Welcome To The Dark Arts – Decorating With Black Is 2018’s Brightest Trend

A white bedroom is frequently seen as the ultimate in grown up sophistication for bedroom decoration. And although it has an eternal, restful appeal, it’s not always the best option. If your bedroom lacks light or space it can make a room feel pokey or cold.

And if you have toddlers; it can be hard to maintain. If all black seems too big a leap if you are just beginning to experiment with darker design, then a monochrome palette with a larger percentage of black or grey is a good place to start. It can also win over a partner who is unconvinced by a bold colour move.

A room darkening window covering like Duette® Shades can add style and warmth with practical features to manage the like with smart home control.

Add in lamps at bedside level to create a glow against the wall, and to make it practical in the day-use variable control spots in the ceiling to brighten it up as you need.

Dark kitchen cabinets will become a big story in 2018, as like bathrooms, they move away from looking quite so practical and are seen more as indulgent rooms in their own right.

But not the black gloss kitchen or black and white kitchen floor you may have seen before (although the latter never really goes out of style). Instead, matte black kitchens and black kitchen taps will be the kitchen ideas interior designers will be pinning to mood boards. It’s about a sensuous, materials-based palette, not just pure wipe down practicality.

Rather than a glossy black kitchen worktop that reflects back light, these will be materials that keep the feel moody and low.

This is a great opportunity to try black walls if you already have a wooden kitchen, as they will transform the look of the wood in contrast. Add in some black and white kitchen accessories (or perhaps even that chequered floor) such as pots for wooden spoons or kettles to pull the look together.

And if you feel really committed, black kitchen appliances such as a freestanding fridge make this room feel like a grown extension of a classic sitting room rather than a utilitarian space; ideal if your two spaces are open plan.

A black bathroom may seem counter-intuitive if a feeling of freshness is the aim.

However, in a room that can, by necessity, be full of hard edges and angles it can add some much-needed quirk, especially in a large bathroom where too much white tile can lend an almost surgical feel.

Instead, slate, concrete, or black furniture like a freestanding metal stool or the latest trend taking over hardware, matt black taps, will break up these floating expanses.

Here, the black furniture pieces, bath frame, and dark wood blinds create a moody feeling that's still practical but with a much more considered, design-led look.

A black feature in a living room is a fantastic way to push this trend to its ultimate incarnation.

Not only is it brave, glamorous, and with a distinctly bohemian edge, it’s actually a lot more practical than you may imagine.

Many people get to use their lounge mainly in the evening, so making it rich and welcoming as a matter of priority isn’t such a strange move. As ever with any room, the lighting ideas will be key to making it work all day long.

A light-enhancing window covering like Silhouette® Shades can keep it bright and suitable for day use by softly filtering the light into a warmer hue as it baths the room.

As with the bedroom, grey, black and white living room ideas can be a very versatile option for trying out this look in a room that is very naturally bright; you can use the black more as an accent to make it feel more sensual, with layered fabrics or large statement black furniture pieces like a leather sofa.

Just make sure you use enough so it feels confident, rather than a vague addition. Faint heart never won fabulous sitting room.

Looking for more inspiration? Visit our handy living room blind guide.