Guest Post: Black and Gold by Becky Yardley

Hi everyone! Becky Yardley here, an interiors blogger and colour addict. 

I’m so excited to be guest posting on Brooke’s lovely blog today, thank you Brooke!

I wanted to show you some great treasures I found for creating a stylish black and gold interior.

Black is a dark and dramatic colour so it can be a little intimidating to think about using it indoors, 

if you were a bit of a gothy teen like me then you’ll know exactly what I mean! 

 But this look is less “paint it black” and more 

Coco Chanel meets Alice in Wonderland.

As an accent colour, black adds style and elegance to a room, think grown up and refined, 

with a few playful hints to the rebellious teenager inside.

Keep it clean with crisp white walls for a sophisticated backdrop, add a few carefully 

chosen deep black items and warm it up with gold to create a sophisticated finish.

For my mood board, I mixed it up with both contemporary pieces like a gold studded cushion along with more decorative items like the fancy French chair and black gothic mirror.

I hope you enjoy this look, for more inspiration please 

visit Appliances Online blog where you can see more interior ideas from me!

Thank you

Becky

1. Regency Side Table 

2. Black and white Knob 

3. Black Teapot

4.  Black cakestand

5. Black French Chair

6. Black Mirror

7. Gold and Black Chevron Cushion

8. Black and Gold Bowl

9. Gold Candle 

10. Black and Gold Cushion Cover

The Dark Side of Pinterest

Yesterday a friend and I were discussing all the styles of interiors found on Pinterest.  

In her opinion, all the pins were too light and airy.

She wants to see more dark, warm, moody interiors with character 

In honor of my friend, here is

THE DARK SIDE OF PINTEREST.

I am still enamored with the off-black look that is happening right now.
Dark is SEXY, no?


{images via Pinterest}

Timeless Black & White Stripes

Nothing is as classy and timeless as a black and white stripe. Nothing.

Ok, so the last image isn't striped but it seemed fitting, no?

{images via Pinterest, MadeByGirl, Elle Decor, WeHeartIt, DriftwoodInteriors, & Etsy}

Kitchens Conundrum: Black vs. White

Along with gallery vs. shelf art displays, another design dilemma is deciding between black and white kitchens.  Now, I'm not to the point in my life where I'm having to design my own kitchen, and thank goodness! I would never be able to decided what I want more-- a stunning black glam kitchen...

...or a polished clean white kitchen...

Which look do you prefer?

{images via Adore Magazine}

Bungalow 5

I have recently fell in love. As an interior designer I see it SO many different styles of furniture on a daily basis, but none of them have ever been so close to my personal style as Bunglow 5's line of casegoods. They are sleek, chic, and timeless. I would use their pieces in both traditional and contemporary spaces.  Basically, Bungalow 5 rocks.

Houzz.com

I DIE over this room.  I would never think to put a bright turquoise with a more serene green/blue, but it looks great!

Berkley Side Table in Gray & White

 

Decor Pad

Jacqui Side Table in Black Lacquer

St. George Parade of Homes 2011 designed by Alice Lane

Jacqui Side Table in White Lacquer

Check out their whole line of fine furniture here and contact me for product info!

{images via Houzz, Decor Pad, Alice Lane & Bungalow 5}

eMag: Lonny March/April 2011

Another great issue of Lonny! Check out my favorite home from this issue:

Note to self: Design a home with black floors and window frames, loads of high gloss white trim and finish with glass door knobs.  A coordinating black dog would be a plus (maybe this should be my home, since I already have the puppy).

And don't miss the article on Miss Kelly Wearstler! 

Still can't get enough of her studio. Sigh.... so fabulous.

Closet Case

I've had a post about closets in the works for the past week or so inspired by my New Years Resolution to 'appear' more organized.  The condition of my closet is, well, it should be an authorized state of national emergency.  It's bad.  Real bad.  I'm surprised my husband is still married to me, because it could be a valid reason for divorce.  Lucky for me the current issue of Lonny Mag is coming to my rescue! 

You would think my problem is editing, but I have no problem Good Will-ing items I haven't worn in awhile.  My problem is that I'm not utilizing all my space properly (that and I just throw my laundry every which way.  Apparently I don't know what a hanger is for).  I have about 3-4 feet above my hanging rail where I could add a system for off-season shoes, sweaters, etc.  Hmm... I wonder how long it'll take me to get around to actually organizing my closet.  Until then, let's look at some dream closets, shall we?

Doesn't the above closet remind you of Carrie Bradshaw's?  That is every girl's dream, isn't it?

Simply stunning in black lacquer.

Would you expect anything less than honeysuckle and lavender from Jamie Drake? My absolute favorite closet would have to be a tie between Rachel Zoe and Kelly Wearstler.  I'm not sure if it's the actual closet designs I'm in love with or the wardrobes they carry.  Either way, I'd take two of each!

Rachel Zoe:

Kelly Wearstler:

I must find a starburst pin like the one in Kelly's collection.  I've been on the lookout for a year or so with no avail...  let me know if you ever see one!

{images via Lonny, Habitually Chic, Canadian House and Home & Style Redux}