Four Legs + HOUSE: Newburgh

The living room has a black wall.

livingroom1_600.jpg

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.

livingroom 2

livingroom 3

livingroom 4

livingroom 5

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.

livingroom 8

livingroom 6

sailor

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.

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145 Comments

  • Reply megan January 3, 2011 at 12:47 am

    it. looks. FANTASTIC. seriously, seriously, love it. you guys are awesome.

  • Reply verhext January 3, 2011 at 12:48 am

    Yes!! I love it. I actually love the formality contrasted with the modern. It looks amazing.

  • Reply meghan January 3, 2011 at 12:49 am

    I love it. Too tired to elaborate the many reasons why.

  • Reply Kerry D. January 3, 2011 at 12:53 am

    Love it! Really shows off the mantle beautifully!

  • Reply the brick house January 3, 2011 at 12:56 am

    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.

  • Reply victoria January 3, 2011 at 1:10 am

    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

  • Reply Jen Ray January 3, 2011 at 1:11 am

    So flippin hot! Really, it rules, great job.

  • Reply Cynthia Wig January 3, 2011 at 1:20 am

    It looks great! Love it all.

  • Reply allison January 3, 2011 at 1:21 am

    That turned out amazing!

    (I’m also impressed that your couch is so white with a dog & cat!)

    • allison January 3, 2011 at 1:40 am

      or rather two dogs 🙂

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 10:10 am

      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…

    • allison January 3, 2011 at 7:08 pm

      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?

    • allison January 3, 2011 at 7:09 pm

      Oh and the adorable little one in the third photo I mistook for a cat at first glance! 😉

    • Gracie January 7, 2011 at 4:20 pm

      Ha ha I did too!

  • Reply kay* January 3, 2011 at 1:26 am

    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.

  • Reply Jennifer January 3, 2011 at 1:30 am

    love it. i would enjoy spending time in that living room…

  • Reply lisakjellerød January 3, 2011 at 1:54 am

    Wonderful black wall! Very dramatic, love it!

  • Reply Dan @ Manhattan Nest January 3, 2011 at 2:03 am

    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.

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 10:10 am

      I love that Bruno is in a different spot in every photo. He was being very difficult during this shoot. Very unprofessional.

  • Reply Matt January 3, 2011 at 2:04 am

    Looks great. NEXT UP… black ceiling!

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 10:11 am

      I already did a black ceiling in my bathroom!! (And in the entryway of my apartment, but I’ve never taken pictures…)

  • Reply cottageofstone January 3, 2011 at 2:31 am

    Gorgeous, Anna! It makes the fireplace look amazing. 🙂

  • Reply maria January 3, 2011 at 2:42 am

    gorgeous! and the furkids are adorable.

  • Reply Brismod January 3, 2011 at 2:55 am

    It looks brilliant. And yes, I do want to go out and paint something black now. xx

  • Reply Monica January 3, 2011 at 3:32 am

    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.

  • Reply amyoliver January 3, 2011 at 3:33 am

    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?

  • Reply trisia January 3, 2011 at 3:34 am

    Just spent a week reading all your archives…what a wonderfully inspiring blog, so glad to have found it! Everything looks just amazing.

  • Reply Fat Cat January 3, 2011 at 3:42 am

    Once you go black…

    So what are you painting black next ?

  • Reply Samone January 3, 2011 at 3:48 am

    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.

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 10:12 am

      That sounds FABULOUS, Momo!!

  • Reply Deborah January 3, 2011 at 4:12 am

    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.

  • Reply janet January 3, 2011 at 4:21 am

    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.

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 10:13 am

      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!

    • janet January 3, 2011 at 9:12 pm

      Oh, it looks great!

  • Reply annie January 3, 2011 at 5:23 am

    Adore the black wall, the white room, the lovely dogs. Great start to a New Year. Enjoy all year…

  • Reply Beth January 3, 2011 at 5:41 am

    Love it!

  • Reply jennie January 3, 2011 at 7:28 am

    That looks amazing! Those floors and mantle are stunning as well.

  • Reply Mina January 3, 2011 at 7:31 am

    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)

  • Reply kelly January 3, 2011 at 7:42 am

    whoa, i love it! how many coats did it take?

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 10:13 am

      Only two coats! Benjamin Moore Aura paint has really fabulous coverage.

  • Reply Adam January 3, 2011 at 8:01 am

    I love how this shows off your beautiful fireplace! This really makes the room.

  • Reply Fiona January 3, 2011 at 8:49 am

    It suits the room so well it’s as if it’s always been there.

  • Reply elisabeth January 3, 2011 at 9:33 am

    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.

