This Image: The Evergreen Chair, from £1,009, Ercol (www.ercol.com)
Angelina Villa-Clarke talks decorating at Christmas in this month’s feature, The Festive Home
For those opposed to the riot of colour that is Christmas, consider creating a black and white scheme to give your home an edge this season. Black is finding its way into festive accessories and it can look grandiose and dramatic offset against white decorations and glittering lights.
Sally Chamley, owner of Black Orchid London (01772 923858; www.blackorchid.london) agrees: “Monochrome stands the test of time as it works with every colour palette. The inclusion of black and white can be used to create structure in varying degrees of impact. Achieving the best balance can be tricky, I ask clients to decide what they want the dominant colour to be. Black or white? If white dominates then black should be used only to pick out detail, create borders and introduce accessories. Books are great to introduce the colour, select ones with a black spine and white cover and pile them on the coffee table. Only 20{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} of the fabric and wallpaper detail should be black. You will lose the impact if you start to introduce other colours, for monochrome to work it has to be symmetrical, and only black, white, some neutrals and silver can be used.”
Create a foundation with statement furniture in white or black. Shimu (0800 088 6800; www.shimu.co.uk) has a range of black lacquered tables, while Delcor’s (0191 237 1303; www.delcor.co.uk) chic black velvet Georgian Wingchair adds drama. Contrast with enamel pendants in black or white from Fritz Fryer (01989 567416; www.fritzfryer.co.uk) and monochrome rugs from Scandi Living (01428 608050; www.scandiliving.com).
This Image: Visi Penguin Ornament, £10, Rockett St George (01444 253391, www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk )
For a classic piece of furniture, you can’t go wrong with the Evergreen chair from Ercol (www.ercol.com), which comes in a timeless design of black lacquered wood with white upholstery. “When choosing a colour scheme, you really can’t go wrong with black and white,” says Ercol’s creative director Rachel Galbraith. “A monochrome theme is practical and creative as monotone pieces will always go with each other and other textures and colours. So, when introducing a festive look, a black or white piece can be used as a basis for adding colour – for example, the red and green of Christmas, to bring festive cheer. The piece will provide a contemporary element to a room and will remain visually pleasing all year round. The Evergreen chair from Ercol is a piece which will enhance any room, versatile, and will complement the addition of festive touches.”
In terms of festive touches, it’s easy to create a monotone scheme that is simple yet contemporary. Source oversized black paper honeycomb and white paper flower decorations from Rockett St George (01444 253391; www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk). The contemporary home website also stocks black and white crackers, white wreaths and matt black penguin decorations. Add in festive elements such as shimmering lights and glass baubles from Pia (0844 499 5670; www.piajewellery.com) for a feminine touch.
“Monochrome is timeless and will add a crisp look to your Christmas display,” says Jane Rockett at Rockett St George. “Stick with jet-black and ice-white to make a statement or soften it by adding off-white, ivory and soft greys. Add gold for a glamorous feel, or a pop of colour for fun.”
Lastly, why not source your own black Christmas tree (www.xmasdirect.co.uk) for the ultimate in dramatic decor.
This Image: Pewter decoration on silver ribbon, £10, Pia (0844 499 5670 www.piajewellery.com )
