The short answer: It depends

Mix lights and darks in any number of ways for dramatic effects and a polished design

‘I’ve been 40 years discovering that the queen of all colors was black.’ — Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Hide imperfections, energize a space, highlight a view and more with a little bit of darkness that goes a long way

Add richness and depth to a sleek interior using artwork from tribal artifacts to old-world paintings

Give classic rooms an edge with a modern table lamp, pendant or chandelier

They claim the best of both worlds and have a distinct wow factor. See if any of these high-contrast homes light a spark of curiosity

Spark interest in a sedate space by offering an unexpected visual counterpoint

A tight budget and a run-of-the mill space didn’t stop two designers from whipping up chic interiors

Vary textures and sheen to give your interiors depth and interest. These rooms show you how