5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PAINT YOUR WALLS BLACK

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Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

In an era of bright and white instagramable spaces (yes, we swoon over those too!) - we are think you should paint your walls black. It’s no surprise that I am a fan of dark moody spaces. I try to slide in some saturated color into a project every. single chance I get. So here are our top reasons why you should say yes to that darkest color swatch on the paint color fan deck.

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1. MAKE IT COZY

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Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

A dark room (especially black) has the ability to wrap you in color and create a cozy inviting space that light colors simply can’t achieve. It’s almost like the room is opening its arms to you and pulling you in for a big bear hug.

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2. BENEFIT FROM CONTRASTS

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Lisa Gilmore Design | Native House Photography

Other colors will contrast and bounce off like you would’t believe, so the end result is actually bringing more life to the space.

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3. BLACK IS SEXY

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Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

Everyone looks sexy in a black room. A black interior is flatering. Your skin tone will thank you.

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4. YOUR ART WILL LOOK PHENOMENAL

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Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

Your art will look PHENOMENAL. It doesn’t matter if you are an avid fine art collector, pick up art from the thrift store, have only a few key pieces and a massive collection. Your art will sing on the dark moody backdrop.

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5. NO NEED TO FEAR

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Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

It will not feel small, we promise. Okay - so a few factors do come into play with this promise. One, your ceilings really can’t be lower than 8 ft, and if they are, make sure you balance that dark wall with some of the following: light or bright area rugs and drapery OR light and bright furniture, also varying wood tones add interest to a dark space. (really, any space.) Additionally, if you don’t have a lot of natural light in the space, be sure to add ambient lighting through chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps and/or wall sconces

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Lisa Gilmore | Roohi Photography

GO AHEAD, PULL THE TRIGGER ON THE BLACK PAINT.

There you have it, I rest my case. Hopefully you are now dreaming up which room (or maybe you should just go for it and paint your whole place black!) that you will tackle with this amazing color. And if you get a little scared, don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

With love & design-y dreams,

Lisa Gilmore

SWEET DESIGN INSPIRATION

INTERIOR DESIGN THAT GIVES US THE FEELS

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue… Nicole’s here, to help make this Valentine’s Day a bit more tolerable for you!

It’s that time of year again folks. The time of year when cupid is out half naked, poking his arrow around -love is in the air people! We love to love, and love to show it- and these feelings of joy should also translate to the spaces we dwell in.

My single ladies, I know what you’re thinking, “why do I want to participate in the holy grail of single awareness?” Fear not my friends, there are plenty of ways to switch things up using small touches such as art, pillows, rugs, lighting, and plants. We can all enjoy this sweet holiday!

Your home is a reflection of you, so whether light and bright is your go to style or moody and dark is how you’re rolling this month- I urge you to bring those emotions into your space. The best part is you can be as cheeky with your decor as that little cherub with horrible aim.

Design is personal, and it’s fun, and it’s messy, and it is art …completely subjective (much like relationships)! So this Valentine’s day whether you are on cloud nine in a budding beautiful relationship, 35 years in the thick of it, or singing “all the single ladies” in your best Beyonce impersonation (because that song will never get old)…. here’s a couple sweet ideas for you!

LOVING LOVE, this one’s for you…

Lisa Gilmore Design- Foyer Inspo (pops of color, fun art, light and bright)

SIMPLY STATED, this one’s for you….

Lisa Gilmore Design- Foyer Inspo (cheeky art selections, muted tones, monochromatic vibes)

Let us know which design you are crushing on !?!

Till next time!

LOCAL LOVE:: THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU ARE FEELING ARTSY BUT YOU AREN'T AN ARTIST

A NONCREATIVE'S WAY TO GET THE JUICES FLOWING

As the noncreative in the office, I am surrounded by endless talent and artistic prowess on a daily basis.  Every once and awhile I like to test out my own talents but it can be very intimidating.  St. Petersburg is a bustling mecca for art and there are so many cool ways "non-artists" like myself can exercise our own artistic flair.

Morean Art Center: The Hot Spot

The Morean Art Center has so many different classes and artwork shops.  You are sure to find something that you like.  Team LGD recently spent an evening at The Hot Spot- a neat annex of the Morean Art Center where we learned the basics about glass working.  It was a fun, exciting night surrounded by all beginner glass artists.  We made ourselves glass flowers.  Check out details here.  

Makeme Studio

If you are feeling a little intimidated by the more formal setting of Morean, you should check out our friends at Makeme Studio.  Team LGD has also taken a bracelet making class there.  Get a group of friends together, bring some snacks, and sign up for one of their Adult BYOB classes. Makeme also has a packed calendar full of many different types of mediums.  You are sure to find something that interests you. Their motto is Less Pinning, More Making!

Check out more details here.

Our team had so much fun making bracelets at Makeme with some of our great reps!

Whim So Doodle

A local St. Petersburg fav, Whim So Doodle is a shop full of awesome art supplies as well as an ever-changing calendar full of classes in all different genres. Everything from hand lettering, to painting and many other creative ventures in between!

Check out more details here.

Painting with a Twist

For those of you that aren't in the Tampa Bay area, Painting with a Twist is EVERYWHERE- 39 states, actually.  We love our local shop and the many fun painting events they set up.  Painting with a Twist is away to be artistic without being an artist.  Their motto is Fun Art, Not Fine Art.  

Check out more details here.

Art shouldn't be intimidating or overwhelming.  If you feeling like trying something new, I would recommending taking an art class.  Most classes are reasonably priced and only a few hours commitment.  You might find a real passion for a new hobby!  

Get out there and get artsy! (you might even see me there)