BLACK WALLS

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PAINT YOUR WALLS BLACK

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Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

In an era of bright and white instagramable spaces (yes, we swoon over those too!) - we are think you should paint your walls black. It’s no surprise that I am a fan of dark moody spaces. I try to slide in some saturated color into a project every. single chance I get. So here are our top reasons why you should say yes to that darkest color swatch on the paint color fan deck.

1. MAKE IT COZY

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

A dark room (especially black) has the ability to wrap you in color and create a cozy inviting space that light colors simply can’t achieve. It’s almost like the room is opening its arms to you and pulling you in for a big bear hug.

2. BENEFIT FROM CONTRASTS

Lisa Gilmore Design | Native House Photography

Other colors will contrast and bounce off like you would’t believe, so the end result is actually bringing more life to the space.

3. BLACK IS SEXY

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

Everyone looks sexy in a black room. A black interior is flatering. Your skin tone will thank you.

4. YOUR ART WILL LOOK PHENOMENAL

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

Your art will look PHENOMENAL. It doesn’t matter if you are an avid fine art collector, pick up art from the thrift store, have only a few key pieces and a massive collection. Your art will sing on the dark moody backdrop.

5. NO NEED TO FEAR

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

It will not feel small, we promise. Okay - so a few factors do come into play with this promise. One, your ceilings really can’t be lower than 8 ft, and if they are, make sure you balance that dark wall with some of the following: light or bright area rugs and drapery OR light and bright furniture, also varying wood tones add interest to a dark space. (really, any space.) Additionally, if you don’t have a lot of natural light in the space, be sure to add ambient lighting through chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps and/or wall sconces

Lisa Gilmore | Roohi Photography

 

GO AHEAD, PULL THE TRIGGER ON THE BLACK PAINT.

There you have it, I rest my case. Hopefully you are now dreaming up which room (or maybe you should just go for it and paint your whole place black!) that you will tackle with this amazing color. And if you get a little scared, don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

With love & design-y dreams,

Lisa Gilmore

DESIGN PROJECT:: BOLD, ECLECTIC, & GLAMOROUS LIVING ROOM & DINING ROOM

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We are pretty lucky to work with really great people every single day. Seriously, it's true! What's even better is when we meet the perfect client that allows you to push them out of their boxes. When they trust us to show them truly how fun the design experience really can be! 

When I first met with this client, I knew we would hit it off wonderfully. Their family had recently moved down from NYC and were looking to bring a bit of flavor to their new South Tampa home. She came with inspiration from great sources like Lonny, Rue and Elle Decor.  Color, interesting textures, metals, and key pieces to provide a wow factor -- but a need to keep their growing family in mind. 

So let me walk you through the transformation of this stunning South Tampa residence, but first a little day of installation video for you to enjoy!

 

As you can see, we got really lucky. Our client let us be really dramatic with black walls and lots of bold colors. Yes, black walls. I was giddy. Honestly, I still get giddy when I think about this space. 

When you walk into the home, on the right is the formal living room and the left is the dining room. While the home is really beautiful throughout, these two rooms are my personal fav! 

black dining room - lisa gilmore design
unique edison bulb dining room lighting - lisa gilmore design

This ended up being a really fun table setting. Our client found these beautiful plates from Bloomingdales that we just couldn't resist. The blush glassware and simple candles make it elegant and whimsical. Then I found this fabric and just had to have them made into custom placemats. I was so thrilled our client agreed! 

colorful table setting - lisa gilmore design

At LGD we really love to find things that need a little love and turn them into beauties. These vintage Henredon dining chairs came to us a bit dated and beat up, but fear not. We took them to our local upholstery master and put a fresh coat of white lacquer and faux (and very kid friendly) leather. We love how they came back to us! 

repurposed vintage dining chair - lisa gilmore design

Moving across the foyer into the formal living room, we mixed beautiful blue velvets, zebra stripe and continued the chartruese green and magenta stripe drapery. You saw that drapery, right? Seriously. Swoon. Can't stop staring at it. 

Here is the hand rendering we presented to our clients on presentation today:

colorful interior design - lisa gilmore design

And this is the final outcome! We really love this part! 

colorful formal living room_black walls_eclectic style_lisa gilmore design

The fabric we found for the throw pillows really inspired this space for a starting point. We loved the different shades of pinks, magentas and greens. 

hot pink_pattern_mixing_pillows_floral_lisagilmoredesign
chic_colorful living room_lisagilmoredesign
eclectic living room_black walls_lisagilmoredesign
eclectic coffee table styling_lisa gilmore design

We have so much love for these spaces and are so happy that months later our clients still do as well. They are always telling us how much they enjoy these rooms. Complete with Sunday morning fancy waffle breakfasts with the kiddos in the dining room! 

Stay tuned for the second part of this home... a much lighter, brighter and airier feel in other spaces!