If there’s one constant in the design world, it’s change. Every few years, a new trend emerges in hardware, decor, and finishes. The hot finish of today is matte black! Black is currently a prominent trend in design, but matte black finish is particularly popular in kitchen and bathroom décor. Let’s take a closer look at this alluring finish.

In the fashion world, black has always been synonymous with sophistication. For decades, elegant fashionistas have known that this color is the key to a timeless, refined appearance. In fact, the “little black dress” is such a popular look it has almost become cliché. But it’s only recently that black has been used more widely in decorating and décor.

The automotive industry was an early innovator in the use of more creative finishes. By applying flat paint to sports cars and high-end luxury vehicles, auto designers were able to create an eye-catching, velvety surface treatment so unique that it turned many heads in the design world. The cosmetics industry was also a part of this trend, creating edgy graphic effects with a matte finish to complement high-end fashions. Now the matte black trend is appearing in home décor, in everything from textiles to appliances.

Matte treatments have taken black to new levels of urbanity. Appliance makers have recently introduced entire lines of products in a sleek matte black color palette, including sinks, refrigerators, mixers, and espresso machines. Designers and decorators, too, have picked up on the trend, using black paint, black panes on windows, and even black stone countertops. “I’ve noticed a major uptick in requests for matte black finishes and hardware with all of my clients recently,” said Kirsten Blazek, a Los Angeles based stager and designer. And New York based interior designer Megan Pflug says, “Matte black is basically all I’m using right now in kitchen and bath reno projects.”

Unlike the classic all-white kitchen, black has the greatest impact when used in a thoughtful and sparing manner. Creating a contrast of glossy and matte finishes in kitchen design can create high impact, such as pairing flat black counter tops with highly-polished black cabinets. And black hardware with a matte finish is increasingly being used throughout the home as a gorgeous counterpoint to an all-white space.

Element Designs produces high quality, luxury products for the cabinet and furniture industry, offering a number of products featuring a sophisticated black matte finish. Our new onyx black matte finish is available on all of or aluminum products including aluminum frame cabinet doors, sliding door systems, eluma LED shelving and panels, decorative hardware and our aluminum frame bases systems. Our BS002 base system used as a kitchen island base, for example, is a striking product that brings the black matte trend into a contemporary space. Our backpainted glass in black matte is another great option and is ideal for backsplashes, tabletops, countertops, shelving and more, adding beautiful detail to residential and commercial interiors.

To learn more, visit http://www.element-designs.com/search?q=black+matte today.