Black probably tops the list of the 'I’m-not-decorating-my-house-with-that' palette. It instinctively feels moody, grim, and mood-destroying, with a hint of the teenager-in-a-basement-forming-a-grunge-band. But does it really deserve such a decorative reputation?
Yes, black can often absorb light, feel all-encompassing and intense – but not all blacks are made equal. A traditional, digital style black is a shade lacking light. Completely. It’s a void, disappearing into shadow and somehow appearing deep and flat at the same time. But in real life (aka not on a screen), true black is rare — which is why when you place two black objects together, they’re usually slightly different tones. In the home, black’s undertones will be the difference between clinical and cozy, harsh and soft.
