Black paint can be polarizing, but Tony Hawk makes the case for it with the grand staircase in his entryway

As a skateboarder, Tony Hawk is no stranger to mounting ramps to perform tricks. However, it seems that in his own home, the staircase is off-limits, and rightfully so, as a photo on his Instagram page shows off an opulent set of steps in a bold color.

We can see the daredevil posing on his skateboard (at ground level, of course), with a view of a grand, black-painted staircase behind him.

The contrast between the white-painted walls and the sleek, black railings (and steps) is incredibly modern and pleasing, showing us that decorating with black paint is not as intimidating as it may seem at first glance.

Black paint is certainly a statement, with its dark undertones making it impossible to miss. However, the beauty of black paint is that it comes in a wide variety of nuanced shades, allowing for boldness, yes, but also some lighter types of black.

'Decorating with black paint requires a thoughtful approach, but the rewards are well worth the effort,' Westchester-based designer Nina Lichtenstein says. 'By selecting the right rooms, understanding the moods black can evoke, and implementing design strategies to balance its intensity, you can create stunning, sophisticated spaces that feel both contemporary and timeless.'

We love Hawk's choice of a pure, dark black, as it lends to a modern, monochromatic feel against the white walls. However, we can also see a softer shade working on the steps.

One of the top tips for styling with black is pairing it against lighter colors, Homes & Gardens' editor Jennifer Ebert shares.

'Alongside the classic black-and-white combination, light gray, cream, and beige also pair perfectly with black,' she explains. Another way to ensure that black paint does not look too moody is by incorporating natural light.

'If there is a skylight in your entryway or a big window, this can help balance out the austerity of black paint,' Ebert states. 'Reflective surfaces like glass and mirrors can also provide the same impact if natural light is scarce.'

For color lovers, Ebert also recommends incorporating vibrant pieces alongside any black-painted walls or stairs to brighten up the space. 'Colorful accent pieces, such as artwork, rugs, or even a sofa, can immediately transition a space with black paint from moody to welcoming,' she says.

Finally, consider adding texture to a space with black paint.

'Textured wallpaper and materials like wood or velvet are great options to provide contrast against a matte, black paint,' Ebert suggests.

Below, we have sourced a soft, black paint, that is palatable in practically any space within the home.

This soft shade of black has a slightly warm cast, and looks beautiful (and never moody) anywhere from cabinets to stairs.

We recommend trying out black paint if you are looking to make a space feel elegant and sophisticated. It works well for entryways, but we also love black paint in bathrooms for a spa-like, high-end look.