Add Drama with Black and White Stripes
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
When going for high contrast, it does not get any bolder than using black and white. Literally. Sometimes this look is too much for some people, but personally, I love them together. References to jailbird costumes be darned, I love the drama of black and white stripes.
To exploit this maximum contrast to the fullest, consider a bold wall like the one in the first image below. To test the waters, consider softening the stripes by using them in fabric curtain panels or underfoot on a rug. If you are just toying with the idea of black and white stripes, start small, with a throw pillow or painting. If you fall in love with it, go bigger with your stripes from there! Here are some examples, boldest first...
To exploit this maximum contrast to the fullest, consider a bold wall like the one in the first image below. To test the waters, consider softening the stripes by using them in fabric curtain panels or underfoot on a rug. If you are just toying with the idea of black and white stripes, start small, with a throw pillow or painting. If you fall in love with it, go bigger with your stripes from there! Here are some examples, boldest first...
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| There is a heck of a lot going on here, but the black and white palette helps it all go together. |
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Here a black and white curtain adds to the glamor of this dining area.
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| This lovely rug gives a strong graphic base to the room. |
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by Judith Balis
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| This black and white striped sofa holds its own against turquoise walls, hot pink chairs, and zebra pillows! |
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This gives new meaning to the phrase "floor to ceiling".
by flickr.com
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Here the black is more dominant, giving the room a different feel than the ones we've seen with evenly sized stripe widths.
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Stripes on the diagonal on this floor keep the eyes moving.
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A black and white awning always inspires me to grab a snapshot. This one is in P-town.
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And this one is in Savannah. Oh and man, this restaurant is SO GOOD!
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You can add just a dash of black and white striped drama with a small dose, like this throw pillow.
Comments
eyeseepretty I did a post on the Mark Hotel which has the most amazing black and white striped floors. You can see it here: http://eyeseepretty.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/on-the-mark/
3 years ago · Like
cre8tive I love the black and white stripes!! Just can't convince my hubby to go for it. So I guess I must start small...
3 years ago · Like
Karen Evans I am updating my dining room currently and have reupholstered my chairs in black and white stripes. It's a pattern that never seems to look dated. 
3 years ago · Like
leslieevans1084 This looks FABULOUS! And I am really loving the striped walls in khaki.
3 years ago · Like
Emily A. Clark Love the crispness black & white brings to any space. Great inspiration photos!
3 years ago · Like
Ideabook published on July 22, 2010.
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