When it comes to trim, black is the new white. Rather than sticking with the predictable pale accents and molding that we all know and love, design enthusiasts are opting for something more dramatic: black trim! Curious about this design trend? Whether you’re looking to introduce a dash of dark trim or you’re searching for painting ideas that involve an abundance of black, the rooms below are sure to catch your attention…

Powerful Accents

Sometimes a little goes a long way, especially if you’re a bit unsure about the black trim trend or you’re a fan of the “less is more” approach. To try out a dash of black trim, start with black furniture that boasts powerful outlines, such as bookshelves and coffee tables. You can even take a DIY approach and paint a striking piece of furniture black to experiment with the look in your interior. Below we see a space by Soledad Suarez de Lezo. [from Nuevo Estilo via My Domaine] 

To experiment with the style, paint the molding in a crisp white room. The result is undeniably chic and anything but overpowering. The bathroom makeover below from Bliss at Home features Carrara marble, glossy black crown molding, a DIY ribbon-bordered shade and a Target shower curtain:

In the next image, we see one of Jeff Lewis’ house flips, which features black molding, as well as black tile to help define the walls. Add black and white flooring, and elegance is taken to new heights. [photo from Shooting LA via My Domaine]

Another dramatic statement strategy involves painting a door frame black. If there are interesting architectural details involved, even better! [photo from Joy Tribout Interior Design]

Complement your painted black door frame with black window trim, which is perfect for clean, crisp spaces (such as rooms that evoke a sense of airy cleanliness, including bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens). [image via Liz Marie Blog]

Classy Kitchens

Speaking of black trim in the kitchen, this popular design choice gains impact when you incorporate black into other kitchen features, such as bar stools and kitchen islands. [photo from Loretta J. Willis, Designer]

The kitchen redesign in the home of Daniel Lowe (shown below) not only features black window trim and a black island with a white top, it showcases black interior doors, which help create modern, elegant contrast between dark and light tones. [photo from The Kitchn]

More Is More

We end today’s post with a trio of interiors that prove sometimes more is more. Ready to go all in? Expand black trim to cover areas such as built-in bookcases and wooden paneling. [photo from The New York Times]

Extend the look to ceiling beams, and accentuate the dark trim with other dark features, such as pendant lighting. The Tom Dixon pendant lights below add a modern touch to this eclectic kitchen and dining area. [photo by Lincoln Barbour, from The Works]

Don’t forget: there’s no rule saying black trim can only appear in white rooms! This decadent bedroom from CB2 proves that black trim + rich painted walls = design heaven:

Would you use black trim in a room of your home? Do you think black trim should complement white tones, or do you like the dramatic effect of dark paint with black trim? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below…