DIY: Decorating an Office in Black and White

Black and white make the perfect pair in an office.

Decorating an office in black and white instantly gives the space a contemporary feeling. The scheme defies color mismatches and complements the gadgets and media commonly found in offices. Before redoing office decor, determine how to maximize the space's functionality by organizing materials well, eliminating clutter, and placing computers and desk lamps near outlets, but away from high traffic areas.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Furniture
• Office equipment
• Storage containers
• Textiles
• Lighting
• Accessories

Instructions

1. Paint or finish the walls. These days, sticking to white walls still offers many options. You can go for a blue-based white for a cool tone that makes walls appear to recede and adds volume to a small space. Select a soft, yellowish white for a more tranquil effect. A rosy white gives the room a subtle glow and makes spaces feel more intimate. Other neutrals that work well in a black-and-white office include stone gray, warmer rosy gray, soft poppy seed black, and steel blue. Keep finishes semi-gloss or stain rather than high gloss, which creates glare in a black-and-white office.

2. Select office furniture with a minimalist, modern style. Low profiles, modular pieces, and minimal ornamentation characterize this contemporary decor. Sleek, angular frames keep the office looking streamlined and fashion-forward. You can use pieces with black or white frames, or consider reflective frames made of stainless steel. Add a dash of color with an office chair upholstered in periwinkle, orange, yellow, or red, or stick to the minimalist theme with black-and-white upholstery featuring an interesting texture or bold graphics.

3. Outfit an office with eye-catching equipment. Matching computer, printer, and other equipment create flow. Select a bezel with a glossy coating for high-tech style.

4. Establish storage systems that make you work more effectively. While stainless steel file boxes and white magazine files have a slick look, they do little good if you stack papers around them. If you devote a desk drawer to papers and files of projects-in-progress, you keep clutter out of sight, but your current work easily accessible.

5. Cover windows if necessary. The glare of natural light can become too intense in a black-and-white office. Use adjustable window treatments such as Roman shades or linen blinds for a tailored look.

6. Illuminate your black-and-white office decor. Avoid overhead fluorescent lighting which results in too much glare and shine. Instead, install recessed lighting or track lights for task lighting and supplement it with desk lamps or elegant pendant lights with sleek shades.

Tips & Warnings

• An abstract painting with bold brushstrokes complements black-and-white office decor perfectly.

• Keep bulky and tall furniture away from windows.

References

• Unplggd: Go Monochrome
• HGTV: Black-and-White Office
• Apartment Therapy: Black, White, and...