July 16th, 2009

I Heart… ‘Decorative Monochrome’

There’s something so alluring about black and white. It’s crisp and modern, bold and graphic, sophisticated and classic, playful and energetic. It reinvents itself with every use and never goes out of style. There’s nothing I love more than that: timelessness. That’s what separates trend from thoughtful design. If you’re not going to love something in 6 months’ time, why bother? Because design isn’t only about keeping up with the Joneses. It’s also about creating something functional and livable that transcends frivolity while still staying true to your own creative vision.

This shoot is from the May issue of LivingEtc., so I’m a wee bit behind the times in posting this, but I’m still as much in love with it as I was the moment I turned the pages for the first time. Like I said: timelessness.

Black and white as a colour combination has been around for the longest time. I’ve heard all too many times that it’s old news, on the out, or that it’s boring and character-less. I beg to differ! And so does LivingEtc. Glad to have someone on my side! Their ‘Inspired Shopping’ feature in this issue takes this dashing duo and infuses them with the charm, glitz and glam of an era past (I get a roaring 20′s vibe) all the while staying innovative, fresh and modern-bordering-on-futuristic.

Oh, the texture. It might be a little hard to see in this scan, but this living room is a texture hay day! High gloss, enamel, mirror, cotton, leather, silk, wool, ribbon, carpet…

I love their suggestion here to use a variety of chair styles all grounded in one colour (white) to liven up the space. I’ve always wanted to give that a try in my own space. (Unfortunately, I live with TV trays and hand-me downs. But someday!) Not only is it totally chic, but it’s very thrifty and a fun way to introduce various styles into the room without being too loud and overbearing.

I have a huge crush on that calendar. So much so, that I’m seriously considering making my own version of it. Look at that slick typography! The type nut in me is giddy at the thought.

This is such a fun light fixture! Add this to my “To Craft” pile! I think it would pump up the glam-factor even more to use pearls in place of the black beads. I’d love to see the shade cut in a very geometric pattern too; it would make a bold contrasting statement against the delicate and girly pearls.

This bedroom is the definition of fashionista! It’s so playful, feminine, and tailored looking. From the crisp white bed linen with that single elegant black stripe, to the enormous doily-inspired head board, right down to the felt cut-out rug (how awesome is that? Entirely impractical, but gorgeous!), I’m afriad, I can’t quite get this room out of my mind. I’ve fallen hard, oh so hard, and I give my heart to you, oh stunning bedroom. So please, don’t break my heart.ⁱ

Look at that wallpaper! I think my heart skipped a beat.

Could you live a life in greyscale? Or do you need colour? Personally, I’m conflicted. I’m a self-proclaimed white-aholic so I feel like I could very easily live in a world of black and white. On the contrary, however, I do love a good burst of rainbow. Though I do feel like with the passing years, I’m slowly moving away from my love of vibrant colours and embracing the classic beauty of black, white and grey. In some aspects of my life, I happily welcome and crave colour – in illustration, digital art, television, flowers – but in others, it’s monochromatic all the way – fashion, decor, technological gadgetry.

Black and white: a match made in heaven? I think so.

1. I’m totally soaking up the lame today! I don’t know what’s wrong with me! (»)

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