Black is one of the most controversial colors in the design world, but when it's done right, the pay off is high. Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin and her husband Mike Rosenthal's home perfectly demonstrates how striking and beautiful the shade can look.
The couple's bathroom idea includes an alcove featuring a stand-out black matte bathtub. It pairs perfectly with their beige floors, white walls, and beige curtains. Atkin and Rosenthal have accessorized with a matte black side table for shampoo and candles. Their statement bath transforms the space from a classic neutral bathroom into a design-led, modern space.
'I love contrast, and something like a bathtub is the perfect opportunity to do something bold,' Rosenthal tells Homes & Gardens of the black bathroom. 'The Avalon materials from Native Trails feel really luxe, so it was easy to use it as a statement piece. The house used black fixtures, knobs, hinges, and finding the perfect black tub was a priority for us - something with a matte finish, that had a distinct but not distracting texture.'
The distinct texture of the tub is just as impactful on the design as the bathroom colors. Jennifer Ebert, design expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens states: 'Matte finishes are perfect for bringing a contemporary edge into any space. They have a very modern energy that helps to ground a design. I would caution that these finishes absorb light rather than reflect them, so its important to balance them with lots of brightness, like the white walls in this space.'
The color is an effective choice because it can offer a strong contrast. Ebert says: 'I absolutely love the way the black bathtub has been paired with white walls and beige in this space. Against one another, both shades make the other appear bolder and stronger.'
Shop The Black Bathroom Edit
Even if you are not planning to install a black matte bathtub in your space, it's still possible to recreate the dark bathroom look. Black accessories create a similar contrast and are easy to switch out if you decide to change up your color scheme. These plush black towels from Wayfair are perfect for adding simultaneous texture and dark color to your bathroom. A matte black soap dispenser and lazy susan emulate the contemporary style of Atkin and Rosenthal's home.
This set of four 100% Turkish Cotton bath towels introduces dark colors effortlessly to the bathroom
This matte black ceramic soap dispenser has a sleek, modern feel to echo the design of a contemporary black bathroom
This black matte lazy susan is perfect for organizing cosmetics or soaps, ieither in the cabinets or on the countertop
What's Rosenthal's advice for anyone who wants to replicate his and Jen's color scheme in their bathrooms? Be bold. 'Go for it!,' says the photographer. 'It’s generally unexpected, can really anchor a room, and adds personality.' Especially matte black lends this very exciting, contemporary energy to a space, and is a wonderful compliment to beige. As seen in Atkin and Rosenthal's bathroom, the look is best installed as a pop of color rather than the entire wall or floor, which can look too dark.
Although there is no right way to do a bathroom, you can never go wrong with a bold color combination. Jen Atkin and Mike Rosenthal have it down to a T.
