Black & White

There is a rule in decorating that says that “every room can use a touch of black”.  You might think thie is strange if have a room that is pale, or otherwise void of black.  Black – as I have said in other posts –  adds a focal point, it grounds, anchors and adds sophistication to a room.  To get real drama… try black and white.  Black and white are a perfect color combination for any decorating style.

If you’re afraid of using just black and white, add variety by adding areas of yellow, pink, camel, red, or purple for a striking look. Keeping black and white prominent, however, preserves the elegant effect.

Here are some ways to use black and white in your home:

• A black and white floor is a good place to start decorating with black and white. The ultimate choice woud be beautiful black marble set off with tall white baseboard moldings. Short of that, try white ceramic tiles with a black border, vinyl tiles laid in alternating black and white squares, or a painted black floor with white border stencils or white with black stencils.

• Walls painted stark white or a soft, ivory white serve as a perfect background for framed photographs, prints, and other artwork. Choose dark wood or painted black frames. Select stark black and white matting for your artwork or add a punch of color with red, gold, or black mats.

• A small room is a great place to choose to use black and white as the main color scheme. A powder room or small bathroom looks elegant with a black marble countertop, white sink, and shiny gold accessories and fixtures. Trim lush terry towels with black ribbon or braid for a custom look without much work.

• Crisp white bed linens are perfect for the bedroom. Add a black and white striped bed skirt, pillows, and a comfortable black chair. For seasonal changes, have a variety of pillows in different colors on hand. Pink, yellow, or soft green works great for summer, while red, hunter green, or even shimmering gold or silver looks great for winter.

• When shopping for fabrics, keep an eye out for colorful prints or plaids with touches of black. Then add more black to the room with lamps, table trims, frames and mats, pillows, and door and hardware.

• Even cottage style interiors can use a black and white color scheme. Pair black and white toile fabric with gingham checks on chair covers, tablecloths, and pillows. Hang a collection of black metal trays on a dining room wall, cut black and white checks for picture matting, and use black and white ticking stripes for a bed skirt.

• Accent pieces of black iron or oil rubbed bronze are very popular and easy to find. Use a black metal tables base with glass top, black iron candlesticks and light fixtures in a dining room, black iron bookends in family room or home office.

• To create a striking table seting, look for black and white china. All white or all black works well.  Choose a plain white china for greatest versatility. Add table linens and accessory pieces in black or any accent color.

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Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• BLACK is the new BLACK
• Inspired Room
• Monochromatic
• Black & White Interiors are back in fashion