An unusual black and white interior design not only looks original, but also helps to visually enlarge the space due to the optimal combination of two contrasting colors. The stylish design will appeal to those who are looking for new ideas and color solutions for decorating their apartment.
Black and white interior is chosen by people who want to see a laconic and stylish design of their home
Pros and cons of black and white in the room
The black and white color scheme is not suitable for all rooms, which should be taken into account when choosing a finish. Rooms that are small in size and height can become even smaller and cramped due to the effect of contrast. For example, for corridors, small hallways, small kitchens, it is better not to use contrasting techniques when decorating. Prefer a soft, monochrome design that does not focus on individual details, thereby visually increasing the area of the room.
A room in black and white can become an original design masterpiece
Pros of a contrasting interior:
- originality of the design concept;
- rigor, sublimity of style;
- visual expansion of space due to the predominance of white;
- atmospheric, modern and aesthetic design.
Cons of black and white design:
- the need to maintain a perfect balance between two opposing shades;
- the predominance of black can visually make the room smaller;
- The color scheme does not match all interior styles.
Black color fills the room with notes of chic, respectability and elegance
A room in which white is a priority looks spacious and airy.
For finishing in a modern style, a contrasting solution is best suited, but for classics, choose softer and more neutral color combinations.
A few details
Properly located light sources will help create a special mood and atmosphere in a monochrome interior. As a rule, multi-level lighting is created in such rooms using table lamps and floor lamps. But, since bright light perfectly emphasizes not only the advantageous aspects, but also does not hide the clutter and dust on the furniture, such an interior is suitable for those who live without children and animals.
Otherwise, black and white surfaces will become a clear example of the accumulation of dirt and eternal disorder. If this fact does not stop you, it is recommended to take the advice of professionals: give preference to white. In a monochrome design, a light color will add more democracy.
To summarize, it is important to emphasize that in the black and white color scheme that is used to create the interior design of an apartment, you should not overdo it with one tone or another. These colors should not be abundant in the decor. It is better if a minimalist style is used. Remember, by properly decorating your apartment in two colors, you achieve not only physical, but also emotional relaxation. That is why the use of these colors must be approached as carefully as possible.
Black and white shade as a visual increase in space
The correct interior design should not only correspond to the layout and architectural design of the space, but also organically complement it. When decorating a standard apartment, for example, a Khrushchev-era apartment, a pressing issue is the visual expansion of the space, which is due to the small footage of the premises.
You can give free rein to black color only in a fairly large room (more than 14 square meters)
Contrasting design can both visually reduce and increase space due to the proportional relationship of primary colors. The more dark shades, the smaller the room will look, so when planning a room in a black style, focus on its size. In a large room, you can allow any proportional ratio of contrasting shades without the danger of making the room visually smaller.
It should be remembered that white color increases space, and black color reduces it.
For a small room, for example, a teenager’s personal room, prefer white to predominate, and black can be in the form of accent details. For an adult bedroom, the optimal color ratio would be 50/50, so the design will be strict, laconic and stylish at the same time.
What colors can you use?
The combination of black and white colors in the design of a bedroom does not mean that only two shades can be used. First of all, for such a solution, only two-thirds of the entire bedroom interior, designed in the basic color scheme, is sufficient.
Article on the topic: Bedrooms in Khrushchev: selection of furniture and style decision (+40 photos)
You can also use different shades of white:
- snow white;
- pearl;
- chalky;
- lactic;
- ivory;
- smoky.
As for the color black, there are such shades as “wet asphalt”, black-chocolate, coal-black, blue-black and prune color. To dilute the gloom of dark shades, bright accents of any other color are used.
Design depending on the type of room
Black and white style is suitable for many rooms in the apartment. The fashionable, laconic design will fit perfectly into the living room, children's room, parent's bedroom, large kitchen or spacious hallway.
Extraordinarily stylish kitchen with glossy cabinetry in black and white
White and black kitchen with green accents in the form of chairs
Bathroom interior in black and white
Black and white in the hall
In a contrasting design, one color can dominate. When decorating a living room, white is most often chosen as the dominant color, and black is an auxiliary color that appears in the selection of decor, accessories, furniture and decorations.
It is important to determine which tone will take priority, or perhaps it will be two equal colors
For a harmonious design of a black and white room, it is important to choose a stylistic direction, based on which the decoration, furniture, and accessories are selected. The following styles are suitable for the hall:
- loft;
- minimalism;
- Scandinavian.
A loft-style living room involves tall open windows, perhaps in black frames. The walls are decorated with white brickwork, the ceiling has exposed beams. The floor may have parquet, boards, or linoleum.
Monochrome black and white tones blend harmoniously with wood, concrete or brickwork
Considering the predominance of white in the decoration, you can choose black furniture: leather sofas and armchairs, shelving, tables. Choose metal accessories (lights, framed mirrors, furniture pieces) to make the design authentic.
For a Scandinavian-style hall, the walls and ceiling can also be decorated with white, but this can be paint or plaster. It is not necessary to select all the furniture in black shades. Let the main set be black, and additional furniture can be in gray tones. The Scandinavian style welcomes monochrome ethnic patterns, which can be found in textiles or prints on accessories and paintings. Such patterns will emphasize the originality of the interior and make it warmer and homely.
