Watch the birdy and see the simplicity of colour

While watching a magpie out of the window, it occurred to me that not enough people decorate with the simplest colour palette of all – black and white.

I think that the first thing that springs to mind when we think monochrome is a crazy, psychedelic look from the '60s but monochrome can, in fact, be very elegant too. Plus, it's easy to add in areas of interest through pattern.

Monochrome doesn't have to mean a stark room, which, quite frankly, would be a nightmare to live with. My advice would be to opt for cream rather than white and keep black predominantly for the furniture.

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You can choose all kinds of shades and textures, just as you would if you were using colour. In fact, I'd say that texture is even more important when using this simple palette.

Experiment with different paints; try using a soft cream shade on the walls and a rich gloss black on the skirting board and floors.

If you have a fireplace you want to change, how about opting for a beautiful cast-iron one? There are some great reproduction ones online.

Once the decorating is out of the way, it's time for the best part – the furniture. There is an abundance of beautiful black sofas in all kinds of fabric. For a modern look, go for stylish leather, or for something more traditional, choose velvet.

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To create a focal point in the room, you could invest in a beautiful, sculptured coffee table. The Kai table from Barker and Stonehouse would

be my pick, or visit www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk for more options.

I would suggest adding in a bright highlight colour such as lime green or mustard yellow, but use these very sparingly. Perhaps add a couple of cushions and only one or two other accessories.

Don't be afraid to add in patterns, too; these will break up the large blocks of black and white and make the room more interesting.

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YP MAG 12/6/10

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