Black Exterior

If you live in a coastal eco estate, with a 42 acre indigenous coastal forest teaming with wildlife, black might not be the first colour that comes to mind when choosing a colour for the exterior of your home. But, that’s exactly the colour Michelle Sykes chose when it came to selecting an exterior paint colour for this home in Dunkirk Estate ). She chose a black with a green undertone called Sushi Wrap.

When I visited the home, not once did I feel the black was too dark or intimidating. On the contrary, this house is full of light, made possible by the many extra large glass windows and sliding doors. The look is softened and warmed with wood – wood screens on the windows, wood decking around the house and also around the pool. This combined with gravel and lush indigenous greenery all work together to ensure the house fits in seamlessly with the surroundings.

The Interior

The interior is a natural extension of the exterior. A black and white colour scheme gives it a minimalist feel. Natural elements included in the décor create a harmonious flow from inside to outside. The interior has been beautifully styled by Sue Friderichs with coastal furniture in neutral colours and different textures giving it a warm and relaxed feel.

The oversized green plants add a touch of colour and balance the black and white in the open plan kitchen, dining area.

The kitchen cabinets are matt black in the same colour as the wall.

The stairs lead to a separate apartment, perfect for grown kids you don’t want to let go of.

Rather than being intimidating this house is welcoming and friendly with a relaxing atmosphere, whether you are indoors or out.

The beauty of this black home is also it’s uniqueness. The surrounding contemporary homes are all painted different neutral colours including off-white, sand and dark brown.
When it comes to choosing colours in an estate there are Architectural guidelines which owners need to adhere to. Luckily Dunkirk is an estate that moves with the times and trends (within reason) and permission was granted to use black for the exterior walls, doors and windows. I have to admit I was amazed how this black exterior almost disappears in a forest environment.

Michelle and her husband Darren worked with architect Julia Rutherfoord on the design of the house. The home was built by Darren who owns Sycor Construction – Concept and Renovation

This is a trend that is sure to catch on, here’s hoping all black homes look as good as this one. For more top exterior colour combinations check our Kind Home Solutions.