Modern Mauve and Black

Modern Mauve and Black
A neutral foundation of cream and gray is accented by mauve and black accents including artwork. Handout/TNS
Tribune News Service
Updated:
By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service

Let’s roll back the clock to the mid-1980s. During this time, the it color scheme in home decor was black and mauve. It was literally everywhere, featured in textiles, artwork, upholstery, you name it. While the color scheme may not be as wildly popular as it was in the ‘80s, it is still relevant.

Looking for ways to incorporate black and mauve into your home? Here are some top tips.

1. Find an inspirational piece and build a color palette around it. Artwork is a great springboard.

An oversized piece of art, serves as inspiration for a dominant black and mauve color palette. (Handout/TNS)
An oversized piece of art, serves as inspiration for a dominant black and mauve color palette. Handout/TNS

2. Consider using either black or mauve as an accent wall color. Black accent walls can be dynamic in the right space.

3. Use portable design elements to integrate black and mauve into a space such as toss pillows, throws and even books.

4. Highlight black and mauve by pairing them with metallic elements. Don’t be afraid to incorporate both silver and gold in the same space.

Black and mauve artwork is highlighted by metallic accents in gold and silver. (Handout/TNS)
Black and mauve artwork is highlighted by metallic accents in gold and silver. Handout/TNS

5. Create a sense of balance by using similar portions of black and mauve in your space.

6. Use neutral foundation pieces such as cream and gray, and then use black and mauve as your pops of color.

A neutral foundation of cream and gray is accented by mauve and black accents including artwork. (Handout/TNS)
A neutral foundation of cream and gray is accented by mauve and black accents including artwork. Handout/TNS

7. Ground a space with a large dominant piece such as a bold piece of art that includes a black and mauve color scheme.

A large painting helps to ground a living room, with a modern palette of black and<br/>mauve. (Handout/TNS)
A large painting helps to ground a living room, with a modern palette of black and
mauve.
Handout/TNS

8. Consider fixtures that incorporate black and a metal such as brass, then bring in mauve through accents and accessories.

9. Incorporate black and mauve through textiles such as area rugs, drapery and even bedding.

10. Create a dynamic sense of contrast through repeating elements of black and mauve in a space.

(Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.)
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