I’ve always loved the look of a dark interior (I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to spaces and images that evoke that moody, intimate feeling), but when we moved into our loft two and a half years ago, I did what everyone does: painted every square inch white. At the time, it was an obvious step up from the glossy dark taupe that coated the walls from the previous tenant, but was it creative? Not so much.
Our apartment is completely open (think of your classic studio floorplan) with one curved wall that goes down the center and wraps around the corner to create our “bedroom” space. That wall also serves as our little home office, and I’ve always wanted to carve out that space somehow and make it feel like a room of its own. I thought it could be really fun to apply some kind of wallpaper or dark paint color to it, but when it came down to pulling the trigger, I chickened out every time… except for this time. When Pratt & Lambert invited someone from our team to put their paints to the test, I stepped up the the plate, and the finished product is more gorgeous than I could have ever imagined. Scroll down for the miraculous before-and-after…
*before photos by Laura Alexandra, after photos by Molly Winters
Ah yes, the “before” photo…
Our two-tone striped wood desk is a family heirloom, and though we love how unusual it is, it’s always presented a major design challenge. I think my big mistake was always assuming that “if you just pair it with a lot of white, it’ll look fine,” instead of really thinking about what would complement the piece.
Before we got our iMac, the grid of four framed photos above the desk made sense. But when we got the computer, it blocked half of the artwork, making the entire setup imbalanced. I knew it didn’t look right, but never got around to fixing it.
Behold, the “after!”
There are so many things about this new design that make the space work, but I think the real-game changer is this paint color — Stone’s Throw 28-18 by Pratt & Lambert.
I’d originally chosen a true black for this wall, but I’m so glad I made the last minute switch to this gorgeous dark gray shade. I love to observe the color changing throughout the day, and painting the baseboard helped keep the wall looking modern and clean.
I used Pratt & Lambert’s Accolade Interior Premium Paint & Primer. The paint went on so easily with only one coat and provided a luxurious finish that really adds to the space.
The rest of the walls in our studio-style space are still white. Having this wall a darker color instantly created an area that felt truly like a room of its own — something I hadn’t managed to achieve before, no matter how many different furniture arrangements I tried.
This Industrial Task Table Lamp in antique brass ended up being a much better fit than the polished nickel floor lamp we had before.
These floating shelves frame the space out perfectly, and now I can always swap out artwork and decor whenever I’m feeling bored of an existing arrangement.
I was also able to move our magazine holders up onto the floating shelves, which freed up desk space for pretty books and fresh flowers.
Some favorite plants and travel souvenirs on display.
And my favorite detail of all: this mid-century modern peach-colored chair. I scored it at the City Wide Garage Sale in Austin a month ago for only $50, and it serves as the perfect pop of color to tie the whole design together.
Gorgeous! Love the final addition of the peach chair. It’s amazing how a simple chair in a bright color can do so much. I have an orange industrial-style chair in my laundry room of all places. And every time I catch a glimpse of it or sit down in it to fold clothes, I smile.
I absolutely love this color scheme- it’s interesting and really speaks to me! I was wondering too, what is the name of the leafy plant on the floating shelf? Love it!
It’s a Philodendron Red Congo… it’s growing like crazy!!
Thank you, Chanel! Clearly I like philodendrons…I am noticing a trend that every time I love a plant it’s that! Too bad I can never remember them enough to identify them. Congrats on your recent nuptials!!!
That chair is SUCH a good find! I’ll have to make sure I go to the next sale.
Thanks gurl… shall we make it a date?!
Love the desk lamp against the colour of that wall. What a great accent piece!
The new color totally makes that desk shine. The rug, chair, and lamp are great; but the color and the shelves are the real winners.
I really like this as a contrast to super bright white minimal homes, I have a real hankering for a dark sage colour wall in my bedroom
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com
Do it, do it, do it!
I love this space! Just gorgeous:) do you mind sharing the macrame plant hanger source?
Thank you Allison! The plant hanger is this one from cb2: http://rstyle.me/n/b2metvn4xn
It looks so so good, Chanel! I love the change. Amazing what a little paint can do to transform a space. The new grey really makes the green plants and orange chair “pop”.
Love it! This is definitely inspiring the look of my soon-to-be decorated home office. I especially love the rug. Where is it from? It is just what I am looking for!
I, too, am wondering where the RUG is from. I love it!! I’ve been looking for some runners with this vintage-look!
It was a thrift find at a crazy good price! Check out estate sales and yard sales in your area, or eBay has a great selection too!
Just wanted to say how gorgeous this is! We chose a paint color very similar to this for my daughter’s nursery (want your kid to nap during the day? Don’t go for a light-reflecting pastel), and I’ve been wondering how to bring it into our main living areas, because I love it so much. Thanks for the inspiration!
Is there any other posts about this space? I really am wanting this style for my desk + bedroom but I can’t find any bedroom ideas like this!
Gorgeous!! Can you share the dimensions of this desk?
I’m so in love! Could you share the dimensions of your desk indeed? I seriously want one just like yours..
Hey. Ive a question about how you finished the wood. Did you stain it or paint it? I like the end result. Its a lovely piece
Where is that white textured planter from? Super cute. Love the makeover!