Black Paint and Grasscloth Wallpaper

By Heather @home_modern

So it actually all started with this image from Mad Men.

Not this picture but, what it shows (see red arrow)–the grasscloth wallpaper contrasted with the black door that I kept loving every time it showed up in an episode.

I really want to do a natural colored grasscloth wallpaper in our den to warm it up, and would love to paint out the built-ins (shelves and cabinets in all) in black. Right now it looks like this–some things have changed, but you get the idea.

We get lots of light in this room, so I’m not worried about it somehow making the room “too dark,” plus I really want it to be more cozy and cocoon-like. Great for cuddling up for a movie. Julia at Pawleys Island Posh just did a great round up of black bookshelves here (I hope she goes for it!). This one is one of my favorite inspiration photos she used.

I’m finally breaking out of my all-over cream walls phase and think these changes to the den would really make it pop, but in a timeless way.

What do you think? Other suggestions? I don’t want to paint just the backs of the shelves white since I don’t want them to get too contrast-y within themselves.

Happy weekend!

XO,
Heather