I love an all-black house, and the mixed messages it conveys.

Call it the negation of colour, but black can be seen as both positive and negative. Sure, it’s the colour of mourning in western countries, it’s prevalent with orange during Halloween, and in western flicks the good guy wore white and the bad guy wore black. But on the flip side, youth consider wearing black to be hip, a man’s tuxedo or the woman’s little black dress conveys style, sophistication and mystery, and the feng shui colour guide encourages the use of black to add depth, strength and definition.

With black dwellings I think the entire spectrum of meaning is presented, with each viewer interpreting the look using their own intuitive reaction. For some a black property may perceived as too dark, ominous or formal, while others will see it as daring, dashing, or a bit of a surprise. I love that sort of playful contrast in housing.

Not too long ago, ApartmentTherapy posted this fab article that showcases residences that are in line with my palette preferences: ‘Come To The Dark Side: 14 Totally Chic Black Houses‘. I particularly like how Michelle Slatalla hashes out the good (and bad) of black homes in this Gardenista article, entitled, ‘Black Houses: The Pros And Cons Of A Dark Painted Facade‘

Black – like white and gray – is neutral, which contrasts well with many other materials, textures, and hues. This is well-demonstrated in a collection by Dezeen.

More, you say? Here’s lots more! You can always trust Pinterest to have some fab photos of black houses!

One of the joys of starting a site like Houseporn is to discover that Canada has it’s own emerging collection of black houses. Check out these black homes and how they each adapt to the terrain of Canada’s natural landscape.

NATURAL BEAUTY: Black Houses Meet Canadian Terrain

The Bolton Residence by Montreal Firm Naturehumaine In Quebec

Omar Gandhi Crowns Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia With An Ocean Perch Called Fyren

Clear Lake Cottage In Parry Sound, Ontario By Maclennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects

Black Gables By Architect Omar Gandhi On Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Blackbirch Cottage By STAMP Architecture In Haliburton, Ontario

A Laurentian Ski Chalet By Robitaille.Curtis

A Modern Masterpiece Near Mount Sutton, Quebec By Natalie Dionne

Saltspring Island Home By Saunders Architecture, BC

Quebec’s Rosenberry Residence by Les Architectes FABG

UUFie’s Lake Cottage In Bolsover, Ontario

Collingwood’s Clearview Residence By Altius Architecture

Linear House On Saltspring Island, B.C. By Patkau Architects Inc.

Pre-Fab Modern Cabin In The Rocky Mountain Trench, B.C., By Form & Forest

Molenarr Younge Cabin by MAFCOHOUSE in Haliburton, Ontario

Off The Grid, On The Cliffs In Muskoka Lakes, Ontario By Altius Architecture Inc.

L’Ecran By Montreal’s Alain Carle

Quebec’s Chalet De La Plage By La Shed Architecture

The Chalet Grand-Pic By Appariel Architecture In Austin Quebec

Aframe Rehab By Subtraction By Quebec Firm Jean Verville Architects

I find black houses are rich with depth and drama. In a natural environment, black facades will often recede and, instead, focus attention on the colours of the natural surroundings, like lush green foliage, or multi-hued granite. Unless it’s winter, of course, when a black house will contrast with a snowy white landscape and take centre stage!

Married with my recent post of Canadian Black Houses In Urban Settings, this may be the most comprehensive collection of Canadian black houses to date!

Enjoy this? Here’s my own story of creating a Black House in How I Came To Transform A Vintage Home In Charlottetown, PEI!

~ Posted by Steven Fudge, the purveyor of canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca and proprietor of Urbaneer.com, a division of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.

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