Lenny Kravitz's somber living room color exudes curated cool – I thought I was over the controversial shade until I saw his Paris apartment

I have a confession: I hate when designers paint walls black. I've always found it much too dark, serious, and think it often makes a room look much smaller. However, perspectives can shift, and Lenny Kravitz's Paris apartment has completely changed my mind on the paint color.

The musician's black living room is a masterclass in cool. It is full of art and artifacts including works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Paul Evans, and Andy Warhol. French doors open onto an intricate balcony, beneath which the singer has positioned his record player and impressive collection of records. The space includes storied leather armchairs and a low-wood coffee table for a sense of heritage. All of this is backed by my former worst nightmare: black walls.

Black paint with a slight sheen has been applied all over the traditional Parisian millwork. To my surprise, I absolutely love the way it looks. The black walls create a chic backdrop for the art, and the slight sheen means the gallery lamps cast an enchanting glow over the works. The large window offsets the potential darkness of the color. Rather than making the room 'too dark,' it leans into the warmth of the darkness for a cozy and cocooning feel.

The Black Living Room Edit

Black walls have always been polarizing, and Lenny Kravitz's dark living room idea is evidence for the proposition. Several things make the look work. First, it has been applied over designed walls, so it's not just a flat sheet of black. The wainscotting gives it texture and depth. Second, the black walls have been paired with cozy interiors to match. Kravitz's stacks of curated clutter bring a wamrth and personality to the black walls that creates a chic atmosphere. Finally, the black paint is paired with a large French door window to contrast its darkness.

Looking at this space, it's clear that design rules, preferences, and preexisting assumptions can only be a jumping off point. When used in the right way, you might find you suddenly like a style you've never liked before, or decide to break a cardinal design rule. Just like the world around us, our tastes are constantly evolving.