It would seem that Black became a decorating colour when we started to use it for chimney backs and some woodwork in the 17th century.  It was originally based on carbon from burning oils but mention of the modern way to mix it using carbon came in Tingry's manual in the 1830s.  I have christened our version accordingly, as it uses carbon black mixed with white and earth pigment and a little blue, to give a 'near' black for a dark sophisticated look when applied to walls or woodwork.