Black and white are a hot combination these days. Colors are popping up everywhere: furniture, fashion, cookware, serving utensils, bedding, gadgets, storage products, paper products, and more. In fact, it is difficult to avoid black and white. Why is this color scheme popular?
For one thing, the color scheme has been around for centuries. “Black and White Decorating,” an article by Coral Nafie on the About.com website, thinks black and white are a stunning combination. Black can ground a room, says Nafie, and it also adds sophistication. She cites the designer’s rule of adding a bit of black to every room to create drama. I have tried this and it works.
Black and white came to mind the other day. Several years ago, my husband and I renovated our master bathroom. We installed an antique claw foot tub (reinforced), separate shower with rain glass, new tile flooring, brushed nickel lighting and towel racks. The off-white floor tiles have a tan streak and the double sink top is black granite. There are two black granite shelves next to the bathtub. As much as I love our master bath, it lacks punch.
I tried to add strength by changing the color of the towels. The tan towels didn’t work because they were tasteless. Pale blue towels were so-so. Although the white towels were fine and easy to bleach, the room was too white. So I took a chance and bought black towels. The towels were on sale, and if they didn’t look good, I wasn’t losing much money.
When I hung the towels on the towel racks, our master bathroom suddenly had punch. Black towels highlighted the granite sink and shelves. I liked the look of the black against the floor tiles and our off-white polar bear walls. Adding black to our master bath completely changed the look. wow.
An Australian website, http://www.homesite.com.au, has tips for creating a black and white color scheme. The site recommends painting a wall black for a dramatic effect. Of course, you have to be careful with the color tone. Hue is a decorating term that refers to the intensity of color. When you paint a wall black, the site says, you should choose a color with shades of green or blue.
Although black and white furniture will enhance your color scheme, the site says you should strive for balance. “If there’s too much white, it’s going to look harsh, and if there’s too much black, it’s going to look morbid.” Bright accessories (blue, green, red, and other bright colors) will prevent this from happening. I am so happy with my black towels that I am going to buy a black bathroom rug and some accessories to give it more strength.
Are you stumped on a color scheme? Black and white may be the answer. Adding plaid, polka dots, and accent colors will give your room even more pizzazz.
Copyright 2008 by Harriet Hodgson
