For the home: Side Tables roundup

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Our homes will never be really ours unless each piece reflects our taste and lifestyle.  Magazines are great for sources, inspirations and knowledge but if we pick everything in our homes based on the magazines we look at, then our places are going to be nothing else but a recollection of trends.  Of course our choices will depend on our budgets as well, however it's better to build our homes slowly over time and invest on pieces that we truly love and are willing to live with for a long time.  Since long gone are the days when rooms looked like period rooms, small pieces such as side tables are a great way to incorporate interest and individuality in our homes.  Here is great shopping suggestion of an eclectic selection of side tables of all styles for your delight.  Enjoy!

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1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

For the home: Black Kitchens

Of all the black kitchens I'm posting today this one, above is probably my favorite.  It has a sort of personality that makes it very unique and real.  If not for those reasons, then for the up-to ceiling upper cabinets with all-good benefits.  I also love the touches of global-chic accessories on the counter top.  The thought of a black kitchen would give anyone a disbelieving smirk face along with a swiveling shaking head but as you see it is very elegant.  Most people are much more used to seeing bright white kitchens than anything else and the first thought that comes to their minds when considering black cabinets is a dark dysfunctional kitchen.  It's all in the natural incoming light, use of material and contrast.  Keeping most of the kitchen surface -walls, counter tops, ceilings and floors- in light colors would make for the right balance and contrast in the room.   The finish on those outer layers also make a big difference; mirror and glass when used as doors, back splash or even walls bring in a lot of light into the space.  Of course last but not least, there is also the option of installing artificial lighting that can go any where.  Enjoy! 

Lindsey and Kristen Buckingham house

Miles Redd added mirror to everything but floor and walls here.  But the high lacquered walls provide an almost mirror effect.  The floor is pretty beautiful.

Love the shiny white cabinets and the white grout on the floors in this kitchen by Tommy Smythe

Kelly Wearstler kept it all black, form back splash to floor and ceiling but, smartly she added mirror to the back of the inside upper cabinets which doors are made of glass so as a result there is still light reflection and brightness.

The ambiance in this kitchen is very romantic I think. 

This kitchen photographed by John Granen makes of the range a focal point.  The white trim on the black cabinets makes it a really nice detail.

Interiors in Black and White

To many people the thought of decorating a home entirely in black and white may sound a little bit too formal or too sober.  Colors are too comforting and too welcoming, even if the interior is done in pastel colors.  But there are rooms that seem to pull it off surprisingly well, and the common factor seems to be one or two whimsical touches.  This dining room above designed by Alberto Pinto, for instance, has a very playful chandelier and chairs upholstered in polka dots.  The table setting is also very whimsical.

This living area above is also very light in ambiance with lucite based curvy modern chairs and a shag rug.

Whims everywhere in this bathroom, from the shade to the skirted chair/stool.  The sconces have their own touch too. 

 Mix and match chairs in this room include casual Panton chairs and Louis XV style chairs.

 Sort of polka dot again covering a chair.

The space above has like a very nice light reflection that gives it a hint of pink.  The zebra rug, the round mirror and the sconces pull everything off.

This bathroom is quite spectacular.  What doors!  Love the size of the sconces and the brass door handle.

 Here again, the zebra stool and the shape of the lamps brake the space from being too sober.

So beautiful!

images via Nuevo Estilo and Elle Decor