Painting My Bedroom Black for Metallica

When Metallica reached out about working together I knew this was an opportunity of a lifetime and I had to say yes. They asked me to help promote their new Blackened Whiskey and I was so pumped for this project. I redid my guest room to make a cozy relaxed space for my guests and also a temporary space for my other half’s instruments until I can make him a dedicated music room. Spoiler, music space coming soon.

Painting My Bedroom Black for Metallica

Once I realized this was really happening it was time to get to work. If you’ve been here for a while you’ll remember that the guest bedroom was one of the first projects I did in my house and it’s been 2 years since then, so the room was in desperate need of an overhaul. Trust my vision with this one guys it’s going to be rad. Here’s how I did it!

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Materials + Tools

Materials

Decor

Tools

Step 1: A Fresh Start

I started by removing all the furniture from the room.

Including disassembling the bed and removing everything from the walls.

When I did this room 2 years ago I did a lot of the heaving lifting as far as renovations go. So this first step was mostly just getting back to that blank slate. Of course, no project is complete unless you have to start with patching the walls.

Step 2: Painting the Bedroom

I swatched out some paint colors and instantly knew we were going dark and moody with this one.

I was mostly between this almost black paint and this lime wash on the right. But I decided since I was doing such a big accent wall that the lime wash pattern would just be too busy.

Once the patches were dry and sanded, and the trim and outlet covers were off the walls it was time to paint.

I was hesitant at first, wondering if I was crazy to go this dark on my walls.

Then I started to question if it was dark enough. But I realized it’s the perfect color.

I got to painting the ceiling, again questioning my sanity. Only to realize that I loved it.

Step 3: DIY Slat Wood Accent Wall

Instead of individually cutting each slat to make this accent wall I found these solid wood slat panels that are just shy of 4 feet tall (the perfect height for the wall) and with the felt backer I can hide some wires and easily screw the panels directly to the wall.

I cut a piece of trim for the bottom with my miter saw to give the panels a more finished look.

Then I installed the trim with a nail gun.

Pro tip, use a level before screwing the panel into the wall. But seriously, the installation couldn’t be easier.

I used a multi tool to cut through the felt as I cut the panels down to size.

The multi tool also came in handy for cutting around the outlets.

However, I cut the last panel to size with the track saw and this ended up being much easier than the multi tool.

I used this strip of LED lights to line above the slatted wall.

Then I cut the strip to length and tucked it into place.

I added trim along the top, first with a piece that I screwed into the wall.

Then I used brad nails to fix the accent trim to the anchor piece.

I couldn’t be happier with how it looks all lit up!

Step 4: Finishing touches

I installed some cabinets and attached them to the wall.

Then I added the cabinet doors.

I added these plug-in sconces to each side of the bed, they’re great little reading lights for my guests.

Next it was time to shut off the electrical to install the overhead light fixture.

I found this ceiling light at a West Elm Outlet store and I’ve been holding onto it for a bit. It turned out to be absolutely perfect for this room.

I finally decided on the look for the window shade and installed it.

The curtains were the next to go up.

Then all the little finishing touches went in, plants, bedding, the rug and a few baskets.

With that, this guest room was complete! It certainly deserves a few glamour shots.

I still can’t believe that I got to work with Metallica to promote their Blackened Whiskey. What a dream collaboration. This turned my guest room into the dark and moody room of my dreams, and if my guests don’t appreciate it, I’ll happily make them sleep on the couch and I’ll take this room for myself. It was definitely a risk to paint the whole space black, but I am so glad I went for it. Hope this inspires you to make some bold choices in your next DIY space!