Vintage photography just might be the perfect gift for those people on your holiday list that are hard to buy for, whether it's because they already have everything, they are hard to please, or are business associates or service providers that you just don't know well on a personal level.  

Vintage photography has several advantages as a holiday present.  For one thing, it is highly unlikely your recipient will already have what you picked out, or get a duplicate from someone else.  In addition, there are pictures to appeal to every taste.  Does your dad love sports? Instead of the usual team logo item, find him a vintage picture of their great victory.  Is your sister into travel?  Old photographs of some of the locales on her bucket list are sure to make her smile and just might spur her on to plan a trip.  If your best friend loves old movies, pictures from the golden age of Hollywood will remind her of her favorites.  For the history buff, famous newspaper shots make an excellent choice, and there are plenty vintage photographs available to appeal to fans of specialty interests such as sailing, auto racing, or thoroughbred horses.  

Vintage photos can even be a great hostess gift for holiday celebrations, as they make a fresh alternative to a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers. (If you are not sure of the person's taste, something general like a still life or a scene from nature is a pretty safe bet.)  Vintage photos are relatively inexpensive in relation to the pleasure they will bring.  For someone special, framing the vintage photograph or having it mounted on canvas makes the present more substantial, or you can pick several photographs from a category and start a collection for them.  

The next time you are unsure what to get someone, don't take the easy way out and grab a gift card from the supermarket checkout.  Vintage photograph is a thoughtful gift that shows you went to real effort to come up with something the recipient would like.

Have you ever wanted with two simplistic yet intense colors? Most decorators will agree that the colors to do this job are black and white, two colors that are stark against each other. They are complete opposites in the color scheme, yet they work together cohesively to create a huge impact. When working with black and white, consider the effect you want to create in the room. You’ll be surprised at how many different ways you can go: sophisticated, chic, minimal, classic, cozy or vintage. Using black and white art is one great way to achieve that effect, here's how:

• Modern Black and White Art

A modern bedroom is all about sophistication and clean lines. It’s sleek and chic. Consider using cleverly chosen black and white art. From a single bold piece of art to a collage of black and white art, the effect can be stunning and dramatic. Whether it’s the clean lines and shades or the juxtaposition of the two bold colors, using modern black and white art can transform your bedroom into a modern haven of good taste.

• Vintage Black and White Art

Vintage is the rage these days. If you’re dreaming of transforming your bedroom into a vintage showcase, consider the use of vintage black and white art. From throwback to the good old days of baseball to iconic moments in history to famous movie stars, the choices are astounding. Go with a theme or create a feel with these visual pieces.

• Black and White Photography

Perhaps you’re a photography buff or a fan of black and white photography. You’re in good company. Black and white photography adds interest, appeal and a soft, understated, yet powerful effect. Scenery, places of interest, portraits lend themselves to that effect, though black and white photography is not limited to these categories. Use black and white photography to create a calming, soothing effect or to create a cozy getaway from the day’s hustle and bustle at the end of the day. A bedroom to soothe the soul, the perfect retreat.

Decorating your bedroom with just two colors will not be boring with a little know-how and imagination. Use as little or as much of the black-white combo and let the colors do the talking. You may also opt to add drama with an introduction of a third color but the call is entirely up to you.