Time to succumb to monochrome magic

8:00am Sunday 19th October 2008

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THE world of interiors can be a little confusing sometimes, with the trends changing as rapidly as high street fashions.

That’s fine if you’ve got the budget to indulge in every passing interior whim, but most of us really want a style that will have lasting appeal and doesn’t cost a fortune.

Look no further than monochrome – a classic which looks just as good in rooms as it does in an outfit.

The black and white combo – accessorise with warm, chic touches of ‘bling’ gold or silver metallics to bring it bang up to date – is in the spotlight this autumn as designers celebrate its charms.

They’re confidently predicting that it will be a leading look all through 2009 and beyond.

So how do you create monochrome magic?

Leading interior designer, Karen Howes of THis Designs, says: “Black and white and cream are hot colours this season, however it is how you use them that’s key.

“It’s all about materials as well as colours, so go for polished steel, acrylic and plastic.

“Most importantly, before you start choosing fabrics and furniture decide which style you’d like to go for so you can plan a complete look.”

There’s a whole choice of interpretations from modern and minimal using pure white and jet black, a more rococo style with elaborate pattern and detail, or the glamorous Art Deco feel with mirrored pieces and shiny black surfaces.

“If you can’t really afford a whole redesign but love the look – get savvy,” Howes says.

“Take the ‘designer shoes and handbag paired with a Marks & Spencer T-shirt’ approach.

“Use inexpensive fabrics for large expanses such as curtains or loose covers and then have a mini-splurge on some fabulous designer cushions and accessories like vases.”

Follow a few simple monochrome rules to guarantee monochrome success, urges Steven Rowe, head of home design at Littlewoods Direct which features a range of design-standard monochrome homeware at budget prices.

“It’s not simply a case of putting black and white together! Too much black and your decorating scheme becomes heavy and dark, so always consider the balance of colours,” he says.

Rowe recommends mixing matt and shiny gloss combinations of black together to reflect the light and create surface interest.

“Textured white cushions and throws make a fantastic contrast with leather furniture whilst a flash of metallic – silver or gold – will bring the look bang up to date.”

Seeing things in black and white means they’re clear and totally in focus and that could be the perfect recipe for home decor.

So banish the confusion and move to monochrome.