Perhaps a more fitting title for this post might have been, “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before”—because yes, I’ve painted another wall black. But really, can you blame me?
I’d been hemming and hawing over doing something dramatic in the living room for a while now, and my first attempt was to put an electric blue slipcover on the sofa (seen briefly here). For two months I tried to convince myself that I liked it, but it was just so dominating in all the wrong ways. The obvious focal point of our living room is the ginormous black forest-themed marble fireplace, and there’s really no sense in trying to fight that with a bright blue sofa, you know?
So back to the store went the blue slipcover, up from the basement came the old white one, and all felt better…but I still needed the drama. On New Year’s Eve morning, I Photoshopped a black wall onto a picture of the living room, sent it to Victoria with a bunch of question marks, got a thumbs-up…and started painting.
WE. LOVE. IT. SO. MUCH. I think Evan and I must have commented 3948754 times today on how how great it looks. The living room just feels so much more finished now. I know the black makes the room look a little more traditional and formal since the lighter, more ornate details in the room are being highlighted as a result, but I’m okay with that. My modernist instinct is to neutralize ornamental details, but this fireplace is my favorite original element in the entire house—so I’m embracing the traditional leanings this time.
As you can see, the room is puppy-approved! That’s all that really matters.
I gave Evan a sailor from Johan Pergenius (yes, that’s the amazing Sandra Juto’s husband) for Christmas. He came all the way from Sweden and has made a happy new home for himself here on our mantel.
Don’t you want to paint something black now? The color is Benjamin Moore Soot, matte finish—the same paint I used in our bedroom and in the kitchen in our city apartment.
145 Comments
it. looks. FANTASTIC. seriously, seriously, love it. you guys are awesome.
Yes!! I love it. I actually love the formality contrasted with the modern. It looks amazing.
I love it. Too tired to elaborate the many reasons why.
Love it! Really shows off the mantle beautifully!
Black is addicting. Seriously. It just looks awesome – I especially love it with more traditional details, moderns them up but retains the flavor.
Ah, now I want to paint something! Damn you.
yay! and i’m so glad (and flattered) to have been asked my humble opinion. it looks fan-freakin-tasic. i love it. and your pups certainly do compliment the room. kudos! xo
So flippin hot! Really, it rules, great job.
It looks great! Love it all.
That turned out amazing!
(I’m also impressed that your couch is so white with a dog & cat!)
or rather two dogs 🙂
Hahaha, which dog did you think was a cat? I’ll have to hide this comment from them. 😉
You’ll notice that 90% of the sofa is covered with a blanket! And the cover is washable, thankfully…
Hah, Yes! Although I should know better since my small dog is smaller than my cat.
Blankets and washable items are seriously a lifesaver, right?
Oh and the adorable little one in the third photo I mistook for a cat at first glance! 😉
Ha ha I did too!
i adore it! it does make the more formal elements of your living room stand out more and i think that’s wonderful – those elements are beautiful! instantly adds depth and a sense of drama.
i’m so painting a wall in my main living space black….when i’m back from india.
love it. i would enjoy spending time in that living room…
Wonderful black wall! Very dramatic, love it!
AW YEAH. love it. That fireplace looks so gorgeous set against the black. You guys have been rockstars the last week!
Fritz’s modeling is so nonchalant-chic in these photos, he must be practicing his angles.
I love that Bruno is in a different spot in every photo. He was being very difficult during this shoot. Very unprofessional.
Looks great. NEXT UP… black ceiling!
I already did a black ceiling in my bathroom!! (And in the entryway of my apartment, but I’ve never taken pictures…)
Gorgeous, Anna! It makes the fireplace look amazing. 🙂
gorgeous! and the furkids are adorable.
It looks brilliant. And yes, I do want to go out and paint something black now. xx
LOVE it. The fireplace looks even more (can it be?) amazing. Oh, how I miss Benjamin Moore! Next time I am in the states I am so hitting a hardware store and going crazy with the paint samples.
It looks just lovely. The fireplace looks gorgeous against the black. And such tidy edges!! Did you use your masking tape trick for those?? Or do you just have a really steady hand?
Just spent a week reading all your archives…what a wonderfully inspiring blog, so glad to have found it! Everything looks just amazing.
