Shades of Paris: Black and Gold
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
My obsession with Paris began long before I ever set foot in France. It goes back to when I was a little girl, when I spent hours poring over the illustrations of the city in Ludwig Bemelman's classic kids' book, Madeline.
While some of the book's illustrations are in full color, most of them are black lines on a golden yellow wash background. They're beautiful - and in my mind, the picture of Paris.
Since then, I've seen thousands of pictures of Paris, and have been to the city twice. I know it has a lot of faces. But the interiors that capture the black-and-gold aesthetic of those original Madeline illustrations - they're the ones that feel the most Parisian to me.
While some of the book's illustrations are in full color, most of them are black lines on a golden yellow wash background. They're beautiful - and in my mind, the picture of Paris.
Since then, I've seen thousands of pictures of Paris, and have been to the city twice. I know it has a lot of faces. But the interiors that capture the black-and-gold aesthetic of those original Madeline illustrations - they're the ones that feel the most Parisian to me.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This elaborate lady's boudoir is so over the top it could belong to Marie Antoinette. The sofa, in particular, captures the rich gold and black combination that screams Paris.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This large bath is a great example of how the same color scheme can be restrained - but just as Gallic.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This is another great example of restraint in the use of strong colors.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This illustration from Madeline - of the Tuileries - captures the delicate nature of the color combination.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
At the Carlyle Hotel in New York, the tea room is called Bemelmans, and features wallpaper drawn by the author/illustrator.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This gorgeous mirror, found in a mansion on the outskirts of Paris, is an amazing contrast to the dismal space around it.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This simple display confines the gold-and-black to a shelf, but it's still effective.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Black furniture and shiny black floors provide depth next to a gold and black rug, golden walls, and a gilded fireplace.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The tiled interior of the Guerlain house in Paris shimmers with gold that contrasts perfectly with wrought iron accents.
People who liked these photos also liked:
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
I agree - I'd like the room in the first photo better if the walls were scaled back. Our local fancy brasserie-type place has amazing walls that look like a thin wash of black paint over a goldenrod color. It's a little rustic, but I think it would've balanced that sofa a little more.
But I have to admit, I love the idea of a Paris home that actually has a lady's boudoir. Sooo French.
Rebecca hart Benton, Chicago, Illinois
Rebecca Hart Benton, Chicago, Illinois