Monochrome mindset

"Women think of all colours except the absence of colour," said the inimitable Coco Chanel. "I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony." As the legend goes, during her childhood in a convent, Coco drew colour cues from nuns' habits and went on to turn black and white - then associated with mourning and menswear - into the palette du jour. Over 100 years later, its elegance endures.

 Image via funpicboard.com

Not surprisingly, this classic colour combination translates to interiors, too. It's simple really - if you can't decide what to wear, a chic black pant and white shirt will always be a winning combination. If you're in the midst of a decorating dilemma, a monochrome scheme may just be your answer. It's timeless, one of the easiest and least daunting palettes to get right, and still thoroughly striking.

 Image via onlydecolove.com

 Image via nordicdays.blogspot.nl

If, like us, you have a bit of a colour crush, don't be dissuaded. Black and white serves as

a beautiful base for a pop of pink, flourish of greenery or gleaming metallic accent.

 Image via nicestthings.com

 Image via onlydecolove.com

The magic of monochrome really comes to the fore with artwork - and we don't mean

the kind you find in a museum. Create a cool (and cut-price) gallery wall with an array

of typographic prints, vintage photography and fashion clippings - display them in

black or white frames for a high contrast finish.

 Image via englemor-hilde.blogspot.in

 Image via decor8.blog.com

{SHOP THE LOOK}

 

We love both the modern aesthetic and dreamy sentiment of 

these prints and cushion from Blacklist Studio.

The Minimalist is our go-to for all things cool, unique and, 

um, minimal, like this wall-mounted candle holder.

Storage sacks, The Minimalist. 

Who knew that the rug featured in a few of the uber stylish apartments above is this humble 

Ikea buy?! At just $299, it's ideal for those of us not quite ready to lay down half our yearly 

earnings on a rug (and for those of us prone to spilling a glass of red).

Paula Abdul was right, opposites really do attract. Pop & Scott pot, Hunting For George.

And to complete the scheme, a fashion tome for the coffee table. Coco would be proud.