Once you go black…
So what are you painting black next ?
Oh my God, that looks SO AMAZING.
Anna, on the very same day that Tim and I decide we’re going to paint our hideous beige fireplace in the manner of ‘Dots Obsession – New Century’ by Yayoi Kusama:
http://www.roslynoxley9.com.au/artists/49/Yayoi_Kusama/38/24460/
… we’ve decided the wall behind it MUST be black. And what a perfect way to ease attention from the TV (low on the same wall. NOT above the mantle).
LOVE IT.
That sounds FABULOUS, Momo!!
Oh goodness! The wall/room/everything is just stunning.
I love how the tv blends into the wall (I dislike how a tv takes a focus in the room in some cases) and will have to paint a wall or too a nice matte black when we buy a place of our own one day.
Great job, Anna.
Oh yeah – that is PERFECT! It looks so finished now. We’re about to paint our lounge room here too and you’re making me feel a bit more brave!
Could you share where/who the picture above the armchair is from/by? I love it.
Oh, that’s actually just a stock photo of smoke that’s been digitally colored with a rainbow gradient. Just something I printed out and stuck in a frame!
Oh, it looks great!
Adore the black wall, the white room, the lovely dogs. Great start to a New Year. Enjoy all year…
Love it!
That looks amazing! Those floors and mantle are stunning as well.
I have a black wall in my living room too, but yours is simply beautifull.
I love your house. It is so simple and unique in the same time…
(first comment for me here…sorry for my english, I’m french)
whoa, i love it! how many coats did it take?
Only two coats! Benjamin Moore Aura paint has really fabulous coverage.
I love how this shows off your beautiful fireplace! This really makes the room.
It suits the room so well it’s as if it’s always been there.
My, you really were a busy bee during your winter holiday! The wall looks fab; however, now that I have read your post, this keeps running through my head, ” I see a red door and I want to paint it black (drum stuff!)” Happy New Year.
Looks stunning Anna! Upon your recommendation I recently painted the entire spare bedroom this color. It makes all the wood look so warm. Such a great super color saturated black!
Beyond gorgeous, Anna. Your taste is spectacular. The combination of modern pieces against the traditional fireplace is so smart that it kills me. If only my apartment had such a lovely fireplace…I dare to dream.
This looks so good! It feels like it was always meant to be black. Good call!
I heart your black wall, fireplace, and your floors!
It looks amazing! Perfect blend of modern traditional. Somewhere I saw a pic of birch logs cut to about 4″ and stacked with ends facing out- it would look great in your fireplace.
I’m dying over here….it’s gorgeous. You do black very well.
………..
Where are your living living room chairs from? They look very comfy and I’m on the market for a good set of chairs.
The chairs are vintage (standard mid-century Danish stuff). I had them reupholstered in Maharam wool.
amazing! the fireplace looks incredible. was that mirror always there? that setup atop the mantle is making me drool.
It was there for a couple of years, then it was somewhere else, then it was sitting in the hallway, and now it’s back on the mantel. Stuff migrates. 🙂
Anna, this looks fantastic. Which black did you use? I trust your color sense entirely (BM Simply White is my favorite go-to white too…)
BM Soot — details are in the post. 🙂
it looks fabulous!!
W.O.W. Heart palpitations, seriously! It really does “make” the room and looks so fantastic against the ornamentation on the fireplace.
I’m not sure if I’m more impressed by how wonderful the room looks or the fact that your paint lines are meticulous! Your recent projects have been magnificent. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love it! It looks amazing. Definitely makes a statement, but not too overpowering. I also definitely love the matte finish – much softer than other finishes.
so hot! I have an accent wall in very dark gray and it makes me smile every single day 🙂 Love your living room and love how the fireplace stands out that much more! as always, awesome beyond belief.
i think it looks marvelous with the fireplace! i can’t wait to be a homeowner and use black, inspirationgirl 😉
WOW! It looks amazing and compliments everything else in the room! Great job! 🙂
I LOVE it 🙂 Happy 2011, and ‘yes’, I do want to paint something black now!!! It all started after that Domino issue with Jenna Lyon’s black bedroom!!!! p.s. your fireplace is just lovely.
