A new trend is entering interiors, giving modern and minimalist designs a fresh look. Designers are using black to “outline” furniture and spaces, adding contrast to any room and offering a luxe touch. As these black outlines pave the way for more striking home designs, many homeowners are curious about how to hop on this trend.
So, we’re sharing tips on how to use these contrasting black lines in your design to make your modern aesthetic stand out.
What is the ‘black outline’ trend?
This modern touch is characterized by contrasting black lines that add a striking appearance to your space. This trend is expressed mainly via outlining furniture or a room with crisp black lines. TikToker @KananAirbnb shows off some examples of how this style is used in modern interiors. While the design aesthetic doesn’t have a defined name just yet, the concept is widely used in many home designs today.
Below, we’ll list some notable examples from Instagram that show off the versatility and luxe look that black lines can bring to your design scheme.
Decorate with black trim
The most common way this trend is expressed is by decorating your interior with black trim. Trim pieces like floor trim, crown molding, wainscoting, and door and window frames are often wooden or painted white. However, modern aesthetics are veering toward adding black in these spaces to break away from the outdated all-white aesthetics of yesteryear.
Instagram user @maverick_design features a living room and dining room that uses this black trim aesthetic. In the living room, the designer has placed the wall trim a foot or more lower from the ceiling to add more contrast. The black trim becomes a feature and adds modernity to the room. The black lines around the space become an outline in the design, which helps make the rooms feel more cohesive.
Use black to outline arches and doorways
Another way to use this trend is by painting the frames of doorways and arches. As you can see in this post by @studioblackinteriors, the archways are accented by black metal that frames the transition spaces. The black lines are also carried up to the ceiling, framing the wood paneling to create a distinct separation from the wall and hide any seams.
For homeowners, using black lines in trim can help create a more distinct division between materials in hallways or rooms. It’s the perfect solution to create more impact and distinction for any transition spaces.
Black accents on furniture and decor
In this example by @loop.interiors on Instagram, the designer has brought black lines into the space to create a visually unique flow in this monochromatic space. While walls and furniture are different shades of neutral tones, like cream and beige, the black lines help create more definition in the design.
Most notably, the black accents are on the furniture, outlining the unique curves and shapes of the chairs. The mirror and built-in shelves also have black trim to make them more distinct as a feature against the neutral wall. Here, the black lines help break up the monochromatic space, preventing the design from feeling flat.
Create accent lines with paint
If you’re looking for a simpler way to incorporate the black outline trend into your space, you might consider adding accent lines with paint. This Instagram designer, @naira_interior_official, shows an elegant modern living room and kitchen space with well-defined black parallel lines running along the ceiling from one room to the next. The use of the black lines here adds a unique accent and feature, but it also unites the two spaces.
The black accent lines are also carried out on the kitchen cabinetry, framing the wall at the end of the kitchen walkway. A simple black line pendant light over the island also contributes to this new black outline trend.
Outline windows
Another option you can do to revamp your space with this luxe and striking trend is to use black on your window frames. Outline your windows with black paint, or opt for black frames to add more contrast to your space. @thewelldressedhouse on Instagram shows how you can pull off sleek black-framed windows in a modern living room. The black color is also used throughout the space on pillows and the straight black lines of the coffee table to make a more cohesive palette.
The key to success in using black to outline your space is to ensure you aren’t using it in only one or two places. Try to weave black throughout your home for a more intentional addition to your color palette.
Black lines are a trendy way to invite more modernity to your space. Adding this accent to your home lets you keep your design simple while still playing around with shape and form. The black lines help add a sleek and luxe touch without overwhelming the space.
