We've all seen it. Pictures hung too high on a wall. You walk into a room and the first thing you notice is the crick in your neck from looking up. Let's face it, there aren't too many prizes for being short in this world. You can't be a model, everyone looks down on you, and heaven forbid you grow a gray hair. The whole world sees it before you do. But one thing you can be certain of is not breaking the cardinal rule of decorating. Eye level doesn't apply to everyone, folks. Just those of us hovering close to the ground. So celebrate your five foot nothing-ness, as my brother would say, and keep your eye on the wall.

Consider the museum rule when it comes to hanging pictures and center it 60-65 inches off the ground

Yes, I've eaten with Picasso. You didn't know? Well, now you do. And boy do I feel privileged. I mean, come on. Not many can say that. Ok, so it was a Picasso and not the man. But, still, you're jealous, right?  

I digress. The dinner party was like this. Everyone standing around. Exchanging glances. Conversation is minimal. You get the vibe. We're ushered into the dining room and seated according to a chart. Food arrives full of presentation. Complete with a price tag hanging from the cloth in the bread basket. New and expensive, nice. 

Before we dig in we are directed to the wall to the left (my right. But, anyway.) There it is. In all its glory. "A real live Picasso."

I've never felt more awkward. I think he would have, too. Picasso, I mean. When I recall that night several quotes come to mind. 

Like "Art is a finger up the bourgeoisie ass."

And "People who try to explain pictures are usually barking up the wrong tree." 

Or this gem "If everybody is looking for it, then nobody is finding it. If we were cultured, we would not be conscious of lacking culture. We would regard it as something natural and would not make so much fuss about it. And if we knew the real value of this word we would be cultured enough not to give it so much importance."

And his famous last words "Drink to me, drink to my health..." which, I often imagine had this been his last dinner party on earth, would have been appended somewhat with the likes of "... and tell this guy to stop being such a pretentious asshole." End of quote.       

To be or not to be... Black, that is. As in Black Doors...

How are you spending Labor Day 2011? I'm spending part of it reflecting on the decision to go black on the interior doors of my new home. And I couldn't be happier with the choice.

What were plain, white doors have been transformed into pieces of art. Strategically hung throughout the house. In a way that punctuates the walls without overempowering them.

I first saw this while visiting friends. When I entered their house I was immediately intrigued. Admittedly, it took a moment to sink in. And once it did I was hooked. 

This is nothing new. But not entirely common. Yet. Googling black doors will yield plenty of examples online.

Here's my contribution to the trend.

Want to transform ordinary doors? Go black. I did.
 
Tell me what you think! And have a safe, happy holiday with family and friends.

Consider: Finish -- I recommend glossy. Here, I used high gloss enamel black interior/exterior paint by Valspar. Black can have a tunnel effect. A flat finish on the doors would cause them to disappear into the wall. Versus standing out with emphasis.