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Hey ya'll!
I am so excited about today's post! I love black so much. It's my most-super-favoritest (that's right, I did that) color. Ever. Most of the clothing in my wardrobe is black (although I'm trying my dangest to rectify this), my soul is a little black because I love super sad songs and super scary movies, my hair would be black if I didn't look gross any way but blonde, and I LOVE black in decorating. Lately everything I've been #pinning or falling in love with on #Instagram and #Facebook has a black wow focal piece. Or it's just completely black. So today, in honor of my forever nail color and ID tv shows that give me nightmares, I'm writing to you about #Black in #Design.
Black on the Exterior of a House.
The most traditional uses for black on exteriors, that I've seen lately, have been in the form of windows, doors, roofs and trim. I'm sure most of you have seen photos floating around of gorgeous white houses with white painted brick/vertical siding, and beautiful black windows. There is something so eye-catching about the stark contrast between the two. Here is a gorgeous home that Studio McGee, one of my favorite designers to stalk, has done from top to bottom.
This home even boasts a black roof and black shutters. See how it still manages to be a bright, and cheerful space even though so much of it is black? It's an incredible blend of old and new, east coast and west coast, opulence and simplicity... and I wish I lived there.
Here is another awesome example of what pops of black can do for a home's presence. This beauty was designed by Polsky Perlstein Architects and looks so impressive paired with natural cedar shake. Ain't nobody driving up this driveway thinking anything other than "Daaaaaaaang."
Finally, I love black siding. I know, I know: it's bold. If done right, black siding isn't bold in an Adam's Family sort of way; black siding is bold in a... well, subtle sort of way. Check out this modern farmhouse by A.D.D Concept and Design:
Black siding isn't just meant for ultra modern houses. I've seen it look gorgeous painted on wood siding, brick siding, and shingle siding as well!
I love how cozy, and quaint, and edgy (yup, all three) an all black house can feel nestled in some gorgeous landscaping, or paired with a bubblegum pink door! Pitter freakin' patter, my heart!
Black in the Interior of a House
Now here is where I get super, duper stoked. I have come across so many beautiful, and inspirational photos lately. It's hard to only pick a few and talk about some of the ways you can incorporate black into your home's interior decorating. I want to pick them all but that is very Elvira-ee and we don't want anyone taking the sprayer to their home with Onyx paint inside. So, here it goes: some of the black interiors that have inspired me the most, and that I think you, at home, can try (and still like me) if you're building, renovating, or just DIYing!
Windows, Doors, and Trim:
These windows and doors add a sort of artistic elegance to the simple white spaces pictured. The windows in the first photo,from Cusimano Architect, exemplify the idea that if your home is a work of art, with attention to detail (that is a stinking hallway), then you don't need to spend so much money covering it up with art pieces, decor, textiles, etc.
Doors and Trim:
These pictures give me the sweats. These two decadent, old homes were transformed by black. Neither the trim nor the door fade in to the background like they would with a simple paint job. Now, you can't help but notice their details and if there were major imperfections they are hidden by the dark paint. The rest of the trim in both homes are left untouched, and that. just. melts. me.
As you all know, I am a painting fool. I've purchased so much paint in the last few years, so I'm naturally intrigued by black as a painting trend. I convinced one client to paint their office ceiling in a shade of black with a hint of green this year:
There is nothing dark and sinister about that room. In fact, it looks lighter and brighter than it did before and it has an entire surface area painted in the darkest paint color I could find. Almost. Here are some inspirational black walls, ceilings, built-ins, and Shiplap from farmhouse, to eclectic, to gothic style! Notice how the use of black works in any room!
Painted Walls and Ceilings:
I love all of these gorgeous spaces, but one in particular jumps out at me! The gothic/eclectic dining room from The Makerista is so cool. They literally painted that entire room black which somehow completely works with their ultra modern buffet, super traditional candlesticks and chandelier, and farmhouse chairs. They broke all of the "rules" and I want to eat dinner with them.
Painted Built-ins, Shiplap:
How dramatic are these rooms? Just because they are painted black, doesn't mean they are dark and scary. Moody? Yes, I'll give you that adjective. These rooms have a lot of personality, and they aren't going to be loved by everyone -- that's probably why I do!
Tile and Baths:
I have been losing my mind over black tile and black bath tubs lately. There is something about a gothic pop in any room that makes me feel like something Samuel L. Jackson would say; BUT, there is something-super-something about a gothic pop in a bathroom or a kitchen.
Look at all of that black, gold, and wood! I love how most of these designers went with dark grout and other black elements for a really bold look. They toned down the industrial nature of the black with wood tones and metallic. I have the sudden desire to watch Scarface.
Kitchens:
I am so excited to talk about the use of black in kitchens! We've been researching and brainstorming what our future/forever home is going to look like and black keeps becoming the one color (or void) I keep coming back to. We've finalized building plans (yes, I will show you!) and we're constantly looking for inspiration so ask me in two months if I hate black and love some color on the wheel.
Over and over it seems I fall in love with kitchens that have white base cabinets, white counter-tops, and black glassed-in uppers. This is not something I ever would have come up with -- I've got to give props to the genius that is Nicole Hollissf. She is a master at her craft and it shows when you have something so out-of-the-box and yet so timeless. The first kitchen is hers. I cannot for the life of me figure out who the second belongs to. The third kitchen is so beautiful but the backsplash, cabinet shape, and two-tiered island are a bit more traditional than is my style. What do you think?
These spaces are so edgy and modern and the black doesn't hurt your eye balls. It makes your eye balls so happy. I love the contrast, as usual with black and white, and I'm struck by everything down to the styling in these photographs. These are dream spaces, folks.
Tell me those two kitchens aren't the most beautiful take on industrial? I love how the black counter-top, back-splash, and sink combo in the first picture actually mellows out the space and breaks up the wood. The steel beams in the second photo look amazing with an all black kitchen under them. Loving all of the gold paired with these blacked-out spaces. Oh-la-la.
Finally, this is the butler's pantry of my good dreams. This is the pantry to end all pantries. It is impeccable, and I want to be best friends with the Forest Modern so I can eat snacks in there and make coffees on her built-in coffee maker. How is it that a narrow butler's pantry can have all-black cabinets and still feel so airy, so bright? I.want.it.
Every inch of this space is beautiful. I particularly love how they broke up the black with bright white, and custom open oak shelving. The large gold pulls also take the shaker cabinets to a new level. I love everything about this space!
I hope everyone is as inspired by these designers as I am. Even if you won't go as bold as an all black exterior, maybe you'll be able to incorporate some of this trend into your future design plans. I know I sure will!
xoxo
Blalyssack
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