Combine modern, clean-lined furniture with a limited but carefully chosen selection of fabrics to create this classic look. Simple window treatments and plenty of clear wall space are key to achieving a calm, measured feel. To bring this scheme fully alive, the room needs an even balance of black and white accessories. Here, square bookshelves lined with sculptural vases and unusual ceramics add real impact. Look for striking monochrome prints, photographs or paintings to complete the look.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK
• Before choosing fabrics and furniture, decide on the style that you would like to draw from – do you want to go modern and minimal, using only pure white and jet black to recreate the graphic Mary Quant look? Or perhaps you are inspired by rococo style, with elaborate pattern and detail? Alternatively, you may prefer a glamorous Art Deco feel with mirrored pieces set against a monochrome scheme.
• Once you've decided on a style, create a moodboard by collecting black and white fabric samples along with pictures of furniture and accessories. Spread them out on the floor or on a table and separate them into different looks. Pick out your top two fabrics, one or two favourite images of furniture and accessories and decide which items you are most drawn to. This will determine your scheme. From here you can build up on the theme, adding furniture and accessories that work together and editing as you go.
• Finally, it is important not to overfill the interior. Be selective and make sure you leave plenty of clear wall space as well as room between furniture – this will help to create a restful atmosphere.
• Choosing artwork and accessories to complete a room can be particularly rewarding. Visit the Crafts Council, or Contemporary Applied Arts, for an inspiring collection of diverse ceramics and glass. Mix these with more affordable pieces picked up from favourite department stores and local secondhand shops.
• When deciding on art, black and white photographs are an obvious choice; try artnet.com or specialphotographers.com. Paintings with a monochromatic palette and charcoal drawings will also work.

MAIN PICTURE
FURNITURE
Large Fancy Nancy sofas in Oyster Wicklow, Sofa Workshop. Penny chair, George Smith Vivian side table at front, Rabih Hage. Tokyo coffee table, The Conran Shop. Mithras black metal folding table, Habitat. Houston console table, Louise Bradley. Oscar tripod table; Pimlico chest of drawers; both Julian Chichester. Suede cube,The Cube.
FABRICS
Penny chair in Jazz 984, cotton velvet, 138 cm wide, Zimmer & Rohde.Cushions on far sofa, from left, Cashmere cushion with buttons, de Le Cuona. Small cushion in Jazz cotton velvet, 138 cm wide, Zimmer and Rohde.Large cushion in Simonii, linen mix, 137 cm wide, Romo. Black leather cushion, de Le Cuona.Striped cushion in Ticking 2, cotton, 137 cm wide, Ian Mankin, (020) 7722 0997.
Edged in Feather trim; bolster button; both Abbot & Boyd.
ACCESSORIES
Framed photograph, La Mancha Bull, Stuart Redler at Gotham. Lucca table lamp, Nicholas Haslam. Axis Mundi lamps, Ochre. Large black coil pot, Abigail Simpson. On folding table, Small cream porcelain bowl; medium vase; large vase; all Carina Ciscato at Egg, (020) 7935 0689. White coral, Kelly Hoppen. On chest, Conical black Jazz vase; white Jazz vase; both John Lewis.
On console, Raku plate; bronze washer bowl; both Louise Bradley. Cream ceramic vase; bowl; Abigail Simpson. On tripod table, Raku beaker, Louise Bradley. On coffee table, Large wavy porcelain vase, including five small porcelain vases inside, Carina Ciscato at Egg, (020) 7235 9315. Small cylinder pot; bowl; both Abigail Simpson. On bookcase, bottom shelf from left, Black glass vase, Fontana Arte at Gotham. Black cylinder vase, Louise Bradley. Second shelf, Ebony bubble vase, The Conran Shop. White Issey vase, Vessel. Lola black glass vase, LSA International. Third shelf, White polo vase, The Conran Shop. Small cream vase, Carina Ciscato at Egg, (020) 7935 0689. Fourth shelf, Mono glass vase with black criss-cross, LSA International.

OCTOBER 2005
FEATURE LUCY ELLWORTHY
PHOTOGRAPHS JAN BALDWIN