Black may seem a risky decorating move, but as the stylish spaces of a new Lehi home prove, the payoff can be huge.

Remember when we were all afraid of the dark? More specifically: We trembled at the idea of decorating with sombre black. Not anymore. Black has stepped out of the shadows and has become a favorite among today’s top decorating trends. Forget dim and depressing. In the right hands, black turns dull to dramatic, bleak to chic. For proof, we present a family home recently completed by Murdock Builders and House of Jade Interiors. These pros collaborated to create a stylish, livable haven for homeowners who have a taste for the dark side.

Here’s the third tip of many to come this season!

Pair with Color

“When you begin with black and white, any color you add becomes really noticeable,” says Kransen. “A little color goes a long way.”  Her client craved pink for her office, so the design team chose a blush tone to shape a soft, sophisticated look and featured it on only two chairs. The designers selected a leopard-print rug and black-and-white wallpaper to add pops of pattern. Then they delivered a shot of bling with a shimmering brass-based table. “Black is a great backdrop for all metallics,” Kransen explains. Black-framed doors help to ground the chic décor.

See this full feature for more expert insight on decorating with black!