|
By Noemi Zarb
Sharp. Linear.
Confident. There is something sublime about black and white (except
for foxy prints or spots) because it makes the statement of
statements. In fact the combination of these extreme polarities:
black negating all colours/white encompassing all colours can never
be casual. As in the couture world, the monochrome look in the world
of interiors is seriously architectural and requires a lot of poise.
So working with these
two colours requires heaps of time/thinking/self-criticism and,
moreover, an intrinsic bon ton which you're either born with or …
forget it. Having spelt out this tall order, anyone who feels black
and white fits the bill or dares to take the plunge is in for a
décor that emanates infinite nuances of feeling stark yet in
control, serene but open to suggestions - if you get it right.
More than any colour combination, the basic prerequisites of space
and the amount of natural light available plus the shape of the
room/s and what you intend using them for are crucial.
Like any dark colour,
a black overdose will make any space look smaller so it's best to
keep it to a minimum if your rooms are undersized and dim. Here your
monochrome options may translate into black accessories such as a
light fitting, ornament, small occasional piece of furniture, or a
black touch in upholstery, duvets, throws and carpets - all
emphasised by splashes of white and more white.
The more adventurous might experiment with a series of black
geometrical lines painted on the walls/doors or simply paint wooden
beams black. This effect can be really stunning if you live in an
old house blessed with very high ceilings.
Space and light considerations apart, the idea of black ceilings
is far too intimidating for most people, though I have seen it work
quite well. However, I feel that all-black ceilings in many spaces
are the answer, only if you want to give full vent to a vampire
personality or live like a mole. (Besides, they will be difficult to
paint over with another colour.)
By contrast, using
black in flooring is easier and more versatile though what you
choose to cover your floor with tends to be one of the more
permanent features in your home. Again you have to be careful if
you're faced with limited floor space. Still this should not stop
you from going for a speckled or mosaic effect or better still
polychrome stones that combine a variety of textures.
Large floor areas of course can take an expanse of black whether
glossy or matt surfaces; or the delicious sinking into a super soft
and luxuriously thick carpet if you're thinking main bedrooms.
(Practicality and the need for low maintenance preclude the use of
dark carpets from frequently used areas.) Once again there is
something definitely stylish in monochrome floors laid out in large
rooms or open plans.
The winning ticket of
black and white also relies on the play of textures and the spot-on
focus of introducing bits of colour, especially if you want to
heighten the elegance of this colour scheme without undoing its
balance. Heavy black drapes and black bulky furniture unsurprisingly
create a sombre feel despite being set off against an all-white
interior. You can avoid this by teaming up both stout and delicate
furniture with ephemeral drapes.
But the ultimate in monochrome magic is to keep it light and
uncluttered, complemented with sleek glass and sleeker mirrors.
- Neomi Zarb,
Freelance Feature Writer Specialising in Design and Interiors
Additional Dezignare' References:
Draper,
Dorothy (1889 - 1969) |
