Black and white is the timeless color scheme. We see it in retro-inspired floor tiling and modern living room furnishings in equal measure; it makes sense, then, that a home's entryway is the ideal place to incorporate this pleasing palette.
There's one inclusion that can elevate a black-and-white room: bespoke and unique accents. That's what designer Michaela Cadiz has done with her client, actor Viola Davis' entryway color. The How To Get Away With Murder and The Woman King star's hallway is minimal yet elegant, featuring white walls and a black-framed portrait. What takes it to the next level is the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, along with a sculpture of an Agojie warrior standing on a round table.
Black-and-white's appeal lies in its chameleonic qualities; these two neutral shades look just as fitting together as they do with other colors and patterns. For this reason, experts say that subtle additions should be embraced within the scheme.
'Black-and-white serves as a foundation for a room – accessories and details are what make it even more visually appealing,' says Homes & Gardens' editor Jennifer Ebert. 'Metallics and textured pieces, like the jeweled chandelier in Viola Davis' space, are a great way to introduce dimension without straying too far from the original, black-and-white motif.'
Jen is Deputy Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens online. Before starting this position, she had completed various courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer. When the opportunity to work on such a prestigious, influential brand came up, Jen says just couldn't pass up on the offer.
However, for those looking to stray away a bit, Ebert says that the addition of a bold accent color is a tried and true method for making a space feel more vibrant.
'If you're going to add a bold accent color to a black-and-white room, I'd recommend trying a primary color: red, blue, and yellow are all fantastic options,' she says.
These bold hues add some playful ambiance to what can otherwise be a minimal area of the home.
A black and white entryway similar to Viola Davis's.
Artwork is also wonderful for making a black-and-white space feel more unique. We love Davis' grand sculpture and black-and-white print, as they turn what would otherwise be an empty space for guests to pass through into a communal area for discussion and observation.
'Sculptures are particularly impactful, as they are multi-dimensional and can even complement existing furniture materials,' Ebert says.
In Davis' case, the bold, iron sculpture contrasts the smooth, stone table it sits upon.
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Below, we've rounded up some accent pieces to elevate all spaces, whether we have a monochromatic entryway like Davis or want to experiment with a black-and-white living room. This color pairing has already stood the test of time, so we can invest with confidence.
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