Black Doors…..Dark, Rich & Inviting.

Introducing a little black magic on doors creates a look that is sophisticated, dramatic and seductive…..  
Elizabeth Kimberly Design

FRONT ENTRANCE:  Something about approaching a classic black entry door that exudes a timeless elegance.  Black front doors offer an array of options, whether contrasted against brick, stone, or surrounded by neutrals, perhaps accented in pewter or brass, and even lovingly adorned for the holidays imbues a welcoming sense to a home. 
 
Image Left: Glossy black front door of a three-story Georgian-style house in San Francisco Designer Ken Folk  House Beautiful       Image Right: Martha Stewart Living 

  Though it is just a hint of the door, visualizing this fabulous entry is not hard to do.  Windsor Smith’s East Coast stunning traditional entry is traditional elegance without the fuss.   House Beautiful

FOYER:  Mixed with classic details or even when infused with a little rustic elements, a black foyer door complements it’s surroundings in a pleasing way.
 
Photo Left: Flawless foyer with high gloss black front door, marble inlay floor, Greek key trim roman shades and a Benjamin Moore Palladium Blue ceiling,  From Coco Cozy Atlanta homes magazine Photo Right: Simplified Bee

   
Image Left:  A high-gloss black front door is the perfect contrast for the colorful and rustic elements of this entryway.  A stained-glass transom window, star-shaped pendant light, colorful floor rug and pair of antlers adds a whimsical vibe to this small but charming room.  House & Home    Image Right:  Apartment Therapy

  "Black is the queen of all colors." It's dramatic and intense.  Black stretches the perimeter.    ~Windsor Smith 

I  personally can’t think of a room that they don’t look fabulous. Stunning in the:
LIBRARY:
   Darryl Carter  Elle Decor 

BEDROOM:

Photo Left: French doors, a round gilt mirror and an elegant black and white color scheme make this bedroom the epitome of boutique-hotel chic House & Home Photography: James Tse     Photo Right: Attached versus opening, these antique Bordello doors make for a striking headboard  Darryl Carter via Elle Decor 

DINING/KITCHEN: 
Dramatic stylish black glossy pocket doors accented in white trim detail. Peter Pennoyer

 
Left Photo: Windsor Smith House Beautiful “When you walk into that room in the daytime, your eye goes straight outside”Windsor Smith.   Black definitely does that, it frames the view, makes the outdoors pop.  
Image Right:  McGill Design Group, Canadian House & Home

MASTER SUITE:      Darryl Carter via Elle Decor 

As well as……EXTERIOR/BACK PORCH/DECK: Sleek, black wicker chairs and cube tables add dramatic flare to this outdoor lounge space and coordinate with the painted doors and trim.   House & Home Photography: Donna Griffith

Kriste Michelini Interiors

Next up, I will be showing you how fun, gorgeous, eye popping backdrops black entry doors make for holiday decorations.

xo
Laura

Round, Mirror, Mirror…..On The Wall

Before we get into mirror, mirror on the wall…… :) I am just back from a fantastic fun filled but exhausting in a very satisfying kind of way trip to the Fall Furniture Market, High Point, North Carolina.  Attended with my BFF, the ever so talented, lively, loveable, Gloria De Lourdes Blalock of Blalock Interiors.  In my opinion there is never a better way to experience market than with this amazing woman. 
Besides perusing a lot of new fantastic merchandise, I also had the pleasure of seeing some old & some new friends.  Having the opportunity of meeting some awesome peeps from the blog world in person for the first time…..(way cool!).   Including, the fabulous Maria Killam who writes the coveted blog, Colour Me Happy.  The radiant Lauren Leiss from Pure Style Home.  The striking beauty and brains behind the exciting new publication Rue, Co-Founder and Editor in Chief, Crystal Gentilello, who also has a fantastic blog, Plush Palate.  As well as the admired and fabulous Jennifer Sergernt of DC By Designs. 
 
Also to my delight I again was able to see my idol, the much admired absolutely gifted talented and stylish, Mr. Barry Dixon (and yes, I look that dorky in every picture with him, I get so giddy when in the presence of that fantabulous man).  The very funny (I was laughing pretty hard during our encounter) entertaining and lovely, Alexa Hampton.  As well as the sharp and adorable all rolled into one, fashion designer of homes, Mr. Barclay Buttera.  Last, but not least, the magnificent lively inspirational Mr. Eddie Ross.

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And yes, if you are observant (notice my same outfit), this happened all in ONE day/evening! :)

NOW, onward, to……the subject at hand….

