A year after returning from India this remains one of my favourite images. This was taken in Fort Cochin in the state of Kerala, famous for its backwaters, coir/sisal making and peppercorns. I often sit and wonder what the tree branches represent and love how moss and other creeping plants are becoming part of the image at its base.
I’m not afraid to use dark colours.
There, I said it, and I hope I haven’t scared you away. Black has and always will be my go to shade both in interiors and fashion. Black and all dark shades of charcoal, grey, browns and blues can all be used to great effect when you know how.
Of all the colours you see here, I chose Double Furnace to paint my casual living and dining room.
The room was large, it had windows and doors everywhere and lots of light coloured roman blinds. At night when the blinds were closed there was very little contrast between the walls and the blinds, and with hardly any wall space to hang artwork, it was a bland space
During the day it looked fresh but I wanted something with more personality and a dramatic look at night
Although I don’t have a picture to prove it, a large screen tv against a dark wall fades into the background rather than jumping off a light wall.
Have a look at my pinterest board to see black at work, especially as a trim and door colour. For doors, windows and trims a gloss finish will always be my first choice. Just look at the stools in the image above to see black reflecting light.
If you’ve been considering a change, black (or Double Furnace) could be just what you need.