Leslie Odom Jr.'s wardrobe uses a controversial color

In the world of interior design, black paint is a polarizing topic. The paint’s hue is bold and leaves a deep impact on any space where it is used. Although it can be difficult to achieve, black paint looks absolutely stunning when done right. Leslie Odom Jr.’s space, for example, is a masterclass in decorating with dramatic hues.

The actor’s dressing room, decorated by his longtime friend and fellow actor Griffin Matthews, evokes a warm masculine energy. The room combines black walls with a black leather sofa and black coffee table. On the floor, a jute rug brings texture and lightness to the room, calling on the raffia stool next to the sofa. Gold metals like a sculptural floor lamp and a display box on the coffee table reflect light, giving the room a brighter, more modern feel. The yellow and blue artwork on the wall and coffee table brings a touch of personality and fun to Odom Jr.’s space.

To unpack the lessons about decorating with black revealed in the actor’s space, we spoke with Jennifer Ebert, color expert and digital editor at Houses and gardens. The first thing she notes is how Matthews used texture. “Texture is the ultimate key to creating a warm space,” says Ebert. She continues: “The rug, cushions, plants and basket on the coffee table bring different textures, from tightly woven to more open. This adds visual interest and creates a wonderful contrast with the matte black walls.

Second, the room is full of contrasting colors. Ebert says, “Although Odom Jr.’s black walls look like pure black to the untrained eye, they actually have slightly blue undertones. Blue is a color opposite to yellow: that’s why the yellow picture on the wall, the yellow basket on the coffee table and the yellow shades of the jute rug look all the more striking on the walls. Incorporating color is always a good idea, and it seems especially clever when you take color theory into account.

Finally, the use of light confirms that this space is a designer-approved way to use black paint. “You can see natural light coming in from the left side of the room through the window-like reflections on the rug. This goes a long way in making the room look welcoming and elegant. The floor lamp produces a similar effect with a warm look. The gold hardware helps reflect light and keep the room bright,” concludes Ebert.

Buy the modification

If you want to recreate the look, Behr’s 2024 Color of the Year, Cracked Pepper, is a wonderful black paint with cozy charcoal undertones. The gold hardware, set into a sculptural lamp and display stand matching those of Leslie Odom Jr, brings a well-deserved lightness to the decor.

the behr 2024 color of the year black pepper paint

Behr Cracked Pepper Paint

A gray velvet cushion in the corner of a brown sofa

Decorative cotton velvet cushion

golden light

Just because black paint, or really, any shade other than white paint is harder to deal with, doesn’t mean you should be afraid. When we look at spectacular settings that make our hearts sing, that’s when the magic really happens.