Lick and MAC have just collaborated on a limited edition black paint

a black living room with an accent chair and a fireplace painted black
Lick x MAC launch limited edition black paintOli Douglas

Lick and MAC have teamed up to create a limited edition matt black wall paint – and it's not just for bold and fearless home decorators.

This season is all about championing black as the ultimate colour for self-expression in the home, and the jet black 'MAC Black 40' aims to highlight the versatility and accessibility of this empowering shade, suited to maximalists and minimalists alike.

Tash Bradley, director of interior design and colour psychologist at Lick, said she's always been fascinated by the unique role black plays in our lives: 'In fashion, it represents elegance and sophistication, however, in the world of interiors, many view black as a colour that requires a level of bravery and boldness to decorate with. We are challenging that perception, showing that MAC Black 40 is the colour that everyone can have in their homes.'

The launch event on Tuesday evening (7th August) was bedecked with black calla lilies, inky cocktails and makeup artists primed to paint guests their own glossy black lip. Dom Skinner, director of make-up artistry at MAC, described black as a core component of 'MAC's DNA', from their edgy uniforms to their trademark sleek packaging.

a display with dramatic black ceramics, a black and purple floral arrangement, lined up black cosmetic products and a slogan reading 'one colour fits all'
Maddy Ando

'Since Lick was founded in 2020, we're seeing that people are bolder and braver when using colour than ever before. They're really seeing their homes as a vessel for their personality – and I'm here for it,' says Tash.

Here are four ways to use the non-conformist shade in your home:

1. Colour drenching

'Colour drenching with black will help to create a very calm environment,' says Tash. 'If you have a small, north-facing room, this is a great option as black will absorb the shadows, blue the edges of the space and add heaps of personality.'

a black living room with an accent chair and a fireplace painted black
Oli Douglas

2. 50/50 decorating

This monochrome effect will help to trick the eye and open up your space. Use black on the bottom 50 per cent of the room and a light neutral on the top 50 per cent. 'The key thing to remember is to ensure everything in that lower 50 per cent should also be black, including radiators and skirting boards,' advises Tash.

a bedroom with black bedding and furniture with the bottom half of the wall painted black and the top half painted white
Oli Douglas

3. Artistic pattern

Black is ever so versatile and pairs with every other colour, so you can have a bit of fun with it. Pattern play helps to open up a room, while vertical stripes will elongate your space.

a living room with a black and white fireplace, a black coffee table and a wall painted white with an abstract black pattern all over
Oli Douglas

4. Accent colour

Every room can benefit from an accent of black to bring contrast and depth. What's the best way to do this? Tash suggests using black to accentuate a feature, such as a staircase or fireplace, to draw your attention to the architectural highlights of your home.

a hallway with wooden floorboards and white walls and a staircase and banister painted matt black all over
Oli Douglas

However you use it, it's sure to make a statement. Shop MAC Black 40 online at Lick.com and find in-store at Lick, 65 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NP, for a limited time only.

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