Can classic design features ever feel overdone? I was starting to think they could, when I lost excitement for a black and white color palette – but then Simone Biles's living room changed my mind.
At a glance, the simple, pared-back space feels ultra-minimalist, but in what the corner lacks in furniture and accessories, it makes up for with its stark contrasting scheme. The minimalist nature of her black and white living room allows the juxtaposing colors to take center stage.
There is no artwork or other statement furniture to distract, so my focus automatically focuses on the tones and their powerful impact. The result is sleek, modern, and impactful enough to emphasize that black and white is more than a fleeting color trend. Both together and alone, they transcend design movements, meaning Simone's living room will likely look just as good next year as it does today.
Shop the look
The lack of furniture and accessories is what makes Simone's living room so beautiful, but if you keep things curated, you can get the same look.
I've handpicked these pieces that, when kept to a minimum, will look perfect against any white painted living room. The black sofa (available at Wayfair) is a failsafe starting point, but if you're going to accessorize, these pieces will tap into the scheme perfectly.
The most obvious (and impactful) way to follow Simone's example is with an upholstered black sofa, much like this one. It looks best in a white-painted living room, where the dark velvet can make the statement it deserves. This exquisite piece truly combines comfort, style, and functionality effortlessly.
Tangy and herby, this fresh-picked blackcurrant candle is unlike any other. It is a harmonious fragrance that unites its flowery rose notes with the berry notes. Its beautiful container means it looks great on any console or coffee table.
As Simone's living room teaches us, black and white need not be a harsh color scheme, especially if you introduce plenty of texture. This linen-look cushion is an even softer way to introduce this dramatic pairing, and
When used correctly, black and white is the key to a minimalist living room that doesn't feel boring. The dramatic nature of the color pairing means you don't need to fill your room with decorative pieces, as the tones themselves do all the talking.
Plus, while I am sure Simone's space is certainly not compact, experts explain that this technique is especially transformative in small living rooms (much like my own).
'Embracing a monochromatic paint scheme is a fantastic way of creating a chic, minimalist look in a living room,' says Helen Shaw, the International Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore.
'If working with a smaller space, embrace a clean white colour scheme to open up the space, then use accents of black on panelling, skirting boards or as a linear divide to the room to make a real statement.'
I was over black and white spaces until Simone's living room reminded me that, with the right styling, this look can make an impression that will only ever feel chic and contemporary. In this case, less really is more.
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