Black and White Builtins with Black Background

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It’s time for an update to our master bedroom! It’s been awhile since I’ve revealed the wall of custom builtins we did last fall, but I’ve been talking a lot about it on instagram over the past few months. Ever since I did the reveal something just didn’t seem right (shocking, this happens a lot!), but I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. I decided to take a risk and see what the builtins looked like with a black background. So let’s see the results and how I got to this point!

Black and White Builtins with Black Background

I can be al little indecisive from time to time, but one thing I am excited about is the decision to do something a little different and take this risk. I LOVE how they turned out.

I also tweaked the styling a little bit too. I wanted something a little more modern and minimalistic. I striped down all the previous decor and started from scratch, adding one thing back at a time and adding a few additional pieces. With the black background, I needed to use lighter colored pieces, anything too dark would get lost.

The Design Process

So how did I get to this decision?

Here are what the builtins looked like when I revealed them last fall. Don’t get me wrong, I think they were gorgeous then and this was on the largest remodel projects we have take on in this house, so I was pretty proud of the results and how it transformed our room. I loved them then, but over the past year I started to crave a change.

I didn’t want to jump right in and paint the backs of the builtins black. What if I hated it and then I was left with painted builtins and would have to repaint? What if the black competed too much with our big steel fireplace? I needed to come up with a way do a trial run with the black and find something I could remove if I didn’t like.

So I went on Amazon and found this black contact paper that has a subtle wood grain to it. It was only $20 for a large roll and I figure I’d rather be out $20 then making a permanent change to our basically new builtins that I didn’t like. But in the end I absolutely loved the change! It felt way more ‘me’ with the dark background.

Modern Built-in Styling

It feels so much cozier in here now and I really love how the black changed the look of the builtins. I love the rich color, the modern vibe and the way the pieces stand out.

I linked all the accessories from this space below so you can add a few new pieces to your shelves! Styling is hard and finding the balance is hard. But what I have found through this project is simple is better.

I stuck with more natural, organic feeling elements in here. And surprisingly, most of the items I found at either Target, on clearance somewhere or Walmart! Proof that a high-end look doesn’t have to be expensive!

And the beams on the ceiling are going up as we speak! I can’t wait to show you the full reveal of them!

Shop this space:

Here are all the pieces displayed on the shelves (and a few from how I had them previously styled). Also, if I couldn’t some of the item online, I linked to similar items.

About Taryn Whiteaker

Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.