Black Magic
Whatever the style, decorating with black adds instant presence to a room. Long a staple in fashion and home décor, black can play a grounding influence, provide emphasis or impart a sense of drama. It offers fresh clean contrast when paired with white, a visual relief in other settings. Whether you’re inclined to use it in small or large doses, we share some of the newest product offerings and design applications that incorporate this timeless, commanding hue.
GO BOLD OR MOODY
Left: Mammoth Cave™, a new quartz surface from Cambria, is laid with a striking, raven-black groundwork crisscrossed with white veining. | Top right: Belvedere quartzite — a black stone with dramatic cream and gold veining — tops a cerused oak island in a Short Hills kitchen designed by Alexandria Como Design in Morristown. Photo by Peter Kubilus | Bottom right: Blanco introduces Coal Black, a rich, pure black with a matte finish, to its Silgranit® color palette of sinks and faucets.
BLACK + WHITE, ALWAYS RIGHT
Left: Classic checkerboard-patterned black and white porcelain tiles cover the floors in a Rutherford powder room designed by Jaclyn Isaac of Doni Douglas Design in Shrewsbury. Built by Zack Dettmore. Architecture by R.S. Mannino. Photo by Chris Veith | Center: Harrogate® quartz slabs by Cambria create visual continuity in a luxurious bathroom. | Right: Bogart pendants from Kalco sport a sophisticated two-tone matte black and polished nickel finish with etched opal glass globes.
ADD A GLOW — IN THE DARK
Left: Buster + Punch’s bespoke Exhaust chandelier features a compelling raindrop cascade arrangement. | Center: Special attention is given to the jewelry-like chain of designer Brian Patrick Flynn’s Alston pendant for Crystorama.| Right: Artisan leather distinguishes the NeKeia Collection for Ngala Trading.
EMBRACE AN EARTHY CONNECTION
Left: Made of acacia wood with a matte black interior, the Portal Armoire from Selamat takes inspiration from the arch — a key architectural element in sacred places throughout the world. | Center: Handcrafted from teak with a black finish and natural caning, the Jenna Chair from Wildwood House (no longer available) is striking from every angle. | Right: Functional and beautiful, the Stockholm Side Table from Selamat features weave panels, a black wood frame and ample storage.
MIX IN A MODERN CLASSIC
Left: The Collin Table — shown in black marble with white veining from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams — features clipped corners and robust angled legs that offer a unique accent to any space. | Center: Made of mahogany, the Verona Black Large Desk from Currey & Co. is covered in black lacquered linen with champagne-finished metal detailing. | Right: Piero, from James by Jimmy DeLaurentis, is perfectly prim and proper with modern lines and horizontal tufting enveloped in a dark, warm wool.
CONSIDER SMALL, HIGH-IMPACT ACCENTS
Top: Let the stage of your display be a part of the presentation. The Lockhart Tray from Arteriors — made from beautifully veined black marble — is an eye-catching piece on its own. | Bottom left: “Mammoth Cave” quartz bookends are part of Cambria’s new collection of home goods with Room & Board. | Bottom right: Sleek Avondale Boxes from Couture Lamps in high-gloss black with gold-leafed iron Greek key handles are scaled for drama.
ELEVATE YOUR ENTERTAINING
Top: The design of the Manufacture Rock collection from Villeroy & Boch embraces a slate-like look in black and other mix-and-match tones. Bottom left: Lismore Black Crystal Flutes by Waterford make the everyday extraordinary. | Bottom right: The Harmon table from Wildwood House (no longer available) has a rustic look with distressed details that lend to its inherent beauty.