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Modern black upholstered sofa in a living room with dark colored contemporary accent decor interior design

Black is Back and Better than Ever

By Interior Design Tips

Black Modern Italian leather sofa from Gamma

If you are anything like us, you know that a good color scheme comes in all shapes and sizes. For a while, white held center stage. It was the mecca of it all. While we wouldn’t go throwing away your entire white-washed walls just yet, another color is taking over, and it’s time you thought of ways to incorporate it into your home—black.

That’s right. Interior designers are now taking an entirely new approach to color in design. In fact, it’s the complete opposite.

From lighting fixtures and wall trim to painting entire walls, black might be our favorite color of the moment. The best part is that you can add black to just about any room without it clashing with your current style. This is especially true for homes that incorporate modernism or contemporary, as it adds a touch of minimalism without being too flashy.

If you are ready to take the turn towards the sophisticated, here are a few tips to get you started in the right direction.

 

Using Black In Design Tip 1: Use black on multiple surfaces, objects, accessories, or fixtures

Black Modern leather sofa from Gamma with black accents and fixtures

One of the reasons we advise homeowners to use black on one of the larger portions of your home is that it makes it easier to incorporate darker colors later on. If you have a stand-alone black object or black wall without another complimentary item, it will feel like a mistake. Add in various black accessories so that the color feels deliberate and professional.

Tip 2: Try black flooring

A black floor is a great place to start decorating your home. Having a darker flooring as your base also allows you to use black and lighter colors in the rest of your design. Not ready to make the big jump into an all-black surface? We love using rugs with black and white colors or even a black couch. These more prominent sized elements can really set the tone for the rest of your space.

 

Black wood flooring Modern dining furniture from Cattelan

 

 

Tip 3: Mix black and white for contrast

An all-white interior is most new homeowner’s dream. The trend really popularized when Fixer Upper’s Joanna Gaines used it for her modern farmhouse-inspired homes. Today, the best way homeowners can update their space is by throwing in black pieces. This darker color adds depth while making your home feel modern and fresh. It adds that wow factor that really brings your home to life!

Tip 4: Don’t be afraid of using black in small spaces

One of the oldest rules in the design book is that you should avoid using dark paint colors in smaller areas. When it comes to decorating your more modest spaces, most go with an all-white color scheme to make the room feel bigger than it actually is. But now small-spaces are getting all of the attention by swapping out white for black. We suggest painting your bathroom black for starters.

Tip 5: Black finishes are always a go-to

Black finishes and hardware on modern shelving from Cattelan

Don’t get us wrong—we love metallic finishes and accents. But if you want to try something new go for a black finish. Right now, black iron pieces and accessories are trendy and easy to find for most homeowners. We even carry pieces that pair perfectly with these black finishes. Use black iron candlesticks and lighting fixtures in your dining room or kitchen as well as black iron bookends in the family room or home office.

Tip 6: Add in lighter colors

It’s important that you don’t go overboard with your black color scheme. Having too much black can make your home feel crowded and dark. Combat this with a balance of white or light color elements. Just as we talked about before, it also adds an extra contrast and pulls everything together in a better, more harmonious way.

Tip 7: Get expert advice

Rich Modern living room with Black accents and details

Ready to incorporate black into your home? Get expert advice from the team at San Francisco Design—contact us or visit us in-store today. You can also shop from hundreds of furniture pieces to find the perfect addition for your space. Check out our online store for a few options.

Monochromatic Centerpieces for a Modern Dining Room Available at San Francisco Design

The Perfect Recipe to Make Your Home Look Professionally Designed

By Interior Design Tips

Monochromatic Centerpieces for a Modern Dining Room Available at San Francisco Design

Do you want the professional scoop on how to make your interior design look straight out of Elle Decor? Look no further than San Francisco Design. Whether you just moved in or are looking for a design update, our designers are putting their minds to the task and giving you a step-by-step guide to make your home look professional put together.

Follow our most sought-after interior designer, Jane Memmott’s, guide to taking your space from amateur to professional in one fell swoop.

Home Makeover Step #1: Start with a natural color

Living Room Set featuring an Italian sectional sofa

No matter which room you are designing or remodeling, make sure that you start with a neutral base. All of the colors, ranging from cream to beige, fit perfectly on the scale of neutrality. A naturally-colored base gives you a lot of room to work with. Also, it opens up any space by reflecting the natural light pouring in from doors and windows. Conversely, darker colors can make a room appear smaller and limit your design later on down the road.

Home Makeover Step #2: Try tonal furnishings

We will let you on another interior designer’s secret– tonal furnishings. Using multiple shades of the same color or the same hue creates a sense of luxury, elegance, and refined effortlessness. It is also visually comforting to any on-looker. If you want your room to scream style, then try this tip on for size.

Home Makeover Step #3: Mix In texture

Contemporary marble dining room table and dining room set

Keep things interesting by adding different textures, patterns, fabrics, and finishes. Because you began your design with a neutral color base, you can play around with a variety of accessories and other decorating elements. All good interior decorators will tell you that accent fabrics and accessories are a great way to add visually compelling pieces that you can easily switch on when the trends change. Right now, we are loving acid-washed fabrics, pastel patterns, and matte finishes.

Home Makeover Step #4: Add contrast and depth

The final step to any good design is digging a little deeper. If you have ever been in a room that feels overwhelming, you know precisely why depth is crucial to professional interior design. However, it’s not only small spaces that need a sense of depth. Make your space more complex by adding contrasting elements, including contrasting hues, mirrors, layered fabrics, and minimalistic décor.

Follow these simple steps to achieve the professional design of your dreams. For additional help with your interior design, contact our experts. We love advising homeowners throughout Utah and the rest of the country.