see so good – black and white

…you either love it or not, and I love, love, love it, in fact I’ve been living in a world of black and white for a couple of years now.  Why?  Perhaps I see it as safe, easy, controlled, peaceful, bold, authentic, beautiful, striking, and the contrast is so “hey look at me world”!  I guess you could say this color combo sums up where my psyche has been, and for me, it’s been black and white bliss.  But alas, color has not completely escaped me and “see so good” means to see more completely how in design the world of color can be limitless and beautiful no matter what colors speak to you.  So just for a moment give black and white the stage and enjoy the beautiful images and my tips on how to get the look!

Photo courtesy of Rue Magazine: www.ruemag.com

I love this image from Rue Magazine and love their website too!  What can I say, an Ikea Klippan sofa/loveseat (I own one of these numbers and it has been in an office, in a living room and even outside - still looking good!)  never looked so glamorous with this eclectic mix of furniture.  The sisal rug and variety of wood, glass, mirror and fabrics say “I wanna show you off, you cute bundle of joy”.  Personalize with some great black and white photos (or buy some from www.art.com) and viola white with-a-little-black accents perfection.

Here’s how to get the look…(and the sources)

1. West Elm - new glazed pillow cover (and down insert)
2. West Elm - faux suede/linen pillow – 24” square in Steel and Stone White
3. Ikea -  Klippan loveseat in white vinyl
4. West Elm - hanover slipcovered armchair in stone white
5. Ikea - Vejen rug (jute/wool)
6. Wisteria – Venetian bamboo leg table #W2513
7. Pottery Barn – Emmett Coffee Table
8. Anthropolgie – Society Taper Holders
9. ZGallerie – Bergmann Mirror, Antique Silver 54” diameter
10. Ikea – Ribba frames in black and white for various black and white photos
11. Frazee Paint “Forgetmenot”white  painted walls and trim
12. West Elm – chunky tassel throw in Gold Metallic

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Photo by Patric Johansson for Elle Interior:  Courtesy of Molly Scott and Flickr

This next image is all-kind-of-daring without being scary, I mean who really paints their walls black/charcoal?  But this room proves that it’s a down right “I gotta have it” look with beautiful wall sconces, an eexxxttrraaa long sofa which can be achieved by using a left and a right sectional sofa combo, animal inspired throw and rug, cozy slip covered chair/ottomans, white shelving and wood trunks.  Whether you are a girl or guy this space is a black and white bold beauty.

Here’s how to get the look…

1. Ikea’s Koldby black and white cowhide rug
2. Ikea – Ribba frames in black and white for various prints and art 
3. Frazee Paint “Forgetmenot”white  painted walls and trim and “Racoon” charcoal accent wall
4. West Elm - faux suede/linen pillow – 24” square in Steel
5. ZGallerie – Graham Slipcovered Chair and Ottoman
6. Room & Board – Ellipse End Table
7. Restoration Hardware – Lorraine Architectural Railing Sconce
8. Restoration Hardware – Coyote Faux Fur Throw
9. Pottery Barn – Metropolitan Side Table
10. West Elm – chunky tassel throw in Gold Metallic
11. Tres Amigos - Rustic Pine Chest
12. Crate & Barrel – Ascend Bookcases that can be stacked and configured in many different ways or Ikea – Expedit series
13. Ikea – Kivik right and left arm sofas in Tullinge Gray Brown