4 Ideas for Contemporary Decorating with Black

Want to know an easy secret for adding contemporary style to your home? It's decorating with the color black. Adding a touch of black to your space can be as easy as buying a can of paint or buying a few carefully selected decorative items, depending on the look you're going for. Here are four tried-and-true ideas for decorating with black that will absolutely transform your space to an amazing contemporary design. Everything you need to go from drab to contemporary & fab.... starring the color black!

Idea #1: Choose the perfect location in your home for a bold, black accent wall. Instant drama!

Image via Home Design Idea (EU)

Aleksandra Miecznicka interior design

Idea #2: Paint your interior doors and trim with contemporary black paint to wow your guests!

Blair Harris interior design

Joy Tribout interior design

Idea #3: Hang artwork & paintings that feature elements of rich, smoky black. Also try hanging your current family photos and artwork in contemporary black frames. 

Image via West Elm

(Left) Celine Ziang black and white painting (Right) Tracie Cheng painting with gold

Idea #4: Select black shelving for your home or paint your current built-ins and bookcases a crisp shade of black. Utilize a flat latex paint in black or even try a high-gloss black paint for added drama. For smaller pieces of furniture like the one shown below (on the right), you can transform your piece more easily by using black spray paint.

(Left) Image via Making-Spaces Ramblings (Right)

Melbourne apartment by Fiona Lynch.

The color black is amazingly effective at adding drama and contemporary sophistication to any space, yet is often under utilized. And despite being a lover of color, I've found that black truly helps ground a design. So take these design secrets involving decorating with black and give it a try in your space.

Which of these techniques for decorating with black are you most interested to try in the new year?

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Gorgeous Iron Windows and Doors

One of the best way to elevate the look of your home is by installing iron windows and doors for an instant dose of luxury. The rich dark color will pop in any space, while letting in plenty of light. Iron accents also work well in both a home's interior and exterior, as you will see in the amazing homes below. There is even a shower with beautiful iron doors in this post, which I had never seen done before. Take a look at how these home owners have elevated their space with gorgeous iron doors and windows.

Melbourne, Australia home designed by Hecker Guthrie, Photography: Marcel Aucar

Image via Liz Marie blog

Image via Architectural Digest

New South Wells, Australia home of Jilly Hampshire - Vogue Living Australia

Designed by Jenny Wolf Interiors

Designed by William Hefner Architecture & Interiors

New York City residence by Dutch designer Piet Boon, Photography: Paul Barbera

Image via Pinterest

Who else is considering iron windows and doors for their home? It's one of those design choices you just can't go wrong with. 

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3 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Home Office

 Image via Pinterest, WhereWomenCreate

It's always nice to have a space at home where you can get work done. And because it's your home office, you can style it any way you want. Here are three tips for getting the most out of your home office. 

Photo via Everything Leb, Designed by Ansley Interiors

First, always remember that if you're short on space, more than one person can share a home office.  These offices maximize space by including a place for two people to work independently.  Above we see one long desk, and below two smaller desks, depending on what your space allows. I wouldn't feel crammed in either of these spaces. 

Image via Iconosquare, Office Headquarters of Kelly Wearstler

Image via Lonny

Second, add a touch of glamour to your home office!  Luckily adding glam isn't hard at all, just add a hint of black.  Black equals instant glam as you can see in these office designs (above & below).  Très chic indeed.

Image via Pinterest, Hautkhuuture Blog

Third, if you don't have a home office, create one.  If you can spare a small closet you can make for yourself an office in no time. Take a look at the sunny closet turned office below.  If this is the perfect DIY project for your office lacking space, then click over to House Beautiful's suggestions for making the most out of a closet turned office.

Image via Apartment Therapy, Decorology

As a bonus, be sure to include color in your home office!  Bright colors are energizing and so can be perfect for a home office.  Below, the pink burst of color is the highlight of this feminine office.

Image via House Beautiful, Designed by Ashley Whittaker, Photography James Merrell

What are your plans for an office makeover? 

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