July 6, 2010

Black: An Unlikely Color Choice for Outside

Black isn't often a color we associate with summer, which is why I paused over these images just a bit longer than usual.
Though an unlikely color choice for a space that's meant for cooling off, the black canopied daybed works functionally because of the shade it provides and aesthetically for the sense of drama it creates.

Outsides spaces shouldn't be an afterthought but rather another opportunity on which to put your unique style stamp. I love the versatility of this particular design: white cushions and sea inspired pillows comfortable enough for day, and black sofas and coffee table sleek enough for night.

*images via House Beautiful

14 comments:

Ludmila {creamylife.com} said...

These black outdoor details are stunning! it feels that they are giving some kind of elegant conservatism to the entire look. very functional! xoxo

Pretty Things said...

oooh, elegant!

The Simply Luxurious Life said...

It certainly can work, I never would have thought of it, but both of the photos demonstrate a beautiful combination of dark and light shades. I especially love the black sofas with an immense amount of white surrounding it. Beautiful.

carolina @ patagonia gifts said...

love it!

kendall k. said...

I would love to sit under the canopy and read a good book!

Jo said...

That bottom one is the porch of my (current) dreams. Love it.

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

I love black furniture for outdoors especially when paired with lighter or brighter pillows, etc.

Angie said...

The last photo is one of my favs!! We're actually redoing our backyard landscaping right now. We've got a long hill that runs the length of our backyard. I'm breaking it up with lattice "walls" painted black. I can't wait for the landscaping and the lighting to go in. It's going to look stunning both day and night!!

jisabird said...

I was out shopping yesterday and saw an outdoor canopy/tent that was black and white stripped just like the pillows above. It looked ever so cool and chic to me.

Olivia said...

loving the second one!! I love white backgrounds with color pops like the couches!

Mise said...

The outdoor bachelor pad! Wall Street would love to go home to this.

Unknown said...

i seriously love the second space. black and white and a little greenery — why on earth not? lovely post :)

Ron ( the Netherlands) said...

Black as a design element could work wonderfully, but nobody seems to talk about the practical effect of using black outside. A very important factor is the heat from the sun. Try sitting under a dark colored parasol or awning in the middle of the summer. You will die. The heat gets absorbed and it drops under the parasol down on to you. Much cooler under a white umbrella/awning!
Dark furniture get seriously hot in summer. You can actually burn yourself. So be aware of how and where to use black materials outside. Placed in shaded areas like porches there is no real issue with the suns heat.
Ron ( Empel collections)

Claire Mercado-Obias said...

These outdoor spaces are so gorgeous!

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