Stlye Board: Black Wall

Months ago Michelle (aka Mrs. Duckling) at Blissful Musings, told me about her design dilemma in her new apartment: A Big Black Wall in her bedroom. The previous tenants painted the wall black, so what could be a big fat YIKES moment, is really the jumping off point to a fantastic design challenge.

First, a picture of her space with the new bedding, canvas' and cute side chair:

I love that the room already has a color palette and uses varying patterns (which is very fashionable right now), so I set a few parameters for this room:

1. Make the comforter and the black wall look purposeful.
2. Be mindful of California earthquakes- aka don't hang heavy objects over beds.
3. Somehow introduce light and texture into the room to tie it all together.
4. Stay within the current color palette- whites, neutrals and teal.

All in all, I got so excited about this black wall 'challenge' that I went a bit over board and created five style boards for Michelle. As you can tell, the last two were just a chance for me to have fun in the space and think outside the box a bit.

#1: Framed.
Before I even saw pictures of the space, I thought empty frames would create a dramatic look against a black wall. It also means a fun DIY project- I'd suggest Goodwill for the frames and a high gloss spray paint. I also added some teal accessories to bring in an extra pop of color, some texture, and I contrasted the teal lamp with a white one to lighten and brighten up the room. (As you can tell in all of these style boards- I used contrasting lamps to kind of create a male and female side of the bed).

Frames. Lund Photography.

A. Crate and Barrel, Teal, $79. B. Crate and Barrel, White $129.

C. West Elm Throw, $39 (+20% off) D. West Elm Vases- $6-12.

#2: Bright and Light.
Once I saw the canvas' that Michelle already had in her space, I wanted to use them to create balance and again, bring in accessories to create light and texture. I love the look of white sheers- they allow light into the space, but keep it airy. I also thought that hanging mirrors behind the bedside lamps would allow the light to reflect around the room, and I just couldn't resist that owl lamp from West Elm.

A&B: Pottery Barn, Mirrors, $79-99. C. Crate and Barrel, Teal, $79. D. West Elm, $99

Pillows: CB2 White, $39.95 and Teal, 39.95. C&B, Sheer Curtains

Pillows CB2 White, $39.95 and Teal, 39.95.

#3 Balance and Texture.

I'll be honest, this is my favorite board. I love the two canvas' that Michelle already has, but with that big black wall- they need to make a larger impact- so why not hang three. Again, the sheers and fun contrasting lamps bring in light, and the Ikea throw and CB2 pillows bring in a lot of texture.

A. Target, $39.99 B. Pottery Barn, $99. C. Ikea Sheepskin throw.

Pillows CB2 White, $39.95 and Teal, 39.95.

#4: Metallic.
This space has a darker, more grown up feel, yet I think the reality of using the round mirrors behind the lamps- would make the space brighter. Plus, I wanted to give Michelle an option of not hanging anything above the bed, which meant using more dramatic accessories. I also used a heavy curtain to add to the drama.

A&B. West Elm Mirrors, Mosaic and White, $24-99. C. West Elm, $149.

D. West Elm, $149. E. Ikea Sheepskin throw. West Elm Pillow. Metallic, $34. West Elm, Curtains, $35-47.

#5: Nature: Wood and Fur.
Ok, here's where I go a little crazy. Again, this one has the same ideas as before- texture, contrasting lamps, but I went with a nature and fur theme. The cardboard deer head is so fun, and the four frames from West Elm are all on sale. I'll admit that the pillows would be a splurge, but they are just so fluffy!! In any case, I thought that the natural elements would create a cozy organic vibe.

A. West Elm Wall Art, Sale: $19.99 to 24.99 West Elm, Deer. $12. B. Bed, Bath and Beyond, $169. C. Target, $39.99 D. West Elm Throw, $39 (+20% off). West Elm Pillows. Fur $59-129.

Alright, that's how I would dress up a black wall to create a lighter, balanced space. And the good news, Michelle is on board. She's really digging the opportunity for a fun DIY project with the frames and I think she is just as in love with the Owl Lamp as I am.

Which style board do you like the best? Are you overwhelmed with all the options?

Need some style help yourself- email me at sugarspicelivin@gmail.com, and I promise to do my best in solving your design dilemma!