Monday, October 3, 2022

Classically Styled Black And White Bathrooms


Maybe it is the sophistication, maybe it's the contrast. One thing we know for sure is that the classic black and white bathroom never seems to lose it's appeal. The popularity of these elegant bathrooms have endured and as we prepare to head into 2023 there seems to be no sign of that changing.


Black and white are true opposites that pack a powerful punch when wedded together and used in designing interiors. And whether your style runs toward classic or contemporary elegance, the black/white color combination works beautifully as a go-to palette for the bath.

This blog post is directed to those who like an old world classic style bath and are especially enamored with the bold, high contrast refinement of the black/white combination. Hopefully the images below will give you ideas on how you too can create a timeless black and white bath as well as make it uniquely your own.



One of the easiest ways to bring classical style into your black and white bath is via your flooring. The harlequin (or checkerboard) floor is that iconic pattern that’s been used for four millennia so I don't see it going away…ever. A claw foot tub and French chair complete the classic look

РЕНЕ СТОЭЛТИ ......via admagazine.ru

Now this is my idea of a stunning old world bathroom. The black and white tile floor sets the overall old world feel and when you add in the French Empire chandelier, grisaille papered walls, and that fabulous bathtub....well you simply have perfection!!


Lovely black and white bathroom from Château de Chantilly. I love the portieres! If you are looking for a creative style that draws the eye and gives your space a grandiose feel, checkerboard marble flooring has retained its sense of luxury enough to bring class and drama to your space.This flooring is so elegant and opulent that it was used in the Queens Staircase in the French palace of Versailles.

John Jacob Interiors

Since the elegant black and white checkerboard pattern has withstood the test of time it is the perfect choice for a classical black and white bathroom.


This lovely bath is not exclusively black and white but still comes across that way. The flooring, beautiful black and white claw foot tub, and old world antique accessories make this a very elegant bath. Visit their blog for more picture of a lovely home!!




This classically styled black and white bathroom is saturated in marble which is trending at present. Add in the geometric 3D flooring and you have a bit of contemporary mix that looks great in a classical bath.


The owners of this predominately white farmhouse style bathroom have still brought in the black and white theme through use of the harlequin floor. I think that even though it is considered old world this flooring works with all decors...... modern, farmhouse, traditional......

and vintage like this great black and white bathroom.


Interior Designer Frédéric Méchiche's apartment in Marais Paris

via Pinterest

In this black and white bathroom a solid black floor really makes the white tub pop and the FRENCH CORNER sliding shower enclosure from DreamLine will make you feel like you are staying in a European hotel.


A freestanding bateau bath sitting majestically in the center of a black and white bathroom oozes high-octane glamour.....minus the cow picture of course.

markdsikesblog.com
A glam black and white bathroom with iconic Dorothy Draper appeal.
Nathan Kirkman Photographer, via housebeautiful.com

There are so many styles of black and white flooring to choose from. This homeowner has used black, white, and gray hexagon tiles to create a classic floor for their bathroom. This geometric shape is currently on trend and offers  endless opportunities for customization. 

Also we're seeing more and more gold fixtures in black and white bathrooms these days.

ando-studio.co.il

This personality packed black and white bathroom definitely exudes the "Oh la la" factor. Bold geometric flooring is right on trend as is the stylish free standing tub and the sculptural chandelier. Put all this against the old world boiserie and that fabulous mirror and you don't have a bathroom, you have a bathing experience.

Steven Harris

Loving the bold flooring in this black/white combination bathroom.


A great mix of classical and modern is demonstrated in this stylish black and white bathroom.


Great use of mermaid scale tiles in this black and white bathroom. They definitely give direction and make you feel like you are floating downstream.


Gone are the days of bathroom flooring just blending into the background!! Try building your black and white bathroom around a vintage claw foot tub you have found and painted black. 


To make a classic black and white bathroom your own, add pattern for extra visual appeal. Just be careful. This is a look that can go south on you real fast!



Elegant and classically styled black and white bathroom. The claw tub and modern traditional sink station bring the old world charm. Even the geometric rug has the feel reminiscent of a classic harlequin floor. The modern lighting and accessories update the look.


Interior designers love black and white because it is such a winning combination. Used in a bath it never fails to elevate the overall aesthetics of the room. Sleek and sophisticated, but with an appeal that is timeless. Try adding unusual focal points, such as a feature wall.


Another way to show personal style in your black and white bathroom is through the lighting. Be sure the lighting is good as one of the main bathroom design offenders is inadequate lighting. There's nothing worse than a poorly lit bathroom!

SuzAnn Kletzien via housebeautiful.com

If you are going in the direction of black walls and ceilings in your black/white bath, consider white wainscoting and/or decorative molding. These features will soften the look for you.


Or just dive into the black paint pool wholeheartedly. Your white sink and toilet will really look crisp and clean. Don’t forget to add framed art or other decorative objects as the finishing touches!

A black tub on a background of white subway tiles. The black grout makes these white tiles almost seem to pop off the wall.  Also they give this vintage black and white bathroom  a modern twist and help a small bathroom really come alive.


