The black actually adds surprise and drama to an otherwise dull space," says interior designer Corine Maggio.

Edgy Farmhouse Appearance Farrow & Ball's Black Blue paint instantly updates this farmhouse reading nook, including contemporary character to the existing woodwork. "We enjoy these dark colors with a subtle sheen on woodwork since it brings out the depth of a paneled wall," says designer Rafe Churchill of Hendricks Churchill LLC. "It is particularly nice on hand-planed dressing table or beadboard paneling."

Luxurious Drama Black lower walls and a black ceiling accentuate the gorgeous floral background in this small powder room. "The black actually adds surprise and drama to an otherwise dull space," says interior designer Corine Maggio. She says that the background brings delicate elegance to the appearance, whilst gold finishes add a touch of luxury.

Bold Backdrop The striking, high-contrast layout in this contemporary kitchen is all about balance. "We made a bold statement using [black] on the focal wall of the kitchen office partition walls price ." says architect Nicole Jui of TerraCotta Design Build. "We had a large, open space with a great deal of natural lighting, along with light countertops and cabinets, that provided perfect equilibrium."

Balancing Act Mudcloth-inspired wallpaper and bursts of vibrant color energize this black home office from HGTV Magazine. A light-toned area rug softens the space, offsetting the high level of the dark walls.

Rejuvenation Station Crisp white and jet black combine for an edgy, high-contrast look inside this bedroom. Once more, the black wall serves as the ideal, saturated backdrop for neon artwork. A patterned area rug featuring muted colour tones adds an unexpected touch, mellowing the overall design.

Killer Contrast Even though a lot of men and women are afraid to try black at a bathroom, interior designer Shannon McLaren Wilson of PRAIRIE says it is an excellent option. "The black really produces a stunning and intimate bathroom space," she states. The other half of the room boasts white subway tile to keep the room from feeling too thick.

Spa Bathroom Serenity Dark walls operate great to visually separate moods and spaces within a home. "The office walls were painted black to make a darkened den which felt separate from the remainder of the home," Shannon says. "We utilized natural woods to balance out the freshness from the paint"

Mood Changer The dynamic use of texture in this home office ensures that the dark-hued area is both livable and intriguing. Soft elements, such as the faux furs and sheer curtains, offer a sense of whimsy and warmth, while cool, glossy elements, such as the clean-lined table and chrome chandelier, give a bit of futuristic flair.

Length of Texture Newly manicured boards with sharp, black paint give this shiplap accent wall a contemporary edge that its own haunted, white-painted counterpart can't match. This modern farmhouse look pairs well with earthy materials such as natural wood and terra cotta.

Shiplap Goes Modern High-gloss black cupboards steal the show in this clean-lined kitchen. "Black is bold and masculine and contrasts perfectly with white walls and matte and polished brass fittings," says interior designer Laura Umansky. Although the black-and-white palette is classic, brass accents include a trendy vibe into the room.

Classic Nevertheless Trendy This darkened bedroom exudes coziness and comfort. The black walls create a sense of intimacy, while gilded frames add a hint of glamour. Crisp white molding pairs with ample all-natural lighting to balance the room's darkness.

Cozy Feels While the bold black wall shade makes this room feel hip and contemporary, carefully chosen accents make it feels cozy and vibrant. "Incorporating softer bits in texture and colour, like the sheepskin rug, sculptural wall hangings and stuffed animals, together with copper accents, really balanced out the chic appearance I was going for if incorporating black at Rocco's nursery," says interior designer Katherine Carter.

Whimsically Chic "If a room does not get any (or much) natural light, it's often our urge to try to make it feel brighter," says interior designer Allison Lind. "But a little, dark room is obviously likely to be a small dark area, therefore I say embrace it" She states matte black walls create interest and play while accentuating the coziness of a small area. "When mixed with some lighter, natural tones and textures layered in, it is going to feel like a rich escape," she adds.

Small Space Solution With velvet, brass and faux fur, this ultra-chic living area unites some of the most popular design trends, so it's no surprise to see a generous dose of black on the ceiling. We often worry that a dark ceiling will make a room feel bigger, but here it really makes the ceiling feel taller. Vibrant, white walls help make this illusion.

Black's Best Sidekicks FLO Design Studio picked a charred black wall to help ground this oversized bedroom whilst bringing texture into the space. Megan Tagliaferri, principal of FLO, says she's seeing more shameful utilized in interior design recently. "It is a great parlay in the industrial design trend into the Scandinavian design trend that is happening more and more."

Optical Illusion Black walls and floors help to make a hip, urban feel in this master bath. White subway tile brightens the distance, though a slick wood vanity brings a dab of heat. The use of mixed metals is completely on-trend, offering a fitting touch.

Charred Texture The ebony black wall in this eclectic living area creates an immediate sense of intimacy and depth. Earthy, neutral tones balance the dark wall, and punches of daring, bohemian-inspired colour decorate the space.

Urban Flavor "Black works in this home because the colour palette ties perfectly into the architecture," says Jerry Hooker, leader of Mirador Group. "Everything in the ceiling particulars to the decoration and color palette is a modern take on neoclassical architecture" He states black works great when there's meaning behind its use. Whether it's carrying out a style of architecture or carrying out a decorating motif, he believes the color ought to tell a story. "Here, there's a heart behind an otherwise contemporary area."

Eclectic in Ebony Interior designer Sarah Wittenbraker pulled the dark, inky wall shade inside this master retreat from the patterned drapery. "The deep navy is cozy and moody, without being competitive as a real black," Sarah says. "Plus it produces a great backdrop to make the drapery and chrome bed soda." She states dark, almost-black wall colors help to immediately evoke a mood.