Black walls create a surprisingly soft backdrop in this modern rustic home – 9 lessons to learn about decorating with this tricky shade

On a large and secluded plot in Homewood, Alabama is a hidden gem. This large family home was built in 1998, and has recently been extended and redesigned. The new house design references the historic neighborhood and includes a wealth of 19th-century French antiques and traditional detailing alongside luxury contemporary and striking midcentury touches, all of which makes for timeless interiors with enduring appeal.

Husband and wife team Leigh and Kevin Misso at River Brook managed the build and design, coming up with a stunning new kitchen extension and redesigning and reworking the interiors throughout.

But there's one element that stands out above all others in the 5,000sqft redesign, and that's the prolific and surprising use of black in many of the main rooms.

The results are striking and elegant, we're sure you'll agree. Designer Leigh Misso showed us round, and totally convinced us that there are at least 9 ways to use black in your décor for a sophisticated look

1. Make a statement with black window frames

As if this entryway could get any smarter, the addition of heavy black framed windows provides a framework in which the other decorative elements can really stand out.

The checkerboard flooring is the true star of the show here. 'To achieve this unique look, we opted for a classic yet contemporary approach by staining the oak in two different tones,' says designer Leigh. 'This design choice not only added a touch of visual intrigue but also created a dynamic and welcoming entryway that sets the tone for the entire home. The antique buffet adds an additional touch of classic elegance to the space.'

2. Lean into the coziness of a den

Adjacent to the kitchen, through an impressive arched opening, the family's den gets a lot of use. Leigh's dramatic den ideas saw the walls painted in Farrow & Ball's Off-Black with a high gloss finish to create a bold statement. The rich, deep color serves as a stylish alternative to traditional black and often has subtle undertones that can vary, adding complexity to the color.

But as designer Leigh explains, putting her black room ideas into practice required a little persuasion. 'The decision to go for such a daring color was initially met with hesitation,' she says, 'but as soon as the first strokes were applied, the transformation was remarkable. It was a defining moment that underscored the importance of taking design risks and how they can elevate a space from conventional to extraordinary.'

3. Continue the dark shades on kitchen cabinets

Kitchen ideas were already full of drama. The new extension to the home is a breathtaking space, with a soaring 22ft high ceiling, double height windows and enough floor space for a packed kitchen disco any night of the week.

'To harmonize the brightness,' says Leigh, 'we carefully selected rich hues for the cabinetry, adding depth and warmth to the room.' On one side of the kitchen, the custom cabinetry is painted in the same Farrow & Ball Off Black shade as the den. While a huge dark metal pendant light, also custom made for the space, ties the scheme together and links the den and kitchen.

Leigh Misso

Kevin and Leigh Misso are a husband and wife team specializing in custom homes, renovations, additions, and so much more. With over 25 years of construction and design experience, they make the design and build process as seamless as possible for their clients.

Not just builders, not just designers, River Brook house all project needs under one roof. They offer full architectural design, interior design services, construction, project management, and last but not least, full interior furnishings for homes or businesses.

4. Introduce pale wood to contrast light and shade

It's always good to introduce an element of contrast in your kitchen colors. Here, for the preparation area, the incorporation of white oak cabinets with reeded accents adds a touch of sophistication and texture, completing the space with elegance and style.

5. Choose dark colours for a sophisticated home office

Home office ideas again turned to black, or rather Off Black, balancing the contemporary color scheme with antiques and vintage furniture.

'We wanted to transform the space into a cozy retreat, by painting it with a luxurious black hue,' explains Leigh. 'We elevated the ambiance further by incorporating complementary antique pieces, adding character and charm to the space.'

Antique double doors from Charles Phillips, a 19^th century hand carved French Renaissance desk from a local antique dealer, and a vintage tulip chair in high gloss white create a smart contrast with the dark walls.

6. Use cream walls as a backdrop for black accents and accessories

Living rooms are, you might say, a little more conventional but the scheme is elegant and relaxed, and the cream-colored walls make the perfect backdrop to introduce smart black accessories and fittings. The glass topped copper table is a French antique and the custom-made blue sofa tips the balance back into the darker shades of the color wheel.

7. Add black accessories for the finishing touches

Don't think we haven't noticed those chic little black wall lights from Visual Comfort. They're like the perfect hat to complete the outfit, and teamed with black throw pillows and striking upholstery you've got a great ensemble.

8. Cocoon a bedroom with black walls

Often the choice of rebellious teenagers, the all-black bedroom gets a bad press in bedroom colors. However, style it with light-colored bedding, introduce some earthy accents to soften the edges, as here, and I think we can all agree that a black bedroom really can look inviting and elegant.

Designer Leigh used Farrow & Ball's Off Black again, this time with a matt finish. Sconce lights from Visual Comfort and a bespoke table lamp made with an antique urn provide stylish silhouettes against the primary bedroom's dark walls.

9. Hang black drapes in the bathroom for a glamorous finish

Bathroom ideas in the primary en suite are all about luxury, relaxation, and glamor. A huge oval-shaped tub from Fixtures & Finishes fills the window, while above it the most striking chandelier from Visual Comfort provides another sculptural high note, together with a charming antique corner chair from an Atlanta dealer. The custom drapes in black satin are the very essence of glamor and offer a neat reference to all those moments elsewhere in the house where black says style in the most sophisticated, understated and strongest of terms.

Design and construction: River Brook
Photography: Laurey Glenn
Stylists: Buffy Hargett and Mary Bett Jones