  • Reply Julie January 3, 2011 at 9:43 am

    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!

  • Reply Ashley January 3, 2011 at 9:48 am

    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.

  • Reply April January 3, 2011 at 10:13 am

    This looks so good! It feels like it was always meant to be black. Good call!

  • Reply Cher@NR January 3, 2011 at 10:14 am

    I heart your black wall, fireplace, and your floors!

  • Reply raina January 3, 2011 at 10:15 am

    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.

  • Reply Tina January 3, 2011 at 10:27 am

    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.

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 10:43 am

      The chairs are vintage (standard mid-century Danish stuff). I had them reupholstered in Maharam wool.

  • Reply misa January 3, 2011 at 11:16 am

    amazing! the fireplace looks incredible. was that mirror always there? that setup atop the mantle is making me drool.

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 11:37 am

      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. 🙂

  • Reply Elizabeth January 3, 2011 at 11:39 am

    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…)

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 11:46 am

      BM Soot — details are in the post. 🙂

  • Reply jodi January 3, 2011 at 11:54 am

    it looks fabulous!!

  • Reply Stephanie January 3, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    W.O.W. Heart palpitations, seriously! It really does “make” the room and looks so fantastic against the ornamentation on the fireplace.

  • Reply JFM January 3, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    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!

  • Reply Becky January 3, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    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.

  • Reply Nat January 3, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    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.

  • Reply frannie January 3, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    i think it looks marvelous with the fireplace! i can’t wait to be a homeowner and use black, inspirationgirl 😉

  • Reply Valeria @ Hindsvik January 3, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    WOW! It looks amazing and compliments everything else in the room! Great job! 🙂

  • Reply Katie January 3, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    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.

  • Reply Lori E. January 3, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    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! 🙂

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 4:10 pm

      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. 🙂

    • Robin April 27, 2011 at 5:28 pm

      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!

    • Anna @ D16 April 27, 2011 at 5:33 pm

      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…

  • Reply erin@designcrisis January 3, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    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.

  • Reply Lauren @ chezerbey January 3, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    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.

  • Reply Jessica January 3, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Looks great!
    I have a black wall in the works for my kitchen!

  • Reply Jacqui Bee January 3, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    I love it The room looks fantastic. I have decor envy.

  • Reply Lonely Wife Project January 3, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    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.

  • Reply alex sunday January 3, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    looks spectacular. and that fireplace is amazing. i’m looking around the house now for a potential black wall….

  • Reply Monica January 3, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    Amazing. Love it!

  • Reply Sue January 3, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    It looks beautiful Anna! I can’t wait to paint a wall black! But….where did Charlie Bird go?

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 8:07 pm

      He’s in the dining room now! You have a good memory. 🙂

  • Reply dew i January 3, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    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.

  • Reply Julie Jacobson January 3, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    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…

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 9:01 pm

      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. 🙂

    • Julie Jacobson January 5, 2011 at 7:03 pm

      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.

    • carole February 1, 2011 at 5:03 pm

      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.

  • Reply mona January 3, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    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?

    • Anna @ D16 January 3, 2011 at 10:20 pm

      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. 🙂

  • Reply Erin January 3, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    I love it! It looks amazing. I wish I had a wall to paint black.

  • Reply megan January 3, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    love love love! it looks great.
    good call on the blue slipcover.

  • Reply Hana January 3, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    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.

    • Anna @ D16 January 4, 2011 at 8:35 am

      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…

  • Reply rose January 3, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    The wall looks wonderful and I love the fireplace.

  • Reply Sara January 4, 2011 at 2:28 am

    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.

    • Anna @ D16 January 4, 2011 at 8:34 am

      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!

  • Reply Melissa January 4, 2011 at 5:10 am

    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 🙂

    • Anna @ D16 January 4, 2011 at 8:31 am

      Thanks for the Smiths reference, Melissa, it’s much appreciated! 😉

  • Reply Sanna January 4, 2011 at 5:32 am

    Looks great! Now I want to paint something too:D

  • Reply Paige January 4, 2011 at 7:27 am

    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!

    • Anna @ D16 January 4, 2011 at 8:27 am

      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.

  • Reply Annie Markantonatou January 4, 2011 at 8:43 am

    what a huge difference this colour is making!
    i would prefer a dark blue black or pantone 648 C!
    happy new year!

  • Reply kay* January 4, 2011 at 9:44 am

    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 🙂

  • Reply Dámaris January 4, 2011 at 9:49 am

    I love your house and this black wall is fantastic. But, you need a very sunny room, don’t you?

  • Reply Krissy January 4, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    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.

