Black is dark and depressing, morbid and gothic – or is it? The impact of large expanses of black in interior design can be surprisingly fresh, and just as dramatic as you’d expect. These 16 examples show the many different ways that this underused shade can be incorporated into a home or office, from stunning all-black rooms to accent walls.

Lacquered Wood Panels

(image via: chateaudelu)

Don’t like those wood panels? Interior designer Mary Ta of Minotti attacked the ones in her own Los Angeles home with a can (or twelve) of glossy black spray paint. With the furniture, fireplace and other elements sharing the same hue, the effect is anything but subtle. A large graphic Minotti rug adds some visual interest.

Glossy 3D Porcelain Tile

(image via: walk on tile)

Embossed porcelain tile could be quite dainty and feminine – but not when it’s all black. The tiles, by Walk on Tile, lend a dramatic effect to this room, brightened by a pop of red.

Black and Light

(image via: twisted sifter)

Almost everything in this stunning modern Joshua Tree home, designed by architect and former punk-rocker Robert Stone, is black. Open to the elements, the home rents for $200 a night for ‘glamping’ (glam camping). You can even watch the rain stream in from the ceiling in the bedroom, where patterns of sunlight provide constantly changing contrast throughout the day.

Torre de Cristal Office Interior

(image via: architeria)

Spanish firm A-cero Architects designed an all black-and-white office interior for Torre de Cristal, the “Crystal Tower”, in Madrid. The walls and roof are dark-toned suede, while the furniture is bright white.

Modern Marimekko

(image via: always mod)

Pattern is an ideal way to break up a mostly monochromatic room, as evidenced by this beautiful design showcasing Marimekko upholstery fabric and wall hangings.

Black Floors at the Capps Residence

(image via: best house design)

Does black always have to be moody and stark? Definitely not. Here, in the Capps Residence by Poteet Architects, it acts as a foil to vast expanses of white, and is offset by colorful accent walls.

Matte Bathroom

(image via: decodir)

FORM/Koichi Kimura Architects gave a modern Japanese home this unforgettable black bathroom, lightened only by the white of the bathtub.

Accent Wall at Maison Couturier

(image via: remodelista)

Black can be just as striking – if not more so – when used as an accent wall, especially adjacent to rustic textures. This room is a rental at Maison Couturier, a tropical estate in Veracruz, Mexico.

Pink Vanity Against Black Wall

(image via: archplanner)

A black wall is the perfect backdrop for a shocking pink vanity set, designed by ARBI.

Miles Redd’s Dramatic Kitchen

(images via: alkemie)

Perhaps no room that Miles Redd has designed has created more of an impact than his own personal kitchen. The white floor, stainless steel appliances and unusual glass countertop stand out in sharp relief against lacquered black cabinets.

Black on Black

(image via: shelterness)

An ebony apothecary cabinet nearly disappears into the wall behind it in this sophisticated interior.

Moorish Stencil

(image via: create h design)

Using a stencil and glossy black paint on top of a matte base coat, this entry was transformed, giving it the look of wallpaper.

Almost Black…

(image via: skonahem)

Sometimes, charcoal gray can make just as much of an impact as deep, dark black, but with a slightly softer effect.

Lace Against Black

(image via: lune vintage)

Lune Vintage of Winnipeg created this stunning white lacework dreamcatcher – can you imagine a backdrop that would be better for showing it off?

Chalkboard Paint in the Kitchen

(image via: my home ideas)

Another great way to get the dramatic effect of a black wall is to use chalkboard paint – then you can change it up whenever you want.

Balanced with White and Wood

(image via: apartment therapy)

A light wood floor, a white painted ceiling and, of course, plenty of windows letting in natural daylight keep the black walls from looking dark and bleak in this beautiful interior.