8. When creating your

capes,

pull together

an eclectic collection of

objects in varying shades

of black and white. Silver

items instantly add

pizzazz, and greys also

do a grand job. When

you're looking to fill

in a gap or need a tall

item to complete your

arrangement, a vase

of flowers is an excellent

stand-in. It's up to you

whether you go for

gorgeous cream flowers,

silver foliage or a

combination of both.

For shopping details,

see Stockists page

Save on upholstery costs

by

making a zebra-print slip cover

for your ottoman, from the top

of the legs, measure the length,

width and height. Add a 5cm hem

allowance all around, then cut

fabric. Centre fabric, wrong side

up, over ottoman. Pin to join two

sides of fabric at each corner,

ensuring fabric is pulled tight

across ottoman’s sides. Remove

cover and machine-stitch along pin

lines. Leaving a 2cm seam, trim

excess fabric. Zigzag raw edges to

neaten. Press seams open. Make

a 2cm-wide double hem around

bottom of cover and press. Turn

cover right side out and slip it over

your ottoman. Voila - tribal style!

7. Overhaul an old pine cabinet

into a designer-look pressed metal

piece. Begin by removing the

doors, drawers and knobs, then

sand these and the unit. Dust with

a damp, lint-free cloth. Cut a

plastic lace cloth to fit each door

panel, drawer front, cabinet top

and each side. Tape down edges,

then stick cloth pieces in place.

Using a wooden paint stirrer,

spread a level layer of Gyprock

Multi-Purpose Joint Compound

over the cloth. Peel off lace cloth

and leave to set. Hammer evenly

spaced upholstery tacks around

doorframe and into drawer fronts.

Prime each cabinet component

(including knobs) then, when

dry, spray them silver, following

manufacturer’s directions on the

spray can. Reassemble cabinet.

Top tips

■ For variety, add

yellow, camel,

pink, red or purple

elements but keep

the black-and-white

theme prominent

to preserve the

integrity of the look.

■ Choose artwork

you love - a

colourful picture

won’t detract from

your black-and-

white scheme, and

the contrast will

certainly enhance.

■ It's important

not to crowd your

monochromatic

interior. Leaving

room between the

pieces creates a

restful atmosphere.

■ Mood lighting

is vital for black-

and-white decor, as

it brings in lovely

warmth. Include

sparkling crystal

chandeliers, black

or silver-toned

lamps or candelabra

and romantic

flickering candles.

monochrome

Photography Jim Smith, Cath Muscat, John Halfhide; styling Chantal Davison (magazine), Melissa Norton (TV): concept Chris Cort (TV)