Pepper Design Blog

Favorite Trend: Black & Chalkboard Accent Walls

What are your thoughts on black walls? I think they’re kinda cool. An accent wall here or there in a strong color can really make a room pop, and an entirely black room can give the illusion of a larger, open space (it doesn’t really make a room smaller as most people assume) while still exuding that intimate atmosphere.

My favorite technique is painting your accent wall with chalkboard paint for instant creativity! Now the grocery list, kid’s artwork and favorite quotes can be displayed for all to see (and erased as quickly as it went up).

What do you think? Would you ever paint a wall or room black?

A black wall helps artwork and wall collages to prominently stand out:

And can bring a sophisticated coziness to a small den:

Chalkboard walls are my favorite in the kitchen and bedroom. Choosing a pop of color (like turquoise) helps balance the darker background.

Keep in mind there are many different types of black so before you grab the nearest pitch black gallon of paint, determine if your room would benefit from a blue-black, deep midnight color or dark gray. You’re best bet is a matte – avoid the glossies.

If you’re not a black-wall-type-of-person, not to worry – but if you are, there are four more delicious examples after the jump! Plus credits for all of the images. Read more »

Rooms Inspired by the Month of April

I can’t believe it’s already the end of April! This month as flown by so quickly.

April inspires me with bright colors, bold patterns and PASTELS! What’s the best way to incorporate a bit of pastel? In beautiful accessories (like muted lampshades, funky upholstered headboards, throw pillows and even wallpaper) that add a hint of soft, sunny color to lighten up an entire room.

Oh I adore the above room from BHG, it very much reminds me of dyed Easter eggs and spring. Sigh.

My mind has been in many bright places recently and April seams the fitting month to honor the spring mentality! I love the look of gentle pastels contrasted with bold colors like the living room at the top of this post by Tobi Fairley and these bedrooms from DecorPad:

The orange hints peeking through in this House to Home room are subtle but lovely against the shades of soft blue in the wallpaper.

Two pastel rooms that really take on the meaning of bright and beautiful:

There are too many great examples! Here’s a quick link to the rest of the Rooms Inspired by the Month series. Five more reasons to love spring right after the jump. Read more »

Friday Guest Interview: Isabella & Max Rooms

It would be a close call… but if I could choose one person to decorate my home from top to bottom it would be Janell of Isabella & Max Rooms. Her style is a creative combination between traditional & contemporary – with a comfy twist.

I adore her daily posts about diy projects and decorating – Janell shares step-by-step tutorials on everything from sewing and lining drapes to reupholstering occasional chairs, along with her inspiration process for her beautifully decorated home & client projects.

You might recognize the above room from an inspiration board I created a while back for my own living room . I *love* it – everything from the colors to the beautiful patterns and those wonderful antlers above the mantle.

A bit about Janell: “I have always been passionate about design… I first studied painting and drawing, receiving a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After working briefly for a clothing manufacturer, I launched my own line [and] when a move took me to San Francisco I opened a boutique where I continued to design for my wholesale line.

Several years later, with a move to Portland, Oregon and the arrival of my wonderful children Isabella and Max, my focus shifted to the home and interior design. In 2006, I started my current business creating warm and eclectic interiors. It is a field I am thoroughly enjoying being involved in and challenged by!”

Let’s dive right into this interview and see the rest of her home! Including her son Max’s map-inspired bedroom (the chalkboard paint is genius), a beautiful teal & coral bedroom and remodeled living room. Read more »