At Artemano, we’re taking Black Friday quite literally this year—as an opportunity to delve into the dark (yet oh-so-stylish) side of design. Often underrated as a colour, black can make a powerful statement and is prized by many designers as a pure colour. We are bringing it into the mix of our homes for a dash of drama and contemporary elegance; here are our suggestions if you want to do the same.
Soothe.
Black-washing wood brings out the natural beauty of its grain. In the bedroom or any family space geared toward rest and relaxation, black-washed wood can bring texture and interest without over-stimulating the senses in an otherwise low-key scheme. Try it: We bring together low lighting, warm neutral linens and a black-wash wooden bed with a show-stopping statement headboard, to create a soothing yet memorable environment.
Creating contrast.
We combine black-wash wood furniture with a carefully chosen paler wood piece that has been left raw or brushed with clear varnish. This helps us create a beautiful interplay between light and dark. And believe it or not, the effect of black in such a scheme is actually softening. Try it: We use opposites working in tandem by choosing two pieces whose sculptural lines and whirling grains riff off one another.
Letting the shadows dance.
Who needs wallpaper when you have intricately pierced metal lamps casting mesmerizing shadow patterns on the walls? Inspired by the aesthetics of the East, these are more than a source of light: they serve as objets d’art in their own right. The beauty of the lace-like patterns these lamps cast is brought out as the lamps are in constant motion, bringing energizing and magical qualities to a space. Try it: We place two perforated metal lamps in our bedroom on the bedside tables—or one on a shelf in our living or dining room—for dancing shadows and instant ambiance.
Seeing things in black and white.
Monochrome photography comes into its own in a low-lit room, as the whites and highlights of the image draw even more attention when distractions are subdued. Try it: We choose a striking work that either mirrors elements within the room (think rumpled sheets in a bedroom or body of water in a bathroom) or that draws from the inherent drama of the natural world.
Going next dimension.
Even in a minimalist room, black has the effect of adding dimension. Knick-knacks seem superfluous when you play with tonalities to create interest. You won’t feel like you need to keep adding pieces or moving things around when you let subtly varied shades of black create that sense of depth you seek. Bonus: fewer trinkets to dust! Try it: We place a black-washed table and four upholstered cream chairs in the centre of the room and let them work their charm as contemporary show stoppers.
Lighting for mood—or even romance.
Nothing kills the mood faster than bright overhead lighting, so it’s best to work with several sources of soft light positioned at lower levels within the room. Try it: We keep our guests focused on one another in a pared-back dining room by seating them at a black-washed table adorned simply with tealight candles. Natural coconut shell lights flanking one wall provide a little extra light for the host flitting from room to room, without distracting from what’s happening around the table.
Staying current.
Black says contemporary, with its lack of fussiness. It can bring gravity to a workspace or sophistication to a dining room. Try it: To keep black from feeling stark, we choose furniture pieces with rounded edges and favour softer low lighting from a variety of sources, such as lamps and candles.
Mixing patterns.
We create visual interest by juxtaposing interesting patterns and shadows, each with their own geometric logic and repetition. Try it: A bohemian-style embroidered cotton pouf side by side with an Oriental perforated lamp will bring the sultry—perfect for romantic nights in.
Add a layer.
One last thing that’s enchanting about black is its versatility. It can be simple, neutral, dramatic and chic or it can be rich and wildly interesting. If you take a surface that’s already textured and cast intricate shadows on top, it makes for an interesting layered effect. Try it: We let intricate patterns of light and shadow from a perforated metal lamp fall upon an exposed brick wall, rough-hewn wood or veined marble.
Black is a designer's friend, for its myriad of functions and sophisticated charms. Pale may be interesting, but dark is truly dynamic—we adore injecting it into our home.
