Design that Reveals
Design that Reveals
Creativity is my love, interior design is my focus. Whether it be full service interior design, re-decoration or even online design through Design in a Box, I am passionate about all things creative. Here, I will share insights into projects, inspirations and what's going on in the world of design from Calgary and beyond. Would love to have you follow along.
my bedroom reveal May 10, 2011
publications: my home in avenue magazine Jun 14, 2012
exciting news! Jul 13, 2011
I have had a love of black patent for as long as I can remember. From a young age I have been influenced by fashion and now even more so with how it relates to interiors. I recently purchased a few new pairs of shoes, all black patent. You see, I just can’t bring myself to purchase a black leather shoe that is not shiny. Glossy black, whether in shoe form or otherwise just adds something, something that sparkles and adds a little more glamour to your day. Admittedly, I own a few of the accessories below and others are on my wish list. There is just something I love about an outfit with a fancy accessory!
Black patent shoes, boots or whatever else you fancy on your feet are classics for me with any ensemble.
What does this have to do with interiors, you ask? Similarly, I love an interior that has a sparkle to it. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not referring to the 80′s high gloss black that seemed to take over an entire room. You don’t need a lot. A little bit of fancy will go a long way. This coffee table with it’s lacquer finish adds a reflective quality that gives drama to the room alongside neutral furniture and hot pink accents. Image: DecorPad.
Left: I love black doors and with this bedroom in particular, the black and white colour scheme is simple yet so dramatic. A black throw on the bed balances the black doors and offers visual weight to the bed. Image: House and Home. Right: A striped detail on the wall is interesting, bold and graphic while the desk and accessories are so very simple. Image via designblahg on twitter.
Think of shiny black accents as the jewelry for your room. You may adorn yourself with jewels to complete an outfit, so why not add that same touch to your room?
Left: The mannequins at the J.Crew bridal store are glossy black, offsetting the pale shades of the garments with a modern elegance. Right: The hanging fixture in this bedroom is the jewel in the room, a stunning focal point that accentuates the ceiling height. Image: Better Homes and Gardens.
A great handbag is a must! You don’t need to limit black patent for only dressy occasions. It can be an everyday staple and one that adds the finishing touch to an outfit.
If you are daring enough, consider your kitchen as a place to invest in black. These cabinets are high drama, however the white washed edges soften the lines and marries well with the carrera marble counter top and back splash for an overall beautiful kitchen. Image via Marie Burgos Design Blog.
Not feeling quite so bold? It can be as simple as adding a side table or light fixture, but a little dose of black in a room offers tension (the good kind!) and an intensity that will really add to your room. Table: Image via Four Walls and a Roof. Pendant: Marcel Wanders Skygarden Pendant for FLOS.
Left: A simple, modern staircase where a black bamboo stick has been used as the railing. The black against the off-white is like a piece of art in and of itself. Source: Living Etc. Right: The artwork may not technically be glossy, however the glass reflection offers that same feeling and demonstrates that a neutral black and white room need not be boring. Source via Luphia Loves.
The black and white striped rug, and more specifically the black, is the anchor in this room. It makes everything harmonious adding just enough depth to allow the room to sing. Source: via damask_dentelle on twitter
So you see, my love for black patent goes beyond my fashion accessories. It can be that glamour, drama or small dose of something special within your space. As you can see, most of these images include a few black items which help to anchor the space and balance the room. Add a little or add a little bit more, but one thing’s for sure….any black in a room is a good thing. When it’s glossy black, I say it’s even better.
Accessory sources ~ Shoes left to right: Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan Air Bacara Ballet Flats, Cole Haan Dalya Air Mary Jane, Whyred Laguela Boot, Michael Michael Kors Bayville Loafer. Jewelry left to right: Stella and Dot Bloom Flower Ring, J.Crew Chain Gang Bracelet, Tahitian Pearls similar to shown from Birks, Stella and Dot Sophia Cluster Ring. Handbags left to right: Kate Spade Summerville Jenkins Black, Tory Burch Logo Embossed Continental Wallet, Burberry Black Patent Shopper, YSL Black Patent Hobo, Cole Haan Wristlet
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L.duncan Sep 1 2010 - 12:12 pm
I’m on a black thing right now. Of course I want black cabinets. I went as far as wanting to design my boys room with matte black walls with bright white trim! I’ve been talked out of it so chalkboard paint it is!
Lisa Sep 1 2010 - 12:20 pm
I love black and I try to have some in every room I do. I must also confess that I love black patent shoes – always have! I am in the process of painting my interior doors a charcoal gray/black. It’s going to look fabulous!
lesley Sep 1 2010 - 12:24 pm
great post, nyla! i love the mix of fashion + interiors, my two favourite things :)
i’ve been trying to convince my husband that i want to paint a few doors black for ages. i think i’ll start small and do the back of our front door, which, at the end of a little hallway, i think will add some nice punch.
Will Sep 1 2010 - 1:26 pm
That black and white striped wallpaper is singing to my heart, Nyla! Hope little one’s first day went well.
sharon Sep 1 2010 - 8:33 pm
Wow, LOVE! I love me some black patent…have a new pair (or two) every year ;-) Great job in interpreting that in to the home … always add a little black to every room. Another stellar post! Glad you’re back.
Kathleen Sullivan Sep 2 2010 - 1:20 pm
Hi Nyla
My fave item right now is my Franco Sarto black patent leather handbag! It really is gorgeous.
Now I just need to get my hands on those boots you show in the pic, to go with my 60s inspired black lacy dress (just above the knee, umpire waist, and bell sleeves), and the handbag.
love your posts…
yvonne Sep 5 2010 - 8:51 pm
great blog nyla….loved how you combined fashion and interiors and love the black!
Nyla Sep 5 2010 - 9:47 pm
Thanks everyone for these great comments! Seems I’m not alone in this love of mine :) !!