Mixing patterns in your home – like your clothing – can be great fun. But it can also be a recipe for disaster if you don’t think it out properly (we know, we’ve been there). So unless you’re a bit of an interiors genius or colour guru, the best way to start with this trend is (like any other) to get a little practice in beforehand. One way to do this is to try your hand at mixing basic black and white.
Now, don’t go thinking that doing so will cause you to end up with a boring, lifeless room. Quite the opposite in fact. Black and white, when combined the right way, can be extremely dramatic. Here we’ll list some tips on just how to go about it.
Study scale. Apart from colour, this is the most important point when it comes to mixing patterns. If you’re keen on using a large pattern on the wall, for instance, make sure you co-ordinate with a smaller one nearby – on an ottoman perhaps. Then, if possible separate them with a solid neutral in between, such as a sofa or chunky table (in fact, introducing another colour into the mix can prove extremely useful at times).
The dramatic stripes on this Calvin Klein rug from Fishpools is exactly what we’re talking about.
Think in accents. We’re not all adventurous decor-wise, especially when we’re experimenting with pattern for the first time. So to start off, introduce it gradually: think a Damask-style black runner on a white table or white curtains with thick black polka dot tie backs and pelmet. The following image is a buttoned pelmet, but it gives you a good idea of how the look will turn out.
This is a great example of how to introduce patterns using just cushions and a throw (and some cleverly-arranged postcards on the wall hanging). There’s no traditional red and green in here but we reckon it still looks rather festive.
Another plus with using a black and white pattern is how sophisticated it can look. This tiny Manhattan apartment kitchen, for instance, could have looked pretty dingy were it not for those beautiful glossy black cabinets and damask linen!
Meanwhile, the classic black-and-white chequered tile floor fluctuates in popularity, but it’s never really gone out of style. It’s smart, sophisticated and always makes us think of a butler in a Victorian kitchen. It’s practical (half of it hides stains) and durable. It’s also easy to match with other items in the kitchen. Imagine how sensational it would look with black cabinets above. Well actually, you don’t have to imagine, we’ve unearthed a picture right here – and doesn’t that floor give this kitchen such a feeling of calmness and order?
So do tell – what’s your favourite black and white combination?
