Trend Watch: Back in Black

There's a new trend in town and it requires a serious trip to the dark side. Black walls have been popping up left and right since the mainstream release of chalkboard paint in early 2007. Lately, however, they're not just reserved for kitchen backsplashes, children's rooms and smaller areas. In fact, black walls are taking center stage in some of my favorite homes to date.

Of course, it's a risky move to paint your home such a dark shade, so I enlisted the help of Chicago's interior design experts Courtney Davis and Lauren Paradise of Kelly + Olive to get the skinny on black walls.

Lauren is a big fan of the black wall. "Black paint makes a big statement. It's so chic and understated, the total opposite of what you'd expect," she says. "We love publicist Hollister Hovey's rich apartment (pictured right) with those black walls that help create the feeling of mystery and drama. Sleek or complex, modern or antique. Black helps set the tone."

It's mysterious indeed, but there are some places you simply can not paint a wall black...


"We'd never go black in a basement. It's just too cold and dark, and you're never going to want to be in that space," says Courtney.
"Rooms with natural light are best for black walls. You have to remember that black recedes, so if you've got enough light and enough windows, you're not going to feel like you've turned your room into a cave," she adds.

"However, you can make that cozy cave-ness work in a space like a bedroom or bathroom (as shown right), where you might want a more cocooned feeling," says Lauren. "Also, a formal dining room is so elegant and dramatic in black. Think mirrors and candlelight. Lovely."

Careful using black in high-traffic areas or ill-prepared walls. As Davis adds, "If you're re-hanging art or you accidentally put a gouge in the wall, black is pretty unforgiving and touch-ups are very noticeable."


What about you? Would you ever paint your walls black?