We Answer Wednesday - Update a Black and White Room

"I live in an open concept condo space.  I chose a black and white theme - it's timeless and stylish but also easy but I'm in need of a bit of an update.  How can I keep my main theme of black and white - what are some easy updates to my theme?"

You are so right that black and white are timeless and of course, chic! We love a black and white decor scheme but every now and then no matter the theme, an update is in need.

When it comes to an easy and affordable update you need to stick with what you currently have and just add to it. The good news is you don't need to add a lot to make this change. The even better news for you is that black and white work with just about everything and you have an endless supply of ideas - it really just comes down to what works for YOU!

Here are some ideas....

GOLD.  Adding a touch of gold to a black and white room just gives the whole space some extra glam and luxury. this about gold pillows, lamps, art and accessories.  Even just the smallest touch of gold can go a long way.  Gold never goes out of style but right now is it hot, so you will see gold everywhere!
If gold isn't for you, try silver or rose gold. The gold and rose gold add warmth and a touch of glam to a space the silver is a bit sleeker but all of them work


 

 

COLOUR. Because black and white are classic neutrals - they 'go' with everything! So add a pop of colour - red is a classic combination with black and white.  If you want to try something a bit different try something equally bold like bright pink, turquoise or lime green.  This looks great in a contemporary style. This pillows and art for a colour injection!



PASTEL. Rose quartz is the hot colour for 2016, so add it to your black and white motif.  You don't need a lot to make a splash. And even though this colour is soft and subtle it really makes a statement.  We love mixing some solid pastels with pattern black and white.



FUR. Texture is another great way to add a designer look to a room and fur is another hot textile this year.  We opt for faux options - it's friendlier, easier to clean and you have a ton of possibilities.  what we really like about mixing fur and black/white is that you are once again playing with neutrals so you can choose a white fur, black, grey even beige - it all works! We are seeing fur used in many ways - area rugs, throws, pillows, full blankets, poofs and ottomans.  Don't over do it - just one fur elements can do wonders!



 PATTERN.  Too many solids in one space can look flat, so mix it up with some prints and patterns.  Don't be afraid to mix your patterns - it's so chic! Patterns are best on items that are accent pieces - think pillow and rugs.  Keep the other elements in the room like the main furniture pieces, wall colour and drapery pretty basic if this is a look you want to explore.



When it comes to 'playing' with your black and white palette you can mix a lot of these, so add a touch of metallic, some fur and a pinch of colour. Find the balance that works for you!

Black and White

Black and White is a classic!  It is always "in" and works with so many different styles of decor.  Here are a few of our favourite rooms in black and white.

This condo living room is gorgeous! We love a consistent colour palette in smaller spaces but what's so effective here is all of the white-on-white and accents of black and silver.  The white walls and furniture blend together making the space feel so much bigger.  The glass and silver add so much glamour to the space.



Another stunning living room, we love that this black and white has some ethnic elements with the choices of print and pattern but also materials.  We love to mix patterns but also materials.  The small touches of gold add some shine to the room






This dining area is relaxed but still modern.  The clean, black table paired with Eiffel chairs keeps it cool but the mix makes it relaxed.   The over sized lighting also makes a big statement in the room adjoining rooms.





We love an accent wall and in black and white so chic! This stripe wall in this work space adds instant drama.




Black and White is the bedroom is so chic.  We love the over sized mirrors with mini chandeliers in this bedroom paired with the modern bed frame make this space very unique but still very stylish.





We love the simple glamour of this bedroom.  the full and fluffy white bedding with lots of layers against the black wall is so chic.  And the added detail on that black wall just takes it to the next level. The sphere chandelier is modern but with a classic twist.



We love black and white photography, gallery walls, pillows, prints, area rugs and so much more.  when it comes to decorating your space in this classic contrast don't be afraid to mix up prints and textures.  In fact you really should so that you get a chic designer look .