10 Cool Ways to Embrace the Trend for Sharp Black Lines
Combine a white backdrop with bold strips of jet black to create a simple scheme of elegant silhouettes
The industrial trend that’s been popular for a while has had a sophisticated makeover. Think pristine white walls used to showcase linear black furniture and architectural details such as the increasingly popular Crittall-style doors and windows. This trend can be a little scary, as it does lean towards a more minimal style of decor, but if executed correctly, it can be elegant and easy to live with, whether in a modern or a classic interior. So how can you make it work in your home? Here are some examples of this style at its best, with a few handy tips for how to recreate the look yourself.
Upgrade your doors
Crittall-style metal windows and doors have become increasingly popular lately and work brilliantly with this trend. Opt for full-height versions to create real impact. Here, they are paired with smoky chevron floors for an extra graphic element, and a striking off-black feature wall that completes the sophisticated look.
Check out more ideas for internal glazed windows
Crittall-style metal windows and doors have become increasingly popular lately and work brilliantly with this trend. Opt for full-height versions to create real impact. Here, they are paired with smoky chevron floors for an extra graphic element, and a striking off-black feature wall that completes the sophisticated look.
Check out more ideas for internal glazed windows
Refresh your staircase
Stairs are possibly the most overlooked element of a home when planning a redesign. This is primarily because, in most cases, the stairs are not changing location, so the originals are simply retained. In many homes, the style of the stairs hasn’t changed in a century. Why not give your staircase a new lease of life with an on-trend simple metal balustrade. Paint the treads in black, or stain them dark, and choose delicate black spindles that will give that slimline silhouette.
Stairs are possibly the most overlooked element of a home when planning a redesign. This is primarily because, in most cases, the stairs are not changing location, so the originals are simply retained. In many homes, the style of the stairs hasn’t changed in a century. Why not give your staircase a new lease of life with an on-trend simple metal balustrade. Paint the treads in black, or stain them dark, and choose delicate black spindles that will give that slimline silhouette.
Try it in a bathroom
This trend has evolved from the urban industrial style that’s been around for a while into a more sophisticated and elegant look. The slender metal finish on this washstand typifies the look, while the door is a Japanese-style screen that combines the characteristic black lines with an opaque surface that softens the look. The addition of a circular mirror – in the same metal frame – also offsets the rectilinear nature of the look.
This trend has evolved from the urban industrial style that’s been around for a while into a more sophisticated and elegant look. The slender metal finish on this washstand typifies the look, while the door is a Japanese-style screen that combines the characteristic black lines with an opaque surface that softens the look. The addition of a circular mirror – in the same metal frame – also offsets the rectilinear nature of the look.
Make a feature of your shower enclosure
Swap a traditional shower screen for a metal-framed version. It would probably have to be made bespoke (though you might find something suitable in an architectural salvage yard), but it could be worth the investment to give your bathroom a timeless transformation.
Find expert tips on choosing a shower enclosure
Swap a traditional shower screen for a metal-framed version. It would probably have to be made bespoke (though you might find something suitable in an architectural salvage yard), but it could be worth the investment to give your bathroom a timeless transformation.
Find expert tips on choosing a shower enclosure
Introduce design classics
Some classic designer pieces work wonderfully with this trend, such as the Wishbone chair by Hans J Wegner, featured in this bedroom. The mix of graphic printed cushions and black and white art shows another easy way to try the trend.
Some classic designer pieces work wonderfully with this trend, such as the Wishbone chair by Hans J Wegner, featured in this bedroom. The mix of graphic printed cushions and black and white art shows another easy way to try the trend.
Reframe photos and artworks
Gallery walls are a lovely feature in any room, and this one, with its grid-style structure and matching fine black frames against plain white walls, gives a nod to the trend, while retaining a relaxed feel that’s tranquil enough for a bedroom.
Gallery walls are a lovely feature in any room, and this one, with its grid-style structure and matching fine black frames against plain white walls, gives a nod to the trend, while retaining a relaxed feel that’s tranquil enough for a bedroom.
Introduce black hardware
Give traditional hardware a new look by opting for a matt-black finish. Bathroom fittings, such as these taps, door furniture and cupboard handles are all easy to replace and, against a backdrop of white, will give you this sharp and sophisticated look in one simple step.
Give traditional hardware a new look by opting for a matt-black finish. Bathroom fittings, such as these taps, door furniture and cupboard handles are all easy to replace and, against a backdrop of white, will give you this sharp and sophisticated look in one simple step.
Introduce it slowly
You don’t have to go all out with this trend. Test it out in a small corner of your home. Here, the wall colour is very neutral and the woodwork and floorboards are painted white to create a clean backdrop for the delicate tray table and black pendant light. The simple black on the artwork pulls the look together to create a perfectly styled vista in what would otherwise be an unused space.
What do you think of the trend for clean black silhouettes? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
You don’t have to go all out with this trend. Test it out in a small corner of your home. Here, the wall colour is very neutral and the woodwork and floorboards are painted white to create a clean backdrop for the delicate tray table and black pendant light. The simple black on the artwork pulls the look together to create a perfectly styled vista in what would otherwise be an unused space.
What do you think of the trend for clean black silhouettes? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
The graphic tiles in this kitchen create a subtle feature wall that works perfectly with this trend. The choice of grout colour is important here. The off-black colour helps to define the pattern and provide that all-important contrast. The utilitarian pendant lights tie in with the industrial trend, too, and create another layer of interest in this kitchen.