PASTELS + BLACK

When decorating (or dressing) with certain colors I think there are little rules that we somehow place on ourselves - one of them being the use of black with softer palettes. Most people tend to shy away from the dramatic neutral when using such quiet hues of lilac, pistachio, blushing pinks or buttery yellow. When, in fact, it's exactly what they need...
balenciagashades.jakandjill
Set of six place settings in Slightly Bright
via house&home.lilac
Wouldn't you agree? To me having a little black accent in a room is just as necessary as having that little black dress hanging in your closet.

*top photo, balenciaga via jak&jil, dishware available at gretel home, room via house & home

20 comments:

  1. Kori18.7.11

    Love! Kori xoxo

    www.blondeepisodes.com
    www.koridonahue.com

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  2. carolina @ patagonia gifts18.7.11

    absolutely agree, darling! love all these!

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  3. 820am18.7.11

    love this post! check out my interior designer friend lady michael on my blog, you might love her work: http://www.820am.blogspot.com

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  4. Jean-Marc Fray French Antiques18.7.11

    Wow, what a great point! That room wouldn't be nearly as classy were the chest and lamp white instead of black.

    AJ
    Jean-Marc Fray Antiques
    http://www.jeanmarcfray.com/

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  5. Anonymous18.7.11

    I absolutely agree! A touch of black is necessary in any occasion, ESPECIALLY when you're using pastels (and it's not in a nursery!)

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  6. Anastasia 18.7.11

    So spot on!To me black is a must in decor and fashion! You are so right, it is exactly like the little black dress...

    http://decorislikebutter.blogspot.com/

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  7. Anonymous18.7.11

    I think black accents are the single most important thing to anchor a room. Lovely images!

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  8. Kristy @ I Design Love18.7.11

    This is so true! Have something that is black in a space makes a room stand out.

    Kristy
    www.idesignlove.com

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  9. Glamour Drops18.7.11

    Agree totally. Black adds the edge, the grit, to stop it from looking too sweet.

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  10. Emma18.7.11

    Couldn't agree more. Black is what makes these rooms/outfits stand apart!

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  11. Callie Grayson18.7.11

    That living room! Stunning little gem, to add a bit of edginess to the space.
    xx
    callie

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  12. carolyn bradford18.7.11

    I've always used the "rule" that every room should have something black in it...and I still believe in it. Great post...and I'm still dreaming of your Italy trip!!! I've given alot of hints to my husband...like leaving my laptop open to the coast of Capri!!! Love your blog! check ours out when you have a chance!!
    Carolyn
    vintagemulberry.blogspot.com

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  13. Liz - So Much to Smile About18.7.11

    Love these colors! They really do work so well together. Beautiful photos.

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  14. Ali18.7.11

    totally agree, love those little black accents used to make colors pop.

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  15. Anonymous19.7.11

    Beautifull pastel combination!

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  16. Kimberly19.7.11

    This is inspiring me to do the same thing with my wardrobe!

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  17. Anonymous19.7.11

    that dreamy room swathed in purple is so, um, dreamy!!!!!!!!

    and, I couldn't agree more with your 'pinch-of-black' necessity. i had similar thoughts here -

    http://plumlife.typepad.com/plum/2011/07/lonny-love.html


    best - d.
    post script: don't forget, summer RULES!

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  18. Amy20.7.11

    I love the pastel accented with black such a gorgeous contrast. Especially with the musky tones on the striped dress with the black coat.

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  19. AllisonLynnNunez20.7.11

    I completely agree! I'm remodeling my bedroom, and that is one color that I want to accent with. I thought black with the dusty pink walls and burgundy bedspread will bring my room the contemporary touch it will need, so thank you for confirming my theory!

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  20. Michelle Rahn Bridal10.8.11

    Such a great tip for weddings as well!! If you're using softer shades, a shot of black or a darker shade will make them pop even more! Gorgeous, thanks for the inspiration!

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