Inspiring Black

As you have probably guested by now, I really like the color Black... it is unexpected, underutilized and unconventional - I love it! 

Check out these beautiful pictures below - Black Trim, Black Walls, Black Doors... I hope they 'brighten' your imagination as they have mine.

Beautiful way to accent a special front door.

Personally love this kitchen; it saved in my personal 'want' kitchen file. 

Lots of personality!

Writing on the wall?

I am not a parent or a cook, but chalkboard paint makes me want to be both! After working with a client recently that fit both of these descriptions, chalkboard paint came to mind... what a great way to make a cozy children's playroom personal and original (not to mention the dark walls create a great environment for relaxing and watching a movie on rainy Sunday afternoon).

See below just a few reasons painting your walls black may just bring out their brightest side!

Cheep, contemporary, creative - Chalk! 

It is now available in lots of colors, but I am fond of black!

What a fun conversation starter when entertaining.

This nursery is so cute! As the child grows, I can picture a the first imaginary teach-student and tic-tac-toe games on the floor. 

Chalkboard and magnetic! 

Perfect use of a small space! 

Probably my favorite as it would really grab attention and search as rotating artwork! 

Let the Games begin...

The 2012 Olympics Games start on Friday!

Time to watch as London glows with the world's competitive spirit. Enjoy the theme and live in the moment of the upcoming weeks.

 

Black & White

Black and White may be used almost anywhere to create a variety of looks. Below are just a few ideas that are budget friendly and while making a subtle statement. 

Lamps, Bench, Bedding

Pillows from Ikea, Target and TJ Maxx. 

Bench 

TJ Maxx find on clearance with ripped obnoxious ZEBRA print (price $75) then recovered with BLACK and WHITE outdoor fabric for (clearance $9 per yard) and then reapolstered ($75). 

The bench fits perfectly in the spaces and ties the black in white in the room together without being overpowering ($159). 

Shower Curtain 

Same outdoor fabric from above (clearance $9 per yard) custom shower curtain that extends higher than normal for a more modern look. Shower curtain brings in the BLACK and WHITE from the bedroom.

Artwork (and pillow)

The grouping of 6 pictures brings a modern look to the traditional style sofa. The BLACK and WHITE seen in the pictures (and the pillow) make the space feel unified. 

Banister 

Painting the banister BLACK and WHITE brings a modern touch into the very traditional Cape Cod late 1980s style home. 

Bench Cushion 

Another TJ Maxx find! It fit perfectly with the bench and brought the window mirror 

and the bench together. 

Neat story about the window mirror - the window was from my husband's grandmother's home and it was a fun project to transform. Sandpaper, spray paint and cut mirror made for a welcoming statement at the back door. (The mirror was purchased from the local hardware store for about $30.) 

Spray Paint...

This post is dedicated to anyone who has ever questioned the value of a can of spray paint!

The thought of buying a new fireplace screen was not an option because my husband and I were newly married and newly home owners and well you know the money for 'important' items like fireplace screens is just not available...

With that being said, ours was pretty bad – typical CHEEP builder-grade brass that was discolored and spotty beyond polish. After a trip to Lowes for a $5 can of flat black Rustoleum heat tolerant spray paint and the realization that it would not look any worse, I began my 30 minute DIY project!

Wash, air dry, and spray... that is it! After 4 years of repeated use it still looks great!

The fireplace screen project got me hooked... and so my love affair with spray paint began.

Another very cheep, builder-grade, tired brass item that just had to go and another can of spray paint did the trick, but this time the color was flat white. The white candle stick holders were very yellowed and so those were replaced for about $2.

This DIY project was a damaged and very dated mirror that was in desperate need of a face lift and the choice was BRIGHT - gloss turquoise!! There was a trick to this project... I was not able to take the mirror out of the frame because of several old nails that started to break the frame as I removed them. So, I placed sheets of paper between the frame and the glass until the entire mirror was covered... when the paint dried all I had to do was remove the paper - that simple.

Welcome to So Sterling and Company!

I am Sterling Grimes, the decorator, (and the "So Sterling") and my dad, Tom Winslow, is my trusty assistant (and the "and Company"). We both share a love of home interiors and bringing to life a home's potential for our clients.

Redecorating, redefining, repurposing to ensure that each room portrays the vision and personality of the client while maintaining a close friendship with the budget is our top priority.

Client happy = So Sterling happy

Many things inspire me when when decorating or staging so I thought I would share a few with you.