We've been noticing a trend for the past few years: black walls are gaining in popularity. While white walls can make a room feel lighter and brighter, black walls make a room more interesting and intimate — and really make furniture and accessories pop. Here are 10 examples from this year's house tours of black walls done right.

TOP ROW:
1. Dark glamor in Lauren & Kevin's Urban Jungle Oasis.
2. Dramatic dining from Annie & Pierson's Bright and Cheerful Home.
3. In the living room of Holly's Fashionably Rustic Home in DC.
4. A black mantel in Craig's Tiki Hut.
5. Black bookcases from Lisa & Piero's English Inspired Loz Feliz Home.

BOTTOM ROW:
6. Also from Lisa and Piero's home, a lovely, intimate study.
7. Black on black in Daniel's Eclectic Industrial Loft.
8. A black bedroom from the home of Lighting Designer Marjorie Skouras.
9. Jadeite and white dinnerware shine on the black walls of Veronica & Keith's Handmade Chic.
10. And of course, the ubiquitous chalkboard paint, from Clytie & Claudia's Storied Pieces.

Welcome to Apartment Therapy's Best of 2012 roundup! From December 19 through January 1 we are rounding up our favorite (and your favorite) posts from the past year.

(Images: See linked posts for full image credits)

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