Jeannie Mai Jenkin’s Black Accent Wall Makes Everything Pop

If you’ve ever considered adding darker colors to your home, take some inspiration from Jeannie Mai Jenkins. The host of “The Real” recently took to Instagram to share a humorous video with her mom, and it was hard not to notice the eye-catching black wall backdrop.

In the clip, Mai Jenkins can be seen at a countertop eating food with her mother, and the pair split a paper towel in half (a great tip that’s eco-friendly and saves money) as a voice over says: “Tell me you’re Mama Mai’s daughter without telling me you’re Mama Mai’s daughter.” And behind the mother-daughter duo is the standout living space, largely due to the black wall.

Incorporating a black wall or two into your home may seem scary, but this classic hue is a simple yet striking way to keep your space looking sleek. Mai Jenkins’ dark wall allows the rest of the room to pop, contrasting against the all-white shelving, cabinetry, and fireplace.

Whether it’s a black feature wall, like Mai Jenkins’, or an all-black room, traditional black living spaces are timeless. Just like black clothing, this classic color will remain relevant for years to come, so a decade down the line, your space will be as trendy as ever.

If you’re not ready to commit, try temporary peel and stick wallpaper can give professional-looking results for a fraction of the price. Easy to apply and switch out, it’s the ideal way to test out a darker wall, and the options are endless. A solid black peel and stick paper will keep things looking sleek, while a marble-patterned wallpaper will add depth and style to any room. Or, if you’re feeling particularly bold, a botanical print stick-on wallpaper will do the trick.

Finally, if you’re not feeling black walls, another great way to bring the hue into your life is to accessorize with black lighting and planters, among many other things.

Welcome to the dark side!