Live in BLACK AND WHITE
Black and white is hot. And, well, very cool. During New York’s Fashion Week in September, ebony and ivory prevailed, draped over the lithe frames of runway models and celebrity guests alike. Anywhere you look these days, you see black and white intertwined — on everything from note cards to umbrellas to woven leather bags.
Monochromatic photography is thriving, with niche studios springing up to meet consumer demand for everything from black and white wedding albums to black and white Web sites.
In light of this trend, it’s no surprise that Century Furniture unveiled a bouquet of black and white upholstered creations at the most recent home-furnishings trade show in High Point, N.C.
“This is a powerful combination,” said Edward M. Tashjian, vice president of marketing. “Think about it: Black is mystery and sophistication; white is purity and innocence. Yin and yang. Together, they represent wholeness and balance. Designers take this concept very seriously, and for good reason. People respond to black and white in a way that’s almost visceral.”
Of course, black and white décor doesn’t appeal to us on only a subconscious, spiritual level. We appreciate its practicality as well.
According to Tashjian, there are numerous reasons to dress a home in black and white.
Black and white is timeless. It never goes out of style. Think about the two wardrobe classics every woman recognizes: the little black dress and the elegant white blouse. These shades are as timeless in the home as they are on the body.
“Colors tend to be trendy, so it’s easy for them to become dated,” points out Tashjian. “For instance, most people associate avocado and gold with the ’70s, and peach and teal with the ’80s. Not so with black and white. They’ll look as stylish in 20 years as they do right now.”
Black and white is versatile. It can go dressy or casual, traditional or modern. Consider a simple white silk T-shirt. Wear it with a suit and heels and you’re ready for the boardroom. Pair it with jeans and sandals and you’re dressed for a picnic.
Black garments, of course, are equally versatile. It’s easy to envision how furniture in these shades can move from one décor extreme to another with ease.
“A piece like our Midnight Velvet chair is just as at home in an 18th-century formal living room as it would be in, say, a stark modern loft,” Tashjian said. “The classic shape is a nod to traditional sensibilities, while the nickel nailhead trim brings it into the contemporary realm.”
Black and white are also the perfect foil for color. We all love bold splashes of color — on walls, in area rugs, in art work and accessories, and even in furniture itself — but sometimes the eye needs a break. Black and white offers the perfect visual balance. Plus, (good news for the design challenged) it goes with virtually any color.
“Position a pair of our Scrollwork chairs in front of a lime green wall and see how vivid they make the backdrop look,” Tashjian said. “Or let black and white dominate, as we’ve done with our Tuxedo Wing chairs against a wall of vertical stripes. A sky blue mirror stands out like a jewel.
“It’s hard to make a mistake with black and white. It’s classic, stylish and versatile. It doesn’t limit your options. You can have fun with it,” he said.
Information courtesy Century Furniture
