Thursday, July 23, 2009

Doesn't Matter if it's Black or White . . .

So with all the media coverage on the passing of Michael Jackson (may he rest in peace), I've been singing that song (though I really don't know the words) in my head. It started me thinking of how I love using Black and White in decorating. I sometimes throw color accents in the mix just for fun, but black and white is my main palate. I LOVE this (to my husbands dismay) as you can change it up so easily. Here are some examples . . .

I found these vintage B&W canisters at an occasional sale and they were very inexpensive. Pairing them up with white cups, glass and stainless makes a perfect compo. And guess what? No color!

Ooooh, this bell is so coool. Just the right amount of black metal showing through the chippy white paint.

This cupboard is a married piece. I purchased the top at an occasional sale and the bottom piece, originally a dresser, came from a thrift store. It works perfect for my white stoneware, and brown transferware. Okay, I guess brown is a color :)

Love this B&W canvas my girlfriend made for me. It has Minneapolis landmarks and our salon name. No need for color!

I have white sofas, but no worries they have slip covers! The window that's behind it is from an old church, which I absolutely love, and I'm lucky...I have two! The vintage shutter I think is simple yet impacting.

I'd love to know the history of this B&W Cafe sign. I guess it's now just a part of Lani's Cafe!

What can you do with a bird bath? Make it into a table of course! I've added a black scale and gauge. These flowers sitting in the McCoy pot are made from cut tin and faucet knobs I purchased at a sale. How clever!


This is my kitchen. Can you tell I like B&W? Maybe a little obvious!

Is it me, or is the European coffee grinder the cutest thing? Nothing gets better than B&W polka dots!

Another great B&W canvas, this time with coffee words. The tube filled with coffee beans and the old scoop is the icing on the cake!

Okay, I know, another sign. But if you know me from previous posts, I love signs! And the grayed wood is the perfect accent to the black letters and the white chipping paint. Magnifique!

How about some white on white? I found a pair of these motel chairs for a steal! And you know how I love grates . . .

Okay, I guess this has a little color (yellow's a color isn't it?). Ha! But a little muted color is all good. Right? My manikan is one of my favorite things. Haven't named her yet, any suggestions?


Some B&W in a kitchen cupboard. And more fab polka dots!

How about putting some B&W outside on the Porch? I made this sign on an old board. It'll look great with my fan collection, once I put it up!

I even have a black and white cat! Ha! Is that obsessed?? I actually had two B&W ones, but one died :( (they looked like bookends--ha!). The other two of my three are gray and white, of course! I love my cats!

I'd love to hear your opinions. I'm I too blah? Do you like more color to your rooms? I heard people say they're tired of white/cream/black. Is that possible? And where do you think the trends are going to? What are your thoughts!

31 comments:

Natalie Meester said...

Great ideas and you have a gorgeous home!

I love the street signs on top of your hutch...very cool!

Thanks for so many great ideas...I especially love the coffee words sign in black & white.

Kathy said...

Lani - I LOVE your black and white - it really is soothing - with all the age and character of the pieces you've decorated with (can't wait to see it in person!).

I love the hutch that you married together (such a happy "couple"!

Your motel chairs are awesome too! And who doesn't love a sign or two, or three, or...!

Beautiful! Kathy

WhisperWood Cottage said...

Loving the new chairs! If you find some more like that, pick them up for me! Seriously!!!

Amy

Hayley Fraser said...

We are two of a kind! I can't get enough of black/white and I love all your stuff. I especially love your kitchen.

Karen Valentine said...

OMG, what cool things you have. I love the canvases! Everything has so much character! I understand about changing things around all the time. A mostly neutral color pallet makes it so much easier!


Karen
My Desert Cottage

Amy@TheLemonCottage said...

Wow, your home is beautiful. I love b&w... I'm in love with the coffee grinder!
~Amy

Anonymous said...

I love the canvas with the landmarks. Do you think she would share how she did that? Thanks for the lovely things.

Charla

trash talk said...

