what's black and white with a designer touch all over?

Hi everyone, this is Crystal and I blog over at Plush Palate. I'm so thrilled to help keep The Beauty File company while Lisi is on vacation. When she asked me to help out, I just had to say yes to a friend and yes meeting all of you!

I thought I'd share a current obsession with you today: black and white stripes! I can't seem to get enough of them lately. They're bold, confident, and make such a strong impression.

Did you know stripes were once associated with outcasts and thieves (hello jailbirds)? Today they've been resurrected as a contemporary, trendy pattern. Thank goodness for that because they look awfully good as an area rug.

With their long lines, they're visually clean and bring a sense of order to a space. I also tend to associate them with circuses and theatricality, which adds in just the right amount of fun for me! I'd love to experiment with using stripes in unexpected places, like under a bed or in a closet.

But perhaps the place I love them most of all is in an entryway. Talk about a strong entrance and lasting first impression! What do you think? Do you love them, too?

*images via this is glamorous, elle decor, lonny, house beautiful, domino