Image: Farrow & Ball

For those who know me well, it’s no secret that I love the color black. Seriously, I loooovvvvveeee it. It’s in heavy rotation in my closet. It’s peppered throughout my home. It’s how I take my coffee.

There’s just something about black that always works so well. It’s saturated, striking, and instantly modern. Whenever I need to add a dramatic element to any space, it’s one of the first color choices I consider. I feel like a lot of people tend to shy away from black because it’s just “too much”, but I’m telling you…you just need to go for it. Need a few examples for inspiration? Look no further…

Image: The Brick House

Nothing makes my heart happier than a black brick fireplace set against bright white walls. In fact, I have this exact scenario happening in my own living room. Paired with natural wood floors, this color choice is a no-brainer.

Image: Cote Maison

Black ceilings, anyone? I know, sounds a little scary when you just say it but seeing is believing. Personally, I think this is a great choice for basements, considering dark ceilings help to create a cozy, den-like feel. Two recommendations when going this route: keep the walls white and the floors light.

Image: Amber Interiors

Yes, black can work in a bathroom! Even a small one, at that. Just be sure that you have adequate lighting from a well-placed window. White and brass accents are a must.

Image: UR Design

I’ve never met a black kitchen cabinet that I didn’t like. In a high-traffic zone notorious for spills, stains, and fingerprints, black is honestly one of the best color choices out there. Plus, it just looks SO darn good with other natural wood elements.

Image: Coco Cozy

This. Entryway. Using a contrasting black under the chair rail is a brilliant move. And don’t even get me started on that black door. The result is unexpected, yet so very sophisticated. Heart emojis, all the way.

Mindy Bucklew/Simply Grove Contributor

You may have already spotted this kitchen making it’s way through Pinterest, but I just I had to share! I have already had a thing for dark painted cabinets, so naturally I am 100% behind the design of this space…especially because of that green! This Classic English Kitchen project is the new Peckham Rye Kitchen by deVOL. If luxe and bohemian can be used together, then it is the perfect description for this kitchen. The combination of the dark green and the marble is a simply stunning. Not to mention the use of lighting and art. Which leads me to this- displaying art in your kitchen is 100% awesome! Especially when you have a more streamline kitchen. Vintage fine art can bring a softness to the space that sometimes is forgotten.

So seeing this kitchen, we’ve learned a few valuable lessons-

1. Art in a kitchen is fabulous.

2. Vintage lighting in a modern kitchen is also fabulous.

3. Dark cabinets are everything.

4. Brass is still hot.

5. And green never fails!

See more of this kitchen here.

Kitchens are always on my mind. Mostly because they are my absolute favorite room to style and design. There’s so much that you can do in a kitchen. From kitchen organization to styling to creating stylish zones that help with your everyday use of the kitchen. One topic that comes up often with clients is how much is too much on the counter? I think it depends on who you are and how you live your life. I’m a minimalist so I tend to keep a little less on my counter. Here are a few things that I can’t live without on my counter-

1. Toaster Over. We use this for a lot of things. And it’s white so it blends in.

2. Wooden Cutting Boars. You can stack them against your backsplash so they don’t take up counter space.

3. Plants. Because they’re so pretty.

4. Wooden Utensils. They’re stylish and practical.

5. Juicer. I juice every.day.

6. A tray of cooking oils and spices. They are also used everyday.

Images: Grey and Scout, Stadshem, Coco Lapine Design.

What are your most used items in the kitchen?

This Toronto house tour, seen on Style Me Pretty Living, was actually posted last year but I’ve come to appreciate the pops of color and soothing bedroom. I’m also loving the nursery. It’s calm and cool. The home itself is 107 years old. Amazing! See more here.