Black and White (and a Bit in Between): Timeless Interiors, Dramatic Accents, and Stylish Collections [Hardcover]

Celerie Kemble (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 1, 2011

Black and white décor is at once dramatic and understated, modern and classic, apparent in the work of iconic designers such as Dorothy Draper and Madeleine Castaing but just as present in design today. And the inspiration is all around us—from nature (a zebra’s stripes, tree trunks rising from drifts of snow) to old Hollywood movies and fashion to black-and-white photography and patterns we encounter in our everyday lives (crossword puzzles and the pages of our favorite novels). 

In Black and White (and a Bit in Between), acclaimed interior designer Celerie Kemble trades in her signature vivid palette for this iconic aesthetic, highlighting the black and white work of design stars and peers, including Bunny Williams, Thomas O’Brien, Mary McDonald, Victoria Hagan, Mark Hampton, Delphine Krakoff, Brad Ford, Philip Gorrivan, Carrier and Co., and Miles Redd, and welcoming you into more than 100 spaces in every imaginable aesthetic. Woven throughout are her witty observations and expert advice on choosing the best paints and finishes, adding patterns and accessories, building an entire room scheme based on inspiration found in nature, collecting black and white objects, and even choosing the perfect accent colors. 

With more than 350 gorgeous color photographs, this is a vividly photographed celebration of a timeless scheme, infused with inspirational tips, glimpses into showstopping homes, and proof that a limited palette is anything but.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Hardcover eye candy….Highly compelling spaces that provide evidence of [Kemble’s] theory that ‘boundaries provide freedom.’” –The Dallas Morning News 

“In visits to more than 75 homes, Kemble reveals that this classic, timeless pairing is anything but limiting.” –San Francisco Chronicle, a Fall Home Décor book favorite

“Ms. Kemble's philosophy – and it's a brilliant one – is that maintaining a hard line with her recommended palette of black and white is not limiting in the least. It's actually liberating.…Through more than 350 photographs, Ms. Kemble takes readers inside jaw-dropping houses….The book does such a good job of shining light on the art of interior decorating, some readers may feel emboldened to forge ahead on their own, without a moment of hesitation.” –The Globe & Mail

About the Author

CELERIE KEMBLE is a principal in Kemble Interiors, a design firm cofounded by her mother, Mimi McMakin. Celerie has been featured in almost every major design magazine and has been listed for more than ten years in House Beautiful’s annual “Top Designers” list. She was chosen by Elle Decor as a top female designer in their first “Women in Design” issue. In 2010 she was selected by Benjamin Moore to appear as a home design expert in a national advertising campaign and she has been featured by J.Crew as a trendsetter and tastemaker.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Potter Style; 1 edition (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307715981
• ISBN-13: 978-0307715982
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 1.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Arts & Photography > Decorative Arts & Design > Interior & Home Design > Decoration & Ornament
  • #3 in Books > Arts & Photography > Architectural Art & Design > Decoration & Ornament
  • #25 in Books > Professional & Technical > Architecture > Interior Design

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the drama, peacefulness and, yes, the color. November 16, 2011

By Mary Ashby

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a design enthusiast, and enamoured of black and white rooms for their crisp clarity and peacefulness, this book really attracted me. Most desirable of all, for me, are subtle neutrals with occasional pops or splashes of color... and they were there. These rooms are full of personal detail, collections, views, and the how-tos of melding the black, white, shades of gray and beige together, usually with tons of texture. Unlike many design books, these don't have a particular point of view, because they comprise the work of many designers. It's also interesting to view what makes a room interesting and work without recourse to color. Loved the book. Well written, too, which is important to me, and great photography.

47 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Video Review November 22, 2011

By BeachBrights TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Length: 3:50 Mins

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars STUNNING BOOK! November 16, 2011

By R. Heitman

Format:Hardcover

At first, I was uninterested in this book because I am all about color in interior design, but my local bookstore had it in stock and I decided to flip through it one evening when I was browsing the shelves. I was shocked to find one great room after another. The thing about this book that interested me the most was all the different styles and methods used to make up these great interiors. Because Celerie Kembel included rooms by many different designers, the content was never boring or repetitive. Also, there ARE elements of color included, so I found many rooms that I would steal ideas from...something I couldn't forsee before I actually looked through the book. I would highly recommend this book...even if you aren't keen on black and white rooms. There's a little something for everyone in it!