Back to Black – 6 decorating ideas to give your pad a classy noir makeover

Back to black: this striking look has found its way onto walls, floors, cabinetry and even bedding

Thea Babington-Stitt
By Thea Babington-Stitt
published

Darken the mood with beautiful, brave black!
It's the colour of the season and one that won't date either. Pair with white for a sophisticated look or accessorise with punchy brights, for an up-to-date decorating statement.

black floral wall black floral cabinet and vases

(Image credit: TBC)

1. Bright splashy florals against a black backdrop make for a beautiful wallpaper design. Shrinking violets could experiment with this look on a small area, such as a chimney breast, or it would look wonderful in a small room, such as a cloakroom or ceiling instead!

kitchen with black cabinets and silver refrigerator

(Image credit: TBC)

2. It's undeniably masculine, but the combination of black gloss units and impressive American-style fridge freezer in brushed stainless steel is a super-slick look. A beautiful black-veined marble worktop adds a luxurious finish.

living room with white and dark brown wall brown sofa and painting on wall

(Image credit: TBC)

3. A jet black feature wall makes everything else in this living room pop. The contemporary fireplace, colourful artwork and richness of the block colours on furnishings and accessories all work together to great effect.

bedroom with black wall white frame bed with designed cushion and orange drawer

(Image credit: TBC)

4. The classic colour combination of black and white is sophisticated, chic and timeless. The solid black of the wall paneling here allows for some fun with stripes and graphic patterns, as do the bright orange side tables, with floral display to match.

dinning area with white wall window and black flooring

(Image credit: TBC)

5. A black-painted floor not only looks stunning, but can cover a multitude of sins. To get a truly black, glossy floor, power sand the original boards and then apply at least three coats of stain (with 12 hours drying time in between) and finally finish with two coats of varnish.

black door black shelf and white wall with painting

(Image credit: TBC)

6. Architectural details such as doors, door jambs and skirting boards look amazing when given the black treatment, especially against white walls. Here gloss black paint, monochrome tiles and charcoal black furniture and carpets create a deliciously decadent scheme.

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Thea Babington-Stitt
Thea Babington-Stitt
Assistant Editor

Thea Babington-Stitt is the Assistant Editor for Ideal Home. Thea has been working across some of the UK’s leading interiors titles for nearly 10 years. 

She started working on these magazines and websites after graduating from City University London with a Masters in Magazine Journalism. Before moving to Ideal Home, Thea was News and Features Editor at Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc and Country Homes & Interiors.

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