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Doesn't Matter if it's Black or White . . . .

July 23rd, 2009 in projects     
CottageElements Lanette Lorsung, contributor
9 users recommend
I found these vintage B&W canisters at an occasional sale and they were very inexpensive.  Pairing them up with white cups, glass and stainless makes a perfect compo.  And guess what?  No color!
This cupboard is a married piece.  I purchased the top at an occasional sale and the bottom piece, originally a dresser, came from a thrift store.  It works perfect for my white stoneware, and brown transferware.  Okay, I guess brown is a color :) 
Love this B&W canvas my girlfriend made for me.  It has Minneapolis landmarks and our salon name.  No need for color!
I have white sofas, but no worries they have slip covers!  The window thats behind it is from an old church, which I absolutely love, and Im lucky...I have two!  The vintage shutter I think is simple yet impacting. 
Id love to know the history of this B&W Cafe sign.  I guess its now just a part of Lanis Cafe! 
What can you do with a bird bath?  Make it into a table of course!  Ive added a black scale and gauge.  These flowers sitting in the McCoy pot are made from cut tin and faucet knobs.  How clever!
Is it me, or is the European coffee grinder the cutest thing?  Nothing gets better than B&W polka dots!
Another great B&W canvas, this time with coffee words.  The tube filled with coffee beans and the old scoop is the icing on the cake!
How about some white on white?  I found a pair of these motel chairs for a steal!  And you know how I love grates . . .
Okay, I guess this has a little color (yellows a color isnt it?).  Ha!  But a little muted color is all good.  Right?  My manikan is one of my favorite things.  Havent named her yet, any suggestions? 
Some B&W in a kitchen cupboard.  And more fab polka dots!
I even have a black and white cat! Ha! Is that obsessed?? I actually had two B&W ones, but one died :( They looked like bookends :) The other two of my three are gray and white, of course!
I found these vintage B&W canisters at an occasional sale and they were very inexpensive.  Pairing them up with white cups, glass and stainless makes a perfect compo.  And guess what?  No color!

I found these vintage B&W canisters at an occasional sale and they were very inexpensive.  Pairing them up with white cups, glass and stainless makes a perfect compo.  And guess what?  No color!
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So with all the media coverage on the passing of Michael Jackson (may he rest in peace), I've been singing that song (though I really don't know the words) in my head.  It started me thinking of how I love using Black and White in decorating.  I sometimes throw color accents in the mix just for fun, but black and white is my main palate.  I LOVE this (to my husbands dismay) as you can change it up so easily.  Here are some examples . . .

For more pictures, you can see them on my Cottage Elements blog.

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posted in: projects, tabletop, vintage, metal, wood, cottage, container, eclectic, artwork, glass, industrial, funky, house wear, white, whimsical, fun, furniture, black, farm, wire, table, chic, contemporary, brown, letters, silver-metallic, beige, european, paint, aluminium-metallic, ceramic
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Comments (24)

joeyone writes: these are the best chairs....very hard to find in ny now. Good score! Posted: 8:26 pm on November 3rd
antiquejunkie writes:
I had an idea like this in mind.....thats beautiful. I also saw one ina magazine that was made to withstand the weather and it was used in a garden dining room. Very Beautiful- Posted: 9:36 pm on October 21st
paintedantler writes: wow, what a fab joint you have, well done. Your "manny" is officially a "judy" Posted: 2:55 am on October 14th
SMAPLES08 writes: that poor kitty isn't obsessed it's a catapotamas !!! Posted: 3:43 pm on August 24th
dresdenjunkshun writes: beautiful and breathtaking...you certainly have the knack and touch! Posted: 4:06 pm on August 21st
alicemom writes: Lani,
Wow wee! Love all the goodies. Your display is outstanding.
How about Miss Molly Mannequin or 3M for short!
smiles, alice
Yesteryearsjewels.blogspot.com Posted: 4:20 pm on August 2nd
SpamtownGal writes: I decorate in little groupings too...it's a gift to display as well as to collect! Lots of fun to take a look at your treasures! Posted: 7:49 pm on July 31st
JunkArchitect writes:

Lani, this really is a beautiful post. Your house is a junk masterpiece and thanks for the tour.

Jim

Posted: 11:25 pm on July 27th
CottageElements writes: Thanks, y'all for the great comments and suggestions. I'am thinking of going with a version of audlyenuf's suggestions. I think I'll name her Anna Kin the Manikan! And may the force be with her! LOL! Also, as a heads up for those in MN, I think my house might be on a home tour for Christmas, just in case you want to see it in person. Would love to have you all. I'll keep you posted through my blog, www.cottageelements.blogspot.com.

Lani Posted: 11:00 pm on July 27th
junkermidge writes: Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
Midge Posted: 8:24 pm on July 25th
audlyenuf writes: Gretchen, you missed "Anne Quin, the mannequin" in your list...It's my favorite,Lani. Posted: 8:25 pm on July 24th
snowyowl writes: I have a married cabinet almost exactly like yours. It was given to me put together. I love it. Mine has a drawer and then 2 doors below. The top is almost identical. Itis painted a brownmustard sort of color, more goldish mustard. I love the black and white, with a pop ofred. Posted: 4:32 pm on July 24th
MimiToria writes: Hey Lani - enjoyed your cool post on black and white. My favs are the Mannequin, the married furniture piece, the hotel chairs and Sue's 2 art pieces. Wooops, I guess you can't have a favorite at Lani's place, they're all great.
Love the name suggestions thus far for your mannequin. You've got:
Maybelline
Manikan
Anika

I favor the Anika suggestion, but I'm sure you'll come up with the perfect name.

Love your blog posts and great photographs as well.

Gretchen
http://www.mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com Posted: 4:20 pm on July 24th
georgiamoon writes: Lanette, what fabulous photos and a fantastic way for us to see your lovely home. I would LOVE to have all of your treasure in my home as well. Great stuff girlfriend!!! Geo Posted: 2:32 pm on July 24th
chippingcharm writes: Another amazing post Lani...I always feel like I'm on a "Home Tour" without having to leave my home :)
You definitely have a gift for wonderful displays...thank you for letting us take a peek! Laurel Posted: 3:00 pm on July 23rd
RustyDiva writes: Love your home Lani! I suffer from decoration ADHD ~ I love black and white, shabby chic, country, Tuscan, industrial, some modern, etc. etc....... I think it's called eclectic style, anyway, love your stuff! Thanks for sharing it with us. My fave is the big kitty! (I have 2 black ones)

Kenda Posted: 2:32 pm on July 23rd
fellowjunker writes: Your decorating is AMAZING Lani......so many extraordinary treasures!!!! I, too, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE black and white and my house is mostly decorated in those colours as well. People die when they see the white furniture as I have three boys and a dog, but no worries bleach does wonders!!!
So nice to see into that beautiful home of yours!!!
xojanis Posted: 1:25 pm on July 23rd
oldnews writes: Every post gets better and better! Each picture is filled with inspiring ideas for all of us! I'm so glad that you are willing to share your beautiful things with everyone! Marie Posted: 12:30 pm on July 23rd
shabbychick writes: Miss Lani...everything is so perfect in black and white - and like I said on your blog...the age and character of the accessories make it such a soothing combination! And a great setting to pop in a little color here and there if you want to too...

I love the motel chairs - your "married" hutch, and who doesn't love some polka dots?

Beautiful my friend!

Kathy



Posted: 11:41 am on July 23rd
audlyenuf writes: OH, MY! (Where does that expression come from anyway? Oh, my what?....Sorry, I got distracted.) B&W is my very favorite combo, and I have to be careful my whole wardrobe isn't just that. The others have said it all, but I think Monakent's word CLASSY fits it all best!
re the Manikan/Mannequin's name.....if you spell it the first way and drop the first and last letters you have Anika; and if you do the same with the other spelling you have Anne Quin. Either sound like good names to me. Posted: 10:32 am on July 23rd
monakent writes: Classy, classy, classy!!! Your photos deserve to be in a magazine spread, showing how much fun it is to use vintage with your basic black and white color scheme. Every single item works well by itself, but put together......WOW!!!!!

Not sure which are my favorite... I would say your mannequin picture ranks right up there, mainly because I too, have a mannequin that I got as a freebie (the theater was going to toss it). It is so old it has holes in it, but I still LOVE her!!! The coffee grinder is magnificent by itself. LOVE what you did with the coffee-in-a-tube look. Your pictures add a feeling of modern charm. I LOVE your posting. Oo-la-LA........

Keep up the great work Lani!!! gailmarie Posted: 9:58 am on July 23rd
Junk_Sophisticate writes: Fantastic post, Lani! What a treat to go from one photo to the next! Your European coffee grinder is like nothing I've ever seen. And I think I'm going to have to duplicate your coffee bean in the glass tube display. Love that!

Beautifully photographed and fab inspiration as always!
Candy Posted: 9:39 am on July 23rd
byabpryor writes: BTW - I posted you on my Facebook Page and I might as well Twitter this one too....

How about Maybelline for the mannequin name? That's the name that popped into my head when I saw her. Posted: 9:14 am on July 23rd
byabpryor writes: As a absolute fan of Michael, b/w and vintage... I am THRILLED by your creations and displays.... absolutely thrilled! Thanks for sharing your vision. I truly am inspired!!!!!

PS and you are right... those polka dots are adorable. Posted: 9:08 am on July 23rd
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