If there ever was a color palette that has stayed in style, it’s black and white. Cutting-edge yet classic, black and white can fit in a traditional, modern or contemporary space.
“A kitchen looks crisp and timeless, a bedroom glamorous and luxurious,” said Jessica Lagrange, principal at Jessica Lagrange Interiors. “It never matters if the colors [black and white] are used in moderation or executed lavishly; they always work together to create powerful spaces.”
The bedroom
Black and white is a perfect neutral palette for a bedroom and can be used to create a modern or traditional setting.
Graphic pillows are piled onto the bed in this image contributed by designer Kathryn Marsh.
A mix of graphic prints on pillows and bedding — paired with black furniture and sleek chrome light fixtures — creates a sleek and modern bedroom. Rounded pillows and a solid white duvet, just edged in black, give the room the softness it needs.
“It’s all about layers,” said Lagrange. “Interest lies in mixing patterns and prints. A well-designed space employs a range of scales, whether patterns or solids.”
A black and white bedroom designed by Jessica Lagrange Interiors
The black in the bedroom pictured above is applied sparingly to create a traditional suite. The wall is papered with a diamond black-and-white pattern, which contrasts against the geometric patterned pillows. Red lampshades give the room a touch of glamour.
The kitchen
With not a lot of room for accessories or big furniture, the design elements in a kitchen come mainly through color choices for cabinets and flooring.
Black-and-white tiled flooring is a modern addition to this kitchen designed by Jessica Lagrange Interiors.
Lagrange designed an eat-in kitchen with black-and-white checkered tile, explaining “a bold flooring tile layout in a modern setting is extraordinary.” Apple-green accents keep the space playful.
This kitchen by Urrutia Design showcases black cabinets with white marble counters.
Cabinets and countertops are an easy swap in a kitchen, and black and white can create the right level of contrast. The kitchen pictured above features white-marble counters and black-painted cabinetry with sleek hardware.
Living room
As previously mentioned, a black and white room can be contemporary or classic.
“The key,” said Lagrange, “is careful placement — making the room come alive. Doses of warm and cool as well as interjection of shapes, patterns and textures work to provide a space with depth and contrast.”
An all-white living room gets chic with punches of black. Room by Urrutia Design.
Different black and white patterns keep an all-white space from looking bland. Graphic designs and minimal furnishings will create a more contemporary look.
Black and white goes traditional in a room with a glossy black piano and brass accents. Design by CBI Design Professionals.
A traditional room comes alive with rich detailing: long drapes, architectural details, brass accents and classic accessories, like a grand piano.
Related:
- Designer of the Month: Jessica Lagrange
- The New Neutrals: Infusing Bold Color into the Home
- Get This Look: Brass is Back
Erika Riggs, a real estate writer for Zillow Blog, covers celebrity real estate, unusual properties and home design trends. Read more of her work here.