Interiors

Tips & Tricks: How to Nail the High-Contrast Décor Look

byTeam GM

5 years ago

All-white interiors certainly had their heyday, but a new décor trend has taken center-stage in more recent months and we are HERE for it. If you’ve been seeing high-contrast interiors all over Pinterest and Instagram lately, then you’re not alone. Bright whites juxtaposed with dark greys, rich black, and deep jewel tones have been flooding our feeds, and today we’re giving you the how-to on this rising 2019 décor trend. Here’s how to nail the high-contrast décor look, plus a few ready-to-shop pieces to pull off this look in your own home…

But first, why high contrast?

1. It adds depth.

There’s nothing more underwhelming than an interior that feels too “flat,” and adding contrast to your space is a foolproof way to ensure that doesn’t happen. So whether you go for contrast in the form of differing neutrals, or rich jewel tones, just make sure to vary your tones and textures for a look that feels complete.

3. It creates balance.

Balance is essential to any well-designed interior, and employing thoughtful contrast is just one way to create that sought-after Yin and Yang. If done right, your high-contrast décor will feel perfectly in harmony, and make your space look cohesive as a whole.

3. It makes an impact.

Have you ever walked in a room that seems to take your breath away, but you can’t quite figure out how? Chances are, they’ve nailed that perfect contrast in their design. Creating just the right balance of light and airy, with bold and moody is an easy way to add immediate impact and create a space that is memorable.

Tip #1: Mix and match materials.

Contrast is easily achieved through differences within your color palette, but don’t overlook the power of differing textures and materials. To really drive your high-contrast décor home, try adding pieces that feel distinctly different from the next. You’d be surprised how well they can complement each other as long as they all fall under your overall design concept. (Think soft vs. bold, masculine vs. feminine, natural textiles vs. manmade materials… you get the idea!)

For the Living Room…

  1. Ancient Spirals Print, $550+ | 2. Raw Marble Object, $39.95 | 3. Tangent Brass Chandelier, $399 | 4. Handwoven Triangle Black and White Pouf, $249 | 5. Tom Ford Coffee Table Book, $91.80 | 6. The Llamas Tray, $295 | 7. Shroom Side Table, $249 | 8. Halo Copper Velvet Armchair, $899 | 9. Darbuka Black Coffee Table, $699

Tip #2: Add some warmth.

The idea of stark contrast can seem intimidating at first, but don’t be afraid to soften things up with lighting choices and warm metal finishes. We love brass accents mixed throughout high-contrast interiors, but there are dozens of ways this can be achieved. Need more ideas? Natural greenery, soft-touch textiles, and woven accents are also easy ways to take a bit of the edge off of too-harsh contrast.

For the Office…

  1. Moroccan Wallpaper Mural by Sarah Sherman Samuel, $175 | 2. Nico One-of-a-Kind Mudcloth Pillow, $150 | 3. Cupa Saddle Leather Swivel Base Chair, $799 | 4. Hide and Seek Print, $299+ | 5. Ceres Desk, $1,357 | 6. Lectura Antique Bronze Wall Sconce, $99.95 | 7. Stitch Black and White Ceramic Vase, $9.95 | 8. Quenna Striped Basket, $73 | 9. White Pedestal Bowl, $49.95 | 10. Aravah Jute Rug, $70+

Tip #3: Play with pattern.

Just because contrast is the goal, doesn’t mean each piece in your space has to be classified as solely “light” or “dark.” Pick a few pieces that embody a bit of both, with interesting patterns, globally inspired motifs, or contrasting accents to add even more intrigue to your space.

For the Entryway…

  1. Phaedra Console, $1,757 | 2. Kemper Stool, $1,124 | 3. Black and White Square Print, $349+ | 4. Sale Print, $199+ | 5. Artificial Staghorn Fern, $24.99 | 6. Selfoss Sconce, $839 | 7. Basket Cases, $269-$299 | 8. Kye Rug, Black and White, $260+ | 9. Lane Mirror, $405 | 10. Ario White Vase, $79.95

What are your feelings on the high-contrast interior design trend?

If you’re all about this trend, we want to see your space! Tag your @GrayMalin prints on Instagram so we can take a peek, and you might just see them here on the blog.

Xx Team GM

Photos: Heather Scott Home & Design