I removed wallpaper from a large 1/2 bath. I have black ceramic tiles with gray grout and that black rubber stuff instead of floor boards that appears to be cemented to the wall - I can't get it off. Anyways, I was thinking of painting the walls a sage green. I'm of the traditional style in taste and I love warm colors. Black isn't a warm color so it really has me befuddled. The tile has a marble-ish design with gray and the tiles are diagonal. This tile goes into my entrance and main hallway. I was going to paint the hallway a yellow beige. Would sage walls look good with black tiles? Oh, the 66 inch long vanity is also black. Vanity cabinets are walnut (old and ugly - I want to paint them too).

I happen to be very partial to black and sage green together and have used it in design projects before. Can you share picture of the room?

That's good to know! People say they like the idea but I can't tell if they just trying to be nice. I don't know how to add a picture to this forum. Please tell me how and I'd be happy to add a pic.

Welcome. Personally speaking, I prefer a more olive green (hue value need not be super dark tho) teamed w/ black. In any event, both are neutrals so it shouldn't be a problem. Do factor in contrast to cabinetry and the room's lighting. Keep in mind too that metallic finishes like light fixtures, knobs, faucet and mirror frame sparkle or gleam like jewelry against a rich wall color.

A variation on the sage/olive green would be a yellow-green, like a soft chartreuse. You say you like a traditional style, and that must a challenge with what sounds like very 70's-80's black tile and finishes.

Here's an inspiration picture I found that is decidedly traditional/cottage with a two-tone yellow and green palette plus lots of black veined tile. Perhaps this scheme could work for you.

I love this!

quote:

Originally posted by mersek:
I love this!

Good luck!

Once again, I want to say that you should test out any color you are thinking of using. Get a tester of the color and paint it on a big sheet of poster board. Hang that in the space and observe it in the daylight, and at night with artificial light. Color can be elusive and it can change surprisingly with the light, and with color reflected from other surfaces. The only way to deal with all of that is to test out the color before you make a final decision and buy the paint.

black and yellow,Country French
black and gold, Empire
black and red, Regency
black and turquoise, Biedermeier
black and white,Tudor
black and malachite, Baroque

all traditional,all beautiful.

Great info from everyone! Thank you all so much. I plan to do the swatch test and I'll post a picture of the before and after when its done.