In fashion the colour black is almost like oxygen to humanity – a non-negotiable. A quick survey of your wardrobe and you’re sure to find at least one pair of black shoes, black pants or a little black dress that have become staples of your everyday style.
We’re so quick to lean on this always chic colour, but in interiors we can feel a little shy. How much is too much and how much is not enough?
Black interiors, while not new, are having a resurgence and peaking everywhere from this season of The Block(Kylie and Brad, we’re looking at you) to maybe even your own living room.
Stepping inside the St Ninians project, textures and colours meet boldly. Photo: Dave Kulesza
Two people who know how to strike the perfect balance when it comes to moody interior tones are Mim Design principal Miriam Fanning, and Splinter Society Architecture co-founder Chris Stanley.
“When black is incorporated with intention, it has the ability to enhance depth within an interior setting,” Fanning says. “It offers balance, immersion, and a good amount of theatre as well.”
Speaking of theatre, darker tones take centre stage in Mim Design’s St Ninians project.
Darker tones take centre stage in Mim Design’s St Ninians project. Photo: Dave Kulesza
The colour was specified to “create an atmosphere that enhances a subliminal mood” and used to define key elements throughout the home including kitchen joinery, integrated cabinetry, circular staircase, black timber-lined ceiling, steel joinery and den retreat.
The immersion of black results in an ultimately relaxed atmosphere and contributes to what Fanning describes as a “peaceful space for a moment of respite”.
Black and darker tones were also used to create an ambient environment in Hotel House by Splinter Society Architecture, where the client brief was to capture the feeling of a boutique hotel at home.
The brief was to capture the feeling of a boutique hotel at home at Hotel House by Splinter Society. Photo: Sharyn Cairns Photography
While the project embraces moodier tones, there’s a lightness within. Stanley attributes this to “a balance of light and shade” and the use of darker tones that extend beyond pure black to create depth to the space.
“Using layers of black textures allows us to create a moody feel,” Stanley says. “We can then focus on light – both natural and artificial – and material highlights where we want attention to be focused.”
In Hotel House, dark shades, tones and textures work together across dark timber veneers, stones, perforated metals (which invite natural light to pour in) and a variety of steel detailing to ensure the moody palette feels equally decadent and uplifting.
To soften black shades, pair it with other darker tones to add depth and warmth. Photo: Dave Kulesza
“By combining multiple textures in dark colours you can create complexity and sophistication without an overbearing sense of dark,” Stanley says.
“Often our heavily dark projects feature a lot of light – this allows for a strong moody feel, while still being highly functional and liveable.”
Both Stanley and Fanning agree balance is key when working with black and moodier tones.
Layering black with timber, steel and marble can soften the space. Photo: Dave Kulesza
“Gone are the days of black and white interiors,” Fanning says. “It’s necessary to understand how to soften shades to deliver the desired result.”
Similarly, Stanley also highlights the “benefit and richness you get from layering dark tones and textures rather than ‘just paint it’ black”.
As for what to avoid? “Black against clean white or any material or colour that is so heavily contrasted that the black would feel harsh alongside it,” Fanning says.
Changing up the textures creates a moody feel in this bathroom Photo: Sharyn Cairns Photography
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