Just trying to help - this photo has grey floor/ walls - if you paint your walls a blend with floor - try like they've done and add warm wood here and there:

Add some subtly shiny metal art pieces ? :)

I agree with you, I think the Barnboard would be too busy. I know a lot of people on here hate ship lap, but that is an option, painted white. What are your plans for the wall? Is it going to be the TV wall? If so, I would say leave it black! I think it’s a stunning contrast right now.

I live the black too!!!! very elegant and blends with the modern room.

Thank you for your advice, it's hard to let go of the barn board idea but you have confirmed that it just won't work with that floor. For that wall, yes we are thinking a tv and now maybe some country styled shelves. Shiplap is an interesting idea. To be honest I had to look it up. I also think the black wall looks surprisingly nice. If we went black with the wall, what color of shelving would you recommend (would white shelves be too much contrast or maybe grey or something with a natural grain )?

Hmmm depends on the style you are going for... black would look sleek, wood tones rustic, white more country? Though it also depends on how you style them!

I personally don't think your floor is that busy. I just think the room is looking chic and contemporary and not barn wood (of course I haven't seen what the rest of the house looks like.. what style?). I like shiplap too, but I am just loving the black, especially if you are putting a tv on it. I'm no designer (although I'm paying one and feel like I'm learning through osmosis!), but I think I'd love the tv on the black wall and then I personally think black wood shelves might be pretty too. I definitely wouldn't put white shelves on there. If you wanted to do something else, maybe a grey that is i the floor? I'm not sure!

Those visuals are great Bri.... I definitely like black shelves.. the natural wood that matches the floor is my second choice. I still don't like the white, but that's just me.

Different wood stains, and not all are rustic... you might like Ikea's type called ? brown-grey is it, and no knots of course. Bringing floor color up to shelving.

what about black shiplap?