In my quest for inspiration images to inspire my plans for redecorating my home in all black and white, I stumbled across these images from designer Thomas O'Brien's home on Long Island. Jackpot! These are exactly the examples I've been looking for to prove to myself that this palette doesn't have to be stark or cold. O'Brien's home is clean and crisp but also warm and inviting. Swoon!
The trick? O'Brien lays a mostly white foundation, places black accents throughout, then fills the middle ground with other neutrals like ecru, ash, camel and cognac. This strategically selected palette prevents the blacks and whites from feeling too high-contrast, but still allows their graphic effect to have a strong presence.
Of course varied surfaces and textures play an important role in making these interiors as successful as they are. Grey and white Carrara marble meets battered wood in painted ebony; reflective crystal offsets faded books with parchment covers.
Another element that has me in raptures? O'Brien's signature mix of traditional and iconic modern furnishings. The black Windsor chair on the left shouldn't work with the Jacobsen Ant Chair on the right. And yet against all odds, they look like the best of friends!
The last thing I noticed: hints of silver metalling sprinkled about like tiny, magical surprises. Some tarnished, some shining brightly, all wonderful. I think in my own space I'd lean towards brass--but that decision can come later. A more pressing question: Should I stain the floors super dark or bleach them super light? Thoughts?
All images courtesy of American Modern
What a great space!
Posted by: Christina @ greige and My Sparrow | January 31, 2011 at 07:45 AM
wonderful home! I've read the book 2 months ago. I love it. lovely greetings
Posted by: Design Elements | January 31, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Gorgeous post! Love Thomas's place! Wow!
About the floors... How often do you like to clean it? I ask you that because with dark floors you have to clean it very often. You can see every speckle of dust (remember "Horton hears a who"? lol), but if you love dark floors go for it. Bleached floors are gorgeous, I especially love belgium oak. They look divine and you can never go wrong with them.
Take care and enjoy your trip to NYC, Anne! :-)
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Post of the Day: A House in Malibu.
Posted by: Luciane at HomeBunch.com | January 31, 2011 at 08:44 AM
Gorgeous post Anne, Love Thomas O'Brian. I do adore antique oak planks in a herringbone pattern (one of my dreams)!
Do come and join my Amazing Giveaway from Splenderosa!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | January 31, 2011 at 09:21 AM
ohohohoh! LOVE this, so glad you posted more photos, I have just seen the one from Domino, I love that light fixture in white and black, I am so going to copy that!
Posted by: michelle | January 31, 2011 at 10:36 AM
gorgeous home! the kitchen is a dream.
Posted by: Kristin | January 31, 2011 at 11:29 AM
love love the clean and crisp look!
Posted by: lydia {ever ours} | January 31, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Wow, this space is spectacular and so indicative of his style!
Posted by: Emily | January 31, 2011 at 12:23 PM
I'd go with bleaching the floors, but I don't have a good reason why? :) I just like the look of it over dark floors. Love the black and white and the personality in this space... I'm loving that corner cabinet in black with the glass detail...
Posted by: carrie | January 31, 2011 at 02:10 PM
LOVE LOVE LOVE! Thank you Anne for the great post.
Posted by: Damask_dentelle | January 31, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Absolutely gorgeous - thanks for sharing. Black and White with a touch of camel and a flash of silver...divine combination.
The house featured here has basically that colour scheme, but more rustic in tone and application.
http://www.interiorsdigital.com/interiors/20101011/#pg67
(simply click pages forward)
Posted by: denise | January 31, 2011 at 05:16 PM
This home works with the added colour of taupe, mushroom & camel, I am so in love with home...wow
Posted by: Carol Ann | January 31, 2011 at 07:39 PM
What a gorgeous home! I have super dark wood floors throughout my home, and I love them, so my vote is for super dark.
Posted by: Rachel | January 31, 2011 at 07:53 PM
a lovely balance space. I do think the tan and wood add to the warmth, though. If it were JUST black and white it wouldn't be quite as soft and inviting to me.
Posted by: Naomi@DesignManifest | January 31, 2011 at 09:39 PM
Awesome home decor in black and white ever i have seen. Especially i like kitchen appliances.
Posted by: Discount Shop | January 31, 2011 at 11:54 PM
Yeah, I'm pretty much head over heels in love. These are so bright and cheery--amazing how just the simple combo of black and white can do that!
Posted by: Julia | February 01, 2011 at 06:45 AM
What a beautiful space; thoughtful but not contrived. Makes us want to delve into his book right now!
Posted by: South of Market | February 01, 2011 at 07:25 AM
Gorgeous! I have always love Thomas O'Brian... I kind of dream too of having a house in the country black & White... but, of course it would need a lot of textures and splash of caramel colors everywhere, to warm up the place! Your inspiration pictures were great picks... as my inspiration too!
Thanks for sharing!
Renata
Posted by: Renata Gross | February 01, 2011 at 08:32 AM
*swoon*
Thomas O'Brien is perfection! Since being married I've totally gravitated toward masculine decor and no frills decorating. He accomplishes this perfectly without going overboard. Thanks for posting!
P.S. I vote super dark on your floors. They'll wear better overall, and it would be hard pressed to ever grow tired of them~
Posted by: hannah maple | February 01, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Looks really neat! I kinda like this design, but too white for me
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