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thanks, bj

Sunday, October 11, 2009

The Black and White of it.....

I have had this love affair with BLACK and WHITE forever...
Mr. Sweet and I just finished tearing off a pink rose border in my guest room....
and then just slathered those pink walls with beautiful COUNTRY WHITE...
a creamy, off white color that I love. I THOUGHT I was going to be in love with this room forever and ever, amen....
because...I like the wall color...
and I like all the components I used in this room...
BUT...........

SOMETHING is wrong here...bwaaaaaaaaaa

Things aren't coming together like they look in my mind....

I have the little bit of whimsey I love in my rooms....
This vintage frame....not sure what I want to do with it yet...
made a chalk board because............everyone else is doing it....?
I can't find the chalk pens ANYwhere here so guess I have to order some..
I put a skirt on my mom's little vintage drop leaf table...
with a topper of burlap for a little texture...love it, too.
I like the objects I've put here...
(Pottery Barn is showing SO much that includes numbers and letters !!..I've always loved any kind of graphics)
**

I adore my little "REMEMBER THE DAYS BLESSINGS" hung above the headboard as a gentle reminder to not take ONE SINGLE THING for granted...to recognize each blessing given to us every single day.

I love the candles glowing in the new HOBBY LOBBY sconces....
**

I like the arrangement on my vintage washstand that is on the other side of the bed....
**
Mr. Sweet and I bought this antique washstand just before we married, in an antique store in Plainview, Texas....we refinished it and have used it now for almost 50 years.....
So....this piece is OLDEN, folks..
**

I like the new bed from J.C. PENNEY'S...

I like my little vintage dresser with the three beveled mirrors.....
***

I like the curve of the new metal and wood bed...
and the black and white quilt set...
BUT....I'M NOT THRILLED WITH THE OVERALL LOOK OF THINGS !!
**
SO....what's a girl to do....???
**
....go into the kitchen and pour herself not ONE but TWO glasses of
BLACKBERRY WINE.....
and ponder just where and what the trouble with this room might be!!
Linking with
SUSAN for MET MONDAY
DIANE for 2ND TIME AROUND TUESDAY
EDITED TO ADD: MARY for MOSAIC MONDAY

63 comments:

Melissa Miller said...

BJ your guest room is just gorgeous! I just adore the black/white crisp color scheme. The candlesticks and lighting are beautiful.

Many Blessings, ~Melissa :)

Melissa Miller said...

Thank you BJ! I really appreciate you kind words as well.
We really needed to replace those old drapes for the longest time. It's funny how we just get used to something and just forget.

I remember that you told me about her name. Toooo funny! I knew when I got married ten years ago I would have a very common name from here on out.

Have a wonderful holiday!
~Melissa :)

Stacey said...

BJ, I love that room! The black and white is just adorable. Knowing you though...I'm thinking you would enjoy a little more red in there. Hmmm...ponder on that one with your blackberry wine.

I will send you the paint pens. They are at HL and they are cheap. Just email me your info. snskee@aol.com
I bought some when they were half price and I'm enjoying them.

Hugs,

Stacey

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

BJ!
I love your black and white room! I think it looks perfect in the pictures you have shown. Love the little pops of red too!

Kathleen said...

Well from here it looks great. But I understand that YOU feel it is not exactly right! You will get it, but I think it is looking beautiful!
What are these chalk pens?? I use reg old chalk..tell me please!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I can't find a single thing wrong with your gorgeous room, but it is so frustrating to feel that way and not know why. Maybe step away from it for a week or two and see what you think. I think it is stunning. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

I think the room looks like a lovely place to sleep BUT I know what you mean when you feel like something is just not right. Frustrating huh? Have another glass of wine, it always makes me feel better!

Inspired Comblogulations said...

I love the bunnies. Great post BJ... very enjoyable!
Lee

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

It looks beautiful to me, BJ!!!

Kathy said...

I think your guest room is really beautiful, BJ. I love country white too. It is a great base for almost any room, and your black and white theme is wonderful. I kind of like a deep rosy pink with black and white. If you are interested in adding any color, maybe a piece of art with pink and a few items with pink to tie it all together like pillows, candle, etc.. However, as I said first of all, I love your guest room just as it is! Have a wonderful new week...Kathy

Mary said...

