Add drama, sophistication and style to your home by decorating with black and white.

One of the hottest and most dramatic home decorating trends is using black and white to create a sophisticated space. The beauty of the trend is it can be done as easily or as involved as one desires. In addition, decorating with black and white is an easy way to create a high-end looking space on a budget.

Black and white decorating is not for the shrinking violet or the faint of heart. The trend makes a bold statement and creates dynamic interiors. The trend can be wholly incorporated, meaning you only use black and white with pops of bright colors, or you can add the trend to your existing decor to create dramatic accents. There are so many ways you can create black and white interiors–paint, wallpaper, textiles, accessories, accents, patterns and more.

7 Black and White Decorating Projects

1. Wall Art – Add touches of the trend with wall art. These printable black and white printable canvas patterns are free and available in polka dot, houndstooth, stripes and triangles. Mix and match or use all the same pattern to create your own wall art.
2. Painted Wall Headboard – Create a DIY headboard using black chalkboard paint and stenciled white details. Tres luxe!
3. Painted Stripes – Go bold and paint your walls in black and white stripes. Using an accent wall or painting a long and narrow space work best with this technique.
4. Pillow Accents – Either make your own or browse Etsy for some graphical black and white fabric pillows. It’s an easy way to get on board with any home decor trend.
5. Painted Furniture– Bring an old dresser, coffee table or bookshelf back to life with paint. Mix things up and paint only the top black and the rest white, alternative shelves with paint, or paint legs black and leave the rest white.
6. Duct Tape Chair – Add stripes or some other pattern to a white chair using black duct tape.
7. B&W Lampshade – Transform a white lampshade into a work of art with nothing more than a stencil and a sharpie.

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Top Image: Betapet

The post 7 Deceptively Simple DIY Black and White Decorating Ideas appeared first on EcoSalon.

Black and white is one of the hottest trends this spring. Get inspired by Louis Vuitton, chess boards and harlequin squares.

One of the hottest trends this spring is, without a doubt, the combination of black and white. The good news is that it’s very easy to copy, and that garments in these basic colors are very unlikely to go out of style. Get inspired by Marc Jacobs’ Spring RTW collection for Louis Vuitton, featuring large checks and harlequin patterns.

1. Zebra Stripe Gilet Sweater by Edun
Made in Africa, this Zebra stripe gilet sweater has a vibe that is both very current and very retro. Made from 100 percent wool, it will also keep you warm during those cold few months we have left until spring comes again. If you want to totally channel the Louis Vuitton-style head-to-toe look, there’s a matching skirt that you can pair this top with.
$148, Edun

2. Vans Checkerboard Slip-Ons
These classic slip-ons by Vans need no formal introduction. They have become part of skate culture and contemporary style, proving their iconoclastic relevance from the street to the fashion pages all around the world. “Their popularity comes from unmatched quality,” the company says, “and they have hence become a big time influence on our Off The Wall efforts to innovate, every step of the way.”
$47, Vans

3. Berlin Harlequin Messenger by The Sway
This handcrafted, made-to-order bag allows you to channel the harlequin trend while still ensuring that you are investing in something that will stand the test of time. The discrete pattern is made of high quality reclaimed patchwork leather and suede. Double trend points for the recycled cotton lining, which features a great black a white pattern.
$418, The Sway

4. Trigo Vertical Clutch by VOZ
This cute little clutch features an eye-catching black and white crisscross pattern. It’s made from 100 percent all natural wool, lined with 100 percent cotton, and naturally dyed with mud, berries and herbs. VOZ, which means “voice” in Spanish, “translates rich indigenous craft into contemporary styles, creating change through beauty.” Through design education and innovation workshops, the company empowers Mapuche weavers in Southern Chile, offering a new voice for their exquisite art form and a way for them to earn a living.
$189, VOZ Apparel

5. Stevie OTK Tassel Platform Boot by Cri de Coeur
These vegan boots give a nod to luxurious 70s style with slouched ultra-suede upper and platform heel. They’re made in an ethical, sweat-shop free factory in China and, despite the 4-inch heel, comfortable as can be. The tassel is an unexpected detail that gives these boots some attitude. And for you crafty people out there, here’s a great DIY project to spice up a pair of boots you already have.
$125, Cri de Coeur

6. Flare Top & Short Short by Titania Inglis
New York-based designer Titania Inglis’ is a master of stylish minimalism and totally nailed the black and white trend in her Spring 2013 collection. This flare top is made from hand-painted Italian silk/organic cotton twill and has a vegetable-tanned leather overlay. Pair with short shorts, made from raw Japanese organic cotton denim.
Available for pre-order: Titania Inglis

Collages by Johanna Björk. Top photo via style.com

The post On Trend: 6 Black and White Styles for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

Inspired by American heritage style and the Pendleton Portland Collection, these picks will help preserve that “cozying-up-by-the-fire” feeling, all day long.

The best thing about fall is that we can cozy up on the couch and wrap ourselves in a thick, warm blanket. With these blanket patterned pieces, we can preserve that cozy feeling, all day long. The Pendleton Portland Collection serves as the inspiration for this American heritage style, but you can find eco-savvy picks from other designers as well. In light of the recent Navajo Nation vs. Urban Outfitters controversy, it’s worth noting that Pendleton has worked with Native Americans in the Southwest since 1895, designing blankets, robes and, eventually, items for ceremonial use. Add a black hat, some black tights and you’re good to go.

Pendleton Reversible Harding Poncho
This limited edition poncho updates a reversible black and ivory Native American design introduced 80 years ago by Pendleton. Justly prized for its luxurious 100% pure virgin wool, this family-owned manufacturer produces outerwear that combines softness with exceptional warmth and original styling. This comfy poncho provides complete coverage, sort of like a blanket.
$395, VivaTerra

Kirsten Muenster Corolla Ring
Each piece of jewelry in Kirsten Muenster’s collection is hand crafted from ethically sourced materials and vintage elements, to create one-of-a-kind, modern heirlooms that reveal the subtle intricacies of nature. This exquisite ring is made using recycled sterling silver with oxidation.
$200, Kirsten Muenster Jewelry

Tracy Watts Dandy Fedora
Tracy Watts is a classically trained milliner with a background in art and painting. Her stylish hats are handcrafted in her Chelsea studio. This Dandy Fedora is the perfect topper to an all black and white ensemble.
$242, Juno & Jove

Shift Dress by Pendleton Portland Collection
This Shift Dress by Pendleton is made from 100% virgin wool. The Jacquard pattern is woven on a special loom, the same method Pendleton has used since 1909. A flattering feminine silhouette will make a timeless addition to your wardrobe. Wear it to work, or a sophisticated night out with friends.
$248, Juno& Jove

JADEtribe Weekender in Black/Beige
This hand woven weekender bag is created from organic cotton and natural dyes by a village of women in Laos. All raw materials to create the natural dyes are grown in their village. Each textile takes three days for the women to weave, making this bag is a true exhibition of craft.
$396, Jade Tribe

Black & Tan Harding Robe Blanket by Pendleton Portland Collection
Made from 100% virgin wool, the Jacquard pattern on this robe is woven on a special loom, creating a double-sided design in reversed colors. The leather carrier ensures that you can carry it in style. Curl up next to a fire with this blanket and a cup of tea for the perfect ending to a long day.
$248, Juno & Jove

Aztec Silver Canvas Women’s Desert Botas
These black and white botas from TOMS feature clever hidden elastic straps for secure fit even without laces. But these kicks are not just stylish, they will boost your karma too. For every pair you buy, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need.
$68, Toms

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