Black, White and Cool - Style in Monochrome

Sometimes all I feel like is a cool change: I want to look sleek and chic. I want to come home to a chilled but invigorating space. And in those times, only black and white will do.

Dress Up

Black and white is a classic tonal combination and, when worn, the pairing always makes for a sharp statement: think of the sexy insouciance of YSL's Le Smoking, the urbane glamour of the Little Black Dress, the stark power of a Victorian woman in widow's weeds, or the defiance of the Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash. Black is an attitude. White is a breath of fresh air. Someone wearing black and white has something to say.
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For the modern woman, there are so many ways to explore wearing black and white: do you want to be a romantic dreamer in a little LOVER lace dress, or a contemporary femme fatale in Yohji Yamamoto? You could channel bratty Nineties minimalism with a loose black minidress, white platform sandals and morning-after lipstick, or be a buttoned-up belle in a two-tone lady dress paired with faux pearls and very un-sensible black heels. The options are endless, and the great thing is, you can change character every day!
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​Dressing your home in black and white can seem a little more daunting. Eclecticism has enjoyed a long run in decor, with a pop of colour here and a splash of contrasting shades there. While this is a very fun trend to play with, there is something striking about a tonal colour palette in the home, all creamy pale whites and deep, still blacks. A commitment to monochrome creates a visual strength, a simplicity that is restful as it is inviting.

Black and White Beauty

If you're going with black and white, why not go all the way? Paint your floorboards as the Scandinavians do, to make your space seem bigger and lighter (to minimise scuffing, enlist the experts to help apply an acrylic urethane paint, which will give your floor a glossy finish). The beauty of this look is also the effect that your furniture is poised like islands throughout the home.
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Maximise the impact in your living room by rolling out a black and white rug—I like this bold chevron and these chubby stripes, both available at Wayfair—and add some dimension by placing a mirrored coffee table on it to pick up the light in the room, adding to its spacious feel. As a final touch, complement the room with an arrangement of tonal objets on the table (suggested: a white coral statue, black candle holder or peaceful Zen garden. See the 7 best Wayfair coupons and promo codes as of September 17. Popular today: Redeem Wayfair Promo Code 20% OFF or more on select items in this September 2015 at  Wayfair.com.au!

Add Dimension

You can also play with shape and tone to add visual variety. Create a black and white dining set by buying individual mismatching chairs and arranging them around a simple, statement table, perhaps mixing in some dark polished wood chairs among your DIY set for added depth? Or invest in a black and white china set, but mix it up with an odd plate with a print on it, an unexpected touch for your guests!
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And just think of the bedroom: what is more restful than the prospect of a huge, white wooden bed made up with all-white linens, waiting for you at the end of the day? Hang a graphic canvas over the headboard and lie a sheepskin rug under-foot and you will never want to leave.
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The key with your décor, as always, is to keep it personal: implement some of these ideas, or take over your whole home in a snowstorm of black and white. Just remember novelist Vikrmn's words in 10 Alone: 'the most colourful thing in the world is black and white, it contains all colours and at the same time excludes them all.' The possibilities are endless—so go have fun!