Oh BJ I think it is beautiful!!! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely makeover at Mosaic Monday. :)

Oh, and have you thought of adding a RED pillow on the bed? ;)

Barb said...

Hi BJ....oh, gal, I am drooling! I love black and white and your room is just so very special. How inviting it is and you did a great job.

We just covered up several pink rooms with cottage white and I love it!!!!!!

Barb ♥

Anonymous said...

BJness! I love your guest room. I want that gorgeous dress with the three mirrors! I've never seen anything like that before! The black and whiteness of your room is so peaceful looking! I'm sorry you're not happy with it. I know! Just poke a red pillow upon that beautiful bed linen and you're done! Now did you drink too much wine! :)
Thank you so much for your prayers.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Kathleen Grace said...

You know I love this BJ! Can I suggest that what you need is a pop of color here and there? Everything else is perfection.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I LOVE the black and white. It is perfect! Hope you find your happy doneness in your room soon...

Shirley said...

Love your room and I think all it would need is a little color on the bed. The totally black and white bed linens is the one part that is the problem for me because of the strong red in other parts. Love the idea of the chalk board in the bedroom. Never thought of that!

Bill said...

Hi BJ,
The room looks perfect to me -- so inviting! Perhaps you could turn down the bed, leave a chocolate or two (and a bottle of that wonderful-looking blackberry wine and a corkscrew on the dresser), and start taking reservations. You'd have the most popular B&B in all of Blogland! ;)

Hope your week goes well.

Bill

ellen b said...

Hi bj! Your black and white is so great. I really to like that great combination. Enjoy your week girl!!

Carol said...

Your room looks gorgeous. I love your pieces! Very warm, inviting and absolutely beautiful! Great mosaics!

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Bj, Your room looks so inviting. I love all the special touches and attention to detail. Maybe after a glass or two of wine, you won't see anything wrong with it at all!

Sue said...

I like the black/white color scheme, BJ. If you are unhappy with the room, try adding a pop of color for an accent. Oh, and Hobby Lobby has the chalk pens. It was the only place I could find them locally. Basic colors, though. If you want neons, you will have to order. Have fun playing with the room to get it where you want it to be.
:-) Sue

pam said...

It looks like a wonderful room but I know what you mean about something being off sometimes...I too have felt that with home decorating projects...enjoy that wine and POOF it will come to you.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

OH~~~~ I LOVE IT! I love black and white as well, you did a wonderful job.
Ginger

Sarah { abeachcottage } said...

OMG love it!

the quitl is just gorgeous, never seen one like it in b/w before

S
x

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love your beautful B&W bedroom BJ! I think a dash of red or another bright color that yoy love would maybe be the thing you are looking for?

Happy Mosaic Monday!

Diann @ the Thrifty Groove said...

I love your wine....er...your bedroom! Really I do! What if you added a couple of solid crisp black things to the bed like a black throw or black pillow?

Bunny Jean said...

Oh BJ... what's not to love?

It is a very charming room, but I am thinking maybe a chandelier might add the finishing touch!?

Bunny Jean (another BJ)

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Hello BJ~ You are quite the temptress with the wine, chocolate, peanuts and brittle!! I should have not ventured past the lovely black and white decor post, which I think is very cozy and inviting, but if necessary just to prove the point, I'd be happy to stop by....just don't forget to leave a lil' treat on the nightstand...starting with the chocolate.
I've been trying to get a new headboard and have entertained making an upholstered one, then reality strikes when I think about the tufting... that's pretty much where the creative inspiration goes to bed...literally.

Chalk pen? This sounds like something I need to know about.

Sweet wishes,
Sara

Laura said...

I am not sure if you came up with a solution, but I love you rmethod for pondering!

For those of us who love houses, isn't it funny how one day we'll look at our own and think, I can do better.

Then my mind goes blank!

Yikes!

Laura

Miss Mustard Seed said...

I love black and white as well. It's clean and classic and never gets old. The room looks beautiful! It must have been so much fun to create. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Unknown said...

It looks beautiful to me. I love your mosaic, and your black and white room. Your photographs make the room look perfect.
Karen

Martha said...

I love the room! I love the black and white. My first (limited decorator sense) impression here was that the wall behind the bed needs something else. Maybe some cool quote or design in those wall stencils that is larger than what you have hanging.... or maybe some splashes of red on the bed.

