A Black House

Around these parts, we’re into classic design choices – the kind that aren’t destined to go out of style, the timeless materials and good bones. The design elements that last.

But equally, we’re moved and inspired by trends – the bolder the better.

Here’s one that we are feeling intrigued by. Let us know what you think! Would you live in a black house?

A Bolt from the Blue – featured in Lonny Mag

I have such a crush on Barbara Bestor. I love how she pays homage to timeless design, but completely puts it on its head with her bold bohemian approach. She bought her personal home, the Bestor House,  near Elysian Park/Silverlake as a shack in a pre-gentrification era and started a revolution in her neighborhood. I love how she was inspired by a child’s drawing of a home. The simplicity and the color really make this home unique.

BlackbirdsLA – also by Barbara Bestor is a development project similar to a pocket neighborhood. It just opened up in Echo Park and the first round of homes are for sale.

You should definitely click over to the progress post by Lauren Liess, for the before/after of her home’s black paint exterior. I have yet to see something that this woman does that doesn’t make me want it. Gah, that’s an incredible transformation.

This classic Noe Valley, San Francisco Victorian may have gone the way of haunted house what with its gingerbread bones, but the ultra modern finishes and the simple styling (note that lone saguaro cactus)… well, it makes the cut for a bold modern finish on top of classic design. The most fun of all, is that this home was the result of collaboration between a pretty savvy young designer couple and an architect, and I found the story in the NYT to be pretty entertaining.

So, that’s it! Are you ready to paint your house black!?

Thanks for playing,