Black and white is always in style… once you stick to the rules
Instantly classic... with a few rules
Black and white is one of those forever in-style trends. One of the hardworking heroes of the interiors world, it is constantly reinvented yet remains classic and timeless.
It’s a really accessible and effortless trend, too, practically every home store will have something to offer in the palette.
While each season brings new interpretations – be it in stripes, herringbone, checks or spots – what I love about monochrome is it never seems like a fad. So, in that respect, it’s a great choice if you don’t want the burden of constantly updating your home.
Buy a black and white cushion in this year’s must-have Aztec pattern and I guarantee it will stand the test of time, unlike other seasonal darlings – giant tropical cactus and pineapple prints, I’m looking at you!
This summer has seen some exciting new monochrome ranges on offer.
Marks & Spencer recently collaborated with interior design legend Sue Timney on a 48-piece range of homewares, notably kitchen and dining pieces with a nod to her love of exotic imagery, graffiti-style brush strokes and, of course, her signature monochrome style.
At Penneys homeware departmen, black and white is big news and the budget retailer’s collection includes tribal-inspired reversible cushions, woven tassle rugs and hip bathroom dispenser sets.
Similarly at Harvey Norman industrial-style black lighting fixtures are a popular addition to the existing metallic range and Next’s latest homewares includes a beautiful mix of off-white ceramic accessories
The classic white kitchen is back in vogue at Neptune but this time round the ultra-sleek look of yesteryear is balanced out with traditional cabinetry, flooring or wooden worktops as seen in its Chichester kitchen.
The traditional-looking Suffolk dresser has been given a modern twist, painted in a cool contemporary white (neptune.com).
But if you’ve decided to live at one end of the colour spectrum, how do you do monochrome without being boring, or worse, so ultra contemporary that it’s devoid of personality?
There are a few rules you should stick to.
EXPLORE ALL SHADES
Firstly, don’t limit your scheme to strict black and white. Deep charcoal grey fits in beautifully with a monochrome scheme, working as a complementary dark tone without looking quite as dense and inky as pure black. It’s a great shade for sofas and armchairs, too, and when teamed with patterned cushions. Similarly explore all shades of white and off-white particularly as light plays a huge part in how neutrals appear. Farrow & Ball’s colour gurus have created distinct neutral groups – Traditional, Yellow Based, Contemporary and Architectural – catering to every light condition. You then select the group to work with that you find yourself most drawn to. Using shades or groups of colours like this keeps everything cosy rather than too sterile.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO GO HEAVIER ON ONE HUE
Black and white don’t have to exist in perfect harmony to blend beautifully. It can look stunning to have a mostly white home with black accent features. This works especially well in kitchens that have white cabinets with black marble countertops. Or a black library or reading room with white furniture can also make a bold statement.
MIX YOUR STYLE
The key to avoiding a bland look is to combine furnishings with a good mix of contemporary cool and a degree of tradition. Not so contemporary that you enter ‘fad’ territory but not so traditional that it feels overly twee.
A mix of strong geometric pat-
terns, clean-lined furniture and an abundance of black and white prints, for instance, teamed with industrial warehouse-style pieces and faded romantic white linens.
INCORPORATE NATURAL MATERIALS
Soften the look with organic and natural materials. Woods like walnut and mahogany work really well as they are dark enough to blend in but rich enough to add a little warmth to a black and white space. Natural animal hides and textiles like jute, rattan, cotton and linen will also add softness while plants, flowers and succulents make warming, welcome additions.
PLAY WITH TEXTURE
If you want to go down the pure white or pure black route, you can still add interest and depth with a clever play on texture in both fabric and accessories.
For example, a shaggy area rug makes a nice base on top of a cream carpet, and a nice place to settle your linen couches which could be topped with striped white pillows. Consider adding artisan earthenware and ceramics in mixed whites, pale pinks, ivory and stone – they will look great grouped together
ADD METALLIC
Monochrome and metallic accessories in copper, gold and chrome are a brilliant match. Used on lighting or picture frames they are a prefect way to add a touch of glam and drama to dark moody walls. Of course gold works as a beautiful accent with this season’s hit micro trend – black and white marble.