Today’s colour-coded inspiration contains two colours that separately have quite contradictory symbolisms and “feels”. Take black – it can be serious and conventional but it can also be elegant, sleek, and sophisticated (maybe even a bit sexy & mysterious). White is generally associated with purity, cleanliness, and innocence but it can also be stark and uninteresting.

White and black have the ability to compliment any colour (as they are neutral colours) and they are rarely used alone as the effect can be quite overpowering. Black can make an interior space appear to shrink in size and to much brilliant white can cause headaches.

Using black & white together creates a bold and sometimes an unwittingly masculine space. This colour duo can be loosely associated with a mid-century modern style of decorating (a style trend that is currently experiencing a revival) and also the more sleek and minimalist contemporary styles.

Feature Image via Emma’s Designblogg. From top left: Black Loofah Sphere Hanging Lamp – Weylandts / Jozi Shelf – Egg Designs / 3 x Scatter Cushions – Loads Of Living / Black & White Squares Scatter Cushion – @Home / Best Beaches Art – Quirky Me / Various Ceramic Vases with Rabbit, Bird & Protea Designs – Quirky Me / Circular Coffee Table – Tonic Design / Cow Hide Rug – Weylandts / Wingback Chair with Ottoman – Tom Dixon / Round Bamboo Placemat – @Home

Feature Image via Dear Lillie. From top left: Faux Fur Throw – @Home / White Ceramic Pot – Mr. Price Home / Black Doily Cushion – Weylandts / White Crochet Cushion – Woolworths / Black Ruffled Cushion – Weylandts / Black Spotted Cushion – Woolworths / Numbered Glass Bottles – Loads Of Living / Manuscript Rug – Nanimarquina / Lotus Candle Holder – Mr.Price Home / Velvet Ottoman – Weylandts / Ceramic Vessels – Woolworths / Chair – Chair Crazy / Plume Lamp – Spazio