Looks great! It all looks so crisp and clean. You and Evan must be superb painters to keep the black where it needs to be (off the white trim. I get paint everywhere BUT the walls! lol). Between skinny jeans, new lipstick colors and black paint, you always inspire me to try something new! 🙂
I’m taking ALL of the credit for the good painting job! (Sorry, Evan!) The trick is to use a good-quality brush and paint, and to not use any tape. Trust your hand, load your brush, and move quickly. 🙂
I have been going insane with tape and paint trying to recreate this look! I just found this comment that you didn’t use tape- do you have any other tips for getting a clean line? Specific brushes to look for? Areas to complete first?
Thanks Anna, I LOOOOVE this blog!
No, I don’t use tape unless it’s to make a straight line on a flat surface (never where corners meet). I personally like Purdy brushes—expensive brushes are worth the money! The best tip I can give you is be confident and use a steady hand…
I love it SO MUCH! Fabulous with all your gorgeous architectural details. The shots with the windows in them are seriously magazine worthy.
I’ve never once regretted painting our back long wall that stretches across the kitchen to the dining room black. Not once.
Hotness!
I have a few “soot” touchups to do on the outside of our house (courtesy of popped nails from last years’s interior demo)…maybe this will motivate me.
Looks great!
I have a black wall in the works for my kitchen!
I love it The room looks fantastic. I have decor envy.
When you painted your bedroom black, it inspired me to paint our living room. It looks amazing and we’ve never been happier! Your living room is GORGEOUS. It makes me want to paint more walls black in my house.
looks spectacular. and that fireplace is amazing. i’m looking around the house now for a potential black wall….
Amazing. Love it!
It looks beautiful Anna! I can’t wait to paint a wall black! But….where did Charlie Bird go?
He’s in the dining room now! You have a good memory. 🙂
I love it.
Nothing like a black or brown wall in a room to add drama,
Looks great with the white and grey and the shot of red/fuschia pillows..
However, I would love to see what the room would would look like with a fantastic large scale painting over your fireplace, or much larger mirror.
I actually *gasped* when I saw the picture. I am getting a serious obsession with all these black walls. You make everything look so special. And to think you brushed it all on freehand. I can’t stop looking at it. But I ask you: how do you resist putting something inside the fireplace? An earlier commenter mentioned birch logs. A bunch of chunky candles comes to mind, perhaps positioned on an antique floor grate or something…
I kind of hate the whole candles-in-the-unworking-fireplace thing, personally (also: small dogs), and although I’ve considered putting decorative logs in there, it just seems a little…hokey. You know? This was never a woodburning fireplace, after all, it was meant to connect a gas stove to. I’m not a huge fan of faking the real thing when it comes to old houses. I’ve put stacks of books and magazines in there in the past, but it never feels right. I think it’s okay just to leave some spaces empty. 🙂
I know what you’re saying. I hate fake stuff, too. Fake plants or trees especially. But I guess the OCD part of me would want something! anything! in the hole. But you’re right, of course. I applaud all your thoughtful choices.
I love the black. It is striking and rich looking and adds so much depth to the room. I love the contrast of the white trim and fireplace. Surprisingly, to me, the firebox opening seems to be working against it all, seeing how it is actually adding ‘depth’ to the tableau. I have looked at the photo for several minutes and am not sure why. Perhaps it just reads more imposing in the photos? However, the firebox seems like a giant white yawn. I too am anti-faking it if at all possible. Maybe a plant? A piece of decorative iron work? An actual summer cover, though those are hard to find and expensive to boot in the size you would need? The room is gorgeous. Thanks for the inspriation.
Stunning! So dramatic against the white and your stunning floors!
I might try a black wall in the bathroom…. it’s very small though – scary to paint a wall black, isn’t it?
Not really, no! It’s just paint—if you hate it, you can just paint it back the way it was. It’s not like you’re demolishing a wall or anything! Go for it. 🙂
I love it! It looks amazing. I wish I had a wall to paint black.
love love love! it looks great.
good call on the blue slipcover.
stunning! OH to be a homeowner. my landlord would “love” a black wall.
if you don’t mind sharing, where did you find your coffee table? it’s simple and industrial.. great combo.
