A black and white bathroom inspires a '20s Paris look and feel.
Some of the great aspects of choosing to decorate a bathroom in black and white: It is next to impossible for the bathroom to clash with whatever room it is next to; any color works as an accent with black and white; and a black and white bathroom never really goes out of style. Following are some suggestions for giving your bathroom a black and white makeover.
Flooring
Black and white tiles evoke days gone by. For a '20s retro look, lay black and white octagonal tiles, found at any of the big-box stores or specialty tile shops. Some salvage stores may have tiles from the era, rather than reproductions. For a '50s-style bathroom, go for 12- by 12-inch laminate squares (simply peel the backing off and lay the tiles down) or tiles (allow yourself a weekend to lay ceramic tiles). For a modern bathroom, keep the flooring all one color, such as black granite or white marble.
Walls
Wall coverings for a black and white bathroom vary, depending on the era of the look you're trying to achieve. For a Victorian bathroom, choose black and white (or black and cream) patterned wallpaper, such as toile or ticking. White subway tiles are a popular choice for a retro bathroom; incorporate a thin, black decorative tile around the room---at about eye level---for added interest. To save money, choose fresh white paint instead of wallpaper or tiles; an accent wall in black paint or black and white wallpaper adds interest without breaking the budget.
Vanity, Toilet and Tub
Typically, a stark white vanity, toilet and tub are good choices, especially for home resale purposes. Choose the style that fits your overall look. A modern bathroom can carry the look of a black toilet and sink (even a tub), but white works as well. A modern bathroom calls for clean lines in both form and function; a square sink and no-frills toilet make the modern grade. A retro toilet may have more of the plumbing exposed and a fancier chrome flushing handle. A vintage bathroom looks great with a cast-iron claw-foot tub; for convenience, a claw-foot tub can be outfitted for a shower.
Accoutrements
Once the bones of the bathroom are complete, it is time to add details to the black and white bathroom. Add an accent color in any of the details, or stay true to the black and white theme. Items to incorporate: shower curtain, bath and hand towels, floor mat or rug, wall photos, pictures or art, usable and/or decorative containers for cotton balls and swabs, and a clock. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns---harlequin, checks, stripes, and geometric designs can coexist when they are all black and white. When hanging photos or pictures, make photocopies of them in black and white, and frame them in black, white or silver frames for a timeless look that works in a bathroom of any era.
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