Decorating with black and white is on designers radar these days. We’re taking our cue from the fashion industry where black and white has always been a way of life and not a passing trend. Just like the little black dress or black slacks paired with a crisp white shirt, black and white are time-honoured classics.
Recently on Cityline (above), I had fun with host Tracy Moore sharing my tips on decorating with black and white and how to get it right. To achieve an inviting – not jarring – black and white aesthetic, it’s all about creating a balance. 
Above: If you want to create high drama in a space, a black wall (Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10) is the perfect backdrop to white furniture and accessories as shown above. Crisp, eye-popping contrast isn’t for everyone. Tone down the contrast by introducing charcoal in rugs, chairs, art or patterned wallpaper. Bring in pops of a favourite colour with cushions, rugs, florals or other accents to help balance the palette and give your eye a place to land in a monochromatic space. Alternately, the same applies to a white space. Black furniture accented with neutral accents – gold, pastels, beige, will warm up the look without sacrificing the dramatic look you want to achieve in a space with a striking black and white palette. Ikea
Tip: Stay true to the classic black and white aesthetic and maintain a simple and clean look by adding accents and colours in small doses. Balance is the key!
Above: An accent chair or toss cushions in these bold Kate Spade linen fabrics from Kravet through Jackie Glass Inc (trade only) is all you need to catch the eye in a black and white space.
Above: Timeless and of the moment, this monochromatic aesthetic delivers sophisticated style, drama and practicality to any room including the kitchen. Today’s spaces decorated in black and white will have a lasting impact for homeowners and will stand the test of time. Kitchen by Ikea
Tip: Accents in wood, gold metallic, stainless steel, soft black/charcoal and fresh or faux greenery are particularly helpful in banishing the starkness often attributed to a black and white space. Blue, yellow, fucshia hues will always look great in a black and white room and can instantly and inexpensively change to look.
Above: Add interest and texture to a black and white decor with a touch of pretty graphic fabrics. Mosaic marble scallop tiles, Ceragres. Fabric, Kravet
Above: Introduce modern black and white patterns with wallpaper like these Kelly Wearstler beauties from Kravet through Jackie Glass Inc. (trade only) into an all-black or all-white kitchen, guest room or powder room.
Above: How fun are these Futura graphic enamelled porcelain tiles available in 5 designs and colours. Create your own unique floor or wall pattern by combining and configuring the tile patterns just the way you like them. From Ceragres through Jackie Glass Inc (trade only).
Tip: There are literally hundreds of blacks and whites to choose from. I’m always asked for my favourites. Below, you’ll find my go-to list that never lets me down. They range from warm to cool so there’s something for everyone. Save time and money and grab a sample pot or large paint chip of the colours you’re considering and test them out on your walls, in the space where you’ll be painting, at different times of the day to be sure you’re choosing the correct colour. Keep in mind that your light sources (natural and room lighting) will alter any colour so it’s a good idea to test before buying and painting to avoid disappointment and added expense. Always take tiles, flooring, fabrics, rugs etc into consideration when choosing colour.
Jackie’s 5 Fave Benjamin Moore Blacks
- Soot 2129-20
- Black 2132-10
- Carbon Copy 2117-10
- Universal Black 2118-10
- Black Satin 2131-10
Jackie’s 5 Fave Benjamin Moore Whites
- Chantilly Lace 2121-70
- White Dove OC-17
- Simply White OC-117
- Decorators White OC 152
- Super White OC117
Happy decorating! -Jackie
Hi Jackie
We love your choice of Lauzon Flooring in your home. We are wondering if it is hardwood, engineered, or engineered Expert.
Thank you
Mike and Merrie Wierts
Hi Mike and Merrie,
I chose Engineered for my Lauzon Nostalgia Pure Genius flooring. Collection:Ambiance, Series:Authentic, Species: Red Oak, Wire Brushed, ultra-matte finish.
It’s an amazing highly durable floor. Here’s more info https://lauzonflooring.com/hardwood-flooring/nostalgia-red-oak-flooring-ambiance-authentik/ Cheers!
Where did you get the black and white christmas wrapping paper.
I purchased the black and white paper at Michael’s.
I am having a hard time choosing the right white paint colour. I’ve stared at the swatches and can’t decide… I was debating between the two colours you mentioned above simply white and chantilly lace. I really wanted to like the chantilly lace because it looked so good in other spaces (on Pinterest). My condo is south-facing (sunlight all day), cool grey/dark brown hardwood floors, and tan leather couch. I like chantilly lace during the day, but at night it had a bit of a stark look. And during the day, simply white looked more yellower, but very nice when it was evening… What do you suggest? Could chantilly lace work with the furnitures(tan leather) and the floors I have?
I would recommend Chantilly Lace as it’s a beautiful clean white – not too cold and works well with a warm palette. Light exposure will always change a colour by day and by season so work with the one that best suits your lifestyle. Don’t forget that artificial light will also have an effect on the colour….good luck!
Hi Jackie,
I’m painting my kitchen cabinets wrought iron, Benjamin Moore and I’m struggling with which white paint for my walls. So far I have decorators white, chantilly lace and winter white selected. My backsplash is white subway tile and my floors are dark brown. Any advice would be great!
Best to match the white you choose for the walls as closely as possible to your white tiles.
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Hi, I have White Dove in my house and want to add black. Which black would you suggest. I also have Classic Gray in my house.
Look at Benjamin Moore Onyx 2133-10
I’ve used it in my own house. Love it! Avoid matte. It’s hard to clean 🙂
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