Be Inspired No. 90 - Matte Black Interiors

Hygge happens in matte black. This Danish word, whose closest English translation is "comfort", is one feeling we need to get back to in our homes. Disregard trends, revisit what makes you feel comfort. You will be pleasantly surprised to find it isn't just the furniture - it's the layers.

We already know the elegance of black, the simple chic of black, and the timelessness of black. What I love of about black is the calmness and harmony it can provide in our living spaces. Using matte black raises these qualities; black doesn't need sheen to shine. The subtleties of matte black are warm and relaxing.

A room that is designed well is one that has a color palette that creates the feeling the homeowner wants to achieve for their lifestyle; has the fine touch of layers. Matte black is a perfect compliment to a neutral color palette and is handsome on a variety of surfaces. Wood, brick - even the hardware. 

To keep the matte black interior timeless a neutral color palette suits best. However, if other colors meet your present lifestyle, rest assured that if the matte black is chosen for the architectural features of a room, the other colors can be changed as your tastes and lifestyle evolve.

Wood surfaces in neutral finishes sing with matte black! Lighting with natural material shades wink at you in a space with matte black. Fuzzy throws belong, area rugs on top of hard surfaces compliment, organic accessories play to the calmness and artwork becomes defining.

I go back to the mention of the feeling of calmness in a space with matte black as I find that to be the most important factor in a room, after comfort. Calm, serene, harmonious. Done right, matte black delivers.

Whether you choose to paint your walls, trim, doors, fireplace or a bit of each - matte black is that "I finally found what I was looking for." Matte black becomes that "I'll know it when I see it."

Matte black interiors will be that outfit you add to and then pull back on some of the embellishment, because it doesn't need much. Be careful, with a keen eye on the layers - a matte black room isn't meant to holler "look at me". It, instead is a wonderment. 

 

Be inspired to consider if matte black is what you have been striving for all along. Welcome to contentment.

Resources: House Beautiful, Apartment Therapy, Restoration Hardware, Pinterest, Country Living, Instagram.

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 61 - Lighting Design Plan

One of the most overlooked renovation projects, in one's home is a lighting design renovation. The hardwired lighting fixtures are not timeless and can date a home. We seem content to flip the switch and light up a room, but often ignore the fixture that is providing the light source. 

Besides the technology of lighting evolving, the style and function of hardwired fixtures change with our lifestyle, likes and dislikes.

So where does one begin with a lighting design renovation? A good interior designer who partners with you to develop a lighting design renovation plan and will ask questions to help find solutions to how you and your family use the spaces in your home. This will lead to changes of possibly adding more lighting, changing the layout of lighting, and considering future plans for each space so the lighting design plan keeps the future in mind.

As with all home design projects, a plan is important. We invest in our homes, doing so with a plan will prevent mistakes. A plan will show the end results even if you choose to do it in phases. Lumen, efficiency, LED, kelvins, watts - all terminology that is part of a lighting design plan, and important factors to consider while developing a plan.

So take a walk through your home (don't forget the outdoor lighting walk too)! Then call for an appointment with your interior designer to do the lighting walk with you. Sit down and share your ideas, challenges, and problems with your current lighting. Then let your designer work their magic!

This will be one of the most exciting renovation projects you will complete! 

Resources: Instagram, Pinterest, 

Well Dressed Home No. 64 - Christmas in Black & White

Glistening snow, flock laden evergreen branches, gatherings of family and friends...tis' the season. A season filled with traditions old and new. This year I'm thinking of a sophisticated, timeless - yet simplistic holiday decoration color palette. Christmas in black and white.

If you are a frequent reader of this blog you know I love black painted interior doors and stair treads and this Christmas palette would be a lovely compliment. Haven't taken the brave step towards painting those doors and treads yet? No worries - Christmas in black and white could still be a new tradition for your home. 

The contrast between the black and white color palette and evergreens is striking. And the shimmer of gold or silver is the glitz that makes this combination sing like your favorite Christmas carol.

Be sure to incorporate your everyday home accessories - they don't need tucked away. A white compote is a perfect spot for greens and candles. That large white serving bowl would be delightful with greens and a spilling of ornaments. The mirror in your hallway is a great place to feature a holiday swag of greens, branches, and a great patterned black and white ribbon.

If there ever was a better Christmas color palette to fit a perfectly flocked tree - black and white certainly is it. Be natural with how you apply the flocking effect to your tree - it should be as beautiful as your outdoor evergreens after a freshly fallen snow. 

Some dream of a larger bedroom closet, and yes I am one of those people. But the home dream closer to my heart is a dish closet or butler's pantry. I love to mix and match china and a black and white Christmas color palette lends itself to this love well. Black and white china and dishes with pattern, seasonal etching, texture and shape aren't difficult to find. Add those black and white decorated cookie treats to these pairings and the holiday meal is complete.

Wreaths indoors and out reflect the simplicity of this Christmas color palette, though a lush spray of garland and swags won't hinder this reflection. The contrast of neutral colors against the greens is crisp as the winter air. So take it where you heart delights. 

Just like any color palette, your personal style is not defined by the combination of color - Christmas in black and white is at home in tradition, transitional, as well as modern rustic or modern contemporary home designs. 

Comfort and joy can definitely be found with Christmas in black and white. Joyous noel!

Sources: House Beautiful, Country Living, Pinterest, Instagram, House with Silver Lining, Life on Virginia Street, eab design, One Kin Design, Ballard Designs