We bought the coffee table from CB2, but it’s long-gone now. They do usually have a nice selection of modern industrial tables, though, so take a look…
The wall looks wonderful and I love the fireplace.
It looks gorgeous!.
Inspired!
I am taking the plunge with really really dark matt grey. I was worried about the edges but read your advice re no tape and just use a brush.
We also have a long haired Chu but she’s blonde!
Thanks for your lovely posts.
Yeah, I find that taping edges when painting walls just leads to a big, fat mess—I use tape for other applications (protecting floorboards, masking off hardware that can’t be removed, creating straight lines on continuous surfaces, etc.), but not when painting walls. You’re much better off using a good-quality brush (I like Purdy brand, personally) and a steady, smooth hand. It takes a little practice, but most of the difficulty is in getting over fear/hesitation. Remember, you can always do a touch-up if you need to!
amazing! I would spend Friday night in outpatients for a room like this – love it! The black really makes the white stand out, I don’t know if I’m explaining it right but it kind of does something to my eyes when I look at the photographs. Each time I log on here I am so inspired and gasping at the beautiful decorating you do in your home. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks for the Smiths reference, Melissa, it’s much appreciated! 😉
Looks great! Now I want to paint something too:D
I want a black wall, but are they crazy hard to repaint white. In an aparment right now and dont want to kick myself later for it. But you make them look soooo good!
I have a black wall in my rental apartment, too! 🙂
Painting over black isn’t too bad as long as you use a good primer. Two coats of something like Zinsser 1-2-3 with two coats of good quality paint will do the trick nicely.
what a huge difference this colour is making!
i would prefer a dark blue black or pantone 648 C!
happy new year!
just wanted to make a quick comment for all the apartment renters who want to paint a black wall but aren’t/don’t because they’re renting – if you’re allowed to paint (at all) then go for it – just prime it before you leave. when i was renting i painted the back wall in my kitchen black and before i moved out i just put a coat of primer over it…the entire unit gets painted before the new tenant moves in anyways (at least that’s how it works in most places here in toronto). the way i look at it – you may as well enjoy the space while you’re living there 🙂
I love your house and this black wall is fantastic. But, you need a very sunny room, don’t you?
That looks flippin’ gorgeous! What a transformation. If only for my selfish ogling purposes, I’m glad to see you went for the black. Doubly awesome that you’re really enjoying it.
Loving your style..dog is too cute…
I. AM. IN. LOVE. Oh, the drama! The contrast! The character in the details!
damn! that looks amazing. love the symmetry of the wall and the dark blanket on the couch. isn’t it nice when a decision turns out to be so indisputably correct?
Really? Your dogs rolled all over the blue slipcover and then you took it back to the store? That seems kind of tacky.
Not sure where you got the idea that my dogs “rolled all over” the slipcover. I put a blanket on the sofa to protect it, and the cover was returned in perfect condition.
Textiles at IKEA automatically go to the “as-is” section if they’ve been opened, and store credit is issued rather than a refund. The assumption is that as-is goods have been used, damaged, or are imperfect in some way.
Great…
REALLY terrific!
Also, I’d like to mention how I think it’s humorous how your observant readers (me included) have an ability to notice anything that changes in your home. Perhaps it’s an ode to the success of your minimalist approach. Or just that each image has become part of our mental archive, filed under “i want to go to there.”
Totally. In . Love. Gorgeous!
It´s not the most comon combination and looks great.
LOVE.
Swooned, and then immediatley pondered on where in my all-white flat I can insert a black wall.
The guy I works for owns the building and I rent from him, and when I was moving in I asked if I could decorate. He immediately said, as is The Way of The Landlord, “As long as it’s not black.” I was instantly disappointed. Does he not know how good black can look?
I think I may just do it anyway…Maybe an alcove wouldn’t hurt…
Your photos have a feel of all the wonderful inspiration photos you lovingly post, showing black walls, white floors etc. That has to feel good, right?
I had some doubts when you first told me you were doing this, but I should have known better. The black makes the wall recede making the room looks bigger and the fireplace stand out so nicely. I wonder what I can paint black? Maybe something in the kitchen …
Looks so good. Really makes your gorgeous fireplace stand out. Is it made of marble?
