BLACK AND WHITE DESIGN FOR DRAMA AND GLAMOUR

You don't have to be a daredevil of design to use black and white to
create a room that can be stunning for its subtle nuances or dramatic for its deft deliverance of bold confidence.
    Known for his adventurous design philosophy, Dennis Tapp, of Designs by Dennis Tapp is no stranger to
décor drama. Because he hates to be pigeonholed into a particular style, he likes black and white because of its versatility. "It's timeless. It can be fun or elegant, and surprisingly, it can be warm and cozy," he says.
    If you ask him if black and white can be incorporated into any style, you'd better be prepared for an enlightening design tutorial. "It is perfectly at home in an absolutely contemporary room, and it is equally striking in a very traditional space. Black and white can be used with a Louis XV chair or a contemporary sofa. Black and white design doesn't have to mean that everything is either black or white. Bringing in touches of both colors can result in a wonderfully elegant room. I've never found a room in which I couldn't use it. There's no denying that black and white is fabulous. But it can't just be thrown together. You need some flair and finesse!" he laughs. How does he use black and white? The better question is how doesn't he use it! He turns a room without much character into a room that overflows with personality by the studied use of black and white fabrics on furniture and for window treatments, and on walls and floors. For added impact he introduces it through accessories and artwork.



    "I get really excited when a client expresses interest in a black and white room because black and white has such a story to tell. The beauty is that black and white can be used anywhere. There aren't any strict parameters or set rules," says Leslie Newton-Thompson, a designer with Drexel Heritage Interiors.  "Black and white imparts the purest form of design. It has such an impact. You don't get lost in complicated layers, and each piece in the room can stand on its own. Black and white, perhaps with shades of black, can be done throughout an entire room or sparks of color can be introduced. Bringing in a couple of pieces that have jewel tones in accessories can add an exciting pop," she says.
    "Sure, black and white has a certain boldness, but that's part of the appeal. The overall feel can be softened by using metallic finishes or adding a floral arrangement or greenery such as palms. Clients are sometimes concerned that they'll tire of it, but I tell them I've used black and white in three rooms of my home and haven't become bored with it. The secret to staying in love with a black and white room is to occasionally alter the look by changing out accessories, or even rearranging the furniture," says Brad Sprigler, of Brad Sprigler Designs.
    Wendy Saladino, a designer with Tassels, also waxes enthusiastic about black and white. "It's kind of trendy but it's also classic and will always be around in some form. There are many different patterns, florals and geometrics that can be drawn into the mix of a black and white room. I love black and white on walls, whether wallpaper or paint. Black and white walls with bright white trim is fantastic. Alternating black and white stripes, either horizontal or vertical, is a great look that can reflect a formal approach to the design of a room. I also like to wallpaper a ceiling in black and white for a very unexpected look," she says.
    While designers differ in their opinion whether black walls close in a room or actually expand its perceived size, there's little doubt that it contributes to a distinctive ambience. Black in a bathroom or powder room, even though the room may be small, provides the opportunity to "think out of the box" when it comes to the décor of the room. Bedrooms, many times considered the ideal space for soothing, neutral colors, may just  be the spot to use black and white for a design that's atypical but still inviting and embracing. "When using black walls in a bedroom, I think lighter upholstery and bedding give a nice balance," says Saladino.
    Newton-Thompson likes the study of contrast provided by black furniture against a light color wall, explaining that the design of the furniture is accentuated. She says it's "all about finding the rhythm of the room", not placing all the black pieces on one side, but interspersing black and white throughout the space.
    "I designed a bedroom with a theory of black and white, but with the idea of using black and white on a soft level, nothing stark or geometric. The design of the bed and window treatments stood out in the room that featured a black bed and many textures of white in the upholstery and bedding. The homeowners loved the luxuriousness of the room," says Thompson.
    Black and white. Two simple colors, right? Actually, they're not all that simple when you're confronted by the amazing range of colors in a paint store. Just when you think Black Magic is the perfect color, you may be persuaded to select Caviar or Bohemian Black, or yet another hue of black. Whites pose an even more formidable challenge. Although when you walk into the store sure you want a pure white, you may quickly change your mind when what seems like an endless array of creamy whites and ivory whites are there waiting to be part of your black and white tableau.



    "Blacks may have a brownish cast or a bluish cast, giving them far different appearances. It depends on the pigments that go into them. And there are hundreds of whites, those with blue, pink or yellow casts," says Valerie Johns, a decorator with Hikes Point Paint and Wallpaper.
    Design pros recommend painting a small portion of the wall with a couple of different colors, then viewing them at different times of the day and early evening to see how the natural light coming into the room affects the color. The type of lighting, whether incandescent or fluorescent, as well as the amount of lighting, also influence how a color is perceived. In addition, think about how other colors in the room will play against the wall color, and how the wall color will enhance or detract from design elements such as upholstery, draperies, flooring and accessories.
    But paint isn't the only way to dress up a wall, or a ceiling. Johns says wallpaper, particularly large scale patterns, is making a comeback. She adds that borders aren't as popular as they were in the past. For that black and white room you're considering, take a look at stripes, toile, florals and damasks.
    Part of the big news in black and white is that there is a gray area. According to Newton-Thompson, gray is the newest designer color. "For so long we've been seeing a lot of chocolate, but now gray is coming on very strong. When used with one of the many grays, black and white takes on an entirely new dimension. And gray can be beautifully paired with pastels."
    Dennis Tapp remedies the starkness of an all black and white room with hints of color such as red, gold, silver or one of the new greens.
    "Black and white is a nice foundation that invites the use of so many accent colors. Pink, red,  yellow, or lime green all look good with it. I recently did two very fun and lively bedrooms for teenage girls. One was black and white and hot pink, and one brought in turquoise with the black and white. The girls loved them," says Johns.
    Sprigler agrees, saying the key to successful black and white design is to add a splash of color through a rug, pillows, or an ottoman. A great print or painting in a black and white room can be a powerful focal point. He suggests pulling the colors from the artwork and using them in a fantastic floral arrangement on a table, hearth or mantel.
    "Black and white design can look harsh if the room isn't 'pulled together' and accessorized correctly. Accessorizing isn't only about using the right accessories, but also about the right number of accessories. Too many accessories can detract from the drama of the black and white," he says.
    If you're intrigued by black and white design but aren't exactly sure how to make it work in your own home, you might glean some ideas from rooms that came alive with help from the design professionals.
    Wendy Saladino is such a big fan of black and white that she incorporated it into the design of an entry, living room and dining room that all connected. In the hardwood floor entry she used black and white toile wallpaper. Apple green living and dining room walls were paired with a large check black and white wallpaper. Black and white polka dot fabric in the living room and a black and white floral fabric in the dining room added an all important texture. "The design was traditional with a touch of whimsy," she says.
    "Two spaces I'm designing illustrate the potential of black and white design. One is drop-dead gorgeous with an Asian influence. The other is a condo that has a style I describe as New York transitional. It has wonderful antiques and contemporary art. I have a long black and white design history. I love to use black and white carpet and matte black woodwork. I designed draperies out of black and white silk that are distinguished by  8" of black, a white French pleat and white buttons. I've also placed huge arrangements of white flowers against black walls. Gorgeous! And one of my favorite applications of black and white was in a powder room in which I painted 18" tall horizontal black and white stripes," says Dennis Tapp.