Inspired By...Black And White

Suddenly, I am crazy for black and white interiors. I can't get enough of the crisp, clean look of black against a white backdrop and the simplicity of a limited palette. There's just something timeless and classic about a palette of ivory and ebony. I find myself looking at all my non-black and white belongings and wondering if I could paint them to one of these non-colors. Instead of going crazy with paint, I decided to put together an inspiration gallery of black and white rooms that I love.

Above: A boldly decorated foyer, decked out in black and white patterns by designer Carleton Varney.

Ilse Crawford's dramatic, black-painted walls give us the courage to go dream of ebony-hued rooms.

This contemporary, black and white interior is anchored by a faux zebra skin rug.

A family kitchen by designer Darryl Carter shows how two contrasting tones add up to one stately space.

These two kitchens show that black and white can go either traditional or contemporary.

Designer Stephen Roberts choice of a black club chair and a painted table pop off the blank canvas of a room.

A black modern chair is a contrast in both style and color to the white, pre-war backdrop of this interior by Stephen Roberts.