Designers Reveal How to Decorate Any Space With Black and White

HGTV Magazine has all the pro tips—and accessories—you need to get started.

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October 01, 2018

This is black-and-white done right! Below, designers reveal how the tried-and-true combo works in every room.

Entry

HGTV magazine's Black and white decorated entryway.

Black and white decorated entryway

HGTV magazine's Black and white decorated entryway.

Photo by: Kyle Born

Kyle Born

“The contrast of black pieces against a white wall feels modern, clean, and fresh,” says Stephanie Kraus, a designer in Wayne, PA, who outfitted this family’s entryway with a console table by Oomph, striped X-benches by Uttermost, and a black mirror by Umbra. With the console’s lacquered-raffia top, the rope-wrapped bench legs, and the muted kilim rug, the effect is warm and welcoming.

Dining Room

HGTV Magazine's black and white decorated dining room.

Black and white decorated dining room

HGTV Magazine's black and white decorated dining room.

Photo by: Kate Osborne

Kate Osborne

“Teaming up black-and-white with wood tones and a multicolor rug makes the dining space in this mid-century house feel homey,” says Shea McGee, a designer in Salt Lake City, UT. The black chairs help tie together the light fixture (from the designer’s store, McGee & Co.) and the art above the cabinet.

Living Room

HGTV Magazine's black and white decorated living room.

Black and white decorated living room

HGTV Magazine's black and white decorated living room.

Photo by: Sarah Sherman Samuel

Sarah Sherman Samuel

“This homeowner is drawn to a bunch of different styles—traditional, rustic, country, and modern!—so to combine them all in a way that’s eclectic but still cohesive, I relied on a limited color palette of white, black, and one pop of yellow,” says Sarah Sherman Samuel, a designer based in Los Angeles. The dark gray sofa is by Stem, and the coffee table is from CB2. The yellow chair from Crate & Barrel plays up all the sunlight that hits the room.

Bathroom

HGTV Magazine's black and white decorated bathroom.

Black and white decorated bathroom

HGTV Magazine's black and white decorated bathroom.

Photo by: Amy Bartlam

Amy Bartlam

“People get hung up on metal finishes needing to match, but this bathroom is a perfect example that a mix can look great,” says Joyce Downing Pickens, a designer in Los Angeles. The black vanity, white marble countertop, and black-and-white basket weave tile are a neutral canvas for the polished-nickel faucets, brass cabinet knobs and pulls, brass mirrors from Restoration Hardware, and black sconces from Schoolhouse Electric.

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