Sometimes, as I scour Pinterest and the interwebs, I come across certain design elements that are such great, simple but impactful, additions to interiors it makes me do a double take. I hate to call them “trends” because it implies they are simply a passing whimsy but that would be inaccurate and unjust. Take window and glass door frames, for example. They’re an often overlooked element in a space- and it seems natural, no? They’re purely functional and meant to blend in quietly and do their job. But what if they were framed in black? That’s when they instantly transform into something so unbelievably chic, it’s amazing.
The best part? Once painted, they elevate not just what they conceal from the elements- your rooms and belongings- but also what they reveal to you, the viewer. The outside is framed and suddenly given importance, it goes from ho-hum to interesting, whether you’re looking out at a beautiful garden or a bustling city scape, a calm ocean view or simply into an adjoining space. Granted, these rooms are styled beautifully, and as a mother to two young children I admire that they’re so clean, but I stand firm- when your basics are solid, they tend to ground your spaces and serve as inspiration for what is contained within. Without the black window and door frames, these would be pretty spaces; with them they’re extraordinary, Vogue-worthy interiors. This is a definite top 5 design must-have for me. How about you?

Marius Haverkamp and children’s wear designer Emily Gray’s home in Amsterdam is stunning. This is just a small peek into their gorgeous, industrial chic kitchen. Via Honestly WTF. I highly recommend you head over to see the full house tour.

A bold, black framed window and that gorgeous freestanding tub pair up to create a very stylish bathroom. Via A House in the Hills.

Would you believe this is a Victorian house in London? I didn’t either! Via Designed for Life. Photos by William Tozer Architecture & Design.

Black framed windows look just as home in a more traditional space too in the home of Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. (one of my favourite stores!) founder, Brian Faherty. Via the New York Times. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.
Until next time,
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