Viola Davis' entryway features luxurious accents for a twist on a classic color palette that will be popular in 2024
Sculptures and chandeliers add dimension to a black-and-white color scheme


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.
A post shared by MICHAELA TUPTA CADIZ (@michaelacadizinc)
A photo posted by on
'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.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
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.
Shop the edit
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.

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.
Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.
-
Mandy Moore's modern, minimalist entryway is the perfect mix of textures and patterns – shop the look from $50
Mandy Moore combines natural materials with bold patterns to create an entryway that is both contemporary and timeless, and it's simple to replicate
-
Don't dismiss this prolific plant as an irritating weed – it's actually a climate resilient, secret superfood packed with health-boosting nutrients
Discover how to grow dandelion greens for food, with advice from expert growers
-
Viola Davis and Julius Tennon's 'outdated' living room color scheme is surprisingly back in favor for 2025 – and it is the perfect choice for peace, calm and tranquility
Sophisticated and nuanced, this shade shines in this Californian home
-
Kathy Hilton's kitchen cabinet color scheme is a deep-toned marvel that will be trendier than ever in 2025
This unexpected shade of blue is predicted to be the biggest kitchen color trend this year
-
Anne Hathaway’s unexpected kitchen cabinet color will take over our homes in 2025, say experts
Like a gentle summer breeze, this alluring pale green hue is refreshing and uplifting...
-
Zooey Deschanel and Johnathan Scott's Christmas decor uses a trending color scheme with classic motifs for the best holiday decoration I've seen this year
By integrating a color scheme that's topping trends with the Christmas themes we've always loved, the couple creates whimsy – Wicked fans will love it
-
Cardi B's modern twist on a classic kitchen color scheme brings new life to a timeless combination – the bold pattern adds instant visual interest
Traditional black and white reign in Cardi B's kitchen, but a unique contemporary pattern make it like nothing we've ever seen, here's why it works
-
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos' anti-trend kitchen color scheme makes a case for neutral tones – proving classic shades aren't going anywhere for 2025
The simple, classic color scheme in Kelly Ripa and Mark Conseulos's kitchen will never go out of style – here's how to keep the beautiful colors in fashion
-
Reese Witherspoon's minimalist Christmas tree is unexpected – but it is tasteful, easy to replicate, and has its roots in ancient tradition
Evoke visions of scarlet bows, burgundy ornaments, and candy canes on the tree with a classic red-and-white scheme
-
Aaron Paul's serene entryway is modern rustic perfection – and I predict these warm neutrals will still be the most popular trend in 2025
As winter closes in, take inspiration from the changing seasons to create a cozy, protective space perfect for hibernating. Sitting grounding neutrals alongside earthy textures and natural materials will guarantee enduring charm