When we don't know what to wear for that special evening out, we can always fall back on classic black and white to get us through the night.
The same can be said for your decor. Black and white is a timeless pairing that is usually a fail-safe duo to revert to.
As you can see from our photos, courtesy of Moen and Kohler, stylish black and white works well in a small bathroom. Black, or versions thereof, is masculine and understated. The balance of white, especially in the bathroom, provides a soft backdrop and evokes a sense of cleanliness. The Moen photo of the larger bathroom includes a soft, putty colour on the top part of the walls, which keeps the room from looking too stark.
The accessories are elegant and understated as well. Monogrammed towels and a simple stripe border on the shower curtain are all that is needed to give the room the finishing touch. The wainscoting adds to the elegance of the space as well. Painting the outside of the claw-foot tub is a nice touch in this room, as it provides additional visual balance. In a black-and-white bathroom, there's no rule that says you can't have a splash of colour. I've seen similar tubs where the outside was painted in a vibrant colour (like red) or even gold-leafed and burnished. Each treatment was lovely in its own right, so don't hold back.
Black and white can work in many rooms. A retro black-and-white check floor can look great in a kitchen, for example, and is a good basis on which to choose cabinetry and appliances. Luckily, appliances come in black and white (among other colours) and either choice can be stunning. There are so many potential combinations to choose from, it might be difficult to decide. I can visualize white cabinets with black appliances on a checkered floor, or ebony cabinetry with black appliances and white marble countertop on a checkered floor. Depending upon your taste, either choice would be successful. Then in accessories you can opt for pristine white dinnerware or opulent black dishes. You can also mix and match and/or add a black-and-white pattern to the mix. The possibilities are endless.
Black and white can work in the bedroom as well. Although it doesn't seem like a cosy combination, you can make it cosy with the elements you choose. After all, a big, white, fluffy duvet, feather mattress and down pillows are quite cosy, thank you very much. A white faux fur throw and/or area rug is definitely going to keep you toasty while maintaining the basic black-and-white theme. Dark bed, dresser and night stands, with white bedding (with a black-and-white pattern, like toile), black-and-white photography and a subtle wall colour to warm things up a bit, and voila! One cosy bedroom. This "hotel chic' is a popular theme right now in bedroom design.
There's white, and then there's white
Choosing the right shade of white and black can be a little tricky. If the white is too stark, it can look a little harsh and cold. Choose a white that is creamy looking (with yellow undertones) for a warmer overall look. Black also comes in many shades. I'd go with ebony or coffee-bean colour, which is a black/brown combo that has some depth. A flat black finish can look... well, flat. Unless you're going for an Oriental flavour with shiny black lacquer furniture, stick with something more tonal and with a matte finish.
Classic accessories and timeless patterns
As you can see in the Kohler photo with the black toilet, simple black-and-white silhouettes adorn the walls. These come from the Victorian era, but are just as tasteful today as they were then. Other touches that can work well in a black-and-white decor are things like an elegant chess set, smaller items (like an ottoman, toss cushions or lamp shades) covered in classic patterns like herringbone, zebra print, small checks, pinstripes, toile -- or polka dots, if you're adventurous. A French Country dining room, complete with toile wallpaper, small checked curtains, creamy white furniture and pinstriped chair covers is a feast for the eyes. Black and white definitely doesn't have to be boring.
A contemporary room can also be successfully built around a black-and-white colour scheme. Sleek, black leather furniture with stainless steel accents set in front of a modern fireplace with white or black marble facing would be modern and chic, just as one example. For the young at heart, a sunroom or porch adorned in fabric with large black-and-white stripes, large checks or polka dots is a fun way to use the black-and-white theme. These larger patterns have more of a beach/cabana feel to them and are great for the patio furniture as well.
A hint of colour
By no means do you have to stick strictly to black and white when choosing this colour palette. Throw in small bursts of bright colour like red, yellow, cobalt blue, green or even pink to add a touch of surprise to the room. For example, you may have a great painting that has a white background with a large splash of red or blue. This painting would take centre stage in a black-and-white room (as it should) and will help cement a focal point. In that French Country dining room mentioned earler, a bouquet of colourful flowers will definitely add to the warmth of the room. In the sunroom or porch, a colourful kite and/or toss cushions thrown into the mix will add to the summer-fun theme.
Start with the basics, then build from there. Just like you might do with a classic outfit like that little black dress or tuxedo, add a pair of red pumps with the dress or a cobalt-blue tie with the tux to shake things up a bit. See? It's as simple as black and white.
Connieoliver@shaw.ca
