Two Sides to Black and White Art

Graphic and bold or subtle and sophisticated? A mother and daughter share their picks on both ends of the spectrum

Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson January 31, 2012

We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).

We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic.... More

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We are Kristy and Beth, a daughter and mother, 26, and, well, older than 26, respectively. Beth's style is very traditional but always with a punch of something unexpected. Kristy likes more modern decor and loves taking risks. While our styles don't always mesh, fortunately, there's usually a place where we meet in the middle. Today we're sharing our views on a design staple: black and white art.

On a wall, the most versatile thing about black and white is that, depending on it's usage, it can either be the loudest thing in the room or the quietest. When utilizing black and white art, Kristy prefers more modern, abstract pieces that leave no room for another focal point. Beth is a fan of black and white art that blends softly with the other pieces in the room, allowing every element to have its moment in the spotlight in a way that whispers instead of yells.

The thing we can both agree on is that one of our favorite ways to incorporate that all-important touch of black is to hang it on our walls.

Zack|de Vito Architecture + Construction

Kristy's choice 1: Large abstract art

K: I adore the clean, uncluttered lines of modern art and the way it can look just a little different at every glance. My favorite thing to do with a piece like this is to put it in a more traditional room. The contrast is amazing.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

K: In a room like this, a traditional oil would just feel wrong. One of my favorite things about this piece is that it adds movement to a wall and looks a little bit different at every glance. I would love to see it over a mantle.

Kristy's choice 2: Smaller, geometric artwork

K: What a wow-factor in a space that could have been so boring. Yes, the elephants are incredible, but it's the art here that makes this space come alive.

What I love so much about a piece like this is that if you turn it the other direction, it has a totally different effect. Plus, you don't have to worry about sinking a lot of money into a piece that might not fit in another home because it can grow or shrink to fit many spaces. That being said, you might not want to tell the artist...

Horchow

Kristy's choice 3: Asymmetrical groupings

K: Modern art doesn't have to be huge to make an impact. Even if we don't always see eye to eye on what the grouping is of, Mom and I totally agree that a grouping of pieces is one of our favorite ways to define a space.

Especially when it comes to modern art, symmetry is totally overrated. Experimenting with a set of prints in different formations is a great, easy way to take chances.

Tracy Murdock Allied ASID

Kristy's choice 4: Graphic, "Pop" art

K: I would put this on a totally white wall, in a room with lots of windows and light and super tall ceilings — think a converted warehouse apartment. That way, it isn't totally overpowering but is a stunning focal point.

I wouldn't put it in a bedroom, though. I wouldn't want all those eyes looking at me as I fall asleep!

Contemporary Living Room Contemporary Living Room

Beth's choice 1: Architectural prints

B: It's not that I dislike modern art, it's just that I think there's a place for more subdued pieces. These beautiful architectural prints are perfect in this space. It's clean, calming and the art isn't overpowering, giving the eye a chance to take in every subtle detail.

The Brooklyn Studio

Beth's choice 2: Natural specimens

B: I'm a big fan of art that brings the outdoors in. Coral is beautiful in any room, especially in a coastal home. Kristy and I both love shadow boxes with interesting things inside.

Allison Cosmos

Beth's choice 3: Symmetrical gallery wall

B: Sometimes it's fun to get creative with a grouping, but, at then end of the day, there's nothing like symmetry to really pull it all together.

These prints are perfect for a dining room, a place where, if you ask me, the beautiful plate of food should be the most outstanding thing.

B: Some rooms simply call for art with a distinguished feel. In addition to the symmetrical prints, using 3-dimensional objects on a wall is a great way to think outside the box. I would love to mount the ship on another wall, as well.

K: Modern or traditional, three-dimensional art is fantastic! It's such a great way to mix it up.

Craig Denis

Beth's choice 4: Vintage maps

B: In this room, the zebra bench could really be the art. When one piece, like the bench, makes such a statement, it would be way too much to have a huge, imposing piece of modern art too.

I love how this map is beautiful, intricate, but, for the purposes of this room, fades into the background a bit.

K: One of my favorite spots for a huge map like this is over a bed without a headboard. It's unexpected and gives a great effect.

Common ground

Beth and Kristy: We both agree that this hanging system is incredible. We are huge fans of groupings that take up almost an entire wall.

For a similar effect with a personal touch, we love walls of black and white family photos. They're artistic, inexpensive and serve as a reminder of your happiest times whenever you walk by!

Tell us: Are you more like Kristy, a fan of modern pieces or are you in Beth's camp and like things more traditional? Tell us below!

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