Black-and-white interiors can sometimes be dismissed as a safe or predictable choice, but this timeless combination has plenty of potential. Rather than sticking rigidly to two shades, using black and white as a foundation gives you the freedom to layer in richer, more expressive colors.
Kourtney Kardashian’s living room, designed by Jeff Andrews, is a great example. Andrews has taken the classic monochrome color scheme and brought it to life with playful jewel tones, adding warmth, depth and plenty of personality. The result is a space that feels sophisticated and considered, but far from restrained – much like Kardashian herself.
The jewel-tone palette is particularly striking against black-and-white. Rich shades of jade green, ruby red and sapphire blue have long been favorites in interior design, dating back to the glamorous Art Deco interiors of the 1920s. They’ve continued to come back around over the decades, and now they’re enjoying another moment as homeowners become more confident with color.
There’s been a noticeable move away from interiors dominated by soft neutrals, with many of us looking for homes that feel more joyful, individual and full of character. After years of whites, grays and beige being the go-to choices, bolder colors offer an easy way to bring a little more energy into our spaces.
‘Rich, deep tones are increasingly popular with consumers, with shades like royal blue, plum, and emerald green seeing a surge in demand,’ explains Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘Evoking the grandeur of the Renaissance, this color trend is making a dramatic return to our homes, infusing interiors with luxury and sophistication.’
You don’t need to completely rethink your color scheme to embrace the trend, either. You can introduce jewel tones in smaller ways through furniture, cushions, rugs, artwork, and accessories. Even a single emerald green chair or sapphire blue accent can make a surprisingly big difference.
Against a black-and-white backdrop, these saturated shades really stand out. The monochrome base keeps the room feeling balanced, while jewel tones bring in the warmth and visual interest that can sometimes be missing from a more neutral scheme.
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It’s all part of a wider shift toward more expressive interiors, as bold and dramatic shades gradually take the place of traditional neutrals. While there will always be a place for timeless whites and grays, color is becoming an increasingly important way to make a home feel personal.
And you don’t have to go all out to get the look. If Kardashian’s living room proves anything, it’s that a classic black-and-white scheme can become much more interesting with just a few well-chosen hits of color.
If your living room leans neutral, jewel-toned furniture and accessories are an easy way to introduce festive color, warmth and richness. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite pieces to instantly add vibrancy, personality, and a touch of sparkle to your space.
Lulu and Georgia
Ojo De Liebre Vase by Meso
The dark green colorway makes this sculptural vase an easy way to tap into the jewel-tone trend. Made from recycled glass and finished with decorative discs, it adds rich color, texture and a touch of drama to a console, shelf or dining table.
A bold hit of pink is an easy way to embrace the jewel-tone trend without committing to a complete color overhaul. This playful martini glass adds rich color and a decorative touch to your table, while its individual, handcrafted finish makes each piece feel unique. Mix it with other jewel-toned accents for a layered, collected look.
This plush faux-fur throw pillow comes in a rich jewel teal, making it an easy way to bring a bold hit of color and a touch of luxury into your living space. Soft and tactile, it’s perfect for layering on a sofa or bed without a major commitment.