There is something about black and white that I just love. Maybe it’s the dramatic contrast that appeals to me, or maybe it’s the versatility I love, or maybe it just reminds me of my favorite on-screen couple, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard :).
Black and white is forever. It’s timeless. It’s elegant. It’s sophisticated.
You can be sure if you choose this color scheme, it will never go out of style.
I had fun gathering these photos, and for some strange reason, I now have the urge to live in a penthouse apartment, overlooking Central Park.
Just like my love of black and white, I’ve always adored canopy beds. When your bed is this dramatic, you don’t need much else. Just let the bed take center stage.
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If you choose black and white, you’ll never have to worry about decorating for the seasons. Simple additions of pillows and accessories throughout the year can make all the difference. One thing I want to know…are these furnishings waterproof??!
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love these chairs! Ok, maybe they’re not the most practical choice for everyday dining, but I’ll eat on the floor if it means I can have these.
For a twist on the traditional white trim, try black! And look at those curved chairs around the dining table. Gorgeous!
Black rattan and striped drapes and pillows elevates this outdoor covered porch to one of elegance.
The ultimate in simplicity, these fuzzy chair covers bring a sense of whimsy and warmth to this minimal, but elegant dining room.
I love gingham, and done in black and white it brings a sense of elegance as well as ‘country’ chic to this french inspired dining room.
A soft neutral bed cover helps balance the dramatic rug and mirror in this comfortable but sophisticated living room.
The bold black and white wallpaper in the hallway and chandelier add a ton of drama and elegance!
Painting the island white was a good move. All black cabinets may have made this lovely kitchen look too dark, but now this combo opens it up. I love the black and white vent hood!
In this casual kitchen, fun patterns on the walls and accessories give it plenty of personality, and a few additions of red and yellow really help to liven up the space.
There’s something about a powder room that I love. It’s almost as if they’re little jewelry boxes, just waiting for us to try something bold. I adore this graphic wall pattern and these beautiful sconces!
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Classic subway tile combined with striped accents give this bathroom a spa-like feel.
Gold is a wonderfully glamorous addition for a black and white space. A few well-thought out accents are enough to add a whole new layer to the decor.
Are you a fan of black and white? What’s YOUR favorite color scheme?
In other news..
If you follow me on Instagram you probably saw some of these photos, but for the rest of you, here’s a peek into our week…
We are in Venice at a lovely RV resort which offers tons of activities, one of which was an Abba concert. If I had known I’d end up on stage I would have definitely upped my wardrobe ;).
There’s a rather unfortunate phenomenon occurring now, which is commonly referred to as ‘Red Tide’. It causes hundreds of fish to die and become washed up to shore. Bad for the fish…good for the birds.
When most people are in beachy locations, the cuisine du jour tends to be seafood, but sometimes you just crave something different. We found a great Mexican place not too far that has a lovely outdoor setting…
and even lovelier Margaritas ;).
The weather still isn’t great (a bit rainy and chilly), but we’re making the most of it and we’re just grateful we’re not home shoveling snow!
Julie says
Hi Doreen, I love all of that black and white decor. Wow are having a great time. That drink looks so pretty and I bet was good! Take care and enjoy.
Hugs Julie
Debbie from MountainMama says
Of course you ended up on stage – I could have predicted that!! What fun, good for you – looks like you’re enjoying your time down South!!
Kim says
How fun…and yes, way better than shoveling snow, which is what we are doing. That first bedroom is over the top spectacular. I’ll take it! π Enjoy the trip!
Poppy says
Once a show girl, always a show girl! You look so perfect on that stage, as if you just finished belting out your solo and are now posing for pics for your crazed fans! :))
Love black and white, of course for the drama, what else?! When I was little, we had a beautiful black and white bathroom, with the dynamic duo on a checkered porcelain floor – crisp and clean and classic, but simultaneously state of the art modern!
