Black and White: Done Right!

Thankyou to the Washington Post for including this post in your Blog Watch, March 6, 2008!

There is a lot of black and white being strewn about in the name of new and trendy design. It's fun, it's fresh. But I have been seeing some really classic interiors that have some real staying power and sophistication, while also being very modern and unique. I wanted to draw a little more attention to these.

Metropolitan Home March 2008, Photo by Colleen Duffley

This entry hall by designer Jill Van Tosh combines traditional architecture with contemporary art: painting by Todd Murphy through Lowe Gallery. By combining the modern and traditional elements in this space, the designer has really made it so much more interesting. "Stunning" is word that comes to mind.

Metropolitan Home March 2008, Photo by Colleen Duffley

Ms. Van Tosh continues with the black and white scheme in the Living Room. Ebonized oak floors contrast with white walls and furniture showing off the architectural details. I love how she uses the flea market-find porcelain dogs in contrast with the Xavier Lust white lacquered bench ((MDF Italia). The dogs would seem trite in an interior that was too Hollywood Regency, but here mixed with the other high style furnishings, she really pulls it off. Sofas are by Christian Liagre for Holly Hunt.

Metropolitan Home March 2008, Photo by Colleen Duffley

This image is from the guest room. You can catch a glimpse of the Eames chaise, and when mixed with the red Swedish style clock and a photograph of Audrey Hepburn, this clever combo really works!

O at Home, Spring 2008, photo by Roger Davies

This Dining Room is the handy work of Mindy Weiss, event planner to the stars (Gwen Stefani, Quincy Jones, Heidi Klum and Brooke Shields to name a few!) A Flea Market collector, she has a knack for putting it all together with alot of style. I love her black and white scheme with punches of blue from her collection of Chinese blueware. She inherited the Dining table from her mother, as well as the sideboard. Again, mixing old and new is what it is all about for me! Thomas Paul rug and wall color is Field Gray # 32-19 from Pratt and Lambert. Elkins Dining Chairs from Grace Home Collection.

Southern Accents March April 2008, Photo by William Waldron

Designer Betty Burgess, who previously worked with Dan Carithers, creates a soothing retreat in this guest bedroom. The black and white is warmed up with a seagrass rug. I am a white linen girl, so this room would make me feel right at home. The wool blanket at the end of the bed adds that tiny bit of the unexpected, which is something I always appreciate.

In Style Magazine, March 2008, Photo by Oberto Gili

Don't you always want to catch a glimpse of the private spaces of trend setters? This Black and White Dining Room belongs to the creative director of Gucci, Frida Giannini. Don't you just adore the Murano Glass Chandelier? The table and chairs are Parisian Art Deco. The embodiment of style...and one would expect no less from this style maker.

In Style Magazine, March 2008, Photo by Oberto Gilli

This is Frida's Black and White Master Bathroom. Again, a style victory with it's custom Boffi tub out of Corian with a backdrop of black marble. Brilliant!

I first saw this table in the March issue of Elle Decor Magazine on the Insider Trading page. So I scurried on over to the Ralph Pucci website and found this stunning photo of the Mondrian Cocktail Table by Herve Van der Straeten. (Find out more about the fascinating Mr. Herve Van der Straeten in a great post by Habitually Chic here). Not only is this table a piece of art, but it is shown in a black and white space that does it justice. The table is made with a parchment top inlaid with bronze. Beautiful!

I originally saw this black and white lacquer chest on Turquoise Chic blog. It is from 1st dibs and going for $5200. I had to go check out the details on 1st dibs because I just thought maybe there is some way I can get my hands on it. And because you just never know when $5200 might just fall into your lap. With just a little nosing around, I found this picture of the chest in a room (showroom?). It does start to give one ideas!

Here is a close-up. I may have to pillage the kids' college fund.

So, one might wonder how to get started creating a little black and white heaven of one's own. I'm here to help. A little shopping perhaps? Some fun finds that may help you on your way:

Designer's Guild now has a webshop where you can find these beautiful black and white bed linens: theTullgarn Queen Duvet Cover runs around $225.00.

Everyone has probably heard of Seacloth fabrics, but did you know they also sell a wonderful line of accessories online? These black and white bangles go for $70.00 and $150.00

I found these on the Toast and Tables blog, and if you have not visited, by all means do! She is the "It" girl if you need anything for entertaining. These black and white babies are from Neiman Marcus. (Catch them through Toast and Tables. A twenty piece set for $120.00! Unbelievable!)

These Mark Cutler Table Skirts are really just so much fun! Seen on Black White Bliss blog, I added these for you Joni!

Also as seen on Black White Bliss blog, I leave you with the latest Jonathan Adler Wallpaper collection. Please do go have a look-see at all of the colors and patterns available.

For more Black and White design and inspiration, please don't miss Black White Bliss! She is the expert on this classic color combo. She has many more ideas to get you going.