I'm a slave to black and white too. I try and add color, but only for holidays. It's such a simple, but WOW palette that I just love it!
Love your Casablanca chairs (that's my name for them...I think everyone has a different one for that style of chair!).
I also love the title "occasional sale". Sounds way more fun than garage sale. That is a cool set of canisters.
Ok, I'm now pea green (lol) with envy!
It's plain to see in black & white you got it going on.
Debbie

Donna said...

Lani, Your place looks great. The reason the neutral pallette works is because of all the textures you use. The chippy, peely, canvas, metal, wood, etc. It all goes great together! Way to go! There are always new trends but black and white is classic. You can't go wrong. I don't think anyway!

Can't wait to see you in Sept. at the Junkbonanza and all you come up with this year!

Cassie said...

I'm right there with ya when it comes to the b/w color scheme! And to me, b/w polka dots are classic. Love your style and all the elements you decorate with! Thanks for sharing!!

Karen said...

That was a fun tour! Good thing the cat matches or ..... well, anyway, at least it matches! Karen

junkermidge said...

Oh, your pictures are just gorgeous! I love them all! Love your b&w kitchen.
Midge

junkgarden said...

Your home is fabulous. Love it all!I'm so glad I found your blog. I'm adding it to my blog list.

Mrs. P said...

I love the black and white. That's my house too. To keep my husband happy I add color in with it for the different rooms. I think it's timeless and easy to update! No worry's about the cat...my dog is also black and white (so he looks good lounging in the living room) and I'm so sick, even his toys coordinate! I can't believe I just admitted that!

Jana said...

I just found your blog today and it inspired me...thank you!
Jana

Joan@anythinggoeshere said...

As I always say every room need a "touch of black". It show every other color off to its best advantage. You pictures are beautiful and very inspiring.

Connie from Beverly Hills California said...

You have a beautiful blog. Thanks so much for sharing it. I will be back. Connie

Sally L. Smith said...

Who cares what the trend is! Live with what you like. The way you have decorated your home is lovely..Sally

Chris Kauffman said...

Beautiful ,
Chris
Just Beachy

Susan Lang @ Designing Your Dream Home said...

Over from Restyled Home, first time visitor to your blog. I think black and white is timeless. Enjoyed seeing all of your black and white things!

kath@retromantic antiques said...

Love the black and white. Go for it and then do a book! I agree that coffee grinder is a amazing. I mean it about the book. I haven't seen a black and white one and it would be great. k

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

Just stopped by from Restyled. Love your black and white - I'm a neutral loving girl. Can't wait to go read more.

Unknown said...

I love your style...your kitchen is gorgeous! I also love that outdoor garden chair that you brought inside. Everything looks beautiful.

annie

Kay said...

I love your black and white home. I just updated my kitchen to black and white so that I can add a bit of color with the seasons. I think I need that little bit of color but your place is perfect and very calming with just the black and white.

Lanette of Cottage Elements said...

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the amazing comments. It means a lot to me. And being featured by Linda of Restyled Homes, well that was just the icing on the cake!!

Lanette

wendy said...

Lani-
You are amazing- I'm moving in!!
Wendy

LuLu said...

I am so jealous over your coffee sign! Your home is filled with wonderful pieces that make it so unique... love the dresser and hutch... ohh it's wonderful,
thanks for sharing your home with us,
LuLu

Beth said...

Stumbled upon your kitchen in a google search and I LOVE it! Glad to have visited :).

Arabella said...

black & white is classic and you've incorporated it wonderfully into your cottage - just lovely!

Found you through The Lettered Cottage today & am a new follower. Would love for you to drop by & say hello some time: http://SallyLeeByTheSea.com

April said...

Want a manequin like that! Is there a name of the company or anything on it? I am a seamstress and would love to have one like that for my sewing room. ~April @ Wildflowers & Whimsy

Zane Wooder said...

What's the name of your cat? I love how you have a sign that says eat in the kitchen. That's so brilliant and cute in it's own way.

-Zane of ontario honey

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