Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Are we over it? Black Walls

3 years ago I painted my master bathroom black.

To call it a master bath is laughable, because due to my teeny tiny cape cod my master bath comes in at 4' x 9'. Told you it was laughable. The 4' x 9' is not my walking space, but all of it. So more than half that space is filled with the essentials: toilet, sink, tub.

We shall call it a master anyway, because it helps me make believe that it is more grand. :)

Ok back to the matter at hand the paint color.

So 3 years ago when almost no one was painting walls black I disregarded everyones wide eyes and jaw dropping when I mentioned painting my teeny bathroom black.

I got the usual pleas that it would make the space feel smaller, but I did it anyway and it totally didn't.

Here is what the bathroom has looked like for 3 years:




We kept the original tiles, because we actually liked the retro look of the black and white tiles. We love houses with character so no need to get rid of said character and remodel the original bath. I know with some easy changes we could glam it up!

Up went the black paint, white accents and we lived happily ever after...



(Because our house reminds me of cottage I added a little touch of cottage to the space with my checkered shade.)

Last night after a crazy day of work ( I didn't leave my computer until about 10:30pm) Jon found me in standing in the bathroom just staring at it with my head tilted.



( I need to add a touch of girly to the space so up went my ruffled curtain. )

I didn't think Jon would realize what I was thinking, but he immediately said, " Don't even think it. The bathroom is staying as is." I had to laugh, because he is either now a mind reader or just a husband that now knows how to read the signs his crazy decorator wife gives off.

You see while I still love black and white and the over all look of the space I'm not loving the black walls anymore. I just feel like they have been over done and I'm ready to re -paint and perhaps add another touch of color into the mix!

Of course every other room in my house is in a state of almost finished with an end of August deadline for a photoshoot that is badly needed for my new site (almost finished!) So Jon is right to try and talk me off the ledge and leave it as is, but you know me.

Don't be surprise if he comes home one day and I've done a quick re-vamp to the space.

What are your thoughts on black walls? Do you still love it? Or are you totally over it and willing to help me change Jon's mind. :)

I know Jenny is tired of her black bathroom and wants to paint as well. So I already have one person on my side. :)

* Knowing me though I will probably back to loving black walls in a couple of days, but I would love to hear your thoughts. :)

**Could I have done anymore :) in this post? I think I must be in a silly mood. ;)

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38 Comments:

Blogger René said...

I can totally relate to this post although I think my vintage black and white tile master bathroom is smaller than yours. I recently stenciled ours, but was thinking about painting it black, ha. One would think that a black and white bathroom would be easy, but it has its challenges. I can't wait to see what you decide.

-Rene

August 18, 2010 at 8:39 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I love, love, love the mirror above your sink! would you share where you found it? I think the black and white is gorgeous and sophisticated, why mess with that?!

August 18, 2010 at 8:44 AM  
Blogger alison giese Interiors said...

Keep the black walls for now - your deadline, remember, BUT change something else up to freshen it a bit. To me, the bathroom is screaming that it wants something brass. Maybe change out the shade, that would be another easy way to change the "vibe" of the room. I still love it, but know what you're saying.
I vote for a quick, and less painful fix!

August 18, 2010 at 8:47 AM  
Blogger Kristen said...

that's so funny - i was just thinking yesterday that i wanted to paint my tiny (pale grey) bathroom black! :) i say leave it black, and change up accessories?? but i understand the need to change!!

August 18, 2010 at 8:47 AM  
Blogger Sarah La Rose said...

I love black walls but understand the desire for change. Paint is an easy fix. You could try the complete opposite and do white walls with brigtly coloured accents.

August 18, 2010 at 8:54 AM  
Anonymous Emily @ Timeless Paper said...

I love the black walls and your mirror/plate area. My tiny laughable master bathroom (maybe 6' x 6') is painted dark gray. I think it helps tame down my ugly pale pink tiles the previous owners installed. Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see your house photos website.

August 18, 2010 at 8:54 AM  
Anonymous Jessie said...

what if you changed out the curtain for a white roman shade with a ribbon trim and changed the mirror to be a bigger silver-edged one? that might be 2 quick (cheap-ish) changes that make it feel different. I love those walls and ever since you commented on my blog about it, I'm going to paint our tiny bathroom black too... someday...

