Actress Jennifer Aniston knows style, and her kitchen perfectly retains the modern spirit of the home's original design, which was built in 1965. While the midcentury aesthetic is at the core, the black color scheme is the real star.
Something magical happens when you incorporate black into an interior space: “The beautiful contrast of a light colour against a dark background highlights the unique qualities of materials and fine details that might be overlooked in a light-filled, colourful space,” explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.
Bold and decadent, the idea of a black kitchen may be difficult to pull off, but once mastered, it will give your space an elegant confidence that no other color can match. Make no mistake, decorating with black is on trend right now.
Even if you're not ready to go floor-to-ceiling black, small dots of paint can add definition and drama. “Opting for black door frames, shelves and window frames will really liven up the space,” adds Alison Teverini of Millward Teverini.
Be warned: there are many different shades of black, and some of them won't work with other color schemes. The trick is to identify the undertones that distinguish one black from another. Get a sample of the fabric or wallpaper and compare it to the paint swatch to help you figure out which shades work together and which don't. “Make sure to order a larger sample, as small swatches can make it hard to see subtle differences,” advises Helen Harlow of London-based design studio Paintbox.
Luckily, it doesn't matter which space you paint black, just how you paint it. Black is dramatic, powerful, and forgiving in the kitchen, so in this environment, stick with deep charcoal or blue-black shades—and, like Aniston, balance them with white ceilings and woodwork.
The pigment depth of dark greys and blacks means they offer emotional content that is just as soothing and calming as green, especially if the room is decorated floor to ceiling in the dark, velvety hue. While some homeowners may feel an ominous sense of foreboding at the idea of dark colors, for others, it's a dark “night” shade that brings a sense of tranquility to a room scheme.
Whatever you do, don't skimp on the quality of your paint. Black and dark colors are notorious for showing roller marks, scuffs and imperfections easily.
Shop the look
Paint isn't the only way to decorate with black. Whatever you do, don't skimp on the quality of your paint. For an easy color update, incorporate black into your decor accents and add soft furnishings and accessories, like rugs, floor runners, curtains, and upholstered furniture with dark blue patterns, as focal points for a neutral color scheme.
Lilia Matte Black Flatware (Set of 5)
Dacoda 1-Light Matte Black Kitchen Island Pendant Light
