Black Paint Magic Makeover in the Kitchen

Our “Black Paint Magic Makeover in the Kitchen” turned into quite the magical transformation, even more so than expected. I admit that I was a little nervous about the lighting in the room, and how things might disappear on the double dark built-in shelves. Surprisingly, I witnessed the exact opposite of what I feared. You see…the reflection off of the white shelves was actually blinding me at times, and the shelves seemed to take a back seat. I hope our full before and after makeover tour inspires you to give black paint a chance in your own home…are you ready?

Black Paint Magic Makeover in the Kitchen Before Photos

It was just a few months ago that I was a busy redhead decorating for Christmas in our kitchen which now actually doubles as a cozy mini-family room where we gobble our meals in a more casual atmosphere, by the fire. We absolutely love not having a big bulky table take up our lives, and have no regrets. However, removing the table made me see something I’ve never noticed before 😲. Take a look at the photo below, and maybe you can see how the fireplace and mantel look really “boxy” and stick out too much from the white shelves.

Once I noticed the “separation” between the mantel/brick fireplace and the shelves, I knew I had to do something to help it all flow better. In other words, I wanted one big cozy cohesive fire wall 😆. Before we get to that fire wall, check out this really old photo I took before we moved in, in 2009. You can clearly see all the gorgeous wood bones of the house.

Here’s another before photo after we painted the shelves a creamy white (see the white shelves decorated at the end of this post). Don’t get me wrong, I liked it for a few years. However, it was just time to take a risk, and get this gorgeous fireplace, mantel, and built-in shelves on the same page (View the other side of the kitchen with black cabinets and white cabinets here.)

Let’s Get this Black Paint Magic Makeover Started (Paint Tips Included)

Prepping for the big black paint project really didn’t involve much guys (primer is in the paint). I ordered the paint (see source below), and I convinced my husband to help me 😉. To be totally clear, we have black cabinets on the other side of the kitchen and they needed a few touch-ups, so he was busy doing that while I started the shelves. I was in my glory!

If you look close, you’ll notice I’m using a 2 1/2 inch high quality paint brush (source listed below), and gloves are a must for easier skin clean-up. In addition, the little painter bucket is more convenient to use than the can because it saves my wrists. What’s really nice is that it has a magnetic strip that holds the paint brush when I have to go pee 😊.

So did I make a mistake doing this??? The answer is, “No”.

The Black Paint Magical Transformation Coming to Life

I took the in-between photo above so you can see the difference in the glare of light on the white shelves compared to the fresh painted black. I was shocked and also intrigued with how my little decorations were showing up big time against the black paint. I was so excited to finish…let’s do this.

Black Paint Magic Makeover in the Kitchen Reveal

I admit I was absolutely shocked at how beautiful it turned out. What the heck took me so long to figure out how cool black shelves would look. Even one of my mom’s 3 paintings she did in the 80’s now had a prime location on these cool modern black shelves. I’ll be quiet so you can take a closer detailed look…

Decorating the Black Built-in Shelves and Mantel

I had such a wonderful time decorating these beautiful black shelves (did you notice how I removed 2 shelves on each unit?). I ended up have a little party all by myself 😆. The black painted back ground allowed me to bring out things I cherish, and mix and mingle decorating styles. I used a little bit of everything including Mid-Century modern, Bohemian, farmhouse, industrial, and basically a combination of things, photos, plants, and elements I love. No rules here, and it totally works.

Before I go, I want to point out how neat the “faux tapered candles” show their reflection against the black paint. I turn these on every single night without fear of a fire, or anything really. They seriously warm up the black paint, and set the mood for a cozy home. Oh, and bonus they come with a remote and timer. I actually just clicked them on from the comfort of the sofa while I write this post to you.

I hope you enjoyed the transformation…next up is a super cool neon sign!

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BLACK PAINT

MY FAVORITE PAINT BRUSH

BLACK POOF BALL (STOOL/SEAT)

FAUX PLANT

REAL PLANT ON COFFEE TABLE

FAUX TAPERED CANDLES

WICKER CHAIR: 1980’s Mom bought Pier One

COFFEE TABLE: SIMILAR

LIGHT FIXTURE

SOFA

GLASS BOTTLES/VASES

LARGE WHITE BASIN: POTTERY BARN 1995

GREEN CHICKEN

LARGE BLUE GLASS BOTTLE: CANADIAN FLEA MARKET

How to Update Bone Tile Bathroom with Black Paint

Thrift Store Rainbow Colored Glass Shelves

Christmas Santa Themed Shelves