My mother has an antique wash stand much like yours, but it has a marble top. It has been in our family for many many years.

Ebie said...

Wow, I love the new theme and the great transformation. Very lovely mosaics too! What are great talent and very artistic!

Have a great week!

Ebie's Mosaic.

santamaker said...

What's not to Love?!? It's beautiful and chalked full of charm. Perhaps you were so used to having more color with the pink walls. Try adding a red pillow inbetween the shams?!? This room looks beautiful, B.J. (better make an appointment with the eyedoctor)...LOL

Ronnica said...

I like all the details...I never put that much effort into a room!

Oh, and I hate to say it, but it's bugging me, so please forgive me. That sign is missing an apostrophe...should be "day's blessings" or "days' blessings" (I didn't know which it was trying to say).

Dena said...

Morning BJ,

I am loving the room! Oh my goodness, I am feeling the need to change my room now. I want black and white toile in the worstest way. Oh and dreamy light green sagey walls...you have my "wanter" going haywire this morning! P.S. - I found the chalk pens at a frame store (Aaron Brothers) I believe. I know that they are on Amazon as well. Hope you get your hands on them soon :)

Hugs,
Dena

Anonymous said...

Beautiful room - good decorating eye! If you are still dissatisfied consider a white bed cover with the gorgeous black and white quilt folder across the bottom. I am no decorator but in the first pix the quilt was prominent and drew my eye. Please don't think I am being critical - only a suggestion. The room is lovely.

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hi BJ,

Oh my goodness, how beautiful!! Love it. I think it needs a few more pops of red here and there. I would suggest a throw at the foot of the bed in a red shade, and a few more pillows on that gorgeous bed. Nice job!!

Debbie xo

Darla said...

That room is adorable....I bet you couldn't find a thing wrong with it after the wine!

glenna said...

I love your blog! Your home looks inviting....right down to the english pea salad with peanuts!

Sue said...

I think it looks great, but I would add a pop of red in a pillow or 2 on the bed. The bedding looks great, but I think it would stand out more with just a hint of color.

Sue

Brenda Pruitt said...

I love your whimsy, BJ! Now I'm going to give you a thought I'm sure you know is coming. Needs more red to spice it up! I love to see your house with black and white and red. In fact, when I think of you, I either think of all the phenomenal food you cook (and don't gain weight with; still an issue between you and me you haven't addressed yet); and black, white and red. BJ is black, white and red all over, like a newspaper!
Brenda

Claudia said...

Delightful touch of fun!

I really think you have done a lovely job, but like several have said-- i agree with a little bit more red, perhaps a throw pillow to draw it all together.

Would love to have you stop by if you get a moment!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

The Quintessential Magpie said...

BJ, I love it! I like the black and white SO much. I love that pillow by Kari and Kijsa, too. I'm sorry you're not totally in love with the room yet.

Knowing how distressed you sounded, I studied the pictures last night, and I was stumped. I tried to see it from your eyes to see what the problem might might be. I looked at the pictures again this morning with fresh eyes, and thought you might start with something small and see if that helps you feel better.

Maybe you could try doing a little something different to the linens on the bed to see if that pleases your eye more. The reason I say that is because I went through something similar with a bed till I got it like I wanted it. I ended up folding our quilt back to the foot of the bed and using a white matlaese (sp) coverlet on the bed itself. If you have white sheets, just fold the quilt back to reveal those to see if that helps your eye. I also used the quilted shams behind the white ones, and I added some other pillows for a separate punch of color in the front. I wish you had a little white pillow or two with red stitching that said something like "Good Night" or the French equivalent. If I could sew I would make you one. That would pop a tiny bit of red from the flowers to the bed.

I've found that when you have a black and white room scheme, you need to bring in some things that will help punch it up a notch. Not necessarily color, but think things like bamboo blinds, natural wood frames, etc. You've got a good start with the woods you have in your nightstand (love that you've had it 50 years), dressing table, etc. That adds warmth to a black and white scheme.

Play with the bed first, and see if that helps you love it more.

I adore your burlap. I want a burlap bedskirt in the worst way!

Love to you...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Marsha said...

Pour me a glass of that wine and I'll come over to look at the room with you :) Seriously though, I think the room is gorgeous and I love the sign over the bed. (I just might have to copy that)

Phyllis @Around the House said...

