Dark walls are an inexpensive way to bring sophistication, drama and warmth into an otherwise stale, stuffy room.

Painting the walls of an otherwise unspectacular space ebony, navy or charcoal adds depth and substance to a room that a lighter shade could not achieve. Therefore, you may want to consider transforming your comfortably traditional space into a dark, luxurious retreat.

The key to making this look work is to have enough light in the room to balance the dark. Strangely, this is not at all difficult. Working with a room that has at least a small amount of natural light can be helpful, while too much may ruin the effect.  Investing in quality lighting from multiple angles will allow for a very particular, almost contemplative ambiance. Strategically placed lamps create a soft glow that balances the masculine with the feminine. Floor lamps, pendants and halogen track lighting can highlight accessories or art hung on the walls. Which brings us to your art and accessories…

Dark walls do wonders for your prized and even not-so-prized possessions. Anything that is light in color, (which is alot…) will look downright elegant on your deep, dark canvas.  You can have so much fun with color against a dark palette because the groundedness of the backdrop balances perfectly the frivolity of exuberant color.  A world of color opens itself up to you in a new, reasonable way and accessorizing a room such as this becomes a sincere and easy pleasure as opposed to what can be a sometimes difficult Math equation.

Conspiring what to place against your dark walls can be liberating, and a real thrill if you are into the aesthetic rush.

If you decide to pursue the temptations of the darker side then consider also covering your ceiling or floor a light shade if this is not already the case.  Lighter, neutral colors and patterns moving through the dark space is another great way to balance and brighten the room. And let’s not forget texture.  Texture in design is always good but against the dark backdrop texture takes on a whole new level of excitement much like it’s colorful counterparts.

So consider wielding some sexy dark paint. Experiment with the reaction when you use white, yellow, fuchsia or cobalt.  See for yourself how almost all vibrant colors look terrific against espresso brown, dark navy or complex charcoal. It’s hard to go wrong here.  At HighStreet we painted our long, concrete hallway and the ceilings a vibrant, true yellow.  This gives our black offices a lift and glow that makes everything feel and look terrific and, I have to say, I do enjoy coming into my office each day to find that my work space is not some stale little box, but instead a sumptuous, infinite, warm and comforting environment that inspires me to settle in and conjure some serious creativity.

Leah Spurrier. Katherine Tyznik.  HighStreet

Black and white each represent an extreme that in design is so necessary.  Black is the absence of color, the darkest effect known to man.  Black will ground anything.  Black demonstrates a distinction and refinement that elevates itself beyond anything that sits near.  Black gives objects a perfect form.  It can make the inexpensive look expensive and color shows amazingly well against a black wall.  Everything pops and plays against it perfectly.

White is the ultimate purity.  White is the light that comes from the blend of all color. White helps other colors shine. It rarely competes with color and is therefore critically useful in toning high levels of color saturation.  White is a sophisticated compliment for most palettes and a well-known trick for those of us in the business.  When on a budget, it is usually a fail-safe plan to “Paint them white.” or “Paint all of that orangey woodwork Black.” White and black elevate their surroundings often as aptly as an expensive custom finish.  When used together, the impact of black and white is powerful and striking, the most concise statement in design.

I have now fallen deeply love with black and white, even in stronger, more statement-making combinations, eventually evolving to understand their great purpose and their ability to endure time and trend.  I have found that I use more white, more black in my designs than ever before.  I look forward to ultimately living in a home that is primarily white, black and brown (perhaps through the use of strong wood elements…like a plank floor or solid ceiling beams…) on which I can layer my colorful folk art collections. I should like to find myself living in an environment that offers a terrific palette for beloved objects, so that the environment has the cheerfulness of life-giving color, but without becoming trite, trendy or cute.

There is also the theory that black is masculine and white, feminine.  I find this idea appealing, the use of equally elegant, opposing traits together in a harmonious balance.  Whatever the explanation, the purity of each and the energy they exert when used in concert is undeniable.

You may not be ready to live in a pure black and white environment, but the appreciation of the concept holds a key to better design.  Some utilization of the two, whatever the dose, seems unavoidable if one is a true explorer in the world of design and color.

Leah Spurrier. HighStreet

contemporary butterflies under glass by Image Surgery via thestateofthings.com

Are you a collector of pretty little things? We love pretty little things, collecting charming vintage animal figurines, pillows made with luscious designer fabrics, and piles upon piles of books on subjects ranging from Edgar Allen Poe to antique Turkish textiles. Collecting is a wonderful pastime, but some of us minimalists might find the collections of “stuff” a bit overwhelming. How on earth can your offbeat sentimental stuff look smart, purposeful and modern?

A simple answer? Place it on a white backdrop.

You can make a bold statement by cleverly hanging collections of colorful artwork, photographs, or accessories on a simple white wall. Your beloved treasures become the focal point of your room, like pieces of art in a modern museum. For this reason, white is a great color to use in children’s rooms. Their toys become edgy little sculptures by a some contemporary Japanese artist. White is exceptionally grounding for those who love color but require the dicipline of good design. It create a climate of balance in a room,  offering  your objects an air of sophistication.

We’ve laid out a few different takes on displaying colorful collections.

HighStreet.Cincinnati