Styling black and white interiors

Transcending trend, a black and white palette can be used in differing ways to suit your personal style and, although striking, the opposing nature of black and white makes it an exciting palette to work with.

Many of our designs utilize black to form focal points and white to create negative space. In the same way within interiors, there is something refreshing about allowing key finishes, colours, or special features within the space become the focus.

Integrating layers of texture evokes a welcoming space and is a subtle way to add depth and interest even when the palette is restrained. Incorporating an interesting mix of weaves and constructions can also soften black and white’s hard-edged aesthetic.

Black contains all colours but is absent of light, making it the perfect strong neutral.

While historically black has been used as an accent colour, today it holds centre stage in many interiors as a dramatic base for almost every substrate and application.

Black is also the perfect backdrop for styling photography, art, and ceramic collections as colour, texture, and form all pop against a grounding black base. And when selecting a wallcovering, dark walls can make a small room appear larger as dark colours visually recede tricking the eye. It certainly pays to be brave!

White reflects all light but is absent of colour, producing a contrast that is anything but simple.

Fresh and clean, white evokes renewal and vitality as it bounces light around picking up surrounding colours.

Start small with accessories such as cushions, lampshades, or bedding and experiment with classic stripes and herringbones which are guaranteed to never go out of style. Introduce small and large scale patterns or checks alongside solids to create visual interest and texture within a space. Trim is a simple inclusion for subtle elegance and a low commitment level of pattern or contrast. Layer these elements together until it feels right for you.

To create a cohesive palette, continue a visual thread through the rooms; subtly connecting the spaces with accessories or a roman blind to maintain the balance and rhythm. It could be a black vase, a white lampshade, a collection of books with black and white spines, or a black or white candle. Lighting is also vital to enliven a scheme, giving certain items focus and emphasising the contrast of each.

The impact of black and white is immediately eye catching and refreshing but if you need to add a bit of zing, add energy with accent colours – you can throw any shade in with black and white, which makes it a great base if you wish to change the tone of your space from time to time with a change in wall colour or new cushions.

We particularly love mixing ochre, copper, gold, or teal to our monochromatic schemes as they tend to really shine. Mixing matte and gloss surfaces can provide depth in a monochrome setting – for example, matte wools contrast well with polished glass, or soft linen with the bright richness of satin.

A contemporary style can be achieved through a deliberate use of texture, scale, and line, using the strength of black and white to create weight and substance while complementing or mirroring architectural elements.

Our drapery, upholstery, and wallpaper offerings let you experiment with texture, tone, pattern density, and layering to your hearts content in this realm. Explore some of our favourite black and white textiles below: