Decorating in Black and White
Are you looking for a classic, chic and timeless look for your space? Have you thought about decorating with black and white? If this is something that you might be interested in, take a little while to consider a few design principles. What you don’t want is a room that is cold and boring. In today’s article we will discuss the following tips in designing a black and white space: the use of balance, mixing textures, using patterns, adding a touch of color, mixing styles, adding wood for warmth, use of plants, how to use artwork.
BALANCE
What you don’t want is a room that is 50% black and 50% white. Instead go for 70/30 or 60/40 or even 60/30/10. We’ll concentrate on the 60/30/10 rule. 60% of your room is your main color whether black or white. Think in terms of shades of each color. The 60% would consist of your walls and large accent pieces. 30% is your secondary color. Think window coverings, rugs, floor, furniture. 10% is your accent color. Think pillows, accessories and artwork. But more on that later.
TEXTURE
There are two types of texture in interior design. The first is actual texture that comes from physical feeling like a brick wall or a fluffy throw for example. The second type of texture is visual texture and that can come from artwork and wall treatments. What you want to do is to layer your texture in a space, layering different types of texture around the room.
PATTERN
Pattern like texture brings interest to a room and this is very important in a black and white room. Think about bringing in pattern through your pillows, rugs, window treatments. Whether you like geometric shapes like checks and stripes, floral patterns, or even animal prints these all bring interest to your room especially if you are sticking to a two-color theme. Just remember to space your patterns around the room.
Artwork from Susan Newberry Designs
POP OF COLOR
We talked about 10% of the space being in an accent color. Perhaps you just want a pop of color, that is fine as well. Some say that every room needs a pop of color. That’s up to you. Some people prefer to do an accent wall while others prefer something more subtle like color in pillows, artwork, or accessories.
MIX OLD WITH NEW
When I think of using black and white in decorating, I think of a modern and contemporary space but if that is not your thing, don’t be afraid to bring in some vintage furniture. Maybe an old armoire or a trunk used as a coffee table. Whatever you decide on, this mix is sure to add a comfortable, lived-in look to your space. What you don’t want to do is go all matchy-matchy! Here’s your chance to showcase your personality.
ADD WARMTH WITH WOOD
With today’s farmhouse style there is no limit to what you can find to warm up your space. This could be a wood mantle, an old wooden trunk, a warm wooden side table, or a wood framed mirror. If you like doing DIY projects you might think about building something out of reclaimed wood.
ADD PLANTS
Adding plants to your space not only adds a bit of color, but it also helps purify the air in your home. Plants add character to a space. Just be careful – what you don’t want is a bunch of small half dead plants in your space. Instead opt for one or two large and healthy plants for your space along with one or two small ones!
ARTWORK
Another way to inject your personality is through the artwork you select for your space. And in a black and white space you have so many options. You can opt to select artwork that uses black and white colors. Black and white photography is a wonderful way to complement your space, using black and white botanicals, black and white architecture, or other geometric shapes.
Artwork from Susan Newberry Designs
Artwork is another place that you can add warmth through wood. Wooden signs very popular in farmhouse design these days. Wrought iron and other metals can bring warmth and texture to your black and white space. And don’t forget about mirrors. They can bring in light and add a sense of space.
Just remember black and white decorating is timeless, elegant and can work with any style of decorating. Just taking the time to incorporate a few good principles will keep your space from becoming dull and boring.
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