5 Tips on How to Style Black and White Interiors That Don't Look Dull
How do interior designers and architects transform a black-and-white color palette into a style statement? When done well, these interiors can be striking, but a poorly executed black-and-white interior can look plain or uninteresting. As such, a black-and-white interior can be a high-stakes design choice. Luckily, experts follow some basic principles to make these interiors look great.
1. Find the Right Balance
In a black-and-white interior, the designer must strike a balance between the level of contrast. Too much contrast can feel overwhelming. On the other hand, too little contrast can leave the space looking monotone.
Try using a solid white or black as a background color and use a neutral color like a cream, a gray, or even an earthy tone as the dominant color. This will create a high-contrast, interesting and bold space without feeling too harsh or severe.
2. Incorporate Shades of Black and White
When choosing colors for a black-and-white space, resist the urge to use pure white or black. Instead, use shades of white or grey or variations of black to create a space that looks more interesting.
For example, use a charcoal gray instead of solid black for the walls. This contrasts with the white but doesn't look as harsh, making the space more visually attractive.
3. Focus on Texture and Pattern
When creating a black-and-white space, texture and pattern are essential to help add depth and interest. Choose texture-rich materials like velvet, suede, and silk to create depth. Use patterns of different sizes and shapes to create visual interest.
Consider using bold patterns and large shapes to break up the space when choosing patterns. Try using a small pattern on a large wall in an otherwise monochromatic space to add visual interest.
4. Play Around with Art and Graphics
Black-and-white design is popular in architecture and interior design because it allows you to use bold, graphic art and furniture with the space. Brightly colored art and decor will help break up the space and add visual interest.
Artwork is a great way to add a splash of color and personality to a black-and-white space. If you feel less confident about selecting the right artwork, try selecting art with a white background. The art itself will help set the color tone for the rest of the space.
5. Combine Different Styles and Periods
Black and white's versatility makes it ideal for a space with various styles and periods. For example, if your living room is designed in the style of a 70s modern classic, you can add a few rustic, country elements such as a vintage-style iron table or a leather ottoman.
Make sure the furniture and decor are neutral to fit with the room's overall style. You can also choose a few black or white pieces to accent other pieces in the room, for example, by choosing black or white lamps, glassware, or china for a dining room.
Conclusion
Black and white can be a fun, bold choice for sophisticated interiors, but it's easy to make a few mistakes if you're unsure what you're doing. It's important to find the right balance between the two colors and incorporate different textures and patterns to create depth.
If you're concerned that your black-and-white interior may feel too stark or uninteresting, don't worry. Your black-and-white space can feel sophisticated, modern, and fun with a few simple changes.
At Orange Coast Interior Design, our goal is to create beautiful spaces that reflect our client’s needs and unique personalities. We are a full-service interior design firm known for luxury, sophistication, and comfort. Our experienced design team specializes in creating unique interiors that fall outside any predetermined style or genre. If you need interior designers in Orange County, CA, get in touch with us! We’re excited to meet you!