The black-eyed-Susan inspires a dramatic décor

Consider it 
the dark horse of the sunflower family; while sunflowers go for broke, the diminutive black-eyed Susan, or 
rudbeckia, is bold, but not brash. She’s Mother Nature’s version of a down-to-earth drama queen. Intrigued? Let 
this botanical study in contrasts inspire you to add a dramatic twist to your decor. 
Dark or dazzling, subdued or showy, take your cue from this bloom and have it all.

Lesson 1: Play with patterns
Don’t let the black-eyed Susan’s diminutive size fool you. Her energy is legendary in gardening circles, where she’s considered to be one of nature’s hardiest plants. Capture that vitality in a striking pattern, such as the one shown on the pillow in the photo above, which also contrasts beautifully with the yellow striped cushions tucked in behind. Patterns are a clever way to make a dark shade dynamic.

Lesson 2: Contrast light with dark colours
Yellow walls ­lift the spirit and provide a clean, spacious feel to any room. Yet, just as with the black-eyed Susan, the real drama is in the darkness. Turn simple into striking by grounding the yellows and whites with well-placed dark accents. Here, a black vintage lamp and fan offset the light tones of the bedding and walls and give the space a cozier feel.

Curtain panels, quilted bedding, antique plates, prints, all Nesters.