2018 has seen a distinct, and at times, surprising array of color forecasts. Everything from soft and bubbly millennial pink to Pantone’s moody Ultra Violet has received its due from designers, homeowners, and trendsetters alike. Behind these bold picks, though, lies one shade that may not seem like much, but has quietly been dominating the design world in the background.

As Mila Jones Cann of 99Designs explains, “Black is the ultimate neutral” and can be a color more complex than you might’ve imagined. Olympic, Glidden, and PPG have all chosen shades of black as their 2018 picks. Black Flame by PPG touts itself as an “unprecedented, statement-making black with deep tones of indigo”, while Olympic’s Black Magic is a deep charcoal with the perfect balance of feminine and masculine energy. Lastly, Glidden’s timeless Deep Onyx is “just like a little black dress… a classic staple”. Unlike a traditional, stark black, these shades create depth, beautiful contrast, and can even add warmth to a sparse space.

PPG’s Black Flame against a wildly colorful living area

The true strength of black is its ability to fit perfectly with almost all of 2018’s other top picks. Beautiful and subtle against soft pinks, luxurious when paired with rich golds, and futuristically sleek with ultra-violet, black hues really can do it all. Whether you’re designing your entire room around your favorite black or merely incorporating it into accent pieces, you’ll love what it can do for your space.

Our Barn Door Handle in Flat Black

Federal Brace’s handle and bar pull lines are crafted in a rich, matte-black that creates a stunning contrast in your kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor recreational spaces. Want to learn more about 2018’s top color picks? Read our blog on Pantone’s Ultra Violet and find out why this surprising hue is actually the perfect pick for this year.