Remember you can add the classic combination of black and white to your bath with wallpaper and fabric. Toile is a good choice for a rustic French farmhouse look.



Striped wallpaper is such a classical look it will be perfect for a timeless black and white bathroom.


Black and white is such a stark contrast, there is no need to try and make a statement in any other way. However, if you like black and white bathrooms but monochromatic is not your thing, by all means have fun and add a pop of color.


A black and white bathroom is a classic style choice, but it is easy to stamp your own personality onto it and make it something uniquely yours.







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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer



Sunday, October 2, 2022

Decorating With Walking Stick And Cane Collections



Decorators and collectors are once again bringing to prominence a utilitarian object that at one time symbolized power, class, and influenced fashion. Pretty big achievements for such a small object. I am speaking of the walking stick or cane, as it is commonly referred to. Today their popularity is soaring once again as elegant and interesting sticks and canes are being appreciated, collected, and displayed en masse in interiors that embrace an old world aesthetic.

Carried by tribal chiefs, royals, and the aristocracy, walking sticks have a long history. In the 18th century, when France influenced style and fashion, the walking stick was a requisite of the fashionable dress. Louis XIV was never seen in public without his cane. However the walking stick's golden age was during the Victorian era from the 1830's to the latter half of the 19th century. The walking sticks and canes lost their popularity when society became less fashion-conscious and ended their demand. They were then relegated to the inferior rank of medical equipment for the aged or disabled. That is until now!!!



Ahhhh yes, Agatha Christie's fictional Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot carried one. There was a time when an elegant walking stick or cane was the must have accessary as were gloves and hats.



 The fashionable gentleman owned several canes for different occasions.

Photos via Pinterest

 During the early 1900's even women owned canes for special social events.


A walking stick/cane collection was seen in the foyers of most grand residences.

And I might add these cane collections look fabulous displayed in blue and white transferware!



The word "cane" comes from the fact that shafts of most canes were made from bamboo and other rattans. Cane became the mostly widely used material for the production of walking sticks


Today antique canes are extremely popular with collectors who love an old world genteel and elegant style.

Designer Bunny Mellon, via gardenandgun.com

A collection of almost anything can add personality to a home.....

Designer Ralph Lauren, via architecturaldigest.com

and walking sticks are high on the list for antique items making a resurgence for decorating purposes. And as you see collecting them can become quite an obsession.

houseandgarden.co.uk

Displays don't have to consist of expensive antique sticks and canes. A display of simple canes can help to add warmth and charm to your home's entrance. 


Because they've become a hot decor trend, walking stick and cane collecting is no cheap endeavor.


However, if you enjoy treasure hunting and have patience, you can still run across the occasional stick or cane at estate sales, antique/vintage malls, even thrift stores. I found a beautiful walking stick with hound head at a yard sale.



Canes and walking sticks can be topped with gold, silver, a jewel of some sort, carved wood or ivory, porcelain, or glass. The variety is what makes them so collectible. 

 The length of the cane shaft was often highly decorated and beautifully carved.


Canes and sticks work well with other types of collections you might enjoy decorating with. Here it is antique hats.

via Pinterest.de

Add some vintage umbrellas for a fun and interesting display of canes and sticks.


How about some old golf clubs? I also have a set of antique wooden golf clubs mixed in with my cane collection by the front door.


People love them because the are small elegant symbols of a more romantic, bygone era.


A cane collection is a welcomed décor element in any foyer.........


or any other room of the house for that matter.




There were also "gadget canes". These were designed to hold a sword blade, dagger, pistol....... 


or in Poirot's case a telescope.


via Pinterest

Many walking sticks were crafted by folk artists and could be whimsical.
 
Sailors also crafted canes and walking sticks from ivory and whalebone.

It is easy to get the false impression that a walking cane collection is only for masculine décor. Hopefully the pictures below will change your mind.


How charming is this space......walking stick collection and all!


The collection of canes and sticks adds to the coziness of this mud room.

See how pretty a cane collection looks with a few umbrellas tossed in the mix.


And if you still have lingering doubts, you just can't get any more feminine than this vintage collection!



Even a Chinoiserie space can benefit from a walking stick collection.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby's


This eclectic entry proves that a walking stick/cane collection is at home in a variety of decorating styles.


There are many lovely ways to display canes and walking sticks. Of course there is the walking stick stand.


via Pinterest


I prefer a less structured, more interesting mode of display. Select a large beautiful piece of pottery to display your collection in.



Cane collections are a good choice if your decorating style leans towards equestrian.


Try something a bit more whimsical.



Even a basket will make a great cane holder. This one is a military basket, a kind which was used in both WW1 and WW2 to transport artillery.

Designer, Laura Hunt

Your cane collection can be small and yet very elegant.

realhomes.com/(Image credit: Colin Poole)


You can also go large and decorate your space with a grand collection! 
King Tut, who had to use a can most of his life, had no less than 132 sticks buried with him!



Click below to see the previous blog post.

This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer

In the event that I have not credited the correct source of an image, please contact me at lisafarmerdesigns46@yahoo.com and I will be glad to correct it.


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