Certain color palettes stand the test of time because they are just that classic. Naturally, black and white is one of them – the high contrast combo is both retro-inspired and modern, making it a fantastic pick anywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom.
When it comes to the latter, we are taking inspiration from The Addams Family and Yellowjackets star Christina Ricci. The actor recently shared a clip of her black and white bathroom on her Instagram page, which is a masterclass in modernizing a traditional palette.
The black crittall shower doors complement the white tiling, while a piece of black and white, framed art keeps the space feeling contemporary. It's the pefect inspiration for those who want to uphold a timeless color palette while keeping things modern. The perfect balance for a classic yet contemporary home.
According to experts, the monochromatic color palette is one with a rich and (ironically) vibrant history.
'Black & white is the most classic and timeless color combination not just in the world of interior design but in fashion, printed media, and the art world,' says Los Angeles-based interior designer Alexandra Peck. 'Thinking back to the dawn of mankind, our earliest ancestors used charcoal to depict scenes and scenarios to tell stories. This history has continued to the present day, where artists will sketch the human form and landscapes on white parchment paper with a black pencil or sculpt figured out of white Thassos marble.'
The benefit of introducing a black-and-white color palette to the home is that it will surpass any color trends, ensuring that it is a safe and stylish decision.
'Monochromatic color schemes never go out of style as its pairing is so engrained in our DNA,' Peck explains. 'The black and white combination can be applied in a minimalistic way, which is often seen as retro - think classic glossy white subway tiled walls with black and white checkered flooring, which evokes the early 1900s as well as old English sculleries. This combination can also be used endlessly to create very ornate and intricate designs - such as carefully molded plaster detailing, an elaborate Nero Marquina marble fireplace mantel, and high gloss black lacquered wood flooring.'
Texture is key when it comes to maintaining visual interest in a black and white bathroom.
'When I style a black and white bathroom I like to stick with the monochromatic color scheme and enhance the space with white, plush bath linens and a textural floor runner,' Peck says. 'I typically will pair beautiful glass elements such as a vase and soap dispenser as well as metallic accents (often brass, other times chrome or polished nickel, and sometimes black depending upon the space) in the plumbing fixtures & lighting to create a little sparkle.'
In Ricci's bathroom, the sheen of the shower tiles and the sturdiness of the crittall doors create some contrast, while a plush cushion on her seat adds some softness to the space.
Shop the Look
Nothing declares luxury like a Frette Towel. The classic, two-striped look is a classic.
We love the sophisticated, gold spout on this marble soap dispenser.
We recommend the black and white bathroom for anyone who wants to transcend trends. This trend is also highly modifiable and easy to modernize; try switching out accessories, such as soap dispensers or towels, with different patterns and textures to keep it interesting.
