10 Cues to Help You Use the Colour Black in Your Interiors

Amit Khanolkar

Architect

Text: Vishanka Gandhi
Photographs: Sebastian Zachariah

Black is bold. It is a statement colour. It has character and a universally acknowledged panache. But tell someone to paint a wall in their bedroom black, and chances are they'll think you're mad. Why is it that we don't use it in our homes?! You may avoid it for religious beliefs, but beyond that do not shy away from using black because someone said that it makes the space look smaller. Do it the right way, with the right materials, the right techniques and in the right places, and you will surely be a home decor trendsetter. Architect Amit Khanolkar of DIG Architects shares tips on ways of incorporating black in your home, not simply as a passing feature but as flamboyant display of style.

Balance is key. Temper black with bright hues and potted plants.

Have fun with black. Before impulsively applying that coat of black paint, mentally walk through the space. Ask yourself, are there too many contrasting colours in the room? Will the proportion of black to the other colours be too much? Inspite of this little exercise, if you're not happy with the result, don't get bogged down! The paint can be scraped in no time and replaced with another colour.
Balance is paramount. Break the monotony by balancing the black with natural green walls, potted plants and brightly hued flowers. These natural sources will ease off the cool vibe emanated from black.
A book is still judged by its cover. Showcase your inner elan by making a statement with black at the entrance. Use charcoal black stone with your name etched on it for some traditional opulence. Or opt for a chic and contemporary look with black polished marble surrounding the door.
The oxymoron of a snug black bedroom. A bedroom needs to feel positive and relaxing. Create a cosy feeling with a matte-finished black paint. Likewise, dab a softly textured wall with black where the solid visual adds depth and warmth.
Go deceptively large with black. Cheat your visitors into believing small spaces to be misleadingly large with a large panel of black back-painted glass. The glossy black reflection of the room, will make it appear volumetrically bigger.
Black for some contemplation. Create a meditative spa by cladding your bathroom walls with black river-washed Italian stone. The inherent wave-like pattern and its repetition in the counter and flooring will render a deeply hypnotising experience. Make sure to highlight this art piece of a stone with warm, focused lighting.
Zoning with black. For large rooms with an open plan, such as an expansive living room, make a statement with a section of the ceiling in black, emphasised with smart lighting. This will seamlessly create pockets within a large space while at the same time add the much needed focus.
A swathe of glossy black, such as a large panel of black back-painted glass, will trick the eye into believing that the room is bigger than its actual size.
Sartorial elegance. Experience the tactile nature of black with the array of black fabrics, for your soft furnishings. Explore the plethora of textures and shades, and pick one based on the overarching design theme. Leather, linen and cotton are ideal due to their visually engaging scales and knots.
Experiment lab. Ever thought of replicating the parking lot flooring in your home? Well, why not?! Lay the crushed concrete mix for a reflectively smooth, glossy and jointless flooring. The light reflected by the surface is only going to make your room appear bigger.
Prep it up. Bring your white-washed house to life with all black accessories. A tall floor light here, a couple of vases with flowers there, and some cushions thrown against the white backdrop, all of this in black, are sure to up the style quotient of your home.

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About the author

Amit Khanolkar

Architect

<strong>Amit Khanolkar</strong> completed his degree in architecture from LS Raheja School of architecture in year 2000. He is currently one of the Principal Architects at D.I.G Architecture working with a vision of exploring new languages of design and integrating them with real spaces.

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