  • Reply Denise January 4, 2011 at 7:52 pm

    Loving your style..dog is too cute…

  • Reply Cookie and Kate January 4, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    I. AM. IN. LOVE. Oh, the drama! The contrast! The character in the details!

  • Reply sam January 4, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    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?

  • Reply Debby January 4, 2011 at 11:45 pm

    Really? Your dogs rolled all over the blue slipcover and then you took it back to the store? That seems kind of tacky.

    • Anna @ D16 January 5, 2011 at 12:00 am

      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.

  • Reply Dolly January 5, 2011 at 12:19 am

    Great…

  • Reply jacobspence January 5, 2011 at 4:32 am

    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.”

  • Reply Julie at www.velvetandshag.com January 5, 2011 at 4:36 am

    Totally. In . Love. Gorgeous!

  • Reply Rosa Navas January 5, 2011 at 6:25 am

    It´s not the most comon combination and looks great.

  • Reply Kellee January 5, 2011 at 9:02 am

    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?

  • Reply mommy January 5, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    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 …

  • Reply Emma January 5, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    Looks so good. Really makes your gorgeous fireplace stand out. Is it made of marble?

    • Anna @ D16 January 5, 2011 at 11:15 pm

      Yes, it’s marble!

  • Reply misa January 5, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    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.

    • Anna @ D16 January 5, 2011 at 11:15 pm

      Oh, it was from West Elm several years ago. It’s actually a branch, though, not an antler. 🙂

  • Reply Ida January 7, 2011 at 7:03 am

    Ah, it looks so great! We’re big fans of yours at a+b kasha in Paris!

  • Reply Suzanne January 7, 2011 at 7:55 am

    Absolutely perfect. I am doing this to our bathroom this weekend! (Farrow and Ball downpipe, I think)

  • Reply nancy @ COZAMIA January 7, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    I love it! Great choice….where are those amazing matching chairs from?!?!?!

  • Reply nancy @ COZAMIA January 7, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    oh I should reall ALL the comments, just realized you already answered that, the chairs are perfect with the pink pillows!

  • Reply tifanie Chaney January 7, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    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! :::

  • Reply Sarah January 8, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    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!

  • Reply Rachel January 9, 2011 at 3:34 am

    Stunning! Your fireplace is a showstopper…not to mention, the rest of the room.

  • Reply louise and nivaldo January 9, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    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!

  • Reply Christina Diaz January 9, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    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!

  • Reply John Frank January 10, 2011 at 11:53 am

    My interior desinger sent me this website link. I was a little nervous about doing my wainscoting in black. Looks great!

  • Reply Miss B. January 10, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    Love it!

  • Reply jax January 11, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    Hi, your living room looks really nice. Where did you get the shelving unit you used for your tv?

    • Anna @ D16 January 11, 2011 at 9:33 pm

      Thanks! The shelving unit is from IKEA.

  • Reply Darian January 12, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    I love love your black wall!

  • Reply MikeM January 12, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    This place in GORGEOUS. I recall seeing something similar at http://www.aliceindesignland.com the other day.

  • Reply VICTORIA January 13, 2011 at 4:13 am

    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!

  • Reply Naomi Kenton - Wedding Photographer January 13, 2011 at 11:53 am

    I love this! You have such a beautiful house! I want to live here!

  • Reply Sophie January 14, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    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!

  • Reply Steph @ BirdHouse Family January 16, 2011 at 11:24 am

    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.

  • Reply Inspire Me Heather January 20, 2011 at 8:00 am

    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!

  • Reply Michelle F January 25, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    I love your home. It is so beautiful!

  • Reply Funnelcloud Rachel February 1, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    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!

  • Reply CreatureofHabit February 28, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    *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.

  • Reply Geninne December 30, 2011 at 5:28 pm

    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!

  • Reply Sandra@Botany's December 30, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    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?

    • Anna @ D16 December 30, 2011 at 6:12 pm

      Hi Sandra, it’s Benjamin Moore Soot—see the last paragraph of the post for links to see it in other rooms.

  • Reply Chrystina January 1, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    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.

  • Reply Chris Melander January 5, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    Love the tips about what kind of paint and brushes to use. Thanks!

  • Reply Julie October 19, 2012 at 5:43 pm

    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!!!

    • Anna @ D16 October 19, 2012 at 5:48 pm

      Hi Julie, all of my paint colors are on the FAQ page 🙂

  • Reply Nads March 29, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    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!!

    • Anna @ D16 March 29, 2017 at 12:50 pm

      All of the white walls were Benjamin Moore’s Moonlight White (with Simply White on the trim).

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