Live Breathe Decor

I’ve posted about the beauty of black and its usefulness as a decorating tool before. Black against white (like against the walls and bookshelves above) in particular will obviously always have impact!

I adore this subtle use of black (above), paired with pale greys and neutrals. The striped rug adds a little extra punch where a flat pale rug might have looked bland and washed out.

Layered black and white photos with black frames looks sophisticated and masculine paired with classic architectural elements and glossy black woodwork – I’ve always been drawn to moody dark displays like this, I love it!

The framed black and white photos of bamboo tie in with the painted black geometric pattern on the floor (above).

Wow! Such a great idea to break up all the white and add some drama (above), and black working hard to highlight architectural details (below).

I absolutely love black-painted doors (I have mentioned this a million times before I know!). And this dutch-door is such a great idea- why doesn’t anyone have them anymore? Such a perfect solution when you want to let the light and fresh air in but keep children and pets from getting out. I’ll have to add this to my ‘building dream home’ file! – (though by the time I am able to build my dream home my children will probably be too old to need a a dutch door!)

More beautiful black doors from my inspiration files..

This picture (above) captures a little dream that I’ve had for awhile..a dark and cosy (but still sophisticated) country house with moody lighting surrounded by huge old trees. I think this dream has its roots in all the English period dramas that I was brought up on (and still love). And you might remember a tv ad for Victorian tourism that was on a couple of years ago, where couples were chasing each other through vineyards and barns, and end up in this fabulous country house with stone floors and antique rugs, leather couches and a huge fireplace (the house and room were only pictured for a second so a lot of this is probably imagined!). Anyway I’m rambling but that house has also stayed with me.

An old classic that always works: black and white chequered floor tiles (above).

On my more anti-clutter days I love Darryl Carter’s interiors (have you seen his book on the new traditional style?). Lots of neutrals and black and white, with a focus on every single piece being individually beautiful. I just love the mix of antiques, modern pieces and textures.

Love, love this black and white kitchen, with its black herringbone floors, black French doors, marble subway tiles and giant lantern!