A Dutch Interior Designer’s Monochrome Home Is Effortlessly Elegant
When I started my design studio, I was working from home most of the time and wanted to make it feel like an actual office, rather than just my living room—so I did it in black and white! Here are eight tips that helped me turn my house into an actual place of business.
Inspiration
As a professional interior designer, I am always on the lookout for inspiring homes that showcase great design. I recently came across the home of Dutch interior designer Astrid Kroon, and was immediately struck by its elegant simplicity. The house is all about black and white—even the bathroom is decked out in black tiles. But don’t worry, this monochromatic look is not your typical stark white palette with a few modern accents. The style is balanced by pops of warm wood furniture (a nod to Holland’s famous canal houses) and a mix of textures like rough stone floors paired with smooth marble counters. With such a minimal color palette, every piece must be carefully selected for style, materiality, and functionality to achieve this seamless look. Here are some tips
Style of the home
This home is the epitome of elegance. The black and white color palette creates a feeling of sophistication, while the clean lines and simple furnishings give the space a sense of calm. Even though the home is monochromatic, it doesn’t feel cold or sterile. Instead, it feels warm and inviting. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the art on the walls to the books on the shelves. This is a truly beautiful home.
Colour combination
One of the most popular colour combinations in interior design is black and white. It’s a classic combo that always looks chic and elegant. Plus, it’s easy to mix and match different shades of black and white to create a variety of looks. If you’re thinking about incorporating this combo into your home, here are some tips to get you started. First, decide on one key piece (such as curtains or a rug) that will be either all black or all white. Then, complement the room with pieces of the opposite colour (white or black). You can also alternate between colours with small items like throw pillows or decorative accents – for example, have an all-black bedspread but use a fluffy white rug underneath for contrast.
Decor elements
With its clean lines and uncluttered surfaces, a monochrome color scheme is the epitome of Scandinavian design. And while you might associate this look with all-white rooms, black and white is actually a more common combo in Scandinavian countries. It’s no wonder that there are tons of designers who have adopted these colors into their homes, like designer Klaartje Mennink.
Tips from the designers
- Stick to a single color scheme.
- Use different textures and finishes to add interest.
- Incorporate plenty of storage into your design.
- Invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
- Keep the overall look clean and uncluttered.
Behind the scenes
I’m not sure what I expected when I walked into Eliane’s home, but it certainly wasn’t this. Eliane is a Dutch interior designer, and her home is a beautiful blend of monochrome colors, with black, white, and gray as the primary colors. The furniture is all minimalist and modern, but there are also some antique pieces mixed in. It’s clear that a lot of thought and care went into the design of this space.
