Olivia Dean's Grammys Dress Unlocks The 2026 Formula For Decorating With Black and White – It's Classic, But Never Boring
The British singer wore a stunning Chanel gown to the Grammy Awards – and it signals much more than her fashion sense
Last night, Olivia Dean was crowned Best New Artist at the 68th annual Grammy Awards, provoking widespread praise not only for her musical talents but also for her sartorial elegance on the red carpet. Her stunning black and white Chanel gown has appeared on nearly every 'Best Dressed' list from the event. But what does this mean for interior design?
The must-know interior design trends of 2026 have all pointed us away from stark minimalism, towards richer, more textural, more colorful spaces. Fashion has largely followed this bent, rejecting the beige palette of the early 2020s. However, as design and fashion have turned from neutrals, one neutral-adjacent combination has only grown in popularity: black and white.
Olivia Dean attends the 68th Grammy Awards
As Olivia Dean's Chanel dress shows, the new black and white goes beyond traditional materials or silhouettes. Instead, designers are using the simplicity of the color palette to emphasize interesting shapes, textures, and materials. For instance, Olivia's dress features feathers and sequins on the bodice, with a sculptural skirt that trails far beyond her.
In interiors, black and white room ideas are following suit. Rather than incorporating a few splashes of black, decorators are opting for bold swaths of the color, or weaving it in with luxurious materials like marble.
Shop The Black and White Edit
This year, the Homes & Gardens team is bringing black and white into our homes with striking textural pieces. Here are a few of our top picks, inspired by Olivia Dean's Grammys dress.
I love this gorgeous bird painting that reminds me of Olivia's Grammys dress. It would look so striking in a cocooning room with black walls.
Rich texture and a classic color palette come together on this stunning alpaca throw. I love the fringed edges and the boho pattern.
The Auster Distressed Vase combines vintage-inspired craftsmanship with bold shape and texture. Made from terracotta clay with a black finish, it adds depth and intrigue, making it a perfect accent for a monochromatic or minimalist interior.
This set of bookends blends modernist sculpture with practical functionality. Each looping piece plays with positive and negative space, creating a striking sculptural element while supporting your books. The contrasting black and white finishes add instant visual impact.
This abstract performance rug features painterly swirls of charcoal and ivory, bringing texture and visual interest to any space. Durable and stain-resistant, it’s perfect for high-traffic areas and works beautifully in modern, monochromatic living rooms.
These pretty mohair-style pillows remind me of Olivia's dress in their pretty flowing texture. They would be gorgeous paired with a white sofa.
Following the example set by the Chanel dress, sculptural silhouettes are a huge part of how designers are making black and white feel fresh this year. Pieces like oversized sofas or interestingly balanced coffee tables instantly turn the black-and-white living room idea into a work of art. Alternating rounded and straight lines between hues is a trick to make sure the eye never gets bored. It's a classic palette, elevated.
As evidenced by the sequins and feathers seen on the Grammys red carpet, elevating black and white is also about texture. Using materials with an interesting natural pattern, like marble, can help incorporate black and white in a way that feels organic rather than overly modern. Small accessories like a tiny rug or well-placed throw pillow are also essential for tapping into this clever decorating formula.
The fascinating relationship between fashion and interiors is a wonderful place to seek inspiration to transform your home in the coming year. It offers insights not only on how to tap into trends, but how to make classic looks feel brand new.
