The Art of Seeing Potential

I believe I am the type of person that is able to see past the surface, and look at the potential in things. Sometimes I see more potential than there actually is, but it's better to overreach and possibly discover something wonderful or life changing, than it is to sit back and find nothing at all.

Anyhoo... A loooong time ago (ok, not that long ago), I saw this "antique couch" for sale on Craigslist through the ever so popular blog, Apartment Therapy. I just had to have it. Even though it was more traditional than my taste usually allows, I saw the potential. But I just knew it was sold because once something is seen on AT, it goes viral. But the stars aligned, and the universe wanted me to have this couch- it was available. Done and done. I bought it.

After I putting my personal touch on it and using spray primer and black semi-gloss spray paint, here is the result...

Black Out

I've previously written on the Art of Black, and have mentioned that it is my favorite color. It is a great anchor, and can bring drama and aristocracy to a room. Even in small amounts, black makes such a bold statement. I love how black is used subtly as a trim in some of the pictures below. It doesn't take much. Black makes these rooms look so sophisticated.

{Click on any pic to enlarge}

Photo Credit: 1. Roman & Williams via 211- Elizabeth and Wendy Goodman of NY Mag via Remodelista; 2. Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper; 3. Mochatini via Lonny Magazine (Burham Designs); 4. Elle Decor Mag; 5. Elle Decor Mag, September 09; 6. Desire to Inspire; 7. Oh Joy; 8. Achados de Decoracao; 9. Roman & Williams via 211- Elizabeth and Wendy Goodman of NY Mag via Remodelista.

Color Quiz

Apartment Therapy did a post called "What Color Matches Your Personality". They asked if you should decorate with the color that matches your personality. Absolutely. If the color is true to you than it only makes sense that using this color in your home will make your home true to you. Take the True Value color quiz to see what color matches your personality.

My color is black, which just so happens to be my favorite color! I don't know how accurate the description of my personality was, but the color match came out perfectly. I use black as an accent in my home. Picture frames, furniture pieces, and other nick knacks. Check out the post I did on The Art of Black.

Do you use your color match in your home?

Picture Credit: Duvet and Pillow Warehouse

Daydreaming

So it's a brisk 32 degrees here in Washington, DC. There's nothing like staring off into space (or into a magazine) and dreaming of warmer, cozier places.

House Beautiful Magazine

The Art of Black: Black with Pop

Black is actually my favorite color. Many present it as the color of darkness and evil, but it can also represent power. In ancient Egypt, it represents life and rebirth.

It absorbs all light in the color spectrum: so its either draining or completely fulfilling. I like to look at it as quite complete, and integrative. Everything goes with black.

I love what About.com has to say about the feng shui of black:

"Black color is full of the feng shui energy of mystery and sophistication; it holds the energy of power and protection. The color of night, deep waters and universal void, feng shui use of color black adds depth, strength and definition to any space.

In Feng Shui, Black belongs to the element of Water, direction North, and it is the color of Yin, or feminine, passive energy in the feng shui Yin-Yang combination."

I love that black is feminine- the Yin of the Yang; and now it makes complete sense why men also love it so much.

I didn't want to appear completely overpowering on this sunny day in August, so here are some black rooms with unexpected pops of color for your viewing pleasure. Happy weekend!

The Soho Hotel

DecorPad

rol.vn

thecolorofblushingapples.blogspot.com

apartmenttherapy.com

Now that's powerful!