Is black the new interior design trending colour? Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design and Colour Psychologist at Lick, says that decor is taking a darker turn for Autumn/Winter, with a reported 340% uplift in sales of black paint this month.
Here, Tash shares her advice on why black is trending right now and how to decorate with this classic colour. 
“In the world of interiors, many view black as a colour that requires a level of bravery and boldness to decorate with, but this is changing. Whether used as a dominant colour on your walls or as an accent colour on your woodwork, black is the perfect choice for creating elegant and timeless spaces and it’s clear that decorators are opening up to the potential and versatility of this colour within their homes. This sophisticated colour creates inviting, intimate spaces with a strong design identity.”
“As the summer holidays wind down at the end of August and we begin to transition into the cooler months, dark hues are the perfect go-to colours for decorating – and what colour can be darker than black? A classic matt black absorbs all natural light, so if you’ve got a room that lacks sunlight, such as a bedroom or small space, lean into that by colour drenching your space with black to create a calming and cocooning effect. This is especially important as the nights draw in and we start losing access to natural light, making a strong case for embracing your cosy corners and opting for darker colours.”
Undertones
“Black colours with warm, red undertones, such as Lick Black 02, exude elegance, creating spaces that feel empowering and decadent, perfect for a dining room and spaces where you plan to entertain guests. Black 02 has a timeless appeal and a comforting quality which will effortlessly transition your space into the autumn. Another velvety black I recommend is Lick Black 01, which is a bold, graphite black, with blue undertones which will inject energy into your space during the sluggish winter months. Lick’s M·A·C Black 40 is the colour that everyone can have in their homes. It’s a rich, true matt hue which is so versatile. This elegant and empowering black pairs seamlessly with Lick White 02 for a high-contrast monochromatic look or Lick White 05 for a softer, neutral scheme.”
Here are Tash’s top methods to include black in your interiors:
Accent colour: “Every room can benefit from an accent of black to bring contrast and depth. The best way to do this is to use black to accentuate a feature, such as a staircase or fireplace, to draw your attention to the architectural highlights of your home.”
50/50 decorating: “This monochrome effect will help to trick the eye and open up your space, especially if you use black on the bottom 50% of the room and a light neutral on the top 50%. The key thing to remember is to ensure everything in that lower 50% should also be black, including radiators and skirting boards.”
Colour drenching: “Colour drenching with black will help to create a very calm environment. If you have a small, north-facing room, this is a great option as black will absorb the shadows, blur the edges of the space and wrap around you like one big hug.”
Pattern play: “Black pairs with every other colour, so you can have a bit of fun with it. Pattern play helps to open up a room and vertical stripes will elongate your space. Whatever your style, black is a truly versatile colour with lots of potential for creativity.”
See also: Could Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring Be The Perfect Match For Your Home?
