Thursday, February 5, 2009

Enter in Style.....

Entering through the cottage front door you are greeted by this
WELCOME sign ~
"Be Warm, Be Welcome, Be at Home"

.................AND, guess what I'm planning for this rather small space where slivers of wall are tucked between several doorways and stairwell..............something I would only do where the walls ARE minimal. I'm painting with the deepest darkest shade of charcoal. The grey black of hematite. The shade of darkest grey before it deepens and becomes true black. The black of night without clouds or bright moon, the black whose only light is the pinprick of a silver star. Perhaps you think this color a bit daring. Even 'over the top'. Maybe somewhat crazy. But think about it. Small areas adjacent to the palest grey walled dining room. The items shown above should pop against the darkness. So I'll try it with that old thought at the back of my mind......."it's only paint, you can always paint over it". DH thinks it will be a 'black hole'. That visitors will trip, lose their way!


My 'inspiration room' is the little hallway at La Madone, the beautiful house I stayed at in Provence. This special corner was in the private area of the owners' home and I thought it just stunning. Black walls, stained woodwork, gold table and mirror, beautiful chandelier, and bust of a woman reading. So French, so elegant, so perfect in that little space.


See you in the velvet darkness, before the full moon.

What do you think of the idea? Have you ever painted a space black or almost black? Did you like it and live with it.....or grab the can of primer and cover it up again?

13 comments:

  1. Oooo I think it will turn out great, can't wait to see it done!
    Love that shelf by the way that looks like a roman column, cute.
    Linda

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  2. I've never used black. It is very daring. I can just see your husband wondering what in the world you are thinking. I bet he will love it when it's finished.

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  3. It always takes a while for the "menfolk" to come around, but I am imagining it as a very lovely spot. Very serene and elegant and just the right color juxtaposed with the pale silkiness of the lighter grey.

    Janet

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  4. Well, if I remember right, you have the mirrors, so this would be a wonderful look for you. I can't wait to see it when you finish. Have fun with your greys. LOL.
    Nancy

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  5. I think it will look very dramatic, waiting with bated breath to see photos!

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  6. I've painted walls almost every color except black (and of course the ubiquitous Navaho White). I think it will be great. My only thought is that the inspiration nook has qite a bit of "bling" going on--the gilt on the mirror and shelf and the crystal chandelier. The contrast between that and the matte black is very striking and dramatic. I too am looking forward to seeing the makeover. BTW-
    really enjoy your blog each morning.

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  7. I haven't used black - or even grey - but anything you do seems to have a magic all its own. AND you have a wonderfully poetic way of writing that I so enjoy ..........

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  8. I think that the picture is beautiful and that you should try it. It's a small space so if you don't like it changing it will be easy but I believe that you will like it:) I have been adventureous with colors in our house and have always been pleased with the result. I look forward to seeing the pictures!

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  9. If I had a small space, I would definitely try it. It adds a sophisticated touch. I'm sure it will look great! ~Lori

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  10. I always use a bit of black in the room. Never tried it on the walls.
    I like it,
    Rosemary

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  11. I think it would be...beautiful! So chic..so brave...and,if you need to write hubby a note, chalk would work! heehee

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  12. Colleen, funny you should say that because I mentioned to the painter that it looked amost like walls done in chalk board paint - which I've seen people using especially on a kitchen wall! But oh no, writing on these walls will be forbidden! It actually looks really nice and I'm pleased with the choice (color is 'Graphite'). Once I get things up on the walls it should have a bit of a wow factor! DH is on a business trip so won't see it until tonight - hope he's happy! I do think I need a more glittery light though - either a small hanging chandelier with prisms, or a standing crystal candelabra on the little table - that would give the space more 'bling'. Guess I'll be searching for something in the coming weeks!

    Thanks for stopping by - have a great weekend.

    Mary.

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  13. Hi Mary... I enjoyed catching up with you reading your last few posts... I can't wait to see the gray on the wall... you're right... it's so hard to find just the right color. I love painting a room... walls are just a huge canvas and you can change the entire feeling of the room with just the color!
    Glad you enjoyed Scarlett and Carol... I think I just needed a brain break or something last night when I ran across a link that took me to an exibition of Scarlett's dresses... and well, you saw the result!

    love your paint choices! Dixie

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