Designers say there's a reason why black and white is the 'ultimate kitchen color story' – the answer is in Serena Williams' ultra chic space

If you were to ask any designer which color combination has the ability to transcend kitchen trends, black and white will likely come out on top. In fact, some designers go as far as labeling it the 'ultimate kitchen color story,' and a look at Serena Williams's space makes it clear to understand why.

The tennis star collaborated with her sister, Venus Williams, and her interior design firm, V Starr, to create a kitchen that pays homage to the ultimate color combination. Her uniquely shaped island and gold and white backsplash contrast her black appliances (designed by Officine Gullo, no less).

If you're looking for black and white kitchen ideas, this layout is the perfect starting point. The white elements serve as an unintrusive base for the black appliances, allowing them to make a statement in a way that feels well-curated and always sophisticated.

Shop the black and white kitchen edit

You don't need to invest in a new kitchen island or paint your cabinets to tap into the black and white aesthetic.

'There is a reason black and white endures as the ultimate kitchen color story. I adore a black range against creamy white cabinetry, softened by the elegance of a marble countertop. It's ever so timeless-more important in a kitchen than in any other room of the home, where permanence and longevity are part of the design equation,' comments Cyndy Cantley, the co-founder of Cantley & Company.

'The result is a kitchen that feels grounded in tradition, yet endlessly chic.'

With this color combination, there's no right or wrong. You can follow Serena's lead by pairing a white island and backsplash with darker appliances, or opt for cabinets, as Cyndy explains. So long as the colors exist together, they will do in harmony.

'It's not about chasing trends, it's about creating a space that will feel just as stylish ten years from now as it does today,' Cyndy says.

John Starck, a designer at Showcase Kitchens, agrees. He emphasises the pairing's timelessness, noting how it will translate to homes of all sizes (because we can't all live like Serena, after all).

'Few palettes are as timeless – or as versatile – as black and white. The stark pairing can achieve a variety of styles, from minimalist to dramatic, and can make spaces feel both sophisticated and inviting,' he says.

'In kitchen design, it can serve as the basis of the classic, time-honored white kitchen, while allowing for a plethora of eye-catching twists. Have fun with the reverse hues. The contrast can highlight architectural details, define surfaces, or add a pop of impact with accessories.'