LA VIE EN NOIR ET BLANC

TOP DESIGNERS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY WEIGH IN ON VINTAGE BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

By Mollie Magill

Timeless, classic and versatile–ask a design expert their thoughts on vintage black and white photography and you’ll hear at least one of these descriptives. For a look that transcends trends and adds instant drama to any space, look no further than this go-to medium.

Designers Speak: Why Black and White is Forever Hot

“Vintage photographs are so popular among young design enthusiasts right now! I recently used some vintage photos of Katherine Hepburn by photographer Andy Hanson. He was a Dallas society photographer and family friend of my client’s. We created a modern art wall for this recent college graduate using these gorgeous vintage photos to create a beautiful juxtaposition of old and new.” – Beth Dotolo, PULP design studios (http://pulpdesignstudios.com)

Credenza from Beth Dotolo

“Black and white photography is classic, striking, and provides an interesting focal point in any kind of room. We use photography in all of our residential projects. It brings real charm and interest to any environment. We most recently found a stock photo of Mick Jagger that was really cool and very affordable.” -Robert and Cortney Novogratz, Sixx Design (http://sixxdesign.com)

“Black and white photography is timeless and classic and works in both traditional and modern settings. I often use photography in groups to create a montage. Whether it is James Beard animals, rock n’ roll memorabilia, sailing prints, fashion photography or scenes of New York, they can create a great impact when used in quantity together. For Tommy Hilfiger’s Plaza apartment we grouped photos from Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball against red lacquered walls in the dining room. The images tell a story and give some history of the Plaza.” – Cindy Rinfret, Rinfret Ltd. (http://rinfretltd.com)

“It’s timeless and versatile, no matter if the subject is as casual as a family photo to a more abstract and graphic image. We use black and white photography in nearly every space we design.” – Lauren Gold and Sasha Adler, Nate Berkus Associates (http://nateberkusdesign.com)

“There is power in the subtlety and nuances of black and white photography. The lack of color allows the forms, the shadows and the details to really grab you. It’s often moving without a feeling of knowing why. I use vintage black and white photography whenever I want to make a real statement.” –Robin Baron, Robin Baron Design (http://robinbarondesign.com)

Together, black and white creates the greatest degree of contrast possible. In a room where color is played down, black and white photography is particularly striking. Yet black and white photography can also look great bouncing off a colorfully painted wall. – Trip Haenisch, Trip Haenisch & Associates (http://triphaenisch.com)

Designer on How to Get the Look:

“Our favorite thing to do with black and white photos is to create a picture wall of old and new family photos in the house. Put them in black frames and you will not only have a wonderful place to see your family history on one wall; you will also have a stunning group of photos.” - Robert & Cortney Novogratz, Sixx Design (http://sixxdesign.com)

Novogratz Hall: A hallway by Robert & Cortney Novogratz
Photo credit: Josh McHugh

“Grouping black and white party pictures in a powder room always give guests something to talk about. They are stylish and entertaining at the same time. Your photos do not need to be by master photographers, and they can be grouped together creatively to create impact and add style to any wall.” – Cindy Rinfret, Rinfret Ltd. (http://rinfretltd.com)

Tommy Hilfiger’s Greenwich home, by Cindy Rinfret

“Frame black and white photos in simple black or white squared-off satin frames with a white matte to keep it clean and simple and direct the focus to the art.” – Lauren Gold and Sasha Adler, Nate Berkus Associates (http://nateberkusdesign.com)

Nate Berkus Associates

“Grouping smaller photos on one wall can be visually interesting. Or try framing a black and white photograph with a colored frame. I remember in my friend Herb Ritts’ house in Santa Fe the walls were a rough-hewn wood and there was a beautiful black and white photo framed in RED. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. It was magical.” – Trip Haenisch, Trip Haenisch & Associates (http://triphaenisch.com)

Trip Haenisch

“Create a mini gallery in ‘connecting spaces’ in the home like the foyer or the hallway between a living and dining room. A series of black and white vintage photographs gives major impact to these oft overlooked high traffic areas.” – Robin Baron, Robin Baron Design (http://robinbarondesign.com)

“The key to updating vintage photography is to use crisp and modern framing to create a contrast and bring it into today’s interiors. Conversely, you can create some mood and character by framing vintage photographs in old and unmatched frames.” -Beth Dotolo, PULP design studios (http://pulpdesignstudios.com)

We would like to thank the following designers for their input:
Beth Dotolo, PULP design studios (http://pulpdesignstudios.com )
Robin Baron, Robin Baron Design (http://robinbarondesign.com)
Lauren Gold and Sasha Adler, Nate Berkus Associates (http://nateberkusdesign.com )
Cindy Rinfret, Rinfret Ltd. (http://rinfretltd.com )
Trip Haenisch, Trip Haenisch & Associates (http://triphaenisch.com)