Black & White - don't be scared

I have said over and over that color is nothing to be scared about.  And, lack of color is nothing to be scared about either.  Lack of color can yield an aesthetically gorgeous space with consideration to color theory and elements/principles of design.   Lack of color is simply a palette that is full of neutrals: grey, black, white and neutral colors.  Neutral colors can include the tan, beige, taupe families, variations of brown, and an array of other slightly tinted hues that read "quiet".   The lower the light reflective value and the lower the saturation level, the more neutral a color can be.  Never forget  that the first thing the eye perceives is color and secondly, the contrast of light and dark.  If there is no color then contrast must step up to the easel and control the canvas IF you seek a mid-high energy space. 

Black and white is a versatile palette.  It's the palette that is a friendly companion to a wide array of period designs, styles, and furnishings.  There are the obvious: Art Deco, Modern, Contemporary, and Hollywood Regency.  Don't be afraid to specify the black and white palette in your stylings. Black and white can work the casual room, the formal room, and anywhere in between.  It works with everything, is not boring,  IF you work the contrast strategy! 

Located in the historic  Chase Park Plaza complex this condominium is black and white through and through.   This space has great architectural bones, generous amounts of natural light, and fabulous views of downtown and the St. Louis Arch.  Who needs to see color when you have all this to excite your senses?  My client was eager to rid her life of the old drab shabby stylings found in her single family home and took a leap towards glam, fab, and lux in this 15th floor mid-town condo.  She wanted black and white.  She wanted pattern and textures.  And she wanted to love it all.  I listened to her words, monitored her pulse, and through the professional design process we created her perfect home.  There were no random acts of design in this space!

Note: my client also wanted to keep the same energy in the space during the holiday season and choose, wisely  I must say, to keep her seasonal decor in the neutral palette as well.

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