A black and white interior decorating scheme can appear stark and sterile or warm and welcoming; it really depends on how you use your own fresh home decorating ideas to soften a harsh monochrome palette. Neutral design doesn’t have to be boring, it can be just as exciting as any other color scheme and twice as sophisticated!

a lot of impressions

Standard black and white rooms with no patterns or decorations often end up looking like a showroom floor. Unless you want to feel like you’re living in an IKEA ad, consider going a little funky with bold prints. Many designers choose to use bold patterned wallpaper to tie everything together, but sometimes that’s just not possible. Instead, try tossing in a large rug that has organic shapes, like zebra stripes or floral prints.

However, apply these home decorating ideas for patterns judiciously. Too much chaos can make the room look even less inviting than an empty one. Instead of choosing bold upholstery for all furniture, try limiting the use of patterns to one chair or table, or use playful patterned cushions or throws on understated furniture. A large wall print can serve the same purpose and reduce the impact of a pure black or white wall.

tone down or tone up

A dash of colorful home decorating ideas can make all the difference in a room filled with stark whites and deep blacks. Beige and tan neutrals can work wonders in softening a monochromatic scheme. Gray is a popular and versatile option: dark tones increase visual stability, while light gray appears open and carefree.

Limit yourself to one or two accent colors. Too many shades make the eyes jump around the room, leaving an impression of disorganization. Stick with the same shades: If you choose pastel, stick with pastel; If you choose bright and vivid, be sure not to introduce a dull or washed out tone!

Textures and Shapes

You can easily soften your black and white room by adding, you guessed it, soft textures. Light, billowy window shades can make a big difference, but not as much as a big, fluffy rug. Get fun when you layer textures, there are no wrong answers! Introduce organic forms whenever possible: sculptures, pieces of driftwood, a chandelier. If you have a garden or access to a nearby park, make sure you always have a vase of fresh flowers on hand for an instant room refresh. Wildflowers are the cheapest home decorating ideas to work with.

Your black and white room doesn’t have to look like a laboratory! Monochrome schemes can be just as interesting and fun as any other design; it just takes a little experimentation. One thing is for sure: your boring room won’t light itself up! Use these home decorating ideas and create some of your own to turn your black and white room into an oasis of self-expression.