STAY IN THE BLACK

Craze

Exterior colors and styles come and go following interior design trends. Black exteriors are just a trend like black window trim. If you love it and want to implement it on your home, take into account resale value. The exterior coverings of your home whether it is siding, brick, stone or a painted surface is a large investment. Consider how long you will live there. If your answer is 20 years, move forward, but if the answer is five to 10 years, I would be careful making such a large investment on a trend.

CJ Knapp, Yours by Design.

Using black as an accent color in the right setting can enhance the look of a room or a home’s exterior. I think using it as a main interior wall color or as the home’s exterior color is a craze. Neutrals are always classics, whereas dark colors, such as black, can be trendy and heavy. So never a classic, but it has become a craze.

Georgine O’Donnell, O’DESIGNS.

Black exteriors including black trim and windows are most definitely a craze. The use of black for windows and trim has been popular at other periods and fades into non-existence. Black absorbs and retains heat, which is an issue if we are to limit energy use in locations where there are long periods of warmer and/or sunny weather. As we move toward greater and greater need to design and build with energy conservation at the forefront, black will be abandoned. Oxidation is, and has been, an aesthetic issue. Finally, black, like pure white, perhaps even more, shows dirt. In terms of interiors, black has its place like theaters and counter materials, but outside of those applications and a few others what we are seeing is definitely just a craze that will disappear.

David Schneider, PURE Home Design.

Both

The use of black entirely on the exterior or the interior of a room is trendy, or you could say a craze. Although, if implemented properly, black home interiors and exteriors are a classic. The color black is bold, dramatic, minimalist, modern and never goes out of style since it can be used as an accent color or the main focal point. When using black, remember that you need to add in a contrast color such as a white or bright color to balance out the light absorption. Black is infinitely versatile as it can be used on different finishes, textures and materials that create different effects catching your eye throughout a design. In the long run, the color black is not going anywhere making it a classic.

Savannah Sells, Youtopia Designs.

A trend from the coasts is spreading to St. Louis! All-black exteriors and predominantly black interior rooms have been popping up in luxury homes and communities in the area.

Classic

Black interiors and exteriors can be timeless when the design is executed with the correct balance of textures and metal finishes–like styling that little black dress that doesn't seem to age. The dark color draws you in but it's the details that will make the lasting impression to work with every season.

Becki Huels, Anne Marie Design Studio.

There is a popular saying, “Every room needs a touch of black!” While that is true, using black in the entire space brings a level of sophistication and drama to a space like nothing else can. Black works with every color, texture, metal and design style for both interior spaces and exterior facades. To decorate an entire room or exterior in black might seem bold, but the outcome is chic, moody and stunning. Black spaces never feel dated and it works with every design style. All black interiors or exteriors are a timeless look and therefore a classic design element.

Barbara Collins, Barbara Collins Interior Design.