t ever go out of style.

Black claw-foot tub from Byrd.

Okay, okay. I know what you are thinking and I’m honestly in the same boat. It may not be in the budget to purchase a claw-foot tub or black framed shower doors. However, it is possible to add black to your bathroom without breaking the bank.

One simple way, is to paint your cabinets in a either a shiny or matte black. Also, the classic black and white hexagon tile is not only affordable, but can also be found in older homes. Just another example of how timeless and classic black and white is!

Black tile bathroom floor from New Darlings.

Black Accents in Accessories/Furniture

Last, but not least, is adding black into your interiors through accents in furniture, artwork and accessories. This is super easy to do and another way to stay on trend with black without spending a ton.

First, classic black framed artwork will never go out of style and can be a simple addition to your wall decor. I still love the popular gallery wall with frames that are all the same color showcasing family photos or unique artwork. Also, adding framed art to a black picture frame ledge is a perfect way to bring in some black accents.

Black wall with black-framed artwork from Stylizimo.

Black and white patterned pillows can spice up any sofa or chair and help add a graphic look to your living room decor. Matte black lighting and hardware are yet another way to add black in a space through accents. Y’all, my last idea might be my fav: self-adhesive removable wallpaper in graphic black and white patterns!

Did you catch the “removable” part? This is perfect if you are feeling non-committal or are living in a rental that has decor limitations. You can find multiple patterns through patternsCOLORAY on Etsy.

Black patterned peel & stick wallpaper from Etsy.