Black and white décor must be one of the most popular and classic trends when it comes to interior decorating. We decided to seek some inspiration from the experts on how to incorporate black and white into your home.
In the bathroom
We asked Tile Africa’s marketing manager, Kate van Niekerk, to answer a few questions about incorporating black and white into your bathroom:
Q: What bathroom accessories / sanitary ware / tiles are currently available in black and white / will complement black and white bathrooms?
A: “Nearly all sanitary ware is white these days, so it is possible to go for a Victorian black and white look, for example, with a Victorian slipper bath, or a very modern black and white look using polished porcelain and a free standing bath, with a wall hung vanity. Sometimes big blacks of black and white can be overwhelming, so think of bringing in mosaics for texture, either in black and white, or in silver, gold or an accent colour”
Q: Please give our readers some tips and advice about lighting and planning the layout of black and white bathrooms, in order for them to make clever decisions in this regard?
A: “Overhead fluorescent lighting can be a bit harsh with a black and white theme, and can even make it look too clinical. Softer side lights or down lighters are better. The layout depends greatly on the size and shape of the room, but it’s amazing how you can fit in more than you think! Draw out the room on graph paper and then use cut-out shapes for the sanitary ware placement. Using a corner-bath or a round fronted or corner entry shower can save a lot of space
Q: What colour towelling / curtains / blinds would go well with black and white bathrooms and why?
A: “Because it is an essentially neutral theme, black and white can be used as a backdrop for a number of colours. For example, the monochromatic palette can be used with towels etc in subtle shades of grey or taupe, and highlighted with accents in bright red, citrus yellow or grass green in the face clothes and décor. This would be especially suitable for a modern urban black and white theme. Another funky style colour combo at the moment is to bring in a crushed raspberry colour with black and white. The only colours that tend not to go so well are pale pastels which can look a little washed out against black and white.”
Q: What should one be aware of when choosing a black and white bathroom?
A: “The advantage is that it’s a classic look that can be changed quite easily using different accompanying colours. It won’t date very quickly.”
Q: Please give our readers some practical advice when choosing bathroom accessories / tiles / sanitary ware?
A: “Go to a reputable supplier such as tile Africa where you can get good advice on what tiles are suitable for what application. It is important to also ensure that your tiler is using the correct adhesive system for the job, so ask about that too.”
The rest of your home
Here are some interesting ways to incorporate black and white into the rest of your home:
Flooring:
Black or white / black-and-white flooring materials are the ideal way to incorporate this colour scheme into your home. Consider a black marble floor, white ceramic tiles with a black border, big white or black / a combination of white-and-black tiles or a painted floor (black) with white shapes stencilled on for dramatic effect.
Walls:
White walls, decorated with striking black borders, ornaments, paintings, rugs or pictures. It will add a clean sophistication to any room. Adding floor tiles to your walls is not only very trendy, but can help to ensure that your colour scheme is carried throughout the room.
Small spaces:
A small room is the ideal place to use black-and-white as a colour scheme. A guest bathroom can look striking with black-and-white flooring, wall covering and sanitary ware.
White linen in the bedroom:
Combining crisp white linen with black accessories is a good way to create a dramatic effect. Try using a crisp white duvet cover with black continental pillows and a black night frill.
Iron:
Use black iron furniture as accent pieces in your living and dining room. Add fluffy white cushions and a hairy white carpet for dramatic effect.
Black accents:
Using white tiles and sanitary ware and complementing it with black window frames, towelling and other accessories can be very effective.
Adding a third colour:
Adding a bright third colour here and there can also be very striking and break the black-and-white colour scheme a bit.
What is available?
Here are a few black and white items we’ve spotted and would like to share with you.
Black Dragnet Chair from Weylandts:
The Dragnet Chair is designed by Kenneth Cobonpue, and like so much of his work, this chair will add a touch of design to any space, without any effort at all. It is made from poly cotton fabric which is twisted and wrapped around a frame of galvanized and powder coated steel. The legs are made from stainless steel and the cushions are included.
Lazio daybed from Weylandts:
This classical daybed with its clean lines is sure to be a luxurious add-on to any living room.
4 Piece bed set from Furniture Warehouse:
This black Amanda Queen 4 piece bed set is the ideal accessory to any bedroom and can be complemented with white bed linen.
Modern Side Table from Leonardo Design
This Modern Side Table Base is a clever way to add black elements to a white living room.









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