How to keep white interiors looking good

Benjamin Vandiver, the hot Nashville designer , is really creating looks right up my alley. If you read yesterdays post, then you know I am all about dark and moody designing these days. Interesting because its currently summer, when most people crave color, I'm craving darker neutral looks. I need something soft maybe for my chaotic summertime world. After looking at a few of his projects, while browsing domaine home, I am so into his use of white sofas. He keeps the place feeling moody by adding darker elements like dark curtains, the black screen, dark framed art, etc.  I feel it keeps the balance. The use of several wood objects grounds the place down and keeps it cozy. He has also got some impeccable styling skills, see if you can take some of these and implement into your own home. I know I will.

benjamin vandiver 4

benjamin vandiver2

benjamin vandiver3

Images via domaine home.

dare to go dark

Now that most of my focus in design is along more of the masculine scale, I really have been exploring dark looks for rooms. I am finding that sometimes darker can me more glamorous, luxurious, more sophisticated. Kara Mann is a designer who can pull the look off so very well. So, I wanted to share a few of my favorite rooms of hers, among others.

brick walls traditional home

master bedroom Hermes

I'm really loving the animal accoutrements. I love how in this last room it goes so well with feminine mixes like soft roses. I'm also dying to get my hands on these skull lamps.

skull lamps

I also really enjoy this art wall with more masculine pieces of art. I prefer something like this over the same art wall collection you see everywhere.

chic gallery wall

This is a such a fun style, how cute is that boot print? And the tea for two? Love them. I also love the mix of these glam chandeliers with the wood vases in front of the wood wall. I think its such a chic look. I also, want to work in the office below with that fab artwork. Oh yes.

flower arrangement

cool art

images via kara mann, traditional home,