Dramatic and Sexy Black Decorating Ideas

Not just for trim, painting with black can be a smart, stylish choice for an entire wall. See how these designers use the paint color to a room's advantage.

By Susan KleinmanMore in Decorating

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Photo 3 of 4

Photo 3 of 4The owner of this 1920s Spanish duplex in West Hollywood, Calif., travels frequently for work. When she comes home, she often needs to sleep when her body clock is still set to a foreign time. (Photo by Deborah Jaffe)

- Chalk it up to Experience
- Don't be Afraid of the Dark
- Lights Out
- Beautiful With Black

Lights Out(3 of 4)

"[This homeowner] requested blackout shades so that she can sleep whenever she needs to," say designers Alexandra Loew and Lauren Soloff, principals of The Desk of Lola (www.thedeskoflola.com), "and that inspired us to do a whole black bedroom."

The designers wanted to find a way to make black soothing, not overbearing and heavy. To create that comfortable, inviting feeling, they painted the walls ICI Paint's "Dark Secret" in an eggshell finish, and chose "Torn Lace" wallpaper from Los Angeles-based designer Simon Storey. The custom-made headboard is upholstered in black pima cotton with extra batting for a double dose of comfort and a luxurious look.

"As with any color," say the designers, "you have to be careful what black you select and what white you choose as an accent; they too, have a spectrum. For us, this project was about exploring how much we could get out of the black-and-white pairing through finish, surface, pattern and intensity."

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