The Power of Black

In the decorating world, black is defined as the absence of color. It’s funny, then, that even a little black in a room—any room—can have such an impact. Black elements can bring a pastel room down to earth so it’s not too feminine or washed out. In a space with an eclectic mishmash of furnishings, a repetitive dose of black—a pillow with black piping, a black-and-white photograph, a black fireplace surround—can provide cohesion and pull the whole look together. A touch of black helps neutrals sing and strong colors pack a contrasting punch. So why not try a bit of black in your next decorating scheme? It may not be a “color,” but black is still beautiful.

Black, according to interior designer Mark McCauley, ASID, is a forever color—forever night, forever classic, forever formal. Consider the enduring charm of the classic little black dress or the black tux. “Black is a little dangerous because of its association with nothingness, but it also can feel solid and orderly,” he says. Whatever else you can say about black, it is not wishy-washy.

By Anne Krueger, HGTV.com