When it comes to selecting a neutral paint color that’s versatile enough to transcend time and trend, white seems like the obvious choice. But over the past few years, designers have been proposing an unexpected alternative: black. Don’t let its dark and dreary reputation fool you: Black paint has the same enduring versatility as its lighter counterparts—not to mention it can give a space a dramatic edge. And applied within the right layout, a few fresh coats can make a room appear bright, airy, and shockingly spacious, making it a great choice for kitchens, powder rooms, and anywhere else that could use a little oomph.
But as the saying goes, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder—and black paint is no exception. With so many nuanced undertones available, selecting the right shade for a project is a decision that should not be taken lightly. So it’s no surprise that once a designer has found a shade that ticks off all the boxes, it becomes a go-to for all types of projects. For a trip to the dark side of the color spectrum, AD PRO spoke to 11 designers about their go-to noirs.