SOFTLY MONOCHROME The timeless match of instantly calming and perfectly balanced black and white

Instantly calming and perfectly balanced, these contrasting shades are a timeless match. However, nothing is ever just black and white…

Objects of desire

In a scheme with minimal colour, texture is key. From smooth porcelain to robust stone and everything in between, there are plenty of interesting and tactile effects to seek out.

From left Sibling vase Scallop 1, £145; Torre black vase, £14; Kaya handblown vase, £14; Sibling reed vase, £145; Loa planter, £12; all Curious Egg

Set the scene

Pale-toned wood and polished concrete create a serene backdrop to stronger accents of clean white and bold blacks.

Austin table, £595; bench, £395;

tablecloth, £40; all Habitat.

Flannel cushion cover, £25.95; striped blanket, £49.99; both Zara Home. Jute stripe cushion, £10, George Home. Cover

chair by Muuto, £359; Fawn

chair, £490; both Heal’s FOR OTHER PRODUCT DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

Carefully curated

Prevent the overall effect from feeling too stark by weaving in interesting elements – a chunky knit rug, feathery pampas grass and decorative structural objects all bring detail and character.

Walls painted in Clean White pure flat emulsion, £49.50/2.5L, Paint & Paper Library. Asko rug by Linie Design, from £269, Heal’s. Ros

armchair, £479, So Simple at

DFS. Pleated throw, £45, Cox & Cox. Slub cushion cover, £50, The Conran Shop. Fringed cushion

cover, £19.99, Zara Home. Expose

tray, £169, Boconcept. Enriqueta Cepeda white bowl, £120, Maud & Mabel. Albie mirror, £195, Loaf. White Spiral staircase poster, £11.95; Light wood frame, £12.95; both Desenio. Circles sculpture

by House Doctor, £115, Amara. Moon vase by Noe Kuremoto, £300, Design & That

Relaxed fit

Oatmeal-toned upholstery is a great way to warm up these cool hues – especially important when creating a cosy and welcoming living room.

Long Island corner sofa in Harry Sand, £6,755; Scatter cushions, from £74; all Neptune

Heavenly balance

Going dark on walls can feel daunting, but the effect is worth it. Try it on half a wall to frame your bed, softening with abundant layers of inviting linens, plump cushions and warm wool blankets.

Bjorksnas bed frame, £299; Hafslo mattress, £85; both Ikea. Expose side table, £389, Boconcept. Sphere table lamp, £119; Ripple tumbler by Ferm Living, £35/four; both Heal’s. Lazy Linen pillowcases in white, and light grey, both £40/pair; Lazy Linen duvet cover in white, £145/double; all Loaf. Rems cushion, £70, Boconcept. Graphic cushion, £59, Design & That. Velvet cushion cover, £45, The Conran Shop. Linen cushion

cover with black piping, £19.99; Frayed wool blanket, £79.99; Geometric jacquard blanket,

£89.99; all Zara Home

Linen love

The beauty of a monochrome scheme is that everything matches, and you can easily swap in different shades and textures of bedding according to the season.

Lixa cushion, £22; Sameiro bedlinen, £16/pillowcase; Lixa bedspread, from £69; all Urbanara