I love the room, I also am a fan of black and white...I would put a red pillow on the bed and a red throw tossed on the end of the bed and also one small white furry pillow on bed. Those little pops of color will make you happy. the whole rooms is great for adding what ever pop of color you like, just add it in three places...yea for you and the wonderful room

Carol at Serendipity said...

I think the room is very attractive. Maybe some greenery? Or red? Or a mirror over bed? Or turn the bed down? Or another bottle of Blackberry wine?

Carol

my home sanctuary said...

Oh I love your guest room. May I be your guest? I am loving B&W too. I keep going more and more black.
Thanks for sharing. I loved it.
Have a great week.
Sherry

Sherri said...

Hi BJ thanks for dropping by my blog and your nice compliments on my dollar wall decor. I guess it would depend on the size of your iron work, can't wait to see if you try it! I would add a little more touches of the red?(dark pink?) that you have going on in the room. It will pull more of the wood color in if you plan to leave it as is. Maybe even paint the gold frame red? white/with rub?. It's a GORGEOUS room as is. You did a wonderful job. If you're like me, you'll fiddle with it til you LOVE it. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Love the room....you could always try adding one or two splashes of Blackberry Wine color here and there;-)

The Pleasures of Homemaking said...

Well I like it! I love black and white but I always like to throw a bit of red in there (maybe red toile pillows on the bed in addition to what you have?). I'm sure you'll figure it out!

Manuela

nannykim at spindle cottage said...

Wow you said you had the washstand for 50 years!!! Hmmm, how old does that make you???

I know how you feel when you work on a room and are not quite satisfied--it happens to me all of the time! ha! but then it gives you something to contemplate and an adventure or challenge to think upon, eh? At least we are not stagnating in our old age, I always say!! The wine helps, cheers!!

Anonymous said...

BJ, I love your black and white room. It has just those few touches of red that add to it. Great job!

Hugs, Gretchen

Anonymous said...

Oh my BJ! I just went through the same thing this weekend! BTW I have that same quilt too! I love blk/whte and swore I would do my whole house BUT I soon discovered I need color also!!! Sometimes the best plans in our heads just give us a HEADACHE! I like your idea of the wine though! although I ate too many kit kats instead!!lol I did a turn around and added hits of color with the blk/whte being the main; seems to be working for now! Good Luck - OH and I think the room looks JUST BEAUTIFUL!!! Sincerely, Jeannette

Anonymous said...

Jean, that room is gorgeous, but I agree with all the ladies that thought you might like it better with a red pillow or throw on the bed. Think that may be what's bugging you--just black and white on the bed. Try that and maybe put RED candles in the sconces although I really do like the white ones. You'll get it fixed to your liking! I have faith in your wonderful decorating abilities! Just enjoy your beautiful black and white room, girl! It is another Southern Living charmer!

Love,
Martha

Tara said...

I think it looks just great! I don't know what you think is missing but I hope the cuppa helps!

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

BJ, Your room looks fabulous! Love your attention to all the little details that make it cozy and just perfect! :) ~hugs, Rhonda

Anonymous said...

I love the room!!!


If you haven't already come link up to my Room a Month Link party (Every Monday!)http://theshadesofpink.blogspot.com/2009/10/room-month-monster-dominoes.html

Justine said...

BJ, you are such a weenie. That room is near perfection! Those sconces had me drooling! How about a few more pops of red? I know how you love it. Maybe a throw over the end of the bed? A red decorative pillow? I love that damn room and want to sleep there!

Justine :o )

Anonymous said...

BJ I Love your bedroom! That plaque above the bed is just the sweetest!!
I am wondering if maybe a few more punches of that pretty red color would make you feel better about your room though I love it like it is.

Sarah said...

I too have a thing for black and white. So, it makes since that I LOVE your bedroom!!! God's blessings on your day, Sarah :D

Rhondi said...

Hi BJ
I just read all the suggestions for this room from the previous post. I always find when I've just done over a room and I'm not quite content with the look that I need to just live with it for awhile. Then one day you'll look at it and know just what to do, or you might find that you like it just the way it is!
I think it probably needs another color, not sure what though.
Hugs, Rhondi

Carol said...

I think the room is lovely & only have one suggestion. Does the quilt reverse to a darker pattern?