Bright, airy, all-white spaces have certainly had their moment in the sun, but as summer creeps toward fall, we’re noticing design trends take a darker turn. Just take Behr Paint Company’s pick for color of the year: a soft, sophisticated shade of black called Cracked Pepper. They’ve got the data to back up this pick, too. According to the press release, more than half of Americans say black tones give a home fresh energy and an updated vibe.
It’s not hard to see why this dark color is poised to overtake its brighter alternatives as the neutral du jour. Black has the same timeless, goes-with-anything appeal as lighter neutrals like white or beige—but without any of the danger of looking bland or boring. It’s sleek, dramatic, and a sure-fire way to punch up any color scheme.
Painting your walls jet-black is one way to try out this trend, of course. But if you’re not quite ready to dive in headfirst, these black home decor picks will help you dip your toes into darker waters:
