My Favorite Colors: Light Black, Dark Black, Faded Black, oh and Pitch Black

People often ask what my favorite color is. That’s easy – light black, dark black, faded black, oh, and I cannot forget pitch black.

I wear it almost every day. Not because it’s trendy or slimming (although I won’t argue with either of those things), but because it simply feels like me. Black is classic, effortless, and never tries too hard. That same love affair has naturally found its way into my everyday life. While some people gravitate toward bright colors and playful patterns, I always find myself drawn back to black. A black front door. A black lamp shade. A black frame. A black cabinet. A touch of black in a room instantly grounds the space and gives everything around it a little more presence. To me, black isn’t dark or heavy. It’s simple. It’s timeless. It’s the design equivalent of a perfectly tailored black blazer—it works with everything and somehow makes everything around it look better.

Over the years, I’ve learned that every room benefits from a little black. Even the lightest, brightest spaces need an anchor. Without it, a room can feel unfinished. With it, a room feels layered, intentional, and complete. Some of my favorite interiors are filled with creamy whites, warm woods, natural textures, and just enough black to create contrast. It’s that balance that makes a space feel collected rather than decorated. Perhaps that’s why I never tire of accessorizing with black. Trends come and go, but black always feels relevant. It works in traditional homes, modern homes, lake houses, city apartments, and everything in between.

Today, I thought it would be fun to round up some of my favorite black accessories for the home. These are the pieces I find myself reaching for again and again—the finishing touches that add contrast, depth, and dimension to a space.

Some are classic. Some are unexpected. All of them prove that a touch of black can make almost anything look better.

Let’s Start with the Living Room:

When it comes to decorating a living room, black is usually the last layer I add. It’s often found in the accessories, lighting, artwork, and decorative objects that help pull everything together. These are a few of my favorite things… If the room allows – a writing desk behind a sofa is intentional and beautiful. Add a cool shelving situation for books or art to created a layered effect. Top with a few of what I consider staples and your space goes from just ok to completely wow. (click on item for the link)

(James & James Writing Desk $3500, Behind the Door Book shelf $257, Tom Ford Book $60, Vanity Fair Book $45, @0″ Shagreen Tray, Acrylic Match Holder, Visual Comfort Spire Table Lamp $750, Stark Antelope Rug, Uncle Buck Pillow $520, Aura Pillow $260, DV Cap Nakita Pillow $270, Floral Pillow Covers $30, Gemma Tall Vase $860 & Cashmere Throw $215)

On to the Kitchen:

I have found that when I invest in kitchen items I almost always choose black. My dream kitchen would have black cabinetry, white marble countertops, white subway tile, iron open shelving for everyday dishes & glasses and some sort of cozy seating. I love to mix a vintage vibe with a few modern elements to create a curated room. Here are some of my kitchen favs. (click on item for link)

(Le Creuset 6.5 Quart Dutch Oven $290, Dish Brushes $20, Roll Up Dish Drying Rack $26, 3 Step folding Ladder $40, Dustpan & Brush $14, Schmidt Brothers 7 Piece Knife Set $150, Black Marble Cake Dome $123, Vetro Platinum Water Glasses $105 each, Napoleon 20-Piece Flatware Set in Black Pearl $175, Small Charcuterie board $23, Set of 4 Rattan Placemats $57 and Set of 4 Striped Linen Napkins $75)

While black dominates my home, of course it also finds its way into my bag. These are a few of my favorite everyday black items—the pieces I use daily and rarely leave home without.

What’s In my bag: click on the item for the link.

I’m either a tote or a top handle bag girl. I always have a small notebook, my phone and I’ve had the same wallet for a million years. One thing you’ll never find me without is a pair of black readers. Whether I’m reviewing design plans, reading a magazine, or working on a Style Elevator post, they’re always within reach. Needless to say, Benny’s frames are my favorites. I love Arthur! And the “Ann” is my sunny of choice – those are in my bag too. A little croc make up bag with my favorite Charlottel Tilbury Lip & Liner (no not black : ).

(Shinola Tote $420, Beck Medium Classic Leather Bag $435, Leather Journal $17, iPhone, Vintage Prada Camo Wallet, Benny’s Eyewear “Arthur” $189, Benny’s Eyewear Ann Sunglasses $229, Leatherology Croc Makeup Bag $120 & Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip $37 and Liner $28.)

If there’s a lesson here, it’s that a little black can go a very long way.

Happy Black!