Black & White is always in style  whether we are  wearing it or sitting on it!

Black and White Marble top gametable with Cowhide and Faux Black Armadillo chairs on casters

They add strength and character to most any home regardless of their style.  Whether contemporary, traditional, or Old World Italian, there is usually a place it can add to the richness of the room. 

Here are a couple of examples that  have been used in my clients’ homes. 

Furniture Today has gathered what they feel of as the best new furniture items from the market this fall. There is an interesting array of traditional style all the way to very contemporary. I invite you to read more and share your thoughts with me in comments on this post.

Rustic finishes as well as contemporary style were to be found in many pieces.

Jewel tones, like ruby, emerald, and sapphire continue to be important in design as do metallics.

Contrasting textures and feelings are making their way into design trends. I noted that there were chandeliers with a rusted patina hung with brilliant crystals.

There were many decorators and buyers there and despite the economy, there was not a large downturn in attendance.

Forward thinking designers are planning ahead for the Christmasworld show in February in Frankfurt, Germany. These design trends are projected to be themes popular with consumers in 2010. Why wait? You can implement some of their ideas now and into the next year. Get a jump and use these ideas in re-styling your home.

The major theme for design is seen to be, “Handcrafted authenticity, modern naturalness and a colorful style mix are on trend for next year’s festive season.”

Breaking this down into four areas, the decorators suggest:

Authentic: discover beauty in simplicity

Cherished pieces and collectibles with a patina are characteristic of this natural style. The fusion of old and new creates original recycling chic – simple, un-contrived and individual of which a warm gray, a peridot green, petrol blue, sand grey, alabaster and linen white are part. Natural materials like pale, bleached wood, cotton and glass look authentic. They are combined with dip-dye effects, knit and plait patterns, floral motifs and hand sketches. The focus of this style is on the relationship between those celebrating.

Optimistic: craftsmanship meets modernity

“Optimistic” is a lively theme which allows plenty of scope for creativity and unconventional ideas. The captivating feature is the use of artificial materials like plastic, foils and rubber coatings combined with artisan techniques. The multicoloured palette is forceful and expressive and includes mocha, salmon pink, dark red, emerald green, canary yellow and aquamarine. Motifs are pierced or punched. “Optimistic” expresses a desire to create something very special out of the mundane and turn any occasion into a party.

Eccentric: Mix of style epochs and cultures

Different cultures, epochs and art movements collide in “Eccentric”. Ornamental decoration, animal skin optics as well as materials like velvet, embossed leather, feathers and wooden beads create exciting effects. Gold bronze, olive, wine red, dark ruby red, an amber colour and a deep blue-green form the colour parameters. This glamorous style adorns for example a festive Christmas dinner or chic cocktail party – all highly enjoyable occasions full of flair.

Graphic: gold and silver accents

The look presented by “Graphic” is sporty and elegant. This trend plays around with geometric patterns in different shades of white and a velvety black. In some places, gold and silver penetrate surfaces. Stripes with motile effects, abstract forms and grids guarantee optical delusion. High-gloss surfaces create added metallic effects. Festive decoration slots seemingly effortlessly into the clean lines.