The Black Bathroom

So the usual reaction to when a designer says “we’re painting all of the walls black” is total freakout from the homeowner.  I am here to show you that that is not so!  Black doesn’t have to be dismal or overpowering.  This bold move is not reserved for angsty teens.

Wow!

Photo via: HGTV

Take this feminine bathroom for example.  The intricate light fixtures and toile shower curtain really accentuate the femininity of this space.  The contrast between the black walls and white elements creates a space of total class, and one can never go wrong with crystals.  When accessorizing, add in bits of life to brighten up the atmosphere.  The homeowners of this space did a great job with adding yellow tulips and a green topiary on the tub.  These elements help to neutralize the black space, keeping it from looking like a haunted house.  Note that even though this room is painted completely black, it’s a very bright space.  The white tile, floor, furniture and doors keep the space nice and bright. Conversely, think about it – candlelit evening bubble baths in here are level-ten relaxation.

My point is, you shouldn’t be afraid to use black paint as long as the contrast is there within the materials you choose in the rest of the space.  Making a black bathroom does not mean that every portion of the room is black.  If you keep black as the main color, be sure that you are using glossy and light materials in the remainder of the space to help reflect light.  Crystals, glass, mirrors and chrome are all good materials to pair with black.

Wow # 2

Photo via: HGTV

Here is another angle of the same bathroom.  It also may help to ease the “shock” of so much black upon opening your bathroom door if you connect it to the adjacent space.  Make the black make sense.  The black bedding and pillows connects the bathroom to the bedroom, relating them to each other.  The yellow accent is also transferred from room to room.  This will give you flow, and help to ease up on the starkness of black and white.  Notice again that most of the accessories are living things – including the poodle holding the door.

Think of black paint as the “little black dress” of interior design.  It’s elegant and sophisticated and is really stunning with the right accessories.  (Now that’s something we all can relate to!)

When choosing a black paint, do be careful of which black you have mixed.  Blacks, much like white – are mixed with different undertones.  Some blacks lean more to the green family and some are cooler, with a hint of blue.  Take as much care and concentration when choosing your black as you would with building any other color scheme.  If you’re going with a black bathroom vanity–start with that–and then work the rest of the room around that hue. Be sure to choose a moisture resistant paint, as mildew will be harder to notice on such dark walls.  Choose a mid-gloss level sheen, since the closer to flat you go, the harder it becomes to wipe down walls – no good for in the bath. Semi-gloss would be a good choice for this application.

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