Black-and-white interior motif can be sophisticated, dramatic

Starting with the floor, that large white tile with black diamonds connecting the corners always impresses the eye. It’s bold. There’s nothing wishy-washy about it.

Take that tile pattern from the foyer, down the hall and into the dining room. A large round dining table made up of black wrought iron base and thick glass top will stand out elegantly on this white-with-black tile floor. Around the table, place chairs that are covered in a wide black and white stripe pattern on the backs and seats. The legs of these chairs can either be black wrought iron or black wood.

Mirror one wall of the dining room. Against it, place a buffet table that has black wrought iron legs and either a white marble top or a thick glass top on it. On the table, put a centerpiece made up of bird of paradise flowers bringing in that beautiful coral color for accent. Put a sculpture on the buffet table. Add a simple but smashing chandelier, a tree in a corner and the dining table is complete.

Going into the living room, the carpet should be as white as possible. Nobody’s going to use the living room anyway; it’s just for show. Albeit, expensive show. The upholstery should be white with accent pillows in black and white. Art on the walls should depict the black-and-white theme, perhaps picking up some of that coral color from the dining room centerpiece. Cocktail tables might be glass on glass or glass on wrought iron. Green leafy trees and plants will stand out nicely in this crisp, pristine room.

Carry that white-with-black tile into the kitchen and breakfast areas. Kitchen cupboards can either be white or, if the area is big and open enough to handle it, they can all be black. Bar stools at the counter should be in black and the breakfast table in white, surrounded by a combination of black and white with coral pattern chairs.

In the family room a Berber-look carpet will be durable and good looking. White background with a few coral slubs should be enough to look attractive, yet not show every speck of dirt. If the room has tall ceilings and a feeling of openness, a black leather sectional will fit well. If not, then go for white leather. If leather is not appealing, then a fabric pattern that incorporates coral and white with just a little black is the way to go. White wood or white stone occasional tables with a white wood entertainment unit will complete this family room.

Area rugs in black and white made in geometric patterns will enhance the look even more. Any windows that need covering will do well with the big slat shutters.

Now take pictures of your home and submit them to fancy interior design magazines.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, a Naples, Fla. interior designer, is the author of an award-winning book, “Mystery of Color.”