Salt and Pepper: Flavorful Decorating

It’s funny the little things that stick with you. As an art major in college, I was exposed to many ideas and techniques - and a wealth of information. I studied everything from the history of impressionist painting to the “easy” task of properly centering a piece of clay on a pottery wheel (something I never mastered, sadly.)

But the most important thing I learned in college was this: listen to everything your instructor says, because you never know when they’ll float tiny pearls of true wisdom your way. Such was the case with a certain teacher of mine, and many years later, I still heed her advice on many aspects of design. My favorite quip of hers? “Design is bland without a little flavor - always add salt and pepper to taste.”

Nothing promotes interest and provides contrast like a little “salt and pepper.” Black, white and combinations thereof can really add a visual punch to any room. I’m not implying that an entire room should be black (although I’ll be posting pics and an article soon on my new BLACK rec room)…or white. Simply use the two to flavor your decorating, the same way you would use them in the kitchen to spice up your mashed potatoes… a dash can make all the difference between dull and delicious.

Black provides stark contrast to pretty much every other color. If you’re into pastels, don’t be afraid to mingle them with black - some of the coolest color combinations I’ve seen involved black with lighter shades of green, yellow - even pink! If you’re like me and prefer strong, vivid colors (candy apple red, bright orange, etc.), black is a natural choice for a secondary color. No matter the “base” color preferences, bet on black to add contrast and excitement to your room. Picture frames (buy them black or just paint your old ones), lamp bases, rugs and pillows are a fast way to integrate black into an existing color scheme.

White offers contrast with darker colors, but it can also be used to subdue, lighten and brighten areas of your home. It is an excellent choice for trim and moldings, window treatments and accessories.

Using black and white together, you can create a focal point, devise patterns and make things “pop”, or stand out. It can also make for a good diversion tactic, grabbing your visitors’ attention so they notice it more than something in your room that you don’t like - a stinky old, avacado green couch that needs replacing maybe? (Cover that thing, or throw it out already!)

If you’ve had the pale blue and mauve country motif decor for 15 years, don’t go out and buy all new black, contemporary furniture and fixtures - you may find that a bit too drastic. Use your imagination and draw from the designs and styles of others…just add or change what YOU are comfortable with. Get a feel for what you like and what you want to accomplish in the grand scheme of things. Then accessorize or paint gradually, introducing bits of black or white as you go.

Your home, like your food, is a matter of taste. Salt and pepper will add flavor, but the recipe is ultimately up to you. Someone pass the potatoes, please?

~Monica

Absolutely Everything for the Home at the Absolute Best Price