Sometimes, I mean, most of the time when we are looking for something in particular it doesn’t seem to be there.  Then, when you are not looking, or had given up hope, or found that something already, then you tend to notice more of them, and poof, there they are.  One of the things I seemed to be attracted to this market (trust me, there were many) were round shapes, that endless/infinity circle of love, or so it is in my mind, like round mirrors. 

For example: The exceptional quality handmade mirrors crafted in the Good Ol’ USA (since 1970!) from Carver’s Guild.  All their stunning mirrors (over 400 of them!) are made on site in West Groton, MA, with most styles are available in optional finishes.

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Here are some magnificent examples of how round mirrors can add that something special to a space, either alone, grouped together, small or large……endless possibilities.  
Kelley Proxmire, Kelley Interior Design

McGill Design Group

 Max & Co.  Phoebe Howard 

        
Westbrook Interiors                

   Liz Williams                    

McGill Design Group

Kay Douglas, photo: House Beautiful

Frank Babb Randolph photo: Gordon Beall                                   Kelley Proxmire, Kelley Interior Design

There were also these fabulous round mirror sconces in two different finishes and sizes from Circa Lighting.  LOVE!

This was just one inspirational element out of oodles that I saw.  Designing, it’s all in the details.

Chandeliers in the Bathroom II

The question of whether chandeliers are a good option in the bathroom is over!  After posting on this very same topic (here) some time back, it seems that some were wondering the same thing……well, wonder no more, the verdict is out……They look fabulous in any style of decor….see for yourself.  

   Better Homes & Gardens Kitchen & Bath Ideas  The elegant shape and crystals of this graceful chandelier fit perfectly with the stunning wall panels and marble tile floor.

CANADIAN HOUSE & HOME   Vintage fixtures and a pedestal tub set the traditional tone of this soothing and elegant bathroom with an antique chandelier that completes the look. Built-in cabinets recycling old leaded windows from elsewhere in the house were used to create the doors.   Photography: Angus McRitchie  Room design: Julie Charbonneau

    
This gorgeous home, which left me breathless when I first gazed upon it, was introduced by Erin at House of Turquoise.  The stunning home is one of her readers, Desiree Ashworth who has an inspiring blog full of French, Gustavian and Belgian decor, Decor de Provence. This lovely home is in Provo, Utah and the incredible photography from Ashlee Raubach.

photo from: Material Girls:  This Master Bath is nice, simple calming & luxurious.  Perfection.

Rabaut Design Associates   The master bath’s pattern to the mosaic floor is not only beautiful in it’s design, but also the variety of colors enable it to coordinate with many different color schemes. The crystal chandelier adds an elegant touch to the simplicity of the tub and shower tiles, making this space feel both classic and modern. (Photo credit: Chris Little)

 Jessica Lagrange Interiors.  I just adore the milky color of the crystals on the chandelier.  Wood floors and subway tiles add that timeless appeal and the contemporary wall sconces add pizzazz to this beautiful space. 

Liz Levin Interiors created a classic styled soothing retreat using a relaxing color palette and timeless materials.

as seen @ Two Girls With Great Taste

Dana Lyon Photo: House Beautiful
The whole idea for this space was to create a sanctuary (success if you ask me).  The focal point of the bathroom is the fabulous soaking tub that overlooks a lovely walled garden. You can lie there in absolute privacy and enjoy the fabulous light and the beautiful plants….

  Ashley Whittaker Design  With the use of a lantern in this traditional bright space filled with great storage makes it a fabulous retreat.

Barry Dixon adds a touch more romance in this dreamy bath with the perfectly chosen gorgeous ornate lantern.

Rustic and Refined….perfectly complemented and pulled together in this inviting bath by McAlpine Tankersly.  Don’t forget to bring the bubbly.  Photo by Peter Vitale

Canadian House & Home Designed by Jill Kantelberg
A Persian carpet is an unusually luxurious choice for a bathroom, but stands up well to wear and tear.  An antique wrought-iron chandelier from Europe illuminates the tub area.

  Amy Morris Simple, elegant, clean and fresh, what’s not to love about this master bath she designed for her parents in Atlanta?  The stylish master bathroom’s dark vanity and mirrors contrast nicely with the Calcutta gold tile.   Photo: Traditional Home

  CANADIAN HOUSE & HOME  A glittering light fixture and streamline tub and faucet add dramatic contrast to this traditional ensuite.  Photography: Ted Yarwood 

No matter what your design style is, working in a fabulous chandelier into the space that we begin and end our day in is definitely a possibility.