Black and White in fashion

Although bright and vivid colors were everywhere on the runways for spring/summer 2012, Black and White as we know, defy time and always keep their well earned place as big colors including in upcoming seasons. Here are my favorites:

• great design by Michael Kors:) Note how he incorporated lace in the skirt, and mixed it all up with a sporty stripe mix at the top ( pattern and texture use- the same as in interior design always desirable) We can't forget to mention the fab handbag-bright white clutch with shiny chains. What a chic look!

• Emporio Armani did black and white using clean lines, contrast trims, and suits that gave of an "icy, Metropolis-like uniformity". Just charming!

• The Balmain collection for upcoming season left me in awe! Black and White were all about embroidery on Mexican tailoring and Vegan glamour. Also lots of gold accents. Stunning! 

• Ralph Lauren presented menswear-inspired fashion in white. Interesting;)

• I find this Carolina Herrerra's Black and White dress just so classy and elegant. Accent of red just adds more interest

The Ansley Park Glass House

Continuing on Black and White I'd like to show you an example of a stunning modern house from Atlanta, Georgia called the Ansley Park Glass House. It was designed by Brian Bell and David Yocum from, well known southern firm, BLDGS Architects. This home was built as an addition to a 1910-era home in historic downtown neighbourhood and is truly unique: the glass curtain walls, split levels, floating staircase, dark tone woods, a lot of black and white walls and accents. See for yourself. What do you think?

Hip and Cool in Black and White

Personally I believe it is worth to invest in couple stunning furniture pieces in your house, ones that make a Wow! factor, and save on some others. To me for example a stunning piece would be a sophisticated armchair or lounge chair but less expensive end table or coffee table. So here they are, hip and cool in Black and White, starting with these amazing armchairs, some VERY pricey some less (click on links to find out details) but definitely all with big WOW!

The Zebra Chair and Ottoman by L&L Design unfortunately right now not available for on line purchase:( Having my eye on this one;)

Eames® Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Herman Miller® - one word for me - Fabulous!

Eames by Herman Miller in black so gorgeous!

Wegner Wing Chair designed by Hans Wegner, beautiful from every angle

Barcelona® Chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Simple & classy

Modloft Luxo Frederick in White

Very comfortable Rebecca Swivel Armchair 

Modloft Luxo Salisbury Stainless Steel in Black and White

Modloft Luxo Earl White

Zuo Modern Unico Chaise

20h Ellipse C-Table from Room&Board

Strind coffee table from Ikea

Modloft Luxo Dorset coffee table in Black-
like mesmerizing piece of "sculpture"

Modloft Luxo Adelphi coffee table amazing piece

Modloft Luxo Dean Dark Ebony-White coffee table

Modloft Luxo Berkley Dark Ebony-Black coffee table

Black and White pattern designs

Whether it's a wallpaper or a rug or a lamp shade or a drapery or a vase... let's not forget to add some pattern and texture to your space. It will make your room "pop" and be noticable but also create a sense of harmony and balance in the room

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1. through 4. art shades from Euro Style Lighting
5. Milliken Black and White Vibe Techno Black rug from Rugs USA 
6. Cowhide pillow Black and White from eCowhides
7. through 10. Ikea
11. Viva Black Gloss Wallpaper by Barbara Hulanicki ( love her designs!) from Graham&Brown 
12. Niche Palmer Fabric from Wayfair great patern. Try making your own pillows or curtain panels:)

Black and White photo framing with personal touch - DIY

Taking pictures is my passion. I have thousands of them but unfortunately I can't display all of them. Having few digital photo frames around the house helps in this case;) but there are always few of these special pics worth putting in a nice decorative frame. I like black and white pictures the most. They have this unique character. I always look in stores for some interesting patterns and textures on different things, weather it is a napkin or a placemat or maybe a wallpaper. Visiting craft stores is of course always a good idea in search of these kind of things too. Here is what I did recently with my favorite picture of my son from his early years:

• I found in Target this black textured placemat just $2.95 and interesting napkin also $2.95

• my eyes were also drawn to this black and white ribbon stripe decorative paper just $0.99

• I bought black frame on sale for $10 in a craft store and started playing with all my items

•  I cut the textured black placemat as my main background first...

•  then I tried my napkin to put as a second background but I found the zig zag design to be too big for the size of my frame. It would definitely look better in a bigger frame as a main background. In this case I would have had to cut a lot of it... (Tip: if you use any fabric to be framed always steam iron it first for smooth, wrinkle free look)

trying zig zag napkin

•  ...so I ended up with my decorative ribbon stripe paper as my second background and here is final result. Hope you like it:)

in my office:)

...another idea, if you don't want to frame picture necessary. I used an artificial white flower and removed glass from the frame. Like I said just an idea;)