Yes, it’s marble!
anna, i hate to comment twice on this post like a crazy person, but i love that lamp and i can’t figure out where it’s from. i saw a similar table lamp on a house tour on AT. can you tell me what it’s called? googling “white antler floor lamp” has produced some pretty terrible results, as you can imagine.
Oh, it was from West Elm several years ago. It’s actually a branch, though, not an antler. 🙂
Ah, it looks so great! We’re big fans of yours at a+b kasha in Paris!
Absolutely perfect. I am doing this to our bathroom this weekend! (Farrow and Ball downpipe, I think)
I love it! Great choice….where are those amazing matching chairs from?!?!?!
oh I should reall ALL the comments, just realized you already answered that, the chairs are perfect with the pink pillows!
i L O V E the black wall! it is stellar. we painted one wall with black chalkboard paint in each of our kids rooms and, i’m tellin’ ya, we couldn’t have made a better decision. i should start throwing up black walls e v e r y w h e r e. happy new year! :::
This is a bold use of colour that had paid off beautifully, congratulations of being confident enough with a paint brush to create something so dynamic!
Stunning! Your fireplace is a showstopper…not to mention, the rest of the room.
Great apartment, great taste! We’ve been thinking about painting a wall in our bedroom black and now we’re feeling even more convinced. Love the blog!
The paint job looks fantastic! I love the look of the whole living room! that Marble fireplace is gorgeous too. I really love the pictures of your two doggies falling asleep on the couch a few posts down too. Happy new Year!
My interior desinger sent me this website link. I was a little nervous about doing my wainscoting in black. Looks great!
Love it!
Hi, your living room looks really nice. Where did you get the shelving unit you used for your tv?
Thanks! The shelving unit is from IKEA.
I love love your black wall!
This place in GORGEOUS. I recall seeing something similar at http://www.aliceindesignland.com the other day.
What a Color Combos…I love seeing this style of black and white with a more modern twist rather than using the typical check.Beautiful color palette that will go so nicely with that gorgeous view. Very sophisticated yet Elegant Spaces!
I love this! You have such a beautiful house! I want to live here!
I featured your post
http://paperliliesfrenchtoast.blogspot.com/2011/01/this-i-killing-me.html
keep documenting the work in your house! it’s awesome!
I love it! I don’t think it would suit the style of our house and I’m not sure I would have the guts to do the same even if it did, but it looks PERFECT in your living room! I love that it makes the fireplace a focal point – it’ gorgeous.
Oh LOVE it! It looks like there is enough natural light to make it work too! I linked your room to my “black walls” post too!
I love your home. It is so beautiful!
We have a black wall in our dining room, so when I saw your living room photos, I immediately loved it! And then I saw that you used Benjamin Moore Soot which is the exact color of our dining room wall, too!
*Waving hand in the air* LOVE the wall, LOVE your floors, LOVE the fireplace. So much to love….. even the pups. Fritz looks exactly like my Lottie. Again, so glad I found your blog.
Your place is just amazing! LOVE the black wall….now if I could only convince Manolo that we need a black wall in our bedroom!
Oh my! I love it so much. Painted out brick fire place black last year. I want a black wall, but don’t have a room that it would work in. I am so jealous! What shade of black did you use?
Hi Sandra, it’s Benjamin Moore Soot—see the last paragraph of the post for links to see it in other rooms.
A black wall. This is awesome. I’m definitely going to have to remember this when I have a place of my own. The kitchen I grew up in was black and white, so there will always be a place in my heart for that color combination.
Love the tips about what kind of paint and brushes to use. Thanks!
I love your wall!! You have inspired me:)
What color did you paint the white walls? Are the trim and walls the same color. Did you use the same trim withe black wall as you did for the white?
Thanks!!!
Hi Julie, all of my paint colors are on the FAQ page 🙂
Hi!! I love your living room. It looks fantastic. I have been planning on painting my fireplace with Benjamin Moore’s Soot, but not sure which white to paint the walls with. After much searching for pics I would like, I came across yours on Pinterest and it’s just gorgeous. Would you divulge in what white paint color you paired with Soot?
Thank you!!
All of the white walls were Benjamin Moore’s Moonlight White (with Simply White on the trim).