16 Rooms for Black-and-White Decor Inspiration
Designers are always talking about achieving balance. Perhaps nowhere is that concept on better display than in black-and-white rooms, where the subtle equilibrium of opposing elements creates a stunning effect that's greater than the sum of its parts. Whether in a living room or dining room, bedroom or bath, the serenity of white serves as a perfect complement to the bold drama of black details, a visual reminder of the power of negative space. Beyond the symbolic resonance, black-and-white interiors are effortlessly chic—they rarely go out of style. Here, we've rounded up 16 high-contrast rooms that are assertive yet subdued, timeless yet of-the-moment, and sure to inspire whatever dueling aspects of your personality need stimulating.
1/16In the entrance hall of a Cap Ferrat, France, villa designed by India Mahdavi, a Serge Mouille ceiling fixture joins Fornasetti chairs and a table found in London.
2/16The master bath in designer Fiona Kotur’s Hong Kong home features a sconce by Ralph Lauren Home and nickel-plated shower and sink fittings by Dornbracht.
3/16In a Gramercy Park, New York, triplex designed by Eric Cohler, the dramatic staircase is lined with panels painted a Benjamin Moore white.
4/16In the master bath of a Swiss villa designed by Studio Peregalli and Renzo Mongiardino, trompe l'oeil–painted walls join a floor set with blocks of Carrara and Bardiglio marble.
5/16In Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber’s New York apartment, designed by Ashe + Leandro, a Ralph Lauren Home light fixture illuminates the master bath's Victoria + Albert tub, which has Dornbracht fittings; the mirror and chair are antique, and the penny tile is by Waterworks.
6/16The kitchen in Holly Hunt’s Chicago apartment is outfitted with Holly Hunt Studio pendant lamps, cabinetry by Piero Lissoni for Boffi, a granite backsplash and counters, a Wolf range, and a floor of leathered French limestone.
Photo: Luke White7/16In the master bath of a London townhouse decorated by Francis Sultana, a work by Aaron Curry is reflected in the mirror; the vanity is by Bonetti, and the sink fittings are by Grohe.
Photo: Luke White8/16In the same home, a Fredrikson Stallard light fixture hangs over the first-floor dining table, which is topped with a trio of Ai Weiwei vases and lined with Bonetti chairs.
Photo: Roger Davies9/16In the master bedroom of Sheryl Crow’s Los Angeles home, the four-poster is by Jayson Home & Garden, with white linen bedding by Matteo; the writing table against the window is by LDC Home.
Photo: Nickolas Koenig10/16In interior designer Emily Summers’s Palm Springs, California, home, gathered around the living room fireplace are a Warren Platner settee, lounge chair, and ottoman, all upholstered in a fabric from Cowtan & Tout, and a wicker chair by Marc Newson.
Photo: Charles White11/16The double-height entrance hall of talent-agent-turned-interior-designer Sandy Gallin’s Malibu, California, home features herringbone floors and a black bannister.
Photo: Björn Wallander12/16In a New York townhouse decorated by Delphine Krakoff a guest bath is sheathed in Bisazza tile; the sink is by Kohler, and the shower and sink fittings are by Waterworks.
Photo: Joshua McHugh13/16In the living room of a Manhattan apartment, decorated by MR Architecture + Decor, an artwork by Rodney Dickson hangs above a custom-made sofa clad in a Pollack velvet; the floor lamp is by Arredoluce, and the fox-fur pillows and calfskin rug are by J. Mendel.
Photo: Nikolas Koenig14/16A lacquered-mahogany platform bed dominates one end of the master suite in a Beverly Hills home by James Magni; the curtains are of a Clarence House fabric, and the hide carpet is by Aga John Rugs.
Photo: William Waldron15/16A Benjamin Moore white brightens a guest room in Francisco Costa’s Long Island home, which was decorated by Mark Cunningham and furnished with a 1920s mahogany bed featuring Calvin Klein Home bedding.
Photo: Douglas Friedman16/16Black-and-white floor tiles by Clé provide a graphic welcome at the Manhattan duplex apartment that actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber share with their two sons; the interiors were designed by the firm Ashe + Leandro.