apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I think you could do a couple simple black and white patterns -- say, black and white stripes in different widths and combinations, and maybe some dots. But keep it simple and keep it to that color pallette, otherwise I think it will give you a headache. :)

I was thinking a wide stripe also. I think pottery barn (I know) has something like what I was thinking, but there colors are less rich like yours and more country. Wide black/white stripe would be pretty cool.

I agree with stripes. Mixing patterns can look really cool - go for it!

I don't know, but can you tell me who makes that bedding? I can't find it on the target website :-(

Another vote for stripes!
There are other options, but I think it's a matter of knowing it when you see it.

i'd go with stripes (you could do varying widths) and maybe, a very very small print that from a distance looks solid.

striped bedspread and sheets with a small scale pattern. see the isadora bedding collection at kohls dot com.

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/candies/home/bedding/PRD~c9032/Candies Isadora Bedding Coordinates.jsp

tyrene, it's the Scroll comforter:
http://tinyurl.com/6jnob9

Lindsay, check out this slide show "Decorating in Black and White" to get ideas:
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/neutrals/decorating-in-black-and-white/

You'll get some ideas about pattern mixing. Colors. Styles. Like picture 12 shows a bathroom, with FOUR patterns. A checkerboard bathtub, leaf towels, buffalo check ottoman, and polka dot robe.

You'll also see harlequin diamonds, toile, little checks, stripe variations. Notice how several rooms (pay attention) have a taupe, camel, or beige tone as an accent. You'll see that in wall paint, furniture, sisal rugs with a black border.

You can browse sheets for days online, like at Smart Bargains
http://www.smartbargains.com
There's are a couple of stripes, there's a white with black border trims.

Do a search for:
black white bedding
over at http://www.google.com
and then click on IMAGES at the top. You'll get photos of black and white bedding (mostly).

Zebra and damask. Traditional and modern. Monogrammed and graphic floral. Repeat using:
black white rugs

Get ideas, look at images, notice how they balance a room (if it's a room shot) with other things. Solid color pieces.

These curtains could work:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80117478

If you add in a bright solid for the sheets, then pick up a matching sheer curtain and place between the two black and white curtains, like these:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30109193

JCPenney has a great bright orange (mango) and a pink and a blue that would go well with the bright IKEA sheers:
http://tinyurl.com/6oxdzv

No, you don't use all the colors and all the patterns at once. But you can pick out a basic set of white for when you are not in the mood for any color. And then a set of the favorite color, and maybe just pillowcases in the brights?

Anything black-and-white will work if you don't use any other colors. If you use colors, I'd keep them all solid, unless you're a design genius.

Thanks for all the great feedback! I love the black/white/solid color suggestion for curtains. And stripes could work I think. I'm off to go hunt for some striped pillows.
-Lindsay