Paint It Black

Good song, good advice. When all else fails, paint it black. Many renowned interior designers have espoused the need for a touch of black in every room. From lampshades to bookshelves to entire rooms--- black makes a statement. A classic, grounded neutral with drama.

Depressing or confining? Nope, not to me. Dark colors (and neutrals) actually make a room feel larger. The walls and corners recede and the parameters of the room totally disappear.

Black is magic; it can make things disappear. Weird things, ugly things, functional but ugly things. Chain link fencing, the back sides of stop signs, electronic equipment, whatever bothers---go black.

Black makes a great partner, especially paired with another neutral, white. Think classic bathrooms, 50's diners, tuxedos, penguins. Can't beat it.

And it can be a shining star of it's own.

As hoped, interior designer Spencer Scanlan has provided a few more pictures. Spencer's use of black not only makes an architectural statement, it shows off his accessories very aptly in this well balanced room.