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Kitchen

COLOR WATCH: DARK WALLS ARE BACK!

December 29, 2010
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Eat in kitchen with dark cabinetry, cobellstons arraged like paver field tiles on the floor, white beadboard ceiling, a chandelier, a farmhouse table surrounded by matching chairs

You know how I always say I love a room with white walls? No doubt. My preference. Absolutely.

Is it possible that I could also love equally as much a rooms with dark walls? Rich black walls or enchanting navy blue wall paint (sometimes with a little gloss) always works for me.

Loving the black kitchen above with the dark cabinetry, the cobblestone like paver field tiles used on the floor, the white beadboard ceiling, the farmhouse table…everything about it.

The wonderful sultry baths below also work for me.

It is weird…even though these spaces are dark…they seem bright to me…is that possible? Even cheerful! Hmmm….interesting. Maybe it is the fact that each of these spaces has either white ceilings, molding or a light floor or accent wall added in for contrast – two toned rooms. Love them!

Bedroom with navy walls, a white bed, marble fireplace with a mirror on the mantel, dark wood floor, molded ceiling detail and a Turkish rug

Bathroom with navy walls and a matching stand alone tub, herringbone wood floor, and a door with roman shades for privacy

Living room with matte black paneled walls, two white pendant lights, grey wood floor, a taupe chaise lounge and a simple wooden chair

Bathroom with navy blue walls, a large art deco gilded mirror, two wall mounted candlesticks, dark wood floor, moulded ceiling and a marble console sink
What do you think about rooms with dark paint on the walls or cabinets? Work for you or not?

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. It is raining again here in Los Angeles. I have no home phone service due to the rain…it has been out for a week! Arghhhhhhh! Help. I hope you all on the east coast are surviving the weather!

Photos (from top to bottom): House & Home; Melanie Acevedo; Windsor Smith; James Merrell

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DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
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25 responses to “COLOR WATCH: DARK WALLS ARE BACK!”

  1. Whimsicalstars says:
    December 29, 2010 at 8:24 AM

    I think the dark colors on the walls work pretty well, and by having bright colored furniture it really makes everything pop.

    Reply
  2. Karena says:
    December 29, 2010 at 8:46 AM

    Coco I love the drama especially with white!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Reply
  3. sharon says:
    December 29, 2010 at 8:56 AM

    We have alot of dark walls here and we enjoy them. I think it also depends on the climate and light that you live in.
    Sharon
    My French Country Home

    Reply
  4. Daly Beauty says:
    December 29, 2010 at 9:02 AM

    So gorgeous, I always have loved deep dark colours. Actually so natural and neutral, stunning.

    Reply
  5. Kathysue says:
    December 29, 2010 at 9:14 AM

    I did a post once on black walls titled, “I wish I were brave enough” I love the dark and white contrast but I am not sure I can live with dark walls. If I could it would be black with white trim,Kathysue

    Reply
  6. barbara@hodge:podge says:
    December 29, 2010 at 9:35 AM

    I am thinking of painting my 12 year old son’s walls an inky dark blue. I think with the right accents (crisp white and pops of red) it could look warm and cozy.

    Reply
  7. C.Bell says:
    December 29, 2010 at 9:52 AM

    I am always amazed how crisp & fresh our black room feels – even in the heat of Palm Beach.It is totally gloss black with white furniture.The trick is keeping it free of clutter. Love the look.

    Reply
  8. deborah says:
    December 29, 2010 at 9:57 AM

    I’m also a huge fan of white walls and rooms furnished in various shades of white. I must say that I’m all kinds of crazy about this kitchen in shades of charcoal. The expansive white ceiling, broad window and pops of stainless add just enough light and reflection. It has such a wonderfully soothing feel.

    Reply
  9. Cherie says:
    December 29, 2010 at 10:07 AM

    Love these rooms. They especially work because of the light and the contrasting light color and/or texture of the floors and stainless steel. So restful and cozy! Makes me want to redo my kitchen.

    Reply
  10. Kimberly Grigg says:
    December 29, 2010 at 10:57 AM

    I agree with you that the contrast of the dark colors with the dramatic pops of white do make these spaces incredibly cheerful! Too much dark can make a room feel drab and dreary, but all of these spaces have been expertly-executed and feel nothing but inviting! Thanks for sharing the photos!

    Reply
  11. Sally@DivineDistractions says:
    December 29, 2010 at 11:40 AM

    I’ve done a few spaces with dark walls and/or cabinetry, and I think they really make a statement. You’ve just got to balance them with lots of light or light colors. I go through spells where I want light and bright, and then I want dark and cozy….reason why multiple homes are really necessary!! LOL

    Reply
  12. Lazi says:
    December 29, 2010 at 12:08 PM

    That bathroom with the clawfoot tub… Oh my God. Love industrial accents. Haven’t really seen them in bathrooms much, so this was exciting!

    Reply
  13. Danielle.freshquince says:
    December 29, 2010 at 12:17 PM

    I love it, especially with large windows and bright white trim! I have been thinking about painting my cabinets a dark rich grey b/c I really don’t like that the stainless steel appliances make the statement in my kitchen..I want them to blend in with the cabinets!
    Great post!!!

    Reply
  14. Chic Coastal Living says:
    December 29, 2010 at 7:52 PM

    Love the kitchen!

    Reply
  15. Lila says:
    December 30, 2010 at 1:05 PM

    I do love Navy. I think it takes a strong person to do a dark color like that. I’m a chicken, I’ll admit!
    xoxo
    Lila Ferraro

    Reply
  16. nathalie says:
    December 30, 2010 at 6:32 PM

    gorgeous. i love the simplicity of the second last room.

    Reply
  17. shiree segerstrom says:
    December 30, 2010 at 7:49 PM

    Beautiful! I love contrasting colors too. Coco, your posts are always so fresh. Shiree’

    Reply
  18. Wandering Gal says:
    December 30, 2010 at 9:12 PM

    That kitchen is fantastic!!

    Reply
  19. kitchen bar stools says:
    December 31, 2010 at 5:50 AM

    These rooms show great creativity! I have never thought dark walls can look so cosy with white ceiling. The bathroom is extremely nice, congratz!

    Reply
  20. Carrie @ Hazardous Design says:
    December 31, 2010 at 1:27 PM

    I LOVE the idea of black walls, these pictures show how beautiful and dramatic they can be. I just don’t know if I’d be able to live with them in my own house…I like to keep things light and bright.

    Reply
  21. Laura Bielecki of LuxuryInteriors says:
    January 1, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Black is truly a strong color for 2011 and has always been a staple in every room. How bold can you go!!!

    Reply
  22. Hamptontoes says:
    January 3, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    I am a huge lover of navy blue walls. I did my son’s room in navy and white…love it lots! Great post…gets people to think out of the box! Happy new year!

    Reply
  23. Jen Ayres says:
    January 25, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    Love it. Contrast is so appealing.

    Reply
  24. Tracy F says:
    October 24, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Coco, I just wanted to say I love your blog. Now, on to your question. I like dark painted walls and cabinets because it adds a since of elegance and mystery. My challenge is that I am from New York and currently live in NJ close to NY so I have always lived in small spaces that some how need to appear bigger therefore I have not tried this yet. I hope to one day.

    Reply
  25. Lisa Cenotti says:
    December 28, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    I have become obsessed lately with dark colors and studying how to make them work even in the smallest of spaces. Love this post!

    Reply

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