After reading the title, your first reaction may be to break out the Michael Jackson CDs. However, I am referring to black and white as a color combination as seen in flooring, paint combinations, rug patterns, and furniture in relationship to wall color. The strong contrast from black to white can be translated into both modern and traditional decor.
I have always loved the black and white color combination. In my dream home office, I would love to carry the black and white concept throughout. I would frame black and white photography with a glossy black frames and hang them against stark white walls. The floors would be a polished painted white wood with furniture and accessories consistent with the black and white color scheme, but varying in material, texture, and finish.
Images (from left to right):
- Wall of Frames: Emmas Designblogg
- Striped Black and White Wall Paint: Prison Break: Black and White Stripes
- Minimalism Small Apartment Interior Design in Sweden: Our 10 Favorite Small Kitchens
- Black and White Window Treatment: Jenika and Robert's 1944 Bungalow Renovation
- Entryway with Black and White Tile Flooring: Marc's Victorian Compound in Hollywood
How have you incorporated a black and white color combination in your home?
Images: Emmas Designblogg, Tammy Manet's Flickr, Grand House Design, Jenika Kurtz, Bethany Nauert






Ercol Bar Stool
Beautiful rooms but to me they don't seem cozy or comfortable. They look bloodless.
I guess I just need color.
I've always loved black and white checked floors and have installed them in the kitchen of 2 previous homes (one was a rental, so I used peel and stick tiles over a canvas drop cloth). If you set them on a diagonal, the room instantly appears larger.
@ Ljilja: I added a wood countertop and warm lighting to my tiny black and white bathroom and that gets rid of that bloodless feel. My blog is in danish but scroll down a bit for a slideshow of the bathroom: http://ploefff.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/mere-rum-med-mindre-gulvplads/
Where can you find awesome white frames like those in the first image?
These white hands will definitely complement the white frames on the wall:
http://www.metropolitandecor.com/CMERE-HAND-HOOK-WHITE-AREAWARE.html
http://www.metropolitandecor.com/GRAB-HAND-HOOK-AREAWARE.html
Love Love Love it. I redid my house in all black and white interior--art on the walls provide the color, and it makes me happy because it is clean, clean, clean.
I love the black and white kitchen, but to carry that combination throughout the house would be too much for my taste. In a bathroom or kitchen I feel it adds a crispness to the room.