Pottering on: LATEST OBSESSION

Since moving to the Dam I have had my eyes opened to black houses. Actually black buildings really but I'm going to go with houses in this post. They are everywhere here and I totally heart them. Why don't more people paint their houses black? Or do they and I just haven't noticed? I have been obsessively taking photos of black houses for a few months now and to stop doing it I need to post this already.

As a little appetiser let's start in London Town. Here is Blakes Hotel, now tell me that isn't just the coolest building facade? It stands out a mile and looks so smart and elegant. (Also if you do like interiors then have a look at the website, the hotel is unbelievable - it's the original boutique hotel with every room decorated completely differently by Anouska Hempel).

Now a nice terrace which must be in Fulham judging by the original post on Apartment Therapy...pretty cool but does it just look out of place because I'm not used to that in London? dunno. Actually maybe it's the pink door against the reddy-orange brick wall. Dunno again.

Another personal favourite of mine, this is Ed's Shed. This amazing modern house is in east London and belongs to my cousin which makes it even better. More on Ed's Shed at a later date because it's too cool to breeze over like I'm doing now.

Anyhow let's head back to Amsterdam to where this little obsession was sparked. I'll give you a look at what I've been perving on around town...

This is a classic Amsterdam house.

I'm just messing with you people. This is a classic Dam house but it's made of Lego durr. I think it's pretty cool (I found it here on flickr). Now, let's be serious with a bit of history. This below is one of Amsterdam's 2 surviving wooden houses in the centre (dating from around 1528) - which just happens to be black which helps me out. It's in the Begijnhof which is a tiny must see on any tourist list, it's a beautiful little court where only women are allowed to live - again I'm just going to breeze right over that because I can't remember why so you can learn more here.

Now some quick fire of the good stuff...

Gabled terrace lovelies.

Little and large.

A touch of red..

And some waspish action

"HEART"

Now this I love. Im' sure this old warehouse has amazing apartments in it. The people that live there are all understated cool couples, maybe with a dog, they are designers and artists and they are all mates and just have cool loft parties. I'm jealous. Hopefully it's just an old people's home.