Archive for the ‘Blacks’ Category

March 31st, 2014 No Comments

this week’s color palette, shades of gray & black

After a week hiatus we’re back and we’ve been inspired by the work of photographer, Kenneth Josephson. His series on paper and books is amazing and it finds beauty in the seemingly ordinary. His work can be found at the Yancey Richardson Gallery in New York City. Shades of gray and black paints listed above are from Benjamin Moore.

January 21st, 2014 No Comments

creating a beautiful place setting with black tableware and paper whites

So many of my clients are afraid of using black, including at their table. I’m a huge fan of black tableware, so much so I have a lot of black items from tumblers to linens to plates for sale on my shop.  Foods look so beautiful against black. Picture grilled corn, roasted tomatoes and a grilled fish against black- gorgeous. So when setting your table consider using black instead of basic white. Simply by using a black napkin with a simple cut paper white stem on top is a classic and beautiful place setting as you can see above. Below, … Read more

January 20th, 2014 No Comments

this week’s color palette: paper whites and dramatic black

Paper whites are in full bloom right now, and they are a very inexpensive way to bring in the hope of spring to your home. Whether you group them in clusters on your windowsill like I did below at a home for Real Simple magazine or in one large potted arrangement on a coffee table, nature has already done most of the work for you. They are beautiful in the terra cotta pots most come in, but if you want to pot them in different containers to go with your decor or color palette- I get most of my small … Read more

November 29th, 2013 No Comments

black and white kitchen inspiration

Whether you want a modern kitchen, a rustic kitchen or a classic kitchen, a black and white color palette works so well with today’s appliances and surfaces. You can infuse black by just adding in a black drum chandelier or going all out with high-gloss black cabinets, a black floor or stay somewhat in the middle with a black island or black lower cabinets and white uppers. Whatever your style, here are some inspiring photos to spark your creative juices.  

November 28th, 2013 No Comments

introducing five new incredible sea salts from chef dante giannini

Chef Dante Giannini has just created 5 new finishing sea salts. “I feel salt is such an important part of a composed dish. A pinch of the appropriate finishing salt can elevate a dish from good to outstanding.” Dante says. His collection of 5 sea salts are Garlic & Thyme, Three Herb, Chili & Lime, Fennel & Parsley and Ginger, Garlic & Sesame.  These salts can be used on fish, proteins as well as vegetables and even salad greens. They are $12 for each 4.5 ounce jar. Contact Dante at 914-494-3392 or thefarmtoforkchef@gmail.com to purchase. These would make the perfect … Read more

November 27th, 2013 No Comments

black & white celebrations, inspiration for your wedding, birthday or holiday party

Whether you are planning a wedding, birthday party or holiday party, black and white is certainly a classic color choice and no matter what other color you might want to add almost every color will go with black and white. Here are some inspirational photos to spark your imagination for your next celebration. Placecards by Inkybug on Etsy.com A striped tent, pillows or even dance floor can give that wow factor. Unusual containers or vases like this elephant vase can add a touch of whimsy or infuse your interests and personality into your event. Balloons are a fun way … Read more

November 26th, 2013 No Comments

personalize your gifts with monogramed wrapping paper for the holidays

What a wonderful idea! Gail Brill of Gail Brill Design can create a gorgeous monogram for you and turn it into small sheets of 11 x 17 wrapping paper. Black and white or color can be printed. It’s a $35 set up fee and $2 per sheet for black and white and $3 per sheet for color. Have your own initial or Gail did my husband and my initials together for this gorgeous paper you see above. Gail has many fonts but her most popular is her “Brill Script” which I’ve included below so you can see each letter. The … Read more

November 25th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: classic black and white with neutrals

This week we’ll revisit black and white with neutrals like brown (maybe in a dark brown floor for example). Above are feathers from the local flower store. These are a great quick decorating detail for Thanksgiving. Pop a few clusters in a small bowl or glass vase and tuck in between your pumpkins and gourds or just alone on your bar or desk for a fall accent.

October 14th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: a painterly palette

I’m in love with the mood this photograph has created. It reminds me of an old oil painting with the dark background and the saturated colors of the flowers popping out. Painting a room dark has it’s dramatic appeal but it doesn’t necessarily mean to you have to go that route if you like this palette. This living room below is light and has incorporated the pops of color in book jackets, flowers and then grounded the room with dark woods and black shades. Above are Benjamin Moore paint colors I have selected from our inspiration photo to help guide … Read more

October 3rd, 2013 1 Comment

kitchen pendants- where to start your search

Selecting lighting for your kitchen island can be overwhelming, I know. I’ve been debating what kitchen island pendants to select for a kitchen project I’m working on right now. Industrial? Traditional? Vintage schoolhouse? Chandelier? A drum Pendant? The choices seem endless. I’m working on a farmhouse that’s a mix of vintage and modern, so I’m going back and forth between a drum shade or white and polished nickel industrial pendants (since all our faucets and hardware are polished nickel). I’ll make sure to share the outcome with you in the coming weeks. But for now I wanted to share with … Read more