August 18, 2010 at 9:11 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I vote to keep it black. You're going to be tired of the new colour even faster than you got tired with black. (at least that's what happens to me) Black is a blank canvas. But if you're going to repaint, go white :)

August 18, 2010 at 9:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love the black. I'm sure another color (lilac?) would be nice too. White would be impossible because it would never match the tile correctly.

August 18, 2010 at 9:30 AM  
Blogger Ariane said...

This is the first time I've seen your bathroom, and I think it is just darling. I'm not over black walls yet, but I really adore black glossy paint, so maybe I'm just stuck on it.

Love your blog!

xo. Ari

August 18, 2010 at 10:11 AM  
Blogger Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy said...

I am still loving the black - your little bathroom is so cute!

August 18, 2010 at 10:11 AM  
Blogger High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Ok you guys are totally not helping me win the battle with Jon, but you are helping talk me off the ledge.

I got a nice white crisp roman shade that just went up and I'm thinking of switching out the mirror and adding a pop of color, but leaving the walls black.

Mirror was from TJMAXX from 3 years ago. I got it for $24!

I painted the walls in high-gloss paint, because I wanted a lacquered look. They don't look that glossy though more like a semi-gloss.

August 18, 2010 at 10:20 AM  
Blogger Ms. Bright said...

Camila! We have almost twinkie "master" baths! We didn't go black walls, although I thought about it, but a fun black/white tropics toile. I added deep turquoise-teal accents for the much needed pop. I think that new roman shade could maybe get an edge of grosgrain or fun tape trim and maybe an accessory or 2 to pull that color. Maybe even consider the interior of the wall cab? Whatchu think, girl?

August 18, 2010 at 10:35 AM  
Blogger Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

Well, the cool thing is~you could go any color in there since everything is black and white. I think it looks great as it is, but if you want a different color, go for it!

August 18, 2010 at 11:13 AM  
Blogger vignette design said...

Keep the black. It gives your small bathroom drama and is still unexpected. I say change out the shade though. It takes it to the country side, otherwise your bathroom looks quite sophisticated with the plates and fab mirror. Maybe a white linen shade?
Delores

August 18, 2010 at 11:24 AM  
Blogger Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

I still like black.

August 18, 2010 at 11:26 AM  
Anonymous Kate Collins Interiors said...

I love the black! I think it goes great with your bathroom tiles. Not sure what type of overhead lighting you have but what about adding in a fun chandelier with a pop of color?

August 18, 2010 at 11:33 AM  
Blogger emily @morefromthemoorefamily said...

I love the way you did the black walls, it doesn't look like a cave! It helps that there are a lot of white tiles that contrast. We just moved into a house and they had the powder room painted black, floor to ceiling black. You go to the potty and you feel like you might have to dig your way out! Yours- I love!

August 18, 2010 at 11:39 AM  
Blogger Kristie said...

I'm not a fan of the black personally, but since you're on a deadline, I say don't change it right this second. Maybe add new metallic fixtures or add a pop of color with an interesting curtain or artwork.

August 18, 2010 at 12:11 PM  
Blogger traci zeller designs said...

Keep the black walls! They look amazing in there!

August 18, 2010 at 12:11 PM  
Blogger Kathysue said...

Love love the black walls, do not under any circumstances change them. They are timeless. The prettiest bathroom I ever went into was a powder room painted black with brass fixtures and sconces. It was like a jewel box. I think you are just looking to make it more sophisticated. Change the shade, Get white towels with black monograms, remove the plates(although I do love them) Maybe a new light fixture with sophistication. Just glam it up a bit!!! Have fun, I know the look you were making and I know the look your hubby had, My husband cringes when I stare and my head leans to the side!!lol, have a great day, let us know what you wind up doing ,Kathysue

August 18, 2010 at 12:22 PM  
Blogger Becky Holmes said...

I would personally keep the black. I think black is as classic as white and I think your tiring of it because you need a little pop in there. Think some different textures like wicker or brass and maybe add a new color into...like a kelly grenn...very sophisticated and fun...like the combo Sarah Richardson used in her downstairs guest room.

August 18, 2010 at 12:34 PM  
Blogger Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies said...

I personally love the black walls mainly because I am in love with Gwyneth Paltrow's black bathroom in her hamptons house but I understand getting tired of a color. I paint constantly so I would never stand in your way!

August 18, 2010 at 1:03 PM  
Anonymous Bailey@ peppermintbliss said...

I was worried about this when I went ahead with painting our guest bath black after I saw a nearly identical version in Lonny, but I went with it and I do love it. I think it depends on the space, and how much you use it etc. I think maybe if it was my primary bathroom it could get old, but as it is guests love it, it works for the space, and I am still delighted when I pop in there on the occasion! Why not just revamp it for the photoshoot and go for a larger overhaul some other time, no need to make yourself crazy!

August 18, 2010 at 1:05 PM  
Blogger liz @ bon temps beignet said...

I feel your pain. Our 'master bath' is 5x8 total sq ft too. We're in the process of gutting it right now. We're just trying to see if we can make any difference in space. Doubt it : /

August 18, 2010 at 1:07 PM  
Blogger Mary said...

I painted my guest bathroom black last year & I still love it. Instead of white tiles half way up the wall, I did white beadboard.
Check it out:
http://havenandhome.blogspot.com/2009/10/when-black-works.html

August 18, 2010 at 1:12 PM  
Blogger Mary said...

If it's been that way for three years, then I would completely go for a re-vamp!

August 18, 2010 at 1:21 PM  
Blogger Gray Skies said...

I think black walls are awesome! I've never painted any of my walls black, but it's tempting.

August 18, 2010 at 1:22 PM  
Blogger Chedva @Rooms and Words said...

I still love dark walls, especially for bathrooms, and I can see your point. Maybe a navy/cobalt? or aubergine? It can be really awesome.

August 18, 2010 at 2:36 PM  
Blogger Lissa Pierce said...

I like where you're headed....keep the walls black and add some pops of color with accessories. That will cure the itch you have for a change! Show pics when you are done!

August 18, 2010 at 4:00 PM  
Anonymous Maggie Rose said...

Another vote for keeping the walls but switching out some of the accessories. I think a pop of color like coral and some brass accents would look gorgeous!

August 18, 2010 at 4:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh you are so ahead of your time. :) I do like the black walls and thought about doing them in a jack and jill bath because the color would work with both bedrooms. I can see where you might get tired of it on a daily basis and you could keep all the other black and white touches and just change out the wall color but still, I like it a lot.
Pam

August 18, 2010 at 5:36 PM  
Blogger style chronicle said...

I know the feeling. No matter how fabulous a space is, we creative types crave change!

August 18, 2010 at 6:44 PM  
Blogger elisabeth (bovagoods) said...

i have a black half bath. it looks much like yours except that we have white beaded board wanescoting.

i love the look of the black walls but i felt like it needed I needed change too, so i just painted black chalkboard paint over it. it only took one coat since the walls were already black. it's a fun place to leave notes to each other and my children have fun drawing on the walls as well.

August 18, 2010 at 7:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't Paint! I love your black walls. I seriously thought about painting our master bedroom black, but backed out of it due to my incurable need to keep my partner happy :)

But in the end, everything will always be overdone. It's the nature of design. However, I think your bathroom is timeless and not trendy......

August 19, 2010 at 12:05 AM  
Blogger Stacy Rajab said...

I love the black. Yes, it is overdone, but not in the same way as your bathroom. I think black in a small space adds drama and can even fake the viewer into thinking the room is larger than it is.

August 19, 2010 at 12:33 AM  
Anonymous maria Mrasek said...

hello, I love the black walls but don't love the all b&w accessories, and don't really get why there are plates hung in a bathroom...maybe I am too logical? I think a few perfect pops of color is certainly needed. Way to tune out the nay-sayers and go for it! Did you have that Oh Lord what have I done feeling before it was done?

August 19, 2010 at 1:16 AM  
Blogger Rhiannon said...

Im all for the black walls, maybe all you need is another splash of color in there something bright like red or yellow.
I totally can relate because we painted our bedroom chocolate brown with tan and white accents, soooo tired of it and i added some lime green in the mix and poof thats all I needed to make me love the color again. Good luck

August 19, 2010 at 2:08 PM  

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