Decorating Guides
10 Cool Ways to Embrace the Trend of Sharp Black Lines
Combine a white backdrop with bold strips of jet black to create a sophisticated look of elegant silhouettes
The industrial trend that’s been popular for a while has had a sophisticated makeover. Think pristine white walls used to showcase linear black furniture and architectural details such as metal-framed doors and windows. The trend can be a little scary, as it leans toward a more minimalist style, but if executed correctly, it can be elegant and easy to live with, whether in a modern or classic interior. So how can you make it work in your home? Here are some examples of the style at its best, with a few tips on how to create the look.
Make a feature of your backsplash. The graphic tiles in this kitchen make for a subtle feature wall that fits perfectly with the trend. The choice of grout color is important here. The off-black helps to define the tile pattern and provide that all-important contrast. The utilitarian pendant lights tie in with the industrial trend too, and create another layer of interest in the space.
Upgrade your doors. Metal-framed windows and doors have been growing in popularity. Opt for full-height versions to create real impact. Here they’ve been paired with smoky chevron floors for an extra graphic element and a striking off-black feature wall that completes the look.
Refresh your staircase. Stairs may be the most overlooked element in a home redesign, primarily because they’re usually staying where they are and the originals are simply retained. In many homes, the style of the stairs hasn’t changed in decades. Why not give your staircase a new lease on life with a simple metal balustrade? Paint the treads in black, or stain them dark, and choose delicate black spindles that will create a slim silhouette.
Try it in a bathroom. The urban industrial trend that’s been around for a while has evolved into a more sophisticated and elegant look. The slender metal finish on this washstand typifies the new trend, while the door is a Japanese-style screen that combines the characteristic black lines with an opaque surface that softens the look. The addition of a circular mirror — in the same metal frame — also offsets the rectilinear nature of the decor.
8 Design Ideas to Borrow From Japanese Homes
8 Design Ideas to Borrow From Japanese Homes
Make a feature of your shower by swapping out a traditional enclosure for a metal-framed version. It may have to be custom made (though you might find something suitable in an architectural salvage yard), but it could be worth the investment if you’re looking to give your bathroom a timeless transformation.
10 Reasons to Go for Black-Framed Shower Doors
10 Reasons to Go for Black-Framed Shower Doors
Introduce design classics. Some classic designer pieces work wonderfully with the trend, such as this Wishbone chair by Hans Wegner. The mix of graphic pillows and black-and-white art is another easy approach.
Reframe photos and artwork. Gallery walls are a lovely feature in any room, and this one, with its grid-style structure and matching black frames against plain white walls, gives a nod to the trend while retaining a relaxed feel that’s tranquil enough for a bedroom.
Introduce black hardware. Give traditional hardware a new look by opting for a matte black finish. Bathroom fixtures, such as these faucets, door hardware and cabinet handles are all easy to replace and, against a backdrop of white, will give you a sharply defined style in one simple step.
Introduce it slowly. You don’t have to go all out with this trend. Test it in a small corner of your home. Here, the wall color is neutral and the trim and floorboards are painted white to create a clean background for the delicate tray table and black pendant light. The black in the artwork pulls it all together to create a perfectly styled vignette in what might otherwise be an unused space.
Tell us: What do you think of the trend for clean black silhouettes? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Tell us: What do you think of the trend for clean black silhouettes? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
Wake Up Your Woodwork With Black
Steel-Framed Windows Leap Forward Into Modern Designs