In the Scandinavian interior, white is the priority color, and black is used as accents.
Minimalism is characterized by the absence of non-functional elements, so focus on the functionality of the room. Black color can be found in the design of walls or ceilings, and not just in the choice of furniture and accessories.
Spacious black and white living room in minimalist style with parquet flooring
Black and white design seems cold and lifeless, so dilute it with bright accents that will make the monochrome finish more lively and dynamic.
In the bedroom
Contrasting designs are most often chosen for bedroom decoration. The classic color combination has a calming effect, which is important in a bedroom intended for relaxation and sleep.
The interior of a black and white bedroom should not be too harsh, because this room is intended for rest and relaxation
A modern black and white room can be almost entirely white with a small percentage of black accents, or kept in black tones with individual white elements in the form of bedding, curtains or a fluffy carpet on the floor. You can choose the same percentage for each shade or dilute the monochrome with bright colors. The main thing is to maintain calm and a peaceful atmosphere in which it is pleasant to relax.
Black and white bedroom in a modern style, in which both colors are equal
Black walls in the bedroom are trending today. This could be one wall behind the head of the bed or all four walls, as well as the ceiling. Choose the finish yourself: wallpaper, painting, plaster - anything that helps express the main idea will do.
Cozy bedroom with a large window and a black accent wall
In a white bedroom, the furniture can be completely black to create a stylish contrast. This solution can be emphasized with lighting and shiny metal elements, for example, lamps, furniture fittings, mirror frames, pieces of furniture and decorations.
In the nursery
Today it is fashionable to decorate a nursery in black and white style. For the room, girls choose a retro style with minor splashes of bright colors: yellow, green, pink. Monochrome prints are also used: black and white stripes, checks, polka dots, patterns.
Black and white interior of a children's room, diluted with yellow accents
For a boy's nursery, a loft style with bright accents, such as graffiti, posters, and placards, is suitable. A bright accent can be a carpet on the floor, bed linen, and accessories.
Monochrome design of a children's room in a loft style
Monochrome and contrasting design is a modern trend that emphasizes the good taste of the owners and adds individuality to the home.
A bright children's room in a Scandinavian style, the interior of which is based on white, and black is used in small splashes
Wallpaper selection
The choice of wallpaper is the main task when designing a bedroom interior in black and white style. First you need to decide on the material from which they are made. Wallpaper comes in paper and non-woven wallpaper. Paper wallpaper, in turn, is divided into single-layer and double-layer. Single-layer ones are the most short-lived and fade quickly. Before gluing such wallpaper, you need to carefully prepare the wall. Multi-layer wallpaper is stronger and better resistant to fading.
Non-woven wallpaper is easier to apply than paper wallpaper. But they are wider, so sticking them on alone will be problematic. Next you need to choose the right color distribution. Combining black and white wallpaper will allow you to:
- Separate the sleeping area.
- Hide the flaws and highlight the advantages of the bedroom.
- Visually change the size of the bedroom.
- Select the required area.
Black and white wallpaper is a great way to divide a room into zones. If there are any imperfections on the walls, then covering them with black wallpaper will divert unnecessary attention from them, while white walls will direct this attention to themselves. If the room is small, then white walls and ceiling will help expand the space; in this case, the floor is painted black. Black and white horizontal stripes on the wallpaper will make the room visually longer. An excellent solution would be to highlight the sleeping area with wallpaper with a contrasting pattern.
Interesting options for choosing furniture for a black and white room
A stylishly decorated room in black and white style requires properly selected furniture and decor. Furniture can be either black or white, or dark gray, melange, or graphite. The main thing is that it fits into the style of the interior and supports the main stylistic idea.
Wooden furniture in a retro style looks impressive in a black and white interior
Upholstered furniture with white leather upholstery looks good against the background of black walls.
Black and white walls
Those familiar with the world of high fashion need no introduction to the world famous German fashion designer and artist Karl Lagerfeld. A Chanel designer once remarked that “black and white always look modern, no matter what that word means!” And, of course, he is right.
If you want to decorate your home office in this classic color combination, then start with the simplest thing - the walls. Today, there are a huge number of opportunities to decorate rooms in black and white colors, ranging from stylish black and white wallpaper to black and white photographs and paintings.
Want to learn how to decorate a bathroom in a classic black and white color combination? Read this article!
Spacious home office with stylish patterned wallpaper and black and white paintings.
The black and white room in the photo below, decorated according to the design of the creative studio M/I Homes, successfully combines elements of two styles at once: modern and classic. To decorate the walls of the room, the designers used striped black and white wallpaper, black and white photographs and paintings in minimalist black and white frames. In the spacious home office, two zones were created for convenience: a work zone with two desks and soft chairs and a relaxation area with a coffee table and white armchairs.
Black and white home office with work area and relaxation area.
