Tired of a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, ubiquitous advertising posters and neon signs, every inhabitant of a modern metropolis wants to retire in a neutral home environment. Perhaps that is why laconic interiors in black and white are so rapidly gaining popularity. The achromatic palette is ideal for decorating studio apartments, attics, lofts. As for individual rooms, the competent use of contrasts allows you to create an interesting play of light and shadow, visually expanding the space, as well as giving the room a complete look.
Key Features
Due to its expressiveness, black and white color in the interior is not found too often. This tandem is the eternal unity of opposites, yin and yang, but the slightest imbalance can be fatal.
Design in black and white requires impeccability in absolutely everything. It should be distinguished by the latest materials, perfectly smooth surfaces, neat lines and perfect shapes. Particular attention should be paid to proportions - it is better if one color is background and the other is present in accents. Excessive amounts of small contrasts are tiring, but large details look more harmonious.
Of great importance in an achromatic interior are invoices. So glossy black becomes a kind of mirror in which bright areas are reflected, and thus the effect of the night sky is obtained. In turn, matte surfaces look solid and stable, creating an atmosphere of luxury.
The predominance of white is suitable for small rooms that need to be made more airy and spacious. Dark elements in this case should be used very carefully. For example, to visually raise the ceiling, several vertical stripes, curtains or tall narrow black pencil cases will suffice, and an extended sofa or a horizontally oriented panel will help expand one of the walls.
Highlight discreet design will help successful lighting. Colored garlands or LEDs in a second will transform the room, because in their rays all the white objects will appear red, blue, green, purple. Also, if desired, you can choose a cold or warm shade of lamps for a bluish or soft yellowish glow.
Furniture for black and white interior
Cabinet furniture, which is able to complement the interior design in black and white, is strict wardrobes, possibly with mirrored doors; modern walls and racks; concise dressers, tables, chairs. In the classical style, golden or silver fittings, intricate contrasting patterns and carved reliefs are welcomed, but at the same time products should be covered with a dense layer of glossy enamel. Cabinet furniture for the kitchen and living room can reflect futuristic motifs. Here tabletops made of shockproof glass or bulk stone, chrome inserts, metallic luster will be appropriate. In the relaxation room, a coffee table with a touch panel will become the central element.
Upholstered furniture in a black and white interior is represented by discreet but respectable sofas, armchairs, pouffes, beds with a luxurious headboard. As a rule, preference is given to leather upholstery, in some cases monophonic velor or patterned jacquard are also appropriate. Pure white or black is most often used, although neutral gray or pastel colors can muffle the excessive contrast of the black and white design if necessary.
Combination with other colors
In an achromatic setting, any blotches of color become unusually spectacular. It can even be the smallest objects - a figurine, a vase, a painting, a mug. The black-and-white environment seems to increase the brightness several times, and it seems that the color thing somehow miraculously transferred to the frame of the old cinema from parallel reality. When it comes to decoration, it usually looks less dramatic, but at the same time it dilutes the severity and makes the interior more comfortable.
Black and white and gray
Gray is the most logical intermediary between black and white. In essence, it is partial shade, a mixture of darkness and light in different quantities. It does not violate achromatic harmony, but rather softens and deepens it. But getting involved in gray beyond measure is also not worth it, otherwise you will get a dull office design with the appearance of a concrete box.
Black and white and beige
The beige-brown shade characteristic of wood often accompanies the black-and-white interior design. Usually this is the color of parquet, individual elements of furniture, textiles, decor. Sometimes beige is also found in decoration. Its use gives the room a more homely, as well as habitual look.
Black and white and red
Whatever the shade of red, be it rich red, noble cherry or dusted brick, on a black and white background it always looks incredibly festive. In order not to overload the interior, it is recommended to use this color in several small accessories (photo frames, candles, dishes) or in one oversized item (retro fridge, vintage sofa, one brick wall in the loft, etc.).
Black and white and green
It cannot be denied that the black-and-white interior itself looks rather lifeless, causing associations with winter landscapes. “Revitalize” it will help indoor plants, landscape murals, textiles and decor of light green or grass shades. Green looks more organically in the presence of a gray background.
Black and white and yellow
Although yellow on a black background everywhere means a signal: “Caution: danger”, but in an achromatic interior, such a combination can be very nice. After all, it is not necessary to choose striped black and yellow patterns or a strange abstraction from which ripples in the eyes. The best solution would be sunny paintings, wicker decor made of straw, sofa cushions, curtains.
Black and white and blue
In a black and white interior, blue color is most often found in the form of "space" lighting. In general, he is close to black and can compete with him. Saturated heavenly, turquoise, shades of a sea wave look very successfully both on a dark and on a light background.
Black and white color in the interior - photo
To get an idea of how the black and white decoration of different rooms may look like, our selection of photos will help you. The gallery contains interesting design options in achromatic colors, which are already implemented in houses and apartments. These examples will be useful for everyone who likes the restrained interaction of light and shadow without the extra brightness of colors.
Black and white kitchen interior
Stylish, fashionable, modern - that's how you can characterize a kitchen in black and white. The newest technology with its chrome-plated doors and touch control screens will perfectly fit into such an environment. Particularly successful black and white kitchen looks in open-plan apartments, forming a single composition with the guest and dining area.
Black and white living room interior
Both in studios and in separate rooms, the black and white design of the living room will always attract increased comfort. Such an atmosphere has a pleasant time in front of the TV, easy communication with friends and relatives.
Black and white bedroom interior
Black and white bedroom perfectly copes with its main task - to contribute to relaxation and restful sleep.Achromatic colors, selected in the right amount, calm the nervous system, relax, and also help to quickly escape from daytime thoughts.
Black and white bathroom interior
Black and white bathroom design can be attributed to the most successful experiments. The absence of bright colors eliminates the "overload" of the interior; in such an environment, any plumbing and accessories look perfect, from ultramodern to vintage.
Nursery interior in black and white
For the normal development of young children, they just need to contemplate saturated colors. In a house or apartment they should be surrounded by bright, cheerful colors. It is possible to design a nursery in black and white only at the request of a teenager, but here it is better to give a dominant position to white - so that in the end it would be at least 70%.
Hallway / corridor interior in black and white
It makes sense to make the corridor black and white if at least the living room, or maybe the apartment as a whole, is also made out in an achromatic palette. Large mirrors, paintings with graphics, high-quality lighting will help to decorate its minimalist interior.
Video: Black and white interiors