Black is Back

Designing your home with black paint and black accessories might not be your first inclination, but black color and home accessorizing has quickly become a hip new trend. Like white or gray, black is a neutral that can pair well with any other color. Plus, a black wall will make a bold, contrasting statement in any room.

We are in love with “Railings” by Farrow and Ball.  A softer alternative to true black, it is versatile and timeless.  We’re currently using it on kitchen cabinets and window grilles at a handsome historic renovation in Durham. — Robert MacNeill and Brittany Roux, Roux MacNeill Studio, rouxmacstudio.com

My color choice for a black paint is Benjamin Moore 2131-10 Black Satin. This black paint gives a room a sophisticated and dramatic look. I have used it in a small powder room with bright art on the wall and it looks great. Just make sure you paint your baseboards and trim white for a nice contrast. — Julie Flournoy, For Your Convenience

Tricorn Black is my go-to for a terrific neutral black that doesn’t have the undertones of any other colors, so as to pair wonderfully with any of them in a space. It also works really well on the brick of a fire place for a quick and dramatic change to any room! — Antoine A. Pontón, Principal-AP Designs, LLC, AntoinePonton.com

Caviar is a crisp black that makes a bold statement. It’s perfect for interior and exterior doors, hiding scuffs on staircase risers, and creating a bit of drama on ceilings. — Vicky Serany, Southern Studio, southernstudio.com

This warm black is my pick for a versatile dark neutral that would suit most any room.  Keeping window, door and ceiling colors light, Paean Black is a stunning contrast in a powder room, or in a kitchen with white cabinets; and the hint of red is perfection for creating a cozy reading nook or an inspiring office. — Sally Williams, Colorful Concepts Interior Design, colorfulconceptsinteriordesign.com

1. Vietri urn, $28; The Shoppes at 1700

2. Stemless wine glass, $16.95;  Zest Cafe & Home Art

3. “Every Man Should Know” book, $9.95; “Old Man Drinks” book, $14.95; The Shoppes at 1700

4. Wooden tray 15 1/2”, $28; The Shoppes at 1700

5. Wynnfield paisley printed pillow cover 20” square, $49.50; Pottery Barn

6. NALA Fig Vetiver fragrance candle, $29.95; Zest Cafe & Home Art

7. Horse vase, $18; The Shoppes at 1700

8. Mirrored trinket box
13” x 7” 6”, $56; For Your Convenience

9. Lena Quatrefoil design tufted accent rug 7’ round, $266.99; Target

10. Pepper grinder, $118; Zest Cafe & Home Art

11. “Summers Delight” 12” x 24” by Coleman Jenkins Dance, $400; For Your Convenience

12. Bee frame 5” x 7”, $62; For Your Convenience