If you don’t want to complicate your life by repainting the walls or hanging new wallpaper, but really want to decorate your home office in black and white colors, then the most successful solution would be to complement the walls with classic black and white paintings, drawings, photographs, engravings and other decorative elements, must be in black and white frames.
Thus, the design of the black and white room in the photo below was created according to the project of several creative studios: Emily Followill Photography and Kandrac and Kole Interior Designs.
The walls and ceiling of the home office are decorated in neutral light gray tones, against which black-and-white family photos in black frames look great, as well as a black wrought-iron table and a Mediterranean-style wrought-iron chandelier.
You can find out how to decorate an interior in a Mediterranean style and what are the main features of this style trend here.
Design of a black and white room in a Mediterranean style.
The black and white interior of the apartment in the photo below was created by the designers of the creative studio Laura Manchee Designs.
Black and white elements are also present in the home office, which was decorated with black and white furniture, patterned black and white flooring, black and white paintings and framed photographs.
Black and white interior of an apartment in a classic style.
The stylish retro home office in the following photo was complemented by Authenticity B. Designs with a black built-in closet with open bookshelves and a black natural wood desk that contrasts with the white walls and ceiling of the room.
You can get more information on how to choose furniture for your home office, as well as finishing materials, here.
Cozy home office with black furniture and white walls.
The design of the black and white room in the following photo combines elements of classic and modern styles. The designers of the creative studio Boswell Construction successfully complemented the neutral white walls with contrasting black and white photographs and bright abstract paintings.
Black and white room designed with elements of classic and modern styles.
The home office walls from Alki in the photo below are also decorated in neutral white tones, against which black and white paintings, photographs and drawings stand out.
Stylish black and white photographs and paintings in the interior of a home office.
Black and white furniture in the interior of the room
In a living room with white trim, you can choose a completely black set, for example, a sofa and armchairs with leather upholstery, a lacquered coffee table, open shelving, cabinets, and cabinets. If the room is predominantly decorated in black, then the furniture should be light in color to maintain harmony.
Add expressiveness to the contrasting palette of the interior using inclusions in blue, green or lilac tones.
A black bed with a high headboard, an armchair with black legs, and a wardrobe with a glossy sheen will suit the bedroom. This type of furniture looks good with light and dark finishes. To make the design look not only contrasting, but also complex, choose textured finishing materials, glossy furniture, and accessories made from different materials.
Black wardrobe with glossy doors in a small bedroom where white is the main color
It is not necessary to choose all the furniture in one color. If the room is decorated in white colors, then you can complement the interior with a black bed, and the wardrobe, chest of drawers, dressing table, and armchair can be dark gray. This technique is often used in loft and Scandinavian styles, where furniture is not combined in texture and color, but only in style.
Luxurious green sofa in living room with black and white trim
When decorating a nursery, it is important to maintain a balance so that the room does not look too gloomy. There should be several times fewer black elements than white or gray ones; it is also important to complement the interior with bright accents.
Pink, yellow or turquoise colors are suitable as accents.
To prevent a contrasting design from seeming boring, choose textured items and add shades of gray to your interior design.
Today, the combination of two opposing colors is the most relevant due to its versatility, rigor and modernity. If you like original ideas for decorating an apartment, then be inspired by examples of contrasting design of living rooms, bedrooms and other rooms. Look for ideas in a selection of photos and take into account our recommendations that will help you decorate your home in a stylish and modern way.
Basic criteria for interior design in monochrome shades
If you still decide to opt for a contrasting black and white tone, then you need to follow several important rules that will help you do everything correctly and harmoniously:
- The first thing you need to do is choose which of these shades will be your main one. After all, a room in which equality is divided equally does not look very attractive, there is a feeling of blurriness, so you should correctly distribute all the roles, who has the main one and who has the complementary one.
- If you have a small room, then you should give preference to white, since it can be used to create a visual feeling of spaciousness in a small room. Most often, when decorating a room in a minimalist style, preference is given to snow-white, but if you still give preference to pitch black, you can reduce the area, but add a little warmth.
- Many psychologists believe that pitch-black colors in the interior of a teenager’s room help them acquire a special sense of security and limit the boundaries of their personal space. If you want to create your own intimate corner where you can retire, think and relax, then you can completely decorate the entire room in black, just add a little snow-white decorative elements.
- After you decide which of these two tones will be your main one, you should decide how much you want to soften this contrast. A gray tone will help you in this matter, which can be added to your interior to slightly blur the boundaries between the two contrasts. You can also fit shiny metal parts into this interior; another option is that you can completely exclude snow-white and take gray instead, the result is a wonderful design.
Snow-white kitchen set in harmony with a black work surface
The black and white interior is diluted with a soft gray tone on one of the walls in the kitchen
Kitchen interior in black and white contrast with bright yellow paintings
Black and white bathroom design with bright decorative elements
White decoration in contrast with black details and a bright bouquet of flowers in a vase
Black and white bedroom harmony of warmth and comfort
Office reception area in sober tones, black and white
White walls are in harmony with black furniture in the office, solid and stylish
Hall of a country house with interior in contrasting shades of black and white
Black and white living room with a bright element in the form of a blue armchair
