Colorways: In The Black

Here are some beautiful rooms that have a little (or a lot) of this power-statement color!

Notice that the back wall is actually paneled.  I think the black adds a serious, sophisticated touch.  Usually I don't prefer paneling but I think this style of paneling has a clean edge that I find very appealing.  

I think this room is SO sexy.  
The right person would have to live here in order for it to feel authentic, but if so, it would be amazing.

Atmosphere Interior Design

A little bit of green looks so good against all of the dark!

Nathan Thomas

I already admired inlaid mirrors, but in black I like them even better.

Lonny

This office has so much unique personality.

Made By Girl

I am going to paint the backs of some bookshelves black in my next

house...I think it sets everything off beautifully.

Gwyneth Paltrow Kitchen

Tyler Florence Kitchen via House Beautiful

I put these two kitchens back to back on purpose.

Until recently I don't know if I would have had the guts to do a black kitchen but this one is pretty incredible!  I'm thinking the key is that bright white, raised ceiling to balance out the black. 

What do you think makes it work?

Ralph Lauren

No one does tailored and beautiful better than Ralph Lauren.

 

Atlanta Homes Magazine

The black really envelops this room to make it cozier.

I think black is the perfect backdrop for all of these botanical curiosities.

Where do you like to use black?

Neutrals: What Makes Them Pop?

Neutrals are growing on me more and more these days...  I have taken a look at some of my favorite examples and highlighted what I think makes them amazing (and not a bit boring!). 

See what you think:

Elle Decor

That couch. Those chairs. That coffee table.

The sculpture for dimension and black to anchor the look.

I'll take the whole room, please.  And maybe the whole apartment, from the looks of it...

Of course the sketches caught my eye! 

Pierce

Something that really helps pull off a neutral room:  amazing floors and windows. 

New England Home Magazine via Home Bunch

The textures in this room are so impressive.
I'm loving the nail head trim, grasscloth wallpaper and, surprisingly, that peacock! 
Or is it a turkey?  Oh, my. 

via Effortless Style Blog

 More sketches and overall great art. 
Oh and sweet, lazy Labs always pull on my heart strings!  I guess that has nothing to do with the design but I do think there is something so homey about having a sweet dog curled up by the fire... 

(I'm ignoring the dog hair factor for now)

Santa Barbara Luxury Homes Magazine

Another great element for a neutral room:  a luxurious fireplace. 

El Mueble

The grays thrown in here are great...it brings a velvety texture to the room.

I like the mix of furniture in here - without that it might be blah, but with it:  stunning!

Slettvoll

 Greenery helps too...these images are from my new favorite store!

Frank Pontero

The lighting gives this room real flair!

Glenn Gissler Design

Very down to earth but still lovely, and a bit Belgian which I love for its quiet elegance.

Thibaut

Introducing elements of nature are always good. 

For more ideas about twigs and branches you can look here.

Canadian House and Home Princess Margaret Showhouse

This living room from the 2011 Canadian House and Home
showhouse has so many neutral, natural elements inspired by Ralph Lauren. 
I love the triple doors, the fire place, the mirrors, the floors...lots of beautiful ideas.
(Sorry for the big play button in the middle - pictures aren't yet available on their website.)
Click here to view the tour and if you do, don't miss the tour of the study too!

What do you think of these rooms? 

If you like them, what elements do you think makes them beautiful instead of boring?

Tropical Inspiration

Today I am dreaming off far away tropical beaches and the fantastic interiors that go along with them...the dark woods, white walls, textural fabrics and lush greenery add up to some pretty amazing spaces.

Would you like to come along with me to decorate a beautiful home in paradise?  If so, get your daquiri with the little umbrella ready!

I adore this room with its hints of Spanish, African,

Asian and - of course- tropical elements. 

It's a little bit of a lot of great things!!

Punta Cana Dominican Republic via Enchanted Home

Ballard Designs

These caned stools would work perfectly in a tropics-inspired space...

Lime In The Coconut

Ralph Lauren

Somehow Ralph Lauren can always effortlessly and beautifully combine

All-American with tropical.

via Ashley Rowe Blog

via Lime In The Coconut Blog

Source: tumblr.com via Carlo on Pinterest

Source: myfirstlittleplace.blogspot.com via Christina on Pinterest

What do you think? 

Are you ready to move to the tropics?

Sketchy

I have been scouring my favorite local flea markets over the last few months, in the hopes of collecting some beautiful hand drawn sketches.  I'd love to use them as a gallery wall, incorporate a few into vignettes or perhaps include some for sale at Linen Haus.   I'm hitting the markets again this weekend - my fingers are crossed for the perfect finds.  :)  Regardless, these pictures are what inspired it all!

Ralph Lauren

This tablescape from Ralph Lauren has all of the elements that I think make great style!

Elsa Soyars

Tom Scheerer

They also look fantastic in a Belgian setting...

OK, I must admit I am re-using this image from my previous post about Gorgeous Gallery Walls, but I think the gilded framing against the black and white sketches is stunning!

Restoration Hardware

Do you like sketches or do you prefer artwork with more color?

Slettvoll: Ralph Lauren With A European Twist

When I was working on my post from yesterday, I came across this fabulous brand of very sophisticated home decor, Slettvoll from Norway.   If you love the traditional class of Ralph Lauren as well as the elegance of European design, I think you'll love Slettvoll.  They combine the two styles beautifully and I am totally smitten!  I am definitely going to hit one of their boutiques when we are there next month.  Can't wait to see it all in person:

The last one is my favorite!

Slettvoll reminds me a lot of another of my European faves: 

Flamant, that I posted about here.