10 ways to decorate in black

Oversized drum shades

Let your emotions guide your decision making. That’s what designer and single mom Jennifer Ferreira did when it came to choosing a home for herself and her nine-year-old son. While she was charmed by the castle-like exterior of the Gothic-revival apartment building, it was the spacious interior’s graceful proportions that left Jennifer lovestruck. Taking her cue from the home’s Parisian charm, she decided on a modernclassic style, as a reflection of her travels and her passion for fashion. Jennifer’s space soon became a gathering spot for her infamous dinner parties, but, most importantly, it’s a comfortable place for the two of them. With a masterful touch, she mixes black and white with splashes of colour and well-chosen accessories to create a look that’s contemporary and enchanting—and brings drama to a rental without breaking the bank.

A large room can be hard to anchor with furniture alone. An oversized light fixture, hung low above a coffee table, keeps the focus on the seating area. Gold leaf on the inside of this shade becomes apparent when you’re seated, picking up on the gold details throughout the room and creating a warm, intimate glow.

Get the look: Settee, Pillows, Zebra-print rug, Elte.com. Coffee table, Southhillhome.com. Fortuney Moda lamp, Kioskdesign.ca. Mies Van Der Rohe Daybed, Hollacecluny.ca. Pendant lamp, Ferreiradesign.ca. Piano, Pearlriverusa.com.

Decorate with books

There's nothing like a library to give your home a personal touch. In this photo, homeowner Jennifer and her son lounge in their comfortable study. Keep it simple by painting shelves black and shunning ornate details in favour of rectilinear design.

Corral utensils in a champagne bucket

Give a formal item an everyday use and add luxury to kitchen chores. Take it a step further by leaning original framed art against your backsplash. 

Get the look: Roman blinds, Ferreiradesign.ca. Silver pepper mill, Williamashley.com. Candle, By Diptyque, Holtrenfrew.com. White vase, Westelm.com.

Dress up plain curtains with thick ribbon

Casual, floor-length drapes in white cotton get the glam treatment with bold black detailing. The tuxedo look is picked up in the chairs, where the black-and-white scheme is reversed.

Get the look: Table, Elte.com. Chairs, Curtains, Ferreiradesign.ca.

Choose a bold accent colour

When decorating with black and white, accessorize with flowers and books to add punches of colour that can be changed with your mood. Pink, yellow and lilac are uplifting shades for spring.

Get the look: Zebra bench, Calypso St. Barth, 1-866-422-5977. Table lamp, Ikea.ca. Essence Voc-Free paint, Para.com.

Incorporate glass and mirrors

Shun chunky furniture in favour of pieces that are light in scale to make a black-on-black room feel more open and modern.

Get the look: Table, Westelm.com. Bust, L'atelier, 416-966-0200. Wallpaper, Schumacher Imperial Trellis, available through Ferreiradesign.ca.

Mirror an entire bathroom wall

Make a long and narrow bathroom feel wider by mirroring the whole wall. Save space by mounting taps directly on the wall. Tip: Add trim around the edges of the mirror to give it an oversized, framed look.

Get the look: Mirror, Shower curtain, Vanity, Ferreiradesign.ca. Ralph Lauren white and gold bowl, Holtrenfrew.com. Candle, Colette.fr.

Soften matte black with vintage finds

Use flea-market treasures to liven up a child's room and give its design a loose, well-travelled feel. Pair them with modern-classic pieces like the durable Bertoia chair to give the room a decidedly un-childish but kid-friendly look. 

Get the look: Bed, Elte.com. Bedding, Aulitfinelinens.com. Knoll Bertoia chair, Quasimodomodern.com. Globes, L'atelier, 416-966-0200. Trestle table, Ikea.ca.

Go grand with trim

Inexpensive panel molding is a great way to add architectural detailing to a large space. Paint it the same colour as the walls for a simple, chic approach.

Get the look: Bed, Pendant lamp, Elte.com. Bedding, Aulitfinelinens.com. Fur throw, Southhillhome.com. Essence VOC-free paint, Para.com.

Tips for decorating with black

1. For a grand hotel look, paint interior doors black.

2. Play up trim with glossy white paint.

3. Use organic textures like tropical leaves, woven boxes or natural hides to accessorize.

4. Create balance with lots of glass and mirrors.

5. Choose graphic black-and-white fabrics for smaller pieces of furniture or throw pillows.