Keep breakin’ that leg!
xxx
Poppy
rue says
ABBA?! HA!!! That is classic! It sounds like you’re having a great time π
I love black and white and even dabbled in it a little with one of my homes years ago. Now I think you can pretty much guess what it is… Green and yellow with a dash of red or pink;)
xoxo,
rue
Emily says
Wow, Abba gets everyone going and such fun your having, I wish I were there. Black and white, after viewing your photos I realize I love all those styles and there is just one solution, a different house for each one, LOL, I can dream! Enjoy the FL weather, we have snow flurries in the forecastβ¦β¦…
tammy j says
MAMA MIA!
you and meryl! you both still got it girl!!! so cute. adorable actually. you look right at home on that stage.
and the black and white? oh my. those old 30’s movies… and astaire and rogers … on boats … in grand hotel rooms…
always you felt the room had black and white! I have ‘touches’ of black here and there… a small lampshade… a basket
to hold my keys and sunglasses… and it DOES give a little touch of that elegance to a room.
GREAT POST show bunny! AS ALWAYS! have fun. eat some tex mex for me too. I love it! XO
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Black and white is indeed both classic and classy. Think it would hurt if I added a little red???
Brenda
Sue says
All the black and white is great and I love it too, especially the elegant black bathroom! I am sure I follow you on Instagram and will take a look. I don’t go on there as much as I should.
Jemma says
You are having way too much fun!
So happy that this Winter in the South is so enjoyable!
xo
Jemma
Cecilia says
It’s a timeless look for sure and wonderfully dramatic. Thanks for sharing. π you look like you’re having a blast. I want a Margarita now. π
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen,
Loved every single one of those photos and would be happy with any of those rooms!
That canopy bed, wow, beautiful! Loved the gingham dining room and the black kitchen cupboards…and I agree those chairs – I’d eat off the floor too! π
That Abba concert looked like fun! Maybe they’ll take you on tour?! π
And that Mexican restaurant looked amazing, pretty outdoor setting and that Margarita isn’t bad to look at either! π
Even though it’s cool it’s still better than really cold and snow! It will warm up!
Enjoy the rest of your week! Big Hugs! Kimberley
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Black and white together is alwyas very elegant, but I think you’re right it belongs to an urban home… I don’t think it would look good in my fisherman’s cottage!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Doreen, I’m also a black and white nut. I’ve always loved the contrast and now looking at your inspiring photos you are giving me ideas that may get me into trouble.
Have a great time down south and enjoy your ABBA nights and the margaritas. And yes you are lucky to be there and not North. My dad was so looking forward to the snow this year because he bought a new snow blower.lol
AnnMarie says
Gorgeous pictures! I want one of each room please! This past summer while thrifting I stopped at an incredible farmhouse with gorgeous gardens. What I found inside surprised me and made me want the whole place. All of the rooms were decorated in black and white. It was stunning! Her bedroom had white walls and carpet and black furniture. I couldn’t get enough of looking at her things. The house was quite old, being part of a potato farm, but her decorating in black and white only enhanced the quaintness of the home.
Vicky Hunt says
I love black and white and am finding myself incorporating it more and more. ALl the photos you shared are so classy! My favorite was the one of you with ABBA…lol! Sounds like you are having a good time. Mexican food is my favorite and that little place looks like a good one! Enjoy!
Hugs, Vicky
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
I’ve always loved black and white (my bedroom is b & w), but I don’t think I’ve ever realized HOW MUCH I love it, until now! After seeing all of these photos, I’d like to re-do my entire house in black and white! I love the white walls with the black molding, and I’ve always been a sucker for b & w cabana stripes. Hope the weather improves for you!
Dewena says
Very sophisticated color scheme, oh don’t get me wanting black and white now! That’s the trouble, I want everything I see that ‘s pretty.
Hope it warms up soon for you!
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Sorry so late with this Doll! I visited several days ago, but my wifi was down and I couldn’t comment. Love black and white too – it truly is timeless. Plus, it seems to make anything sophisticated.
I love the photos and did see on insta too. π I hope you’re continuing to have lots of fun dear Friend!! Blessings for a wonderful weekend and Happy Valentine’s to you. xoxo