Black and white is a classic combination that has stood the test of time. From a historical standpoint, it is reminiscent of timeless elegance and tradition: the refinement of a well-tailored tuxedo, the lustre of grand piano keys or the echo of checkered marble flooring.
In more recent years, the minimalist contemporary nature of design rendered black and white a clinical and almost frigid combination. Pure blacks and whites were coupled with cool grey tones, glass, chrome and other lacquered surfaces.
This time, they are harbouring a more subdued allure. We are witnessing a more organic face of the classic combo, reminding us that black and white can, in fact, be warm and inviting. We are trading the pure whites and jet blacks for warmer variations on the theme: variations that spell comfort and nuances; and variations that feel more organic and human. The cooler shades are replaced by the fullness of black pepper and licorice, and the enveloping shades of meringue, almond and marshmallow. In some cases, warm shades of camel and tan or soft muddy pastels are getting thrown into the mix. Favoured materials are also undergoing a casual makeunder.