Decorating in black and white is perennially popular and eternally chic. Hilary Robertson demonstrates how, whether used alone or together, these contrasting shades can create dramatic effects at home, from the classic to the eclectic.

Minimalist style interiors are now a familiar and recognizable part of today's visual culture. Top shelter magazines from Wallpaper and House and Garden to Elle Décor devote monthly features to the latest variation on white or beige, while fashion designers like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan design neutral housewares to match minimalist decor. Cheaper but no less stylish, Crate and Barrel, and Pottery Barn sell their own versions of minimalism, and countless upmarket European designer kitchen and furniture companies entice fashion conscious consumers with advertisements in leading shelter magazines. Building on this trend, Monochrome Home presents designer Kelly Hoppen's innovative and breakthrough new approach to the next step beyond minimalist style interiors-by using dabs of color, texture, and dimension to establish a refined yet warm environment. A winner of Britain's "Oscars" of interior design, the prestigious Andrew Martin Award, she is considered, internationally, a leading interior designer. The hallmark of the Hoppen style: bold, simple pieces of modern furniture mixed with an emphasis on texture and comfort; and counterpointing subtle neutral shades mixed with brighter dots of color to add a luxurious, sensual element to modern minimalist interiors. Monochrome Home is a wonderful visual resource full of exquisite and original close-up photographs that detail Hoppen's brilliant editorial eye, combined with her talent for juxtaposing various elements to create dramatic, stunning effects. Monochrome Home is a flexible and inspiring resource, suitable for small studios, or larger spaces. It is equally useful for those with small budgets or unlimited funds. For fans of minimalism who want more than anonymous white spaces, Monochrome Home describes in visual detail how to achieve a more personalized and inspired brand of minimalism-full of simplicity, elegance, comfort and style.