When I read this quote, I paused to think about it. Then I agreed…our eye naturally goes to objects that we relate to, and often, we are blind to those that we do not.
This book (photo), “Library House”, by Thomas O’Brien, was featured on “The Tartan Topiary”, a YouTube channel I follow. As the host flipped through the book, I caught a glimpse of many pages I wanted to revisit. I promptly ordered the book and have been so inspired. I particularly love the room on the cover, the front hall. At first, I thought it was a bold decorating choice to paint the walls an almost black colour, and then I started considering painting my hall in a dark shade too…why not? It’s so cold outside, and I have the time.
Below are photos from the book of the front hall that I took with my phone (hence the poor quality). As you can see, he kept the trim white, and the floor is small black tiles. This small space is filled with a treasure of collected objects.
Benjamin Moore Racoon Fur (LVR 6.64), left, is the colour Thomas O’Brien used in the front hall featured on the cover of his book.
I wasn’t totally committed to painting my front hall in such a dark colour. It’s a small area on the north side of the house, but on the plus side, there are double garden doors facing south, directly opposite this space, allowing ample light to flood the area. I decided to go for it. Is your (my) judgment at its best when you’re (I’m) bored, stuck indoors, with the mercury dipping into the -30C range? We shall see…
I opted for a slightly lighter shade than O’Brien. This is Benjamin Moore Gray, 2121-10, Aura Matte for the walls.
For the front door and closet doors, I choose BM Storm, AF-700 Aura Satin.
The colours together: wall – BM Gray 2121-10, the trim – BM White Dove OC – 17, and the door – BM Storm AF-700.
I, unfortunately, did not take a before shot of the project before I started. I found this photo taken of the foyer before it was “styled” for the holiday season. I must have been cleaning before getting started, as it’s looking quite stark! However, it will give you an idea of what the wall colour looked like.
The walls were previously painted Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23.
And for the reveal… This may look more dramatic in photos than it does in reality. And what’s interesting is the foyer looks so much bigger! I’m wondering if it’s because it now looks like a separate area…not just a passageway to the kitchen and living room.
I’m no stranger to black! If you know me you will agree…however, this is the first time I’ve painted a room almost black. I do like the change, and I’ve had fun moving around accessories I had in other areas of my house. It’s a fresh look for Spring although an unconventional choice.
If I find the new look too daunting, I’m sure there will be another Arctic blast in the future when I can change things up again!
xox Judy❤️
Photos taken at different times of day.
I really like it Judy – well done!
Thank you Debbie. When a project like this is done, you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner! xox Judy❤️
Just spectacular!
Thank you Cathy, I’m wondering now why I was so apprehensive! xox Judy❤️
It looks absolutley stunning Judy and makes everything else “pop”! The three colours together are beautiful as well. Once again you’ve inspired me to go out of my comfort zone😂. Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Thank you Karen, you never know what a cold spell can do for your creativity! I remember you mentioning that you had some painting projects to do as well…once Spring arrives it’s hard to be indoors. xox Judy❤️
Hi Judy,
I’ve often admired an old Tommy Bahama advertisement that featured black walls with rich golden brown rattan furnishings and a brown and black small check plush sofa….never brave enough to replicate. Still love my little black with flowers bathroom wallpaper tho. Your hallway is stunning! Wow! Diane
Thank you Diane, I wonder why we bawk at painting interiors black when we probably wouldn’t hesitate to do a room in say a dark navy or forest green. I do love black floral wallpaper too…the Palliser Hotel has used a large scale black floral wall covering in the ladies restrooms looks beautiful. xox Judy❤️
Thank you for sharing this project Judy. I think the colors you chose are fabulous, and the beautiful furniture and wall art just pops.
I have been contemplating a dark gray feature wall in my family room for at least four years. The last time we re-painted, I had a consultant from Benjamin Moore come over to help pick colors. She recommended that we paint out the white brick fireplace (which I painted white many years ago) be painted black. I have not been able to commit to such a drastic change, especially on brick.
I keep reading that dark walls recede, making the room appear larger. But, in my mind I keep thinking it is the opposite. So I am happy to hear from a trusted friend, that you feel the space does look bigger.
Thank you Karen, I can understand your resistance to painting your fireplace black. It’s not only the colour but it’s the visual “weight” of the fireplace that is something to consider. You may want to ease into a dark grey wall first to see if it complements the rest of your decor. You have a good eye for colour and detail…I’m sure whatever you decide to do will be perfect. xox Judy❤️
This is beautiful! Very interesting, but that book sounds like it was made to your house and decor. I’m very impressed you did this, I personally love the new look for the front hallway! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jamie, I agree that Thomas O’Brien and I may share the same style but his home and garden are sensational! He truly inspired me. xox Judy❤️
Those black walls are fantastic! It’s funny how black makes things look bigger. It seems to make the walls disappear and everything in front of it pops.
It was this time of year in 2020 when I painted the back wall of my family room flat black. The fireplace pops and the tv disappears. It’s amazing how many people are surprised by it and love it.
Nice choice Judy!
Thank you Joyce, I knew we were “birds of a feather”! I agree that the walls seems to recede opening up the area…visually making the space appear larger. I’m happy to hear that you have not tired of your black wall…hopefully I won’t either. xox Judy❤️
Oh Judy it looks wonderful! Dramatic but not too dark! I love it!!
Thank you Catherine, The longer I “live” with it, the more I am liking it too…it’s a keeper! xox Judy❤️