I did a post back in 2014 on black and white and it remains one of my most read posts. I also blogged about painting my windows black here. I admit I am slightly obsessed. Maybe it is my age? I am drawn to a simpler less cluttered look and palette. I rounded up a group of my blogging friends recently and we started a board on black and white decor here. All of us share a love for black and white. Why do we love black and white so much and why does it work?
It is Sophisticated, Chic, and Timeless
Some of my favorite designers favor this palette (Beth Webb, Daryl Carter, Betsey Browne, McAlpine Booth and Ferrier, and Nancy Braithwaite) .
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It can Bridge the Fence Between Traditional and Contemporary
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It Can be Dressed Down or Up
...like white jeans and a black tee…
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or a long black skirt with a crisp white shirt…
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It is Clean, and can be Simple or Complex
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The Tension Between the two Commands Attention
Black is usually seen as dark, a symbol of authority and power. While white is a sign of purity, brightness and innocence.
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The beauty of the simple palette is texture in window coverings, accessories and art can be added and it doesn't overwhelm as Sherry and Mary Ann did beautifully here.
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sourceHow do you feel about black and white? Do you wear it but don't care for it in your home, or are you as obsessed as I am?
P.S I l ost my blog list and am in the process of repopulating it. If I forgot someone please let me know!
I love black and white in design as well as fashion. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteI also love black and white. Or white with a little black. At home, I want bright, not moody.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever look through old magazines, what seems to really date a place is color. The overly saccharine pinks and blues of the '50s. The browns, or the excessively neon greens and yellows, of the '60s. The avocado+mustard+burnt orange of the '70s. The dusty rose+grayish blues of the early '80s, then the bold fuschias+teals of the later '80s. And if you look at old photos that still seem current, they often are very classic, understated and have a neutral palette. Every rule has exceptions, and for this one, see the blah beiges/tans of the '90s.
That is a great photo of the black skirt and white blouse. I really wish I could be discipled enough to stick to black and white...but I always through in a color. And then exchange the color for another color...and it goes on and on. Now I want black and white striped pillows thanks to you. :)
ReplyDeleteI like a splash of color to Mary Ann. I just love black and white as a base. It is so classic.
DeleteWell, did you do it? Did you paint your windows, doors, and/or trim black back in 2013-14? I see no black windows in your portfolio, so I'm assuming you didn't. I would love to see pictures of your home. I'm sure that is is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth B you must be a fairly new reader if so WELCOME!! I feel like my home has been splattered all over the internet since it was published. I painted all of my windows downstairs almost black. I am preparing an upcoming post on my game room ...keep reading and you can see...thank you so much for reading my blog!!
DeleteThere are so many rooms in this post that I adore. There is such a classic appeal in rooms dressed in black and white.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend, Cindy!
xo,
Karen
I LIKE IT But I DONOT WEAR IT MUCH.IT has a MODERN FEEL TO ME FOR A HOME.
ReplyDeleteMadame Contessa you have your own amazing style that works for you. That is why we all love you so much!!
DeleteThe images you have shown us are lovely. However, I use warm colors in my decor and in my wardrobe. Black looks awful on me because I am a "Spring". However, I do like a bit of black here and there in my decor. IMO, it looks especially nice as a metal (door knobs & light fixtures) or for an accent piece of painted furniture. Right now, all of our automobiles happen to be black which I detest! Miss the soft golden Jag I had 15 years ago.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlotte!
DeleteBefore I "let" my hair go gray I was all about warm everything in my wardrobe and my interiors. I too need color but I do love black and white and just keep going back to it...
I love that bathroom! As far as clothing...I have the black part down, need to incorporate the white part in!
ReplyDeleteHa! Thanks for weighing in Lauren!!
DeleteGreat inspiring images! This couldn't come at a better time since I am currently in the process of redoing or guest room in black and white. Actually, black and ivory to be more exact. I will be finalizing fabric this weekend....fun times ahead!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you come up with!!
DeleteI've always loved black and white. For over 25 years I had a black and white floor from my front door through out my kitchen. I called it my Renaissance Diner because the floor style is a true time traveler. In my remodel, I replaced it with quarter sawn oak. Nice but not the same punch. My old decor was white walls everywhere...now the downstairs has gone, yup—black! Both colors do a great job of letting the art/collections dominate.
ReplyDeleteI wear a great deal black and white. Like you, I've let my hair go gray and both colors work for me. In my early career I worked for a small advertising agency where we had to wear black and white to work...every day. We'd see each other on the weekends and all of us would be wearing really bright colors and we'd almost not recognize each other!
I agree the black and white floor is always a classic. I sure do stear toward black and white with my attire as well. I am trying to branch out!!
ReplyDeleteWhether it is décor or wardrobe, I am all about black and white. My husband, on the other hand, says we need more color. I suggested some Warner Brothers cartoons! Thank you for this collection of inspiration...have a great one! xx-hb
ReplyDeleteI am going to remember that comment Holly...sounds like my husband would enjoy yours!!
Deletecrazybeautiful post, cindy. i'm with you. my wardrobe is mainly black, white, and blue. i love the edgylovely black brings to the art i create, and i live with more black now than i have in the past. i would say more but i need to go back and stare at your inspirational images further! happy monday, friend. xox
ReplyDeleteThanks Michele....I would love to see your art!!
DeleteI think you know how I feel about black and white:) Thanks for including me in your lineup!
ReplyDelete♥♥♥ black and white! It is at the base of my home decor and a staple in my home and wardrobe. Can't live without black and white in my life. I love the clean, sharp contrast it adds to a room. I too have a black and white pinboard and I have one for my favorite combination called, black, white and blue all over. Had to pin away from this post!
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