Unconventional Intervention: PAINT IT BLACK!

Published: May 4th, 2015

When a home sports a view as magnificent as the one from a client’s apartment in Chicago’s iconic Lake Point Tower, interior design takes an unexpected turn. Why not frame the view instead of trying to compete with it?

That calls for something unconventional.  A monochromatic palette of off-black for all of the finishes sounds scary, but the effect is sexy and enticing.  Off-black wallcovering from Elitis for the main walls and Pierre Frey for the structural columns, along with Benjamin Moore Mopboard black paint, will blend with the black window mullions that separate the floor-to-ceiling windows.  Like matting in a picture frame, these will set off the “art” of the panoramic view.  Since we’ll also be using sculpted furniture that mimics the sensuous curves of the exterior walls, shades of black will focus the eye on the forms.  Think rich black leather for a shapely de Sede sofa. Accessories like sculpture, paintings and some luxurious Cassaro throw pillows will pop against these finishes as well.

And here’s a bonus: As our client is a lifelong audiophile, the scheme will nicely camouflage her surround sound speakers, flat screen TV and other audio equipment. Here are the details of the finishes for our unconventional intervention, with thanks to some of our favorite vendors.