Photo by a.d.d. concept + design

A black house? We know what you’re thinking because we thought the same thing — at first. Who would... What about… Just why?! But before you automatically assume that black houses are too dark and ominous looking, hear us out.

Look at the houses around your neighborhood or across the majority of the U.S. and you’ll likely see various shades of whites, tans, blues, greens, yellows and reds. If you live in Key West or New Orleans, you may spot a few bright pinks, purples and corals. But the one color you probably won’t find is black.

While all-black structures have been around for centuries, the non-traditional color has quietly made its way into today’s home exterior trends.

Seeing is believing! Take a look at all of the photos and read on.

Maybe you won’t be convinced to transform your digs into a dark and lovely house envied by the Addams Family, but you might find yourself appreciating the look regardless.

Black Out

Photo by Aspect Design Build

Black is definitely not a safe color. It makes a strong visual statement that grabs the attention of all passersby. But it can also be stunningly chic, adding drama and depth to a variety of architectural styles, and it requires minimal accessories.

It works well against natural backdrops, such as brightly colored foliage or the snow-covered branches of trees. Black contrasts beautifully with other hues, textures and materials. And it creates curb appeal that’s not too bright or busy.

Its achromatic simplicity accentuates intricate details, such as those found on Victorian or Craftsman-style homes.

A matte-black finish complements older homes, while the high-gloss version shines on modern architecture.

The Dark Side

As exquisite as black can be, it has its drawbacks.

Black absorbs more rays from the sun, which can trap heat, so it tends to work better in non-temperate climates. However, a properly insulated attic, quality roof and additional wall insulation, such as radiant barriers, can all help prevent a black home from turning into a sweat box.

The color is also prone to fading. Black paint tends to blister and peel, too. However, making sure that an exterior surface is thoroughly scraped and sanded before painting will keep water from seeping below the surface and can prevent paint problems.

In addition, unlike black clothes that tend to hide imperfections, black paint accentuates flaws such as cracks, chips, gouges and other blemishes.

In The Spotlight

Photo by Petrucci Johnson Homes

All-black exteriors may be considered a current trend, but they’ve been around for more than a thousand years. (Check out the Phaidon book “Black: Architecture in Monochrome,” which pays tribute to 150 of the most dramatically dark structures built by the world’s leading architects.)

Don’t believe the hype? Check out HGTV’s 2018 Dream Home in Gig Harbor, WA, which boasts a black exterior with charcoal trim purposefully designed to complement the evergreen tree-lined waterfront in the background.

HGTV mega-stars and professional renovators Chip and Joanna Gaines rebuilt a houseboat with their version of a black exterior in a season four episode of their show, “Fixer Upper.” To achieve the dark wood siding requested by the homeowner, Chip Gaines used a charring technique, called shou sugi ban. This traditional Japanese method of wood preservation not only turns the material black, it also makes the wood resistant to weather, insects, rot and fire.

Even celebrities such as Calvin Klein, Madonna and designer Jonathan Adler have gone to the dark side.

Ready to join them? Start with Gardenista.com's list of the top eight black paint picks from pro architects and designers. Although not on the list, Sherwin-Williams’s deep, saturated ebony hue Tricorn Black is the company’s 12th most popular paint color so far in 2018 — up from No. 33 last year.

If you’re still hesitant to take the plunge into the great black beyond, try easing in with a dark gray exterior and black trim, as seen on the DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 in Sapphire, NC.

An all-black house needs a nice dark roof — but not all black shingles are created equal.

While some homeowners might think that black or darkly pigmented shingles would hide algae, they do not.

To prevent ugly black streaks from accumulating on your roof, you need algae-resistant shingles.

Competing black shingles without Scotchgard™ Protector still show the ugly black streaks caused by algae.

Most of Atlas Roofing’s shingles feature the power of 3M Scotchgard™ Protector, which contains at least 10 percent copper-containing granules that inhibit algae growth and can keep your roof looking beautiful for years.

Atlas shingles with Scotchgard Protector come in a variety of designer colors and styles:

StormMaster® Slate | High-wind and impact-resistant slate shingles
The sleek look of slate combined with the strength and versatility of asphalt
Darkest colors: Blackstone Slate and Pewter Slate

StormMaster® Shake | High-wind and impact-resistant architectural shingles
A timeless, high-style look with the durability to withstand Mother Nature’s worst
Darkest colors: Black Shadow and Pewter

Pinnacle® Pristine | High-performance architectural shingles
Stunning colors backed by protection that lasts
Darkest colors: Pristine Black, Hearthstone Gray, Pristine Pewter and Coastal Granite

Legend® | Designer fiberglass shingles
Bold cuts and high-contrast color for an upscale look at an attractive price
Darkest colors: Black Shadow and Hearthstone Gray

Black And White — And Everything In Between

If you’re not ready to go all in on all black, Atlas Roofing still has you covered.

With dozens of other colors to choose from and one of the best warranties in the industry, Atlas shingles can add instant, lasting curb appeal to any home.

For more information about the full range of Atlas roofing products, visit atlasroofing.com/roof-shingles.

Additional photo credits (for Houzz images in gallery at top of post):

• Greeson Cottage (Charlotte, NC) - Photo by Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson (MGPB)
• Cabin Noir (Birmingham, AL) - Photo by Krumdieck Architecture + Interiors
• Threeways Villa (Hexham, Northumberland, UK) - Photo by Greatspace Architects