Decorating with Wallpaper by Jaima Brown
(ARA) - Remember the old joke: What's black and white and read all over?
Although that joke, along with its punch line, the newspaper, as well as black
and white television, may all be obsolete, the fashion cach? of black on white
and vice versa is never out of style. Like the little black dress, this distinctive
combination reeks of sophistication.
Home fashion's recurring appetite for the clear-cut distinction of black
and white decorating is back in style. One reason is a growing taste for classic
modern style, which originated in Europe in the 1930s. Black and white provides
an ideal complement for the clean lines of modern furnishings.
Another reason, however, is the versatility of black and white. Perfect as
it is for contemporary rooms, it also adds clarity and sophistication to more
traditional surroundings. Like a classic string of pearls, black and white d?cor
is comfortable in any surrounding -- formal to casual, vintage to cutting edge,
urban penthouse to country cottage and everything in between.
The combination of black and white is also right for any room, by itself
or accented with color -- from bright to subtle. In kitchens, black and white
walls, ceilings and/or checkerboard flooring present the perfect counterpart
to black appliances and also reflect the glamour of stainless steel.
Black and white in a powder room makes an easy transition from the rooms
beside it. And don't count out the drama black and white brings to a living
room, dining room or bedroom and master bath. In the latter, the contrast of
a positive/negative effect works especially well. Paper the bedroom in a pattern
of black on white, for example; then reverse the two in an adjacent bath, dressing
area or inside a walk-in closet.
Independence Day toile from the Jaima Brown Home Parasol collection brings
the fine, etched quality of French toile fabric home to America. The scenes
depict icons of Washington, D.C., including the Capital building and Jefferson
Memorial along with script passages from the Declaration of Independence. This
is truly a take-a-second-look pattern. Rendered in black and white, it is sure
to be read all over.
Match it with Federal Harlequin, also from Parasol. Perfectly linear stretches
of tiny black laurel leaves criss-cross in a classic diamond pattern, which
is among the most sophisticated of complementary decorating designs. Cabana,
a pattern of black and white awning stripes from Parasol, not only complements
any other black and white pattern, but also, installed vertically, makes a short
room seem tall, or, installed horizontally, broadens the vista of the smallest
of rooms.
Sonata, a graceful damask from the Sarong collection, also from Jaima Brown
Home, proves the timelessness of black and white. Like Independence Day toile,
this pattern provides an unobtrusive backdrop for furnishings and architectural
details, but becomes increasingly interesting in close-up. It makes an especially
grand entrance of a two-story foyer, for instance, where it connects the d?cor
of the first floor with the hallway and rooms above.
To see more black and white fashion and all of the fine fabric and wallpaper
patterns in Sarong, Parasol and other Jaima Brown Home collections, call (888)
865-0200 or visit www.jaimabrownhome.com. Jaima Brown Home collections are available
through interior designers and select designer showrooms.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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