Ebony and Ivory: A black and white color story

Hello there! Welcome to my Black and White color story! You can probably tell from my blog design that I have a thing for Black and White. To me B and W go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly or French Fries and Ketchup. For me there is just no better combination. I have threatened more often than once to completely redecorate my entire home using nothing but this fabulous duo. Perhaps once the boys are a little older (or neater)! I am even contemplating giving away my entire wardrobe and replacing it with things from WHITE HOUSE Black Market. How delightfully easy would it be to add punches of color for seasonal flair if your pallet started with Black and White? So let's go for a tour of 12 stylish rooms that don't whisper but SHOUT panache! Love, love, love this living room. Can't get enough of that big B and W checked chair! The lantern is just up my alley. I actually have a table-top version. Look at that little sheep on the coffee table. Too cute!
What family wouldn't love to come down for breakfast in this cheery kitchen. The way toile, checks and stripes are combined is very charming.

What a gorgeous bed! I've never thought of painting walls gray but in this room they look fabulous!

This charming vintage bath is brought up a notch by the black and white checker board pattern painted on the outside of the slipper tub. Here, again multiple patterns of checks, polka dots and florals add charm and whimsy.

This bold black and white harlequin design wallpaper is the bomb! Lots of folks are afraid to use bold or large scale patterns in small spaces. I think the key is to keep the color pallet simple and the accessories elegant and refined. I love the little crystal "chandy" and the white lilies.

For some reason I think of Audra Hepburn when I look at this bedroom! I immediately think of her little black dress in "Breakfast at Tiffany's". The graceful curving lines of the headboard just scream Hollywood starlet to me!

This modern bath has a touch of retro glam! Love the round lighted mirror.

I think that a good dose of texture is always needed when working with a strictly edited color scheme. The rug, baskets and tri-pod lamp add just the right amount to this mostly white room.

Usually, I am not a "white cabinets" kind of girl but I can't deny that this kitchen has all the right stuff! The punches of yellow and red against the black and white just send my heart into palpitations! The window treatments are divine!

You don't have to go with black furniture to create a wonderful design using black and white. This lovely bedroom incorporates black and ivory in the bedding in a most complimentary way to these warm wood tones.

In this dining room, the focal point is the solid black draped table sitting beneath an elegant silver and crystal chandelier.

Another wonderful example of a vintage bath that outshines many modern counterparts. Dressed in ivory and black, the baseboards and crown molding just define this elegant space. I love the heavy framed mirror and the sisal rug bordered with a band of black.

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Well, I hope you have enjoyed my Black and White color story. Who knows, maybe one day you will see a totally redecorated house on CP that features rooms bedecked in this classic combo.

Until then,

Happy Decorating!

Alisa