Villa Noir & 4 reasons to paint your walls black

It's no secret, my favorite color is Black. When you live in Manhattan, you realize that black basically is always chic no matter what form it comes in, technology, fashion, etc. "Does this come in black?" is one of my most asked questions. So, when it came time to decide which paint I wanted to choose for my new condo, it wasn't even a question. . .black. 

I've been obsessed with Lisa Vanderpump for years, mostly because her home lifestyle is so luxurious. She always has a beautiful home. She named her home Villa Rosa. I always wanted a place called "Villa Noir". I decided its time to make that happen. I headed to Lowe's with this swatch for Sherwin Williams Black Fox in hand. I just liked this palette, so I went with it. I have been using the Ovation paint from HGTV home for Sherwin Williams because its literally thick and looks fab with just one coat. I'm all about ease, its mid range in pricing and totally worth it. 

Once I got to the store, I looked around a bit and switched it up at the last minute. I went with the color CAVIAR. It's so glam and rich and I love to use paint with a fabulous name. Caviar seemed fitting for Villa Noir. Here are a few reasons why once you go black, you will never go back or at least you will always be open to it. 

1. Black makes the room feel larger. Most people have the same reaction, they are apprehensive about black making a space feel too small. It's actually quite the opposite, you see in NYC everyone lives in a small space. The most decadent rooms you will find are dark. With dark colors, they cause the eye to recede which will give the illusion of more width, a more expansive room. Here is a cool little break down on colors that can be helpful if you are looking to pick a new wall color. 

2. Black is rich and luxurious. If you want elegance, sophistication, luxury and opulence in your style, it's an appropriate wall color. The mystery of black adds a dynamic mix to your home. Your neighbor probably won't have it which also will give you a little bit of edge. 

3. Black makes color pop! The thing about black walls is that all colors look so beautiful and vivid. You will notice each and every color in your space and it won't be muted out or affected. Black makes a beautiful backdrop if you have colors that you really want to shine through. I love the way gold looks against black, sweet dusty pink or even Hermes orange. 

4. You can layer black on black. I was at IKEA the other day and they were setting up some new displays. Everything was black on black. I knew at that moment, black on black is the next hot wave and even the most color friendly place has gotten on board. Layering black is so beautiful and totally can be done. Don't be afraid to try it. 

So, here is a little sneak peek at the color on my walls. Decked out in Caviar. . .It's going to be goooooooood, so so so goooooood. 

A few possible things for Villa Noir. . .

images: one | three | four

Renovation ideas: 10 Home Upgrades Under $500

 This post is all about 10 affordable at home upgrades

Do any of you watch the HGTV renovation shows? Well, the overwhelming popularity of home renovation shows, now more than ever, people are looking to tackle their own upgrades and invest in making their homes look and feel stylish, updated and reflective of their personalities without breaking the bank (or spending months in the process!). To help you master your own easy home renovation, here are 10 easy and budget-friendly ways to make your home feel fresh and new. 

1.      Paint is King

This is the quickest and easiest way to update your home for less. Opt for a unique color or texture, like my current obsession: vibrant orange. You can also try a textured paint (like kaklitir) to add a polished cement look to your painted surfaces. For a small but impactful change, choose high gloss paint and add a jolt of color—like a canary yellow or cobalt blue—to your front door.

2.      Wood is All the Rage

Reclaimed wood is all the rage right now. Depending on the style you’re going for, use wood from an old barn, and break down old wooden pallets (which some places give away for free!) or purchase a variety of boards from the hardware store to add an accent wall that will give any room an instant update.

3.     Curb Appeal is a Must 

Give your house major curb appeal with an easy DIY front door lock upgrade. Take any exterior door to the next level by replacing your locks with keyless hardware for a major tech (and design) upgrade. A great option is the Schlage Sense™ Smart deadbolt—it’s modern and chic, and gives you the option to enter your home with an access code or with Siri voice control. And you get to do away with keys indefinitely! Or switching out your interior hardware can really make an aesthetic difference in your home and quite well with other finishes already in your style of home. I’d check out Schlage’s new finishes including Satin Brass with Camelot Trim and an Accent Lever.

4.      Faux is an Option

For an instant polished and chic look, or to add a new focal point to a room, consider installing a faux fireplace. They can be as traditional or modern as you wish (like this modern Moda Flame fireplace) with wood, pebbles or glass inserts. They’re easy to find and buy online, and also easy to install on your own.  

black lacquer design

5.      Lighting is the way to luxury.

Lighting really is everything, and dimmers are magical. Dimmers allow you to make a room much more personal as you can set the mood for a brighter or darker ambiance. Ask your local hardware professional for advice on which dimmers to get to work best with your lights.
 

6.      Faucets are the Heart of the Kitchen

A gorgeous kitchen faucet can give the entire room a new look. Try touchless faucets in a variety of finishes—like this faucet from Delta Faucet— that are so stunning and screams modern glamour. Make sure to select one that not only makes your life easier, but also steals the show!

7.      Banish Outdated Cabinet Hardware

Instead of opting for a complete kitchen renovation, modernize with new hardware on your cabinets, etc. If you can't find exactly what you’re looking for, change the color of the existing hardware. Make sure to clean and sand the hardware thoroughly and apply a primer to ensure that the color will apply well and remain durable. Choose a metal primer for metal hardware, a plastic primer for plastic knobs and pulls, or a self-etching primer for brass hardware. Then simply apply the color or finish of your choice!

8.      Conquer Closet Chaos

No power tools required here! Simply upgrading your current closet layout with modern shelving and storage solutions —like this chic closet kit from Martha Stewart Living—will help to create a beautifully organized space. Add a pop of color, a decorative light fixture and some chic boxes to make your closet will feel like a glamorous boutique.

9.      Get Artsy

Gather your favorite photos or prints and create a gallery wall. I personally love maps of my favorite places and cities or menus from restaurants. Purchase 5-8 frames to hang in any arrangement you like. Lay your frames on the floor to try out a few different layouts. There is no right or wrong way to do this—space them out, put them close together or in a row—whatever draws your eye is the way to go!
 

10.  Light it Up

Ever thought about changing up your light bulbs? Pop an Edison bulb or two into your kitchen pendants or other open light fixtures. It will give your space a completely new feel! You can also opt for trendy LED lighting to add a pop of color in unexpected spaces like under your kitchen cabinets or recessed in crown molding to lighten spaces that are naturally a little darker.   

The easiest thing about these DIY projects is that you can pick and choose. Do as many or as few as you like and take your time so you’re not feeling pressured or overwhelmed! This summer I started with updating my front door with a Schlage keyless lock and I’ve been on a roll ever since! Not only do I want to increase the value, but I want to have a more luxurious living experience.