Interior paint is back in black Anyone who notices interior design has seen it: an inky stain spreading across American homes as people opt to paint their walls black. It may sound grim, but in execution, it?s quite chic.
By definition, black is the presence of all colors, which could make it the ultimate neutral. Therefore, there are few colors that don?t look amazing in front of it.
We asked designers about the country?s dark mood and to name their favorite black shades. Included in the mix are the array of ?off blacks;? blacks with undertones of brown, blue, and gray.

Jeri Koegel
Interior designer Vanessa De Vargas says black (such as Benjamin Moore?s Jet Black) can make rooms feel cozy.

Jet Black, Benjamin Moore ?Black makes lighter or white colors pop against it,? says Vanessa De Vargas, principal at Turquoise LA. ?It?s sexy and soothing, it makes any bedroom or TV room cozy.?

Matthew Millman
Interior designer John K. Anderson says: ?I love dark, dramatic dining rooms, and black layered with warm lights and bursts of color can be quite dynamic.? This wall was stained black in the 1800s and the designer left it in place.

Black Tie, Dunn-Edwards
De Vargas notes that not all blacks are dark as night. One of her other favorites is this shade of gray-black. ?This color is still light enough to not be too dark and goes with lots of different colors?royal blue, other shades of gray, and light pinks,? she says.
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