Fashion legend, Christian Dior once said “You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age. You can wear it for almost any occasion. I could write a book about black.” In 2022 this love of the color black is being reflected in a different type of fashion sense- in and on one’s home. Hi I’m Michele Irizarry, CEO and Broker of Shore Prime Properties. For decades we have seen the interior and exterior design of so many homes throughout the Long Branch, New Jersey area and we have noticed that this trend has been popping up around our local neighborhoods. If you would like to stay up to date on the latest home design ideas and tips about the home buying and selling process please be sure to like and follow Shore Prime Properties. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Homeowners are adorning their places with not only black doors but also black treatments like shutters, window frames and trims. This color craze has been gaining steam in recent years and shows no sign of slowing down. Black is timeless after all but how can you add the darkest hue to your home without making it feel like The Addams family lives there? Balance and intentionality are key and today we will discuss the tips that can help you to achieve the look that you’re after.
Let’s start with the exterior of the home: By adding black to the outside of your home you can easily accentuate its curb appeal and make it pop for those who walk or drive by. Fortunately when it comes to the exterior, black shutters, frames and doors will go well with just about any standard siding -white, cream or gray, vinyl, painted or natural brick and even stucco. However a new trend has emerged that has taken dark to an entirely different level- super modern all black exteriors. If you love this idea use caution since it may be too much of a good thing. For example in the summertime, here at the Jersey Shore, you likely won’t want your house encased in a heat absorbent color and if you live near the water you should probably opt for a light, airy look.
Let’s go inside the home: You can really go to town with this trend inside the home as the opportunities to add splashes of black are plentiful. Let’s talk about a few ways that you can do so. Accessories balancing a hint of black with neutral colors adds a touch of sophistication and sharpens the clean lines of a home. For example black picture frames or arch frames can make their subjects pop even more against a neutral wall. Black accessories such as wire baskets in the kitchen or bathroom can subtly upgrade a room. Best of all black works with all kinds of materials and styles from brass to wood and from modern to farmhouse.
Window frames and doors: If you love the idea of contrasting your light colored walls with black, these areas may be a great place to try especially if you’re restricted from doing so on the exterior of your home. Incorporating black trim into your windows has the same effect as the photo frames that we touched on earlier except in this case you’re framing your view of the outside. Painting a pantry door or powder room door black makes a bold statement while highlighting the importance of the respective space.
Accent walls: Yes, you can dare to have a black accent wall. Paint one with intentionality as it will automatically draw the eye and become the focal point of the room. Places to consider doing this could be an office wall with a bookshelf and behind the headboard in the bedroom. If you have kids you could take it one step further by using black chalkboard paint for their accent wall in their bedroom.
No matter where you choose to add black however it’s sure to make the room more chic while also creating a wow factor. If you’re considering preparing your home for sale, reach out to us today for tips on how to show it in the best light to get top dollar for your home. I’m Michele Irizarry selling prime real estate at the Jersey Shore.
