black walls?

April 23, 2014

When we first moved into this house about 4 years ago (can’t believe it’s been that long already!), my plan was to paint the dining room walls black. My hub, however, wasn’t on board with that decision. I respect his opinion, so we compromised. I ended up painting the walls a light cream (Waverly – Cafe Cream) and added an ikat stencil in black to just one wall.

Our Fifth House - black and white dining room

I’ve made a few tweaks since these pictures were taken changing up the vignette over the dresser turned buffet and adding some ring pulls to the back of the chairs, but for the most part this room still looks like this. And while I love it the way it is, I still have black walls on the brain.

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I mean, how incredible does a gallery wall look on black?!

nest of posies

Kelly Wearstler always knocks it out of the ballpark!

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I’ve loved the look of black walls for so long, I think it’s time to go for it! What do you think about black walls? I think my hub who was previously on team no-black is now on the fence. Maybe you all can help me push him over to the dark side – ha!

Maybe I’ll start with the ceiling while I’m still debating the walls?

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Are there design decisions you’ve been debating for a while in your home?

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Love black walls

Oh man…I was just thinking this the other day about how I want a room with black walls and thick white moldings. I say DO IT DO IT! A dining room is perfect for a little sexy room! xo Kristin

I think it would be perfect for your dining room. Do it!

I totally think you would do it! Yes Yes Yes!

You definitely should. I'm thinking of doing that myself!

I'm sure you know, but just in case: dark, glossy walls show every imperfection in your walls. Go flat! Also, I know it is wallpapered, but show your husband Dallas Shaw's dining room. If that doesn't tip him, I don't know what will!

My bedroom has dark gray walls and a black ceiling, with chunky white molding, white furniture and pops of yellow in the form of pillows and art, etc. Most people are shocked at how light the room looks and feels while still having such a dark base.

I say go for it!! If the hubs hates it, you can always paint it something else later ;-P

Gorgeous! I love it all. I would not attempt a diy black ceiling though. I can paint just about anything but I still stink at the ceiling and thought of having to paint over the black someday when I move/tire of it is enough to turn me off. I have light walls and a darker trim/doors throughout my main living areas. I have wanted to paint the trim white for years but I keep getting detered by the thought of "the claw" paint hand. (2 coats primier, 2+ coats paint….ugh)
Can't wait to see what you decide. (and we still haven't seen much of your screened in space from last year!)

Ha! So funny, I was just thinking that the other night- I never did a reveal because I wasn't quite finished. I need to get my booty in gear. 😉

I say go for it…no matter what you do, it will be gorgeous!!
Stephanie @loveolympiajune.blogspot.com

my neighbor painted her dining room walls black. i love that room 🙂

Girl, I debate things for years. Go black!!! I think it would be amazing. And with your styling talent you can't go wrong. Can't wait to see what you decide.

Carmel,

My opinion is GO FOR IT! All those pictures you posted of your inspiration are GORGEOUS!

Do it!!!! I painted my closet & stairwell black over the winter and I'm absolutely in love with it!

Your dining room is one of my faves and definitely the favorite room of mine in your home!

I think it will look great with your furniture and style – especially given the natural light you get in the room. (I noticed that about each photo you shared from the designers.) But I would do walls – or – ceiling but not both. Can't wait to see what you do!!!

The inspiration images are beautiful; I don't think you can go wrong with black! It would look so elegant and cozy in the dining room.

ashleybrooke87.wix.com/hausofneukam

You could choose a barely black (like in the one d.r. picture above) which looks almost like a dark, dark blue. Maybe if he thinks it is blue, he will be on board.

Black reminds me of death and funerals. I could not put it on my walls. I do like the pattern used on your feature wall, but would've preferred to see it in navy, or some other dark color. Hope your dining room comes out the way you like it.

Go for it. When I told my hubby I was going to paint my kitchen deep chocolate brown, he about fainted. He loved it when it was done and 8 years later, we both still like it.

I LOVE black walls! That's what I wanted to do to our master when I did a mini-makeover on it last month, but my hubs wouldn't agree – so I went for a dark gray / blue. I love it, but would change it to black in a second!

Love the all black walls with an eclectic gallery. It's elegant and classy.

Oh my heck…LOVE that black ceiling! Just WOW. Why have I never thought of that??? Thinking of trying it now 😉

I'm a fan! I recently took the plunge in our guest bedroom (http://suzy-homemaker.co.uk/blog/diy/makeovers/entry/guest-room-makeover-the-decorating.html). I'm also planning monochrome for our hallway, although I have to admit it doesn't benefit from great natural light, so I'm thinking more 'city grey' than full on black. I look forward to seeing what you decide, Carmel!

Yeah so this should come as absolutely ZERO surprise to you that I say YES. You know I love a good black wall my friend. The only regret you'll have is not doing it sooner. Just remember what they say, Once you go black……

Seriously though. DO IT!!

It's only paint, go for it!!! Your house seems to lend it self to the concept. I think it will look beautiful!

My sister did black walls in her dining room, and white below the chair rail. Her gallery wall really popped off the black! She used breezy white curtains to soften the walls, and it worked! Go for it!

My husband would say no, he won't even let me use a charcoal grey in the bedroom, but if you can convince yours, do it! I think it will look fabulous! If anyone could pull it off, it's you! 🙂

Hey Carmel! Ashley from HP. I stumbled across your blog. How cool that it's doing so well? I remember your THIRD house very well as I tried to sell it so many times to different people. LOL. No longer in the RE business though I can still picture much of the design. The positive of a photographic memory! So – I painted my dining room black about three years ago. If we can do it (Brian was like, what?) then you can get hubs to do it! All our best here in HP! aa

Hi Ashley! We still visit friends in the neighborhood about once a year. I loved that house! 🙂

I love the dark walls! I've been thinking that my half bath is where I should take the first step to be bold and daring! I agree gallery walls look fantastic against a dark background.

Hi! Well – if you happen to visit, and have the time (yeah right!) – let me know! Cheers! aa

You know what's always so fun as a blogger??? When you're coming to visit a blog to find something you found on pinterest that you want to see, and then – only to see one of your own photos in a post!!! I'm so flattered you shared my black gallery dining room wall! thank you!

I was coming over to see your black front door! ha! we must love to have black details in our homes!!!

~Kellie

I've always wanted to paint my dining room black, you should definitely go for it! It would look awesome!!

So funny! Yes, I'm a big fan of black – classic, bold and always stunning. LOVE your dining room – you're styling is perfection!

LOVE the first dining room photos with the ikat wall paper. But I'm wondering where you got that chandelier?!?! I'm desperately on the hunt for JUST the right one!!!!!

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