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Black House Blue Sky
A creative lifestyle blog by Michel McClamrock Van Devender.
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exterior design

KEEPING IT INTERESTING: MAKING A STATEMENT WITH YOUR HOME EXTERIOR

by Michel Van Devender January 31, 2022

I always admire those homeowners who aren’t afraid to take risks and keep things interesting, especially when it’s done well :). Take for instance the often overlooked home exterior, most of us play it safe, opting for white, gray or beige. But what about taking the opportunity to make a statement, rebelling against the boring, the ordinary, stepping outside of the exterior design box?

Towards the end of summer, I cut down a street in our old Charlotte neighborhood, Elizabeth. I drove past a house that caused me to stop, put my car in reverse, back up to park on the street for a better, unhurried look. The entire exterior of the two-story home had been adorned with colorful, painted flowers. And I think my black exteriors are bold… this is next level bold! What a beautiful, happy surprise of a house! And who couldn’t use more good cheer and happy houses these days. I sat there in my car for several minutes with a smile on my face, scrolling with my eyes, digesting all of the lovely, different flowers, colors, shapes and variations. 

Mind you, this house is in one of Charlotte’s historic neighborhoods, one without a historic commission. Otherwise, something so unexpected and creative would’ve never happened. I imagine some neighbors absolutely love, while others are less than thrilled to have a rebel house. Having had one in this neighborhood, I know first hand how it goes. The Elizabeth neighborhood has been split for years over whether there should or shouldn’t be a governing body to police and regulate homeowners on what they do with their homes. Most recently, a group of well-organized neighbors rallied to gain support, but ultimately, the neighborhood voted against having a historic commission. I say good for them for maintaining the eclectic, unique, independent vibe of the neighborhood!

Then there was another home exterior art project by a local Charlotte artist I love, Nico Amortagui. He painted the exterior of a multi-family dwelling located in Myers Park with the most amazing black and white Picasso-esque figures. It’s quite the striking out-of-the-box graphic design, making a statement in an otherwise traditional, vanilla neighborhood. It’s without a doubt always the highlight of my drive down that stretch of Queens Road. 

Seeing these creative residential exteriors peaked my curiosity… What other statement home exteriors are out there? I’ve of course seen murals painted on the sides of commercial buildings, but hadn’t seen as many examples of art on residential homes. Perusing Pinterest, I found lots of inspiration, including more floral examples as well as some geometric designs. Some are painted and others are exterior wallpapers (Who knew?). Some are traditional houses while others are modern. Some are bold, some more subtle. They are all interesting and different.

So, right now, I’m loving artful applications/expressions for your home exterior! It would certainly require some major commitment, an all in, and wouldn’t be for those who prefer to blend into their surroundings. But for the creatively brave and daring, I’m digging this as an option for the exterior. Perhaps you’ll see some inspired version on my next home! What do you think? Would you dare to make a statement with your home exterior? Let me know…

🖤💙,

via nicoarte.com
via instagram.com - @thislittlestreet
via nousvouscollective.tumblr.com
via behangfabriek.com
via design-milk.com
via Black House Blue Sky
via improvisedlife.com
via wallanddeco.com
via instagram.com - @greathonourgoods.com
via wallanddeco.com

Top featured image via flickr.com

MORE INTERIOR + EXTERIOR POSTS

FRIDAY MUSINGS: I WANT TO LIVE IN A GLASS HOUSE

by Michel Van Devender March 4, 2022

Hello again Friday. So nice to see you. I hope everyone out there is safe and well. To say it’s been a horrific and sad …

by Michel Van Devender March 4, 2022

SUMMER IS COMING: THE BEST IN SWIMMING POOL DESIGN

March 3, 2022
by Michel Van Devender March 3, 2022

FRIDAY MUSINGS: NEW HOUSE 2.0

February 25, 2022
by Michel Van Devender February 25, 2022

BLACK KITCHEN CABINETS: DESIGN TREND OR NEW CLASSIC?

February 8, 2022
by Michel Van Devender February 8, 2022

KEEPING IT INTERESTING: MAKING A STATEMENT WITH YOUR HOME EXTERIOR

January 31, 2022
by Michel Van Devender January 31, 2022
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WHAT MY FALL DREAMS ARE MADE OF: A-FRAME CABINS

by Michel Van Devender November 9, 2021

Without fail, each and every fall our A-Frame cabin dreams return… sigh. These triangle homes with their super steep angled lines have an inherent escapist allure. I imagine being tucked away, enveloped by nature, in an A-Frame cabin somewhere remote and peaceful, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And really, it could be anywhere from Lake Tahoe to the Catskills to Nova Scotia.

If you too like to dream of a little fall wooded escape, there’s an abundance of eye candy on Instagram and Pinterest, best viewed with a comfy blanket and a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Some of our favorite A-Frames and other types of cabins can be found on Instagram – @cabinlove and @cabinporn. Hope you enjoy our gallery of inspiration below!

🖤💙,

West Marin via sunset.com
Whistler via www.dwell.com
Algeria via trendhunter.com
Nova Scotia via Instagram @cabinporn
via demilked.com
West Farmington, OH via Instagram @thetrianglecabin
Meredith, NH via Instagram oliverlodgenh
Lake Tahoe via www.justaddglam.com
Index, WA via Instagram @indexcabins
Germany via www.planete-deco.fr
Maurice River, NJ via Instagram @stay_lokal
Lake Tahoe via Instagram @tahoma_a_frame
Big Bear Lake, CA via sfgate.com
New Brunswick, Canada via www.behance.net
Lake Tahoe via www.amazingarchitecture.com
Catskills Black A-Frame via www.blessthisstuff.com
Hocking Hills, OH via www.dunlaphollow.com
Yosemite via Instagram @far_meadow
via contemporist.com
Asheville, NC via ashevilleglamping.com
Latvia via es-l.airbnb.com

AND, while we're dreaming, let's not forget a little interior inspiration for our A-Frame...

via tokyobanhbao.com
via mydomaine.com
via nataliewalton.com
via kiklo.tumblr.com
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SCULPTURAL STAIR DESIGN: 21 BEAUTIFUL SPIRAL STAIRCASES

by Michel Van Devender October 25, 2021

Spiral staircases give me all the good feels. As a little girl, I have the fondest memories of my aunt and uncle’s modern house in my hometown of Concord, North Carolina. I spent many weekends there with my brother and cousin. My uncle was an artist and designed and built the coolest 70s contemporary house. It had large, oversized windows and sat back in the woods. There was a spiral staircase in the two-story entry that lead to his art studio. 

Since then, I’ve been dreaming of a spiral staircase. I’m thinking I may need to design an entire house around placing one of these functional, sculptural structures inside or outside of my home. I also have thoughts of adding a second story to our pool house, utilizing a white or black spiral staircase. Or perhaps, we’ll stack another shipping container on the one we already have in our backyard and finish off as a creative space, including a spiral staircase on the exterior to connect the upper and lower floors. 

Outside of their beauty, they are especially brilliant in providing a space-saving solution for reaching your second floor. Now, I’m not going to say they’re the best for high traffic spaces as the narrow passage generally only accommodates one person at a time. They can also be tricky for moving furniture and other large items from one floor to another. Those are minor details in my opinion, and I’m sure I could be creative with solutions.

And when I get to the point where I’m ready to incorporate a spiral staircase in one of my designs, how will I even begin to choose a direction? There are some really great examples out there. I’ll definitely start here with these images for inspiration. Which is your favorite?

🖤💙,

via bisca.co.uk
via lalalovelythings.com
via interiordesign.net
via blog.bloglovin.com
via remodelista.com
via Instagram @thelocalproject
via Instagram @dklifestyles
via Instagram @lagalerie.interieure
via pragmaticmom.com
via indoorsoutdoors.tumblr.com
via Instagram @reallivingmag
via Instagram @flackstudio
via eclecticlivinghome.wordpress.com
via hometalk.com
via www.cotemaison.fr
via deco.lepetitflorilege.com
via decoholic.org
via milkdecoration.com
via hugomompo.com
via cotemaison.fr
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DARK HOME EXTERIORS: 17 BLACK HOUSES YOU’LL LOVE

by Michel Van Devender May 28, 2021

It seems the black house club continues to expand or at least more are being posted and pinned out there. Either way, it makes me happy to see all of the black house love! I continue to see a mix of both traditional and modern black exteriors taking a walk on the dark side, proving black paint isn’t just for modern homes. There are definitely more examples popping up in and around Charlotte. In my opinion, the more the merrier so please keep them coming! Here are some of my favorites from my recent saves on Instagram. Here’s to living inspired! Happy Friday!

💙🖤,

via @paularalis
via @ygge_for_home
via @est_living
via @oleg.smartdom
via @klhcustomhomes
via @heartlydesignstudio
via @blackhome_design
via @i29architects
via @leeanddarlene
via @cornyard
via @paulbatesarchitects
via @west.charmain
via @curtininteriors
via @est_living
via @property_london
via @duluxaux
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via femina.se

THE DREAMIEST OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES YOU’LL LOVE

by Michel Van Devender May 11, 2021

When we moved into our new house back in September, we had very little landscaping. We were so excited to move in and get out of Airbnbs that, at the time, we didn’t really care. There was a large hole dug for our pool and nothing but red clay surrounding our black house. If you know red clay, you know how completely awful and invasive it is! Thankfully, we have a large wooded, natural area and a mature bamboo grove on our lot so we could at least look out our windows and doors to see the lush green beyond the red mud. We knew living with mud and without grass would be challenging with three boys and a dog so we quickly got to work.

Coming from a less than quarter acre lot to more than triple that size was a bit overwhelming in terms of scale. We are thrilled to have the extra space to spread out and roam about, but we knew more planning and plantings would be necessary to build an exterior space we love. We took to paper, designing and drawing a landscape plan and cobbling together materials. Much of the decisions were made on the fly and in the field, researching along the way. With the help of our contractor and landscape crew, we successfully created a good, solid foundation of hard and soft scapes.

By design, our house, with it’s open floor plan, large windows and glass doors, was created to maximize indoor/outdoor living. With Spring’s arrival, our design focus shifted back outside. We’ve been adding furniture and more plantings. Our ultimate goal is to bring the outdoors in and enjoy our outdoor areas as extensions of the interior, blurring the line between the inside and outside. And with everyone home more these days, who couldn’t use a little extra square footage, even, AND especially if, it’s outdoors? I know our family of five sure can!

We’re dreaming and working away with much on our to-do list, always inspired by dreamy exterior spaces. Here are some we’re loving right now! 

🖤💙,

via frenchbydesignblog.com
via regardsetmaisons.blogspot.com
via frenchyfancy.com
via gardenistta.com
via tocastawidenet.tumblr.com
via peterfudgegardens.com.au
via ombiaombia.wordpress.com
via thedesignfiles.net
via akutchlife.com
via homestolove.com.au
via frenchyfancy.com
via italianbark.com
via clemaroundthecorner.com
via nordicdesign.ca
via livingetc.com
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LIFE + ETC.

BLACK HOUSE BLUE SKY: THE INSPIRATION BEHIND MY WEBSITE

by Michel Van Devender January 16, 2020

Black House Obsessed

Welcome to Black House Blue Sky! Hi, I’m Michel, and I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve always had a fascination with black. Whether it’s the little, wardrobe-staple black dress or the stars magically dancing in the pitch black sky, I love the depth, mystery, neutrality, versatility and grounding effect of black. For years, nordic design publications have featured black houses, painted out of function (and probably form for their beauty – imagine a black house contrasted against the white snow) to attract and absorb heat in a frigid climate. If you’re interested in venturing down a rabbit hole, you can find endless examples on Pinterest. 

In recent years, more and more dark-hued exteriors have been popping up all over the U.S., many of which are black – soft black, dark black and every shade in between. My design love for the black exterior runs deep as I opted for black on my own house, never second guessing or looking back. Black also tends to work well on many different house styles as you’ll see in the images below. When contrasted with a clear blue sky and a lush green landscape, it’s my idea of design perfection. So, love them or hate them, I think they are a classic and are here to stay! 

Why A Blog?

When I first had the thought of doing a blog, it was rooted in a desire to inspire others by sharing all of my creative loves and passions, in one place, documenting the unfolding journey. I really didn’t know how this would happen, or what exactly it would look like. What I did know from the onset is that it would be my sincere hope to inspire and help others, creatively or otherwise. I wanted the blog to be image driven, reflecting my lifestyle and my love for design and all things beautiful, juxtaposed with authentic copy, telling the story of my life – the good, the bad, the real and the untidy, emotionally frayed parts too. 

I’m A Quirky, Hot Mess

If you ever look at my photographs and graphics and think she must have it all together, I do NOT! Please know that most all of my images are edited to reflect my aesthetic and are part of my artist expression. On a really good day when I don’t feel like I’m going crazy, I’m still a clumsy, quirky, hot mess. I’m an analytical over thinker. I sometimes have a difficult time focusing and completing whatever task is at hand. I’m introverted and have social anxiety. I’m also capable, positive, curious, resourceful and creative. 

On occasion, I do some pretty amazing things! I’m a mom of three, mind-blowingly wonderful boys and a wife to the sweetest, most patient guy. I’m always a parent and wife in training, trying to navigate and learn as I go. I love my people fiercely and tirelessly. I may be an over sharer… guess we’ll see. Through it all, I’m literally just trying to figure out what and who I’m being called to be.

Putting Myself Out There

The almost year-long process of creating Black House Blue Sky has been challenging. There have been so many steps – missteps, sidesteps, steps forwards, steps backwards. There have been starts, stops, detours and struggles along the way. All those months ago when I naively and enthusiastically set out to construct and build this creative idea I had for the blog, I knew absolutely nothing about setting up a website, a blog and had not written anything consistently outside of an email in years…. hello ginormous, steep learning curve. 

I’ve always prided myself in being up for a good challenge, but bringing this idea to life triggered a paralyzing fear of failure, judgment and the “I’m not good enough” feeling. The putting myself “out there” has been a road block to my forward movement and progress. I’ve felt like a solo act on an empty stage delivering a bad rendition of an unintelligible soliloquy, with a spotlight illuminating my scars and the parts of myself that have been hidden from sight. There have been too many days than I’d like to admit that I’ve been sidelined, wrestling with bouts of self doubt. 

Admittedly, like many, I’m my own worst enemy and a skillful master of constructing a critical and irrational narrative in my head. And then, there’s that caught-off-guard moment when I realized that constructing the blog is not the hard part. Eureka moment! The hard part for me is getting to the place where I’m comfortable letting go and putting myself out there, exposed for others to see.

The Real Work

Through all of this, I’ve been working to intentionally counter the relentless shit- show conversation I’ve been having with a big dose of self love, compassion, positive reframing and prayer. This experience has pushed me to get curious and honest about my fear of judgment and failure… and my perfectionism, facing and embracing that dark, shadow side. There’s freedom in learning to love all of our parts. 

Believe me, this isn’t my first rodeo, and I’ve been here before. Slipping back into old, toxic patterns and behaviors happens. That’s what makes us human. I mean, I’ve read all the books before (special thanks to Brene Brown) and done a lot of previous work. 

Honestly, the letting go of perfectionism is not the easiest nor quickest work, but I know it’s worth the ongoing investment. I’m worth the investment. It is also an ongoing process that takes time and patience. I do know for sure that perfectionism has never served me well. It inhibits me from being who I am, from being seen and from living fully into the imperfect human God created me to be, beautiful wounds, scars, messiness and all. 

I’m also working on having some freaking grace for myself. Grace to make mistakes, to not have all the answers and to zig and zag on this journey. Aren’t we all deserving of that? After all, each and every one of us is a work in progress – exploring, floundering and faltering, trying to figure out our place in the world as a beloved child of God. 

A New Beginning

So in more ways than one, I begin anew… a new blog, new work, renewed thoughts and patterns. This blog has been almost a year in the making from conception to this date, finally clicking the WordPress “enabled” red button. I’m incredibly thankful for this day and for the many people who have supported and cheered me on during this process. They have all showed up and been there at the exact moment I needed the encouragement. I’m literally doing a little, happy, celebratory dance over here!  Hope you’ll join me as I begin this great, new adventure, learning and growing as I go forth into the unknown!!!

🖤💙,

 

 

Some of My Favorite Black Houses

 

 

 

Photography credits in order of appearance: Unknown via Small House Bliss; Felix Michaud via Uncrate; Kalle Sanner via @est_living; Unknown via Design Milk; Philip Fics via Lonny; Met Wotkjaer via Stylejuicer; Unknown via @surfcollectivenyc; Andrew Hamilton via 500px; Ben Hosking via @est_living; Unknown via Joli Joli Design; Ed Reeve via  ArchDaily; Unknown via Bloglovin’

 

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Hi, I’m Michel! Welcome… so glad you’re here :)!

Most Loved Posts

  • 1

    WHAT MY FALL DREAMS ARE MADE OF: A-FRAME CABINS

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    DARK HOME EXTERIORS: 17 BLACK HOUSES YOU’LL LOVE

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Black House Blue Sky
  • THE GOODS
    • THE GOODS

      YOU CAN NOW SHOP OUR CUSTOM DESIGNED +…

  • OUR HOUSES
    • OUR HOUSES

      THE HOME EDIT: PAIRING DOWN + LIVING WITH…

      OUR HOUSES

      HOME TOUR: OUR MODERN BLACK HOUSE NEW BUILD…

      OUR HOUSES

      NOTE CHANDELIER: UNIQUE LIGHTING FOR THE HOME

      OUR HOUSES

      OUR MODERN BUILD: STYLE

      OUR HOUSES

      NEW HOUSE UPDATE: WE HAVE DRYWALL

  • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR
    • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: I WANT TO LIVE IN A…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      SUMMER IS COMING: THE BEST IN SWIMMING POOL…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: NEW HOUSE 2.0

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      BLACK KITCHEN CABINETS: DESIGN TREND OR NEW CLASSIC?

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      KEEPING IT INTERESTING: MAKING A STATEMENT WITH YOUR…

  • STYLE + FASHION
    • STYLE + FASHION

      ALL THAT SPARKLES: HOW TO ADD PRETTY SEQUINS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: ERIN WASSON…

      STYLE + FASHION

      21 FAUX FUR COATS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: JENNA LYONS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      EASY, EFFORTLESS STYLE: ENTER THE MAXI DRESS

  • FOOD + DRINK
    • FOOD + DRINK

      SIMPLE ONE POT HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP

      FOOD + DRINK

      NOT GONNA LIE, IT’S THE BEST CARROT CAKE…

      FOOD + DRINK

      THE BEST TURKEY BURGER RECIPE FROM BLUE APRON

      FOOD + DRINK

      OUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN DINNER: HOW TO MAKE MUMMY…

      FOOD + DRINK

      A SUPER EASY PEACH CRUMBLE WITH GRANOLA TOPPING…

  • TRAVEL
    • TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN MONTAUK, NEW YORK

      TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN NEW YORK CITY: ACE…

      TRAVEL

      STAY IN STYLE: NEW ORLEANS

      TRAVEL

      TRAVEL FINDS: A STUNNING NEW YORK CITY MODERN…

      TRAVEL

      GET OUT OF TOWN: HIGH POINT NC FURNITURE…

  • LIFE + ETC.
    • LIFE + ETC.

      HOW TO MAKE EASY NATURAL EASTER EGG DYES

      LIFE + ETC.

      OUT OF INSTAGRAM JAIL: RELEASE DATE 3-24-2022

      LIFE + ETC.

      INSTAGRAM JAIL: WHY I’M OKAY WITH MY DISABLED…

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      LIFE + ETC.

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