Does your taste err on the side of moody sophistication? Are you someone who loves richly layered pieces, black matte details, and fascinating designs? Then the Return to Noir trend might be just the right fit for you!
Modern Precious Metal Blinds by Hunter Douglas
This fast-approaching design style has been taking over the interior design world and you'll continue to see it pop up across inspiration pages, designer homes, and blogs throughout this year. Leaning towards a Gothic design with dramatic details and moody black hues, Return to Noir emphasizes character-rich, personalized spaces.
What is the Return to Noir Trend?
Pietra Divinia Res Tile by Daltile
Let's start with the basics: What does the word noir even mean? Noir, deriving from the French word for the color black, is often used in the English language to reference old films like "film noir" or even your favorite red wine, "pinot noir".
In the interior design world, though, the meaning of this word translates to a gothic style with moody black hues. This trend blends a return to elevated black statement pieces blended with the relaxed, contemporary look of warm textures and muted hues.
If you're leaning more on the contemporary side of things, let the color black dominate your space through small details, like sweeping curtains, sculptures, and arched mirrors. To make a bigger statement, bring the Return to Noir trend into your architecture and flooring through dark herringbone hardwood, black accent walls, and lavish chandeliers.
How to Style Matte Black Details
Woven Wood Roman Shades by Hunter Douglas
The good news about this design trend is that styling with black is quite simple! Depending on the atmosphere you're trying to create, you can go as big and bold as you want or add just a few simple details to tie the Return to Noir trend into your space.
Bring a contemporary twist to your space with rounded black furniture, black abstract art, or black velvet upholstery.
Infusing Drama into Your Space
Imagica Floor in Vision by Daltile
While the Return to Noir trend may seem heavily influenced by gothic architecture, you can add as much or as little drama to your space as you want to curate a style that's unique to your taste.
For more drama, look for places to create contrast. Examples include black cabinetry finished with gold hardware in the kitchen, polished black marble shower tiles with stark white walls in the bathroom, or a black statement couch in the living room against a white fireplace. Choosing black as a paint color in certain rooms can have a dramatic effect to add ambiance and sophistication to the space.
Create Balance with Flooring
Sparkle Linear White Ceramic Emser Tile
One of the key elements to decorating with black is creating balance. You should have just as much white space as you do black space (if not more). Use natural light to your advantage by adding weight to the bottom of your room with dark colors and letting the top of your room reflect natural light through large windows and skylights.
If you choose to do black accent walls, then stick to lighter flooring. If you're looking to ground black in your flooring products, browse dark hardwoods (like a red maple or a walnut), plush black carpets, and black marble tile or stone-look luxury vinyl.
Which Rooms Does Black Decor Work Best In?
Vertical Blinds by Hunter Douglas
Black details are versatile and can be easily incorporated into any space, but the most common rooms to decorate with black include bedrooms and living rooms. These are easy spaces to incorporate dark accent walls, window treatments, and black furniture
To create a Return to Noir bedroom, ground your space with black nightstands, dark textured carpet, or a black bed frame. If you're looking to add warmth, consider pairing your black decor with lighter tones like grays and whites. Get cozy with soft bedding, plush area rugs, and warm wood accents.
How have you incorporated black details into your home this season?
