Inspiration in Black and White

In fashion or advertising photography I don’t feel that color has near the power of black and white.

Black and white can evoke a mood.      photo by Magali Kermaidic          source  

In architecture the details are more apparent in black and white. The lines between objects/features are direct.

I react emotionally to black and white photos quicker than color most of the time.

Hollywood photographers were genius in capturing a personality in black and white. Her Lauren Bacall says it all. One of my favorite actresses.            peace~ 1924-2014

In nature we see stark examples of black and white. In the Zebra we see a balance of black and white. Look to nature to see how much of each color you seem drawn to.

Black button eyes offer a focused softness against a white body. Here, white with just a dab of black.

Capturing a colored animal in black and white allows one to see what mattered to the photographer, in this case the gaze and powerful muzzle.

There is a lot of white in nature, and in this Calla Lily we can focus of the curves and details of its form. In a decorating a room, we would speak of texture and shapes of furniture or objet d’art.

I am captivated by how movement is captured in black and white. I love to feature black and white photographs as a grouping on a wall in design projects. Even in an environment of multiple colors, black and white photography can be use as a major feature.

Here the photographer was able to place the emphasis on the horses ability to bend in response to the riders cue. In design, you get to decide where to place the emphasis when working with black and white decor.

Here we have white walls with the lovely curves of the stair rails are emphasized using black. Even though the floor and the foyer table and stair treads are black, the black neither dominates in the room or overwhelms it.

A black framed mirror reflects additional light, while black accents are seen in this mostly white room.

Here the walls are black, the armoire white, the table black and the chairs both colors, bridging the two. Additional white is seen on the chair seats that are against the wall.. The white framed art perfectly balances this room.

White background provides brightness so the mirror pops. The silver in the chandelier and the candlesticks add polish and glamour. The stripped pillows keep the room from looking top-heavy with black.

This room is on complete contrast to the above. Black patterned wallpaper is a lovely foil to the sleek dresser, and the choice of gold accents adds warmth, even though the dresser hardware is silver.

this is a white bedroom with white fabrics with black providing importance to the furniture.

This bedroom is the complete opposite of the above with its black walls and white bed and textiles.

This bedroom is in-between the above two in effect. Although the walls are white, a black bed trim frames a white headboard, and black trims the fabrics on the bed and light trim on the drapery panels. The geometric pattern not the stool at the foot of the bed keeps the room modern and light. The  carpet adds some texture. Of the three, were you drawn to one over the other?

These are heavily coffered ceilings and the more I looked at them, the more I felt the black actually is perfect. The mirror towards the end of the room reflects light from the chandelier. The only choice for a table in order to keep it from being way too visually heavy is glass, and that is what we see here. At night, a room like this is dramatic and intimate. The shimmery fabric of the Roman shade is simple and elegant.

Now let’s look at two kitchens. This first one has white perimeter cabinets and a large black island. Appliances are stainless as are the lights. The carrera marble in on the island, but the white cabinets are topped with black.

In a similar kitchen we see the opposite. Big difference isn’t there, even though they used white on the counters all around and white island seating. The floor in the kitchen above is dark, and here it is white, but the overall effect in this kitchen is visually heavier.

Now let’s look at three bathrooms. Here is a mostly white one, with black steel windows, and black stool, wall shelf and plumbing hardware and curtain rod, yet it reads mostly white.

Again a mostly white bathroom, but the amount of black is concentrated on the floor and in a black perimeter tile chair rail, which breaks up the expanse of white wall. This bathroom reads a bit darker.

Here black walls are in complete contrast to the above bathrooms, even though there is a lot of white in this room. The tub, large art, Roman shade, sink, large mirror and floor are all white, yet the effect is totally different. The use of one warm stained wood accent table adds a finishing touch.

These next two photos also provide a yin and yang result. White walls, black table, mixed black and white quilt, warmed by the basket color and texture.

Black walls and white table with warmth added by the stained table. Did you have a preference?

Black is perfect for any door, formal or not, when the house is white. Love the white porch chair.

Here the house is painted black, and the accents are white and warm wood tones.

This outdoor space is opposite of the above with all white and black the only accent.

Black can even be used in casual seating around the gardens. It is never trendy.

White porcelain sits on black shelving with the backboard in a variety of black and white patterns to really set off the variety of the china.

And again, an opposing approach. The china is colored and the background white.

Some lovely black and white textiles. Are you